Australia

Uluru/Ayers Rock

Australia is a country large as Europe but with 23 million inhabitants. You can then easily imagine that there are very vaste areas only populated with kangaroos and camels.

Therefore you have to take extra care if you leave some the mains roads and the touristic place. Australia can be as much a dream of huge empty spaces with genuinely generous people as quite a hell if you get stuck without water after being beaten by a deadly snake or spider. But if you take the necessary precautions you will not be part of the very very few people that die every year because of wildlife ha ha. More seriously, Australia is a safe country as long as you respect some basic rules, which really make sense here compared to Europe for example as you can end up in some really remote place.

People in Australia are really laid back and they will enjoy a chat every now and then while waiting for the bus or doing a “barbie” (barbecue) in the public park. Police forces and government agents are following this general attitude, however they are nice as long as you obey the rules. Australians are really into this “safety first” mentality and you will find all the time fences, “do not ...” boards, yellow lines that you shouldn't cross. Crossing at red lights or doing bike without helmet for example can expose you to nice fines. A difficult task in Australia is to analyze whether the safety instructions are total bullshit or are a real survival advice. Because they have so many safety instructions all the time, you can get bored after a while and start not considering them anymore. And still, when they tell you that there are crocodiles and deadly jellyfishes in the sea and that you shouldn't go swimming, they are right. Or the same when they tell you not to dive from this rock, because people died from an underwater hidden rock. So keep your brain open and don't forget that Australia, even-though very European looking, has some particularities that you should not forget.

Australia has an economy partly based on backpackers (this is how travellers are called here): in fact, a lot of jobs like fruit-picking are done by foreigners because no Australian want to do it. Then the backpackers spend the money they just earned buying second-hand cars or renting them to visit the touristic places and to sleep in the "backpackers" (shortening often used meaning backpackers' hostels, sort of slang from Australia and New Zealand. A bit confusing at the beginning but you get used to it very fast). Now it's your to take part in the Australian economy he he. It is a quite expensive country, alcool and tobacco for example, but the ratio wage/cost of living is one of the best in the world, and finding a job is not too difficult. Conclusion is: when you only travel, you can easily spend a loooot of money. But when you work, you earn a loooot of money as well

Without any intention of advertisment, but Gumtree as kind of a monopoly for all second-hand and new stuff possibly imaginable: from eletronics to finding roommates or buying a house, finding travelling mates or jobs, carpooling, offering language courses and so on. Most likely you will hear about it one day! It is simply very efficient because everybody uses it.

They are 6 states in Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia, - and two mainland territories, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (basically it is Canberra).

Transport

As Australia is so large you have to ask yourself how much your time is worth. For example, to fly from Sydney to Melbourne costs around AU$150 and takes 1.5 hours (plus a short wait at the airport). Or you can take a Greyhound bus for $110 that takes 14 hours. It is up to see how much your time is worth! Thanks to the Working-Holiday visa, Australia is really a backpackers' country and you have many options to move around the country. Remember, in Australia people drive on the left ;)

By Car

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is very doable in most of Australia. The state Western Australia and its police forces are a bit more touchy so try to make sure you hitchhike from a spot that do not bother the traffic, that puts you or other road users in danger. This is when the police will want to fine you. Australians have a great sense of hospitality and after having spend several hundred kilometers in a car, you have a good chance to be invited to sleep at their place and to go to the Casino with them to spend a bit of their money. Still there is a great difference in hitching the populated areas or the Outback. The Hitchwiki page will give you a lot more infos on hitchhiking in Australia.

Travelling in the car of other backpackers

There are so many travellers in Australia that it is really easy to find people to travel with by car/van in order to share costs and fun. However, it is not sure you will find like-minded people! In the youth hostels' bulletin boards or on Gumtree you can often find people offering rides from a place to another, for free or asking some money for food/fuel expenses, this really depends on the persons and the length of the trip. If you do not meet the people beforehand, and actually even if you meet them, you can have as much a bad as a good surprise!

Buying a car/van

Many longer-term visitors will buy a cheap car and then try to sell it again at a hostel before they leave. This is good if you time the seasons right, and can be tricky if you are trying to sell your car at the same time as everyone else who did this option. It is very easy to buy a car and get registered, but it is a bit more difficult to re-sell your car if it is not in the same state you bought it. If you car breaks down, you are supposed to get a little amount of money when bringing it to the wrecker. Then travelling, especially if your can/van is full, is going to be much cheaper then renting or by any other mean except hitchhiking, walking or biking. You can find pretty easily people in the youth hostels or on internet pages.

Car relocation

If you don't mind a short schedule you can use a rental car relocation company such as Transfercar or Imoova, but there are hundreds of websites offering these kind of relocation services. Because some itineraries are preferred by tourists, a lot of cars can end up in some place and the company needs to bring it back to a big departure city. They offer then to get a car for free or cheap price for a predetermined amount of days, sometimes fuel offered and sometimes you can have an extra day by noticing the agency. It is a good way to cover long distance in a short amount of time with few money, especially if you are more than 2 and that hitchhiking doesn't look like an option to you. A typical journey for example could be Brisbane to Cairns over 4-6 days, maximum kilometres 2000, $50 free fuel included for $1 per day including insurance, extra days $75. However be careful not to be "ethically" fooled: in a way you help the company by driving their car down and making them save a lot of money, so they shouldn't charge you too much for this, if not charging you at all.

Car rental

The big name rental cars such as Hertz and Avis are fairly expensive. Look around the suburbs for smaller companies and cheaper cars, and as well on some comparative websites that offer very often good deals. This is a quite expensive option though, especially if you are under 25 years old because the price almost doubles as a young driver. On the website they give prices almost all the time like if you were above 25, and when you select your car and your options, you realize at the end that the insurance price doubles. Be aware of the restrictions such as where you can take the car and drop it and how many kilometers you can do per day (the cheapest cars are usually limited to 100km a day), and make sure you know the road rules. A rental camper van with friends is likely to be your cheapest option because you will save on accommodation costs. Consider motorhomes as well, some can fit 6 people and splitting costs can make it affordable. And it gives a nice "grandpa and grandma going on holidays"-feeling! Look at Wicked Campers, they are usually pretty relaxed and they don't care if you are less than 25 year old. They use old vehicles that they paint so the cars and vans are really cool and unique, and they are often the cheapest of all rentals, except when other companies have good deals. As well, if you come and pick your vehicle naked, you get an extra free day, it gives you an idea of the company ;) You will need to be aware of your obligations as a driver and make sure you know the road rules

By Plane

Plane is the fastest, sometimes the cheapest of the non-free transport means and the less ecological you can take. Jetcost Australia gives usually nice prices and the article How to find cheap flights is well done. Inner flights are quite cheap especially with Tigerair. Like always be careful of your luggage limitation.

By Bus

Buses are slow and not that cheap compared to flights, but much more ecological. The main company is Greyhound but look for others.

By Train

Trains cover much of Australia, but aren't used that much. They are cheaper than buses and take about the same time, sometimes slower. You can use some for scenic touring but you will need a bit of budget. Good scenic tours are The Ghan and the train from Sydney to the Blue Mountains.

By Bike

Biking can be as awesome as it can be a pain in the bottom of your back if you know what I mean. Distances are huge in Australia and in some parts landscapes are the same for 300km or more. Cycling on the side of a main road with trucks and cars passing every few seconds or few minutes next to you is not only dangerous, it is very annoying as well. In some areas, you could leave the highway but you will have to cycle on dirt roads and make detours. So if you decide to get a bike and cycle, make sure you look very well on a map to get away from the main roads and still have some acceptable quality on the secondary roads. Look up as much what other bikers did and their personal experiences as well as their itinerary. Anyway a good advice is to have A LOT of water with you especially if you go out of the main road and/or in the summer. You might get stuck with the next town being 100km away so don't play with fire. Euh no with water. And don't forget to take a repairing set because snake skin won't work to fix a flat tyre.

By camel or kangaroo

This is definitely my favorite option. What on Earth beats crossing the desert jumping above fences and rivers on the back of your Skippy? At night you can enjoy the warmth of the kangaroo pocket or drink some camel milk for breakfast. There are two options to get one of these animals: either to buy it directly from any animal shop or to catch it with a lasso like in the good old times. Both techniques work really well as long as you remain respectful with your animal. To chose a healthy animal, just look if their teeths are in good condition.

Personal experiences

Some of my most amazing experiences have included a cold winter night wrapped in cardboard in an abandoned wheat silo sharing a humpy with aboriginals in a town camp on the edge of Tennant Creek, waking up only to bashing my head on the underside of a Dodge van I had crawled under to avoid the rain, only to be offered a cuppa tea by the occupants digging my car out of a salt lake when we took a wrong turn with two English backpackers as rain clouds loomed... This to me is the real Australia (Dave Hodgkin).

Companies

{{#ask: Connects country::Australia}}

Accommodation

When travelling, there are several ways to find a place where to stay. If you sleep in a car on an unauthorized place, remember this good advice that can avoid you a fine from Mister Policeman: tell them that you were too tired to keep drinving and that it could have been dangerous for your safety. Use the words "dangerous" and "safety" as much as you can, Australians are crazy in love about safety he he.

Backpackers (youth hostels)

Backpackers are not your cheapest option; you often pay AU$20-$25 or more, sometimes one day offered if you take the whole week. There are two types of backpackers that work quite differently, the city-ones or from the countryside. The city-ones are more like classic youth hostels, as the countryside ones are here to find jobs for the travellers. In this case the manager of the backpacker knows the farmers around, has a job network and distributes jobs at all travellers paying for his hostel. Your chance of getting a job depends then on how much you insist to the manager, how talented your manager is and this can fluctuate a lot, and if you are in the right season. In the South make sure you don't go there in the winter, some people stay stucked there with no money, surviving every week making just enough money to pay rent and a bit of food. In the North however there are almost continously jobs to find. It usually is a good idea to say when you arrive that you want to stay for 6 months or more to make a lot of money, they will give you a job more easily. And then you can leave a bit whenever as often you don't really have a contract.

Campsites (private and natural parks)

Like in every country there are some private campsites. They are quite expensive and not the most nicest places as they are full of classic tourist (and you are not, you are special don't forget it ha ha). But they might be your only legal option to put your tent/van/motorhome outside the big cities. A good compromise are the natural parks: Australia has so many tourists and had so many problems with them, with ecology and biodiversity conservation that they started putting National Parks everywhere with big restrictions, fire and camping for example, and rangers make sure these are respected. Often there are one or more campsites in the parks, with more or less infrastructure depending on the amount of tourists. Usually they are at a primary level of comfort but they often try to put a covered roof over a "barbie"-stove (barbecue stove) to respect Australian BBQ tradition ;) These campsites are much cheaper than backpackers or private campsites. They can be in remote places and then they have no check-in or check-out, only a box where you are supposed to put your money. It means that you don't have to pay, by leaving early for example. Rangers come usually everyday and check if everything is ok, meaning that they can tell you something/fine you if you didn't pay. They are most of the time quite relaxed but still will want you to pay. The money supposely goes into the park and the protection of fauna and flora so you might want to participate.

Wild camping and wild caravaning

Again Australia is so vaste that you will have no problems finding places where to free camp. However it can be tricky in some places and some States. Police/coast guards can follow your car if you look like you are searching for a place to stay, or you can be waken up. Of course, fines can happen but usually they just ask you to leave and with a warning that you car plate number was taken and that it shouldn't happen again.

Hospitality exchange websites

All classic advices found on the Hospitality exchange page are good, and it works pretty much like in all Western countries.

Spontaneous hospitality

Australians especially in the countryside, are very hospitable and spontaneous hospitality will be one of your best bets to sleep legally for free. Because houses are often big with a garden, you can easily ask to pitch a tent or a place to put your car/van. If you don't have a tent, find somewhere with a shelter and ask to sleep under, you will often be invited to come inside.

Where to get free showers in Australia

Australia has a really nice beach infrastructure so in any beach next to a city or one a bit frequented you will find a shower with clear water, sometimes open air but sometimes in a building. Look at the Free shower article for more general ideas.

When you are really stuck for a place to stay

You know you're off the tourist track when you get to a town without a backpackers. Most small towns have a town pub that offers pretty cheap accommodation and many have a free campground on the edge of town or a picnic spot beside a river

• Schoolyards. Normally there is somewhere discrete under cover, in most small towns there is green grass, and even toilets and drinking water, just set your alarm early and get out before 7:30ish when cleaning staff etc may start to arrive.
• Non Returned soldiers areas at Cemeteries. Clearly not for the superstitious, but these sites tend to have nice soft green grass, and often have free public toilets and fresh drinking water. The cemetery at the end of thee railway line in Hexham on your way North out of Sydney is a classic, if headed North through from Canberra or Melbourne, you can jump the train in Campbelltown or Parramatta, ride it through to Central Station, change to the Newcastle line, then switch to the Hexham line, and get off at the unnamed station for free, right next to the a great cemetery, right next to The Prince's Highway.
• Shade structures as bus shelters. These can provide quite a comfortable night's sleep, as can late night train stations or Church Foyers.
• Showgrounds. On the edge of towns often have toilets, water and a place undercover.

Food

Food in Australia is mostly expensive, one exception would be fast food. The cheapest supermarket is usually Coles, followed by Woolworths. IGA has mostly small corner supermarkets and is much more expensive. Try Asian Markets as they are usually much cheaper. But fortunately there are several ways to get your expenses down.

• I don't want to use my gas to cook. Australian are fond of "barbies" and they put barbecue everywhere, sometimes in the most suprisingly places. Most of the time it is a covered place with a big metal plaque heated with gas or electricity by pressing a button. You can go and boil your pastas there, and just fry anything really. The cleanness really depends on the last user, so be prepared to have to do it yourself. But try to leave it cleaner than you found it ;)

The student option. Microwaves and toasters, boiling water and more can sometimes be found at Universities. Have a look there if it's on your way.

• I'm ok to eat old food. Three ways here: reduced products, dumpster diving or petrol stations. In Australia most of supermarkets are reducing the prices of their products that expire soon, from 10% to 70% or more the closest they get to expiry date so you can easily divide your food budget by two. More infos on dumpster diving in Australia can be found on Trashwiki.

Petrol stations. By law after midnight products expire, and you can ask for "out of date products". You will definitely not get the first quality, organic, environmental-friendly-produced food but it will be free or very very cheap. Probably the few coins you give are going into the seller's pocket.

• I'm in Melbourne or Sydney without money. Or I'm with money and willing to share it. Lentil as Anything offers vegan and vegetarian food for free donation. Good food and great place for budget travellers, but don't forget that these places need a balance of too much and too less donation in order to survive.
• I want to get drunk but it's expensive! Alcool is very expensive in Australia and can only be found in special "bottle shops" or pubs. Don't make the mistake when you first arrive in Australia to buy "Ginger beer" in the supermarket, it is a non-alcoolic drink as close to beer as the kangaroo is close to the koala. It doesn't mean that it is bad of course, just different. The only option for cheap alcool really is to buy "goon": it is white, red or rosé wine found in 2 to 5 liters carboxes for about AU$12-18 the 4-5 liters. It tastes bad and it is most likely a mixture of all unused wines, but you get used to it after a while. On the back it is written that it "may contain traces of eggs or milk", niiiice. The white one very cold is acceptable and the red one as a sangria with fruits and spices can even surprise you. The rest of the alcools are very expensive, but so much nicer to drink. Drinking in the street is mostly prohibited and it is a bit more relaxed in parks.

In pubs, you will have to look around, usually there is one or two good happy hours every evening and by changing bar every night you can get cheaper prices.

• Cheap coffee. You will definitely support a fast-food company, but all the coffees at Hungry Jack's are usually big, a bit tasteless and AU$1 only, which is much cheaper than a normal café or bar.
• Shop lifting. French people are so known in Australia for it that stealing is sometimes called "French shopping". But a lot of travelers starts to shoplift because the prices are so high and Australian so trustful. In big shops there are cameras of course but not as much as in France for example (and this is why French do it a lot!). In some cheap clothes shops there are no electronic protection and it is possible to just use your favorite technique. If you get caught, they usually ask you to pay for the items, they write your name down and picture, and they might ban you from any of the company's shop.

Be aware that shoplifting is a strong debated question among travelers as an ethical issue.

Connectivity

The fast-foods: McDonald's and Hungry Jacks are really ok with it. Street wifi is usual as well on the main pedestrian areas. Or you can try the libraries which have free-wifi and computers most of the time. Optus Prepaid has a good compromise if you need big internet and unlimited calls/sms. For AU$2 a day and no contract, you get 6Go, but it seems like you can go above this limit. With a smartphone, you can often share internet to your computer.

{{#if: If you are planning a holiday visit or a short business trip to Australia, you will need to apply for either a visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority).

Established in 1996 to remove the need for some people to apply for full visas, they can be applied for over the Internet, through travel agents and through airlines. Unless there is some problem with the application, the ETA is granted immediately. Unlike ordinary visas, when an ETA is issued, no stamp or other documentation is added to the holder's passport; instead the computer-based system links the passport number to the ETA and is accessible by immigration officials.

Visa requirements

Holders of passports from the following 34 countries are eligible to apply for an ETA in lieu of a visa: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom - British Citizen, United Kingdom - British National (Overseas), United States of America, Vatican City

Holders of Taiwan passports can only be processed for an ETA if resident in and applying in Taiwan. Holders of UK passports which indicate their nationality to be British National (Overseas) (BNO) can be processed for an ETA if applying via a travel agent, airline, or at an office of the department. BNO passport holders cannot apply for their ETA online.

New Zealand passport holders are not eligible for an ETA as New Zealand passport holders may enter Australia without prior notice. New Zealand citizens are issued a Special Category visa on arrival, which entitles them to live, work and study unrestricted in Australia permanently.

Holders of passports from all other countries must apply for a visa at their local embassy or consulate.

Types of visa and cost

There is a service fee of $20 (AUD) to apply for an ETA online. This service requires a valid credit card.

Australian Embassies, High Commissions and/or Consulates

Austria

• Australian Embassy, Vienna

Mattiellistraße 2-4
A -1040 Vienna
Austria
Telephone: +43 1 506 740
Fax: +43 1 504 1178
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.austria.embassy.gov.au

Canada

• Australian High Commission, Ottawa

Suite 710, 50 O'Connor Street
Ottawa Ontario K1P 6L2
Canada
Telephone: +1 613 236 0841
Fax: +1 613 236 4376
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.canada.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Consulate-General, Toronto

Suite 1100 South Tower
175 Bloor Street,
East Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3R8
Canada
Telephone: +1 416 323 1155
Fax: +1 416 323 3910

• Australian Consulate-General, Vancouver

Suite 2050 - 1075 West Georgia Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3C9
Canada
Telephone: +1 604 684 1177
Fax: +1 604 684 1856

France

• Australian Embassy, Paris

4 Rue Jean Rey
Paris 75724 Cedex 15
France
Telephone: +33 1 4059 3300
Fax: +33 1 4059 3315
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.france.embassy.gov.au/

India

• Australian High Commission, New Delhi

1/50 - G, Shantipath
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 100 021
India
Telephone: +91 11 4139 9900
Fax: +91 11 4149 4490
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.ausgovindia.com/

• Australian Consulate-General, Chennai

512, Alpha Wing, Raheja Towers
177, Anna Salai
Chennai, TN 600 002
India
Telephone: +91 44 2860 1160
Fax: +91 44 2860 4988

• Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai

36 Maker Chambers VI
220 Nariman Point
Mumbai, MH 400 021
India
Telephone: +91 22 6669 2000
Fax: +91 22 6669 2005

Indonesia

• Australian High Commission, Jakarta

Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16 Jakarta Selatan 12940 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 21 2550 5555
Fax: +62 21 2550 5467
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.indonesia.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Consulate-General, Bali

Jalan Tantular, No. 32,
Renon,
Denpasar,
Bali 80234
Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 241 118
Fax: +62 361 221 195
Web Site: http://www.bali.indonesia.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Honorary Consul, Medan

Australia Centre
Jalan R.A. Kartini No. 32
Medan 21152
Indonesia
Telephone: +62 61 415 7810 / +62 61 455 4520
Fax: +62 61 415 6820

Ireland

• Australian Embassy, Dublin

Seventh Floor, Fitzwilton House
Wilton Terrace
Dublin 2
Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 664 5300
Fax: +353 1 678 5185
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.ireland.embassy.gov.au/

Malaysia

• Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur

6, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
Kuala Lumpur 50450
Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3 2146 5555
Fax: +60 3 2141 5773
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.malaysia.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Honorary Consul, Kota Kinabalu

Suite 10.1, Level 10, Wisma Great Eastern Life
65 Jalan Gaya
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 88000
Malaysia
Telephone: +60 88 267 151
Fax: +60 88 266 509
Email: mailto:[email protected]

• Australian Honorary Consul, Kuching

Suite 504, 5th Floor, Wisma Bukit Mata Kuching
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
Kuching, Sarawak 93100
Malaysia
Telephone: +60 82 233 350
Fax: +60 82 233 480
Email: mailto:[email protected]

• Australian Honorary Consul, Penang

1-C Lorong Hutton
Penang 10050
Malaysia
Telephone: +60 4 262 5285 / +60 4 263 3320
Fax: +60 4 263 3320

New Zealand

• Australian High Commission, Wellington

72-76 Hobson Street
Thorndon
Wellington
New Zealand
Telephone: +64 4 473 6411
Fax: +64 4 498 7103
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.newzealand.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Consulate-General, Auckland

Level 7 Price Water House Coopers Tower
186-194 Quay Street
Auckland
New Zealand
Telephone: +64 9 921 8800
Fax: +64 9 921 8820

Pakistan

• Australian High Commission, Islamabad

Constitution Ave and Ispahani Rd
Diplomatic Enclave No. 1, Sector G-5/4
Islamabad
Pakistan
Telephone: +92 51 282 4345
Fax: +92 51 282 0112
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.pakistan.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Honorary Consul, Karachi

2-a/1, St 20, Phase 5
Defence Society
Karachi
Pakistan
Telephone: +92 21 586 4905
Fax: +92 21 587 0843

Saudi Arabia

• Australian Embassy, Riyadh

Abdullah bin Hozafa Al-Sahmi Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 1 488 7788
Fax: +966 1 488 7973
Web Site: http://www.saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au/

Singapore

• Australian High Commission, Singapore

25 Napier Road
Singapore 258507
Singapore
Telephone: +65 6836 4100
Fax: +65 6737 7465
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.singapore.embassy.gov.au/

Spain

• Australian Embassy, Marid

Plaza del Descubridor Diego de Ordas, 3
Madrid 28003
Spain
Telephone: +34 91 353 6600
Fax: +34 91 353 6692
Web Site: http://www.spain.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Honorary Consul, Barcelona

Plaza Gala Placidia, 1-3, 1st floor
Barcelona 08006
Spain
Telephone: +34 9349 09013
Fax: +34 9341 10904

• Australian Honorary Consul, Seville

Federico Rubio 14
Seville 41004
Spain
Telephone: +34 95 422 0971
Fax: +34 95 421 1145

United Kingdom

• Australian High Commission, London

Australia House
The Strand
London WC 2B 4LA
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7379 4334
Fax: +44 20 7887 5558
Web Site: http://www.uk.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Honorary Consul, Edinburgh

Euro Business Centre
21-23 Hill Street
Edinburgh EH2 3JP
Scotland
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 131 226 8161
Fax: +44 131 624 4020

United States of America

• Embassy of Australia, Washington DC

1601 Massachusetts Ave
Washington DC NW 20036-2273
United States of America
Telephone: +1 202 797 3000
Fax: +1 202 797 3331
Web Site: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Consulate-General, Atlanta

Atlanta Financial Center
3353 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1140
Atlanta GA 30326
United States of America
Telephone: +1 404 760 3400
Fax: +1 404 760 3401

• Australian Consulate-General, Chicago

123 North Wacker Drive
Suite 1330
Chicago IL 60606
United States of America
Telephone: +1 312 419 1480
Fax: +1 312 419 1499

• Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu

Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street
Honolulu HI 96813
United States of America
Telephone: +1 808 524 5050
Fax: +1 808 531 5142

• Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles

Century Plaza Towers - 31st Floor
2029 Century Park East, Century City
Los Angeles CA 90067
United States of America
Telephone: +1 310 229 2300
Fax: +1 310 229 2380
Website: http://www.losangeles.consulate.gov.au/

• Australian Consulate-General, New York

150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor
New York NY 10017-5612
United States of America
Telephone: +1 212 351 6500
Fax: +1 212 351 6500
Website: http://www.newyork.usa.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Mission to the United Nations, New York

150 East 42 Street, Level 33
New York NY 10017
United States of America
Telephone: +1-212 or 1-646 351 6600
Fax: ++1-212 or 1-646 351 6600
Website: http://www.unny.mission.gov.au/

• Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco

575 Market Street
Suite 1800 (18th Floor)
San Francisco CA 94105-2815
United States of America
Telephone: +1 415 536 1970
Fax: +1 415 536 1982

• Australian Honorary Consul, Denver

2629 Main Street, Suite 190
Littleton CO 80120-4643
United States of America
Telephone: +1 303 321 2234
Fax: +1 303 738 1393

• Australian Honorary Consul, Houston

4623 Feagan Street
Houston TX 77007
United States of America
Telephone: +1 713 782 6009
Fax: +1 713 862 8364

• Australian Honorary Consul, Seattle

401 Andover Park East,
Seattle WA 98188
United States of America
Telephone: +1 206 575 7446
Fax: +1 206 244 9886 |== Visa == If you are planning a holiday visit or a short business trip to Australia, you will need to apply for either a visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority).

Established in 1996 to remove the need for some people to apply for full visas, they can be applied for over the Internet, through travel agents and through airlines. Unless there is some problem with the application, the ETA is granted immediately. Unlike ordinary visas, when an ETA is issued, no stamp or other documentation is added to the holder's passport; instead the computer-based system links the passport number to the ETA and is accessible by immigration officials.

Visa requirements

Holders of passports from the following 34 countries are eligible to apply for an ETA in lieu of a visa: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom - British Citizen, United Kingdom - British National (Overseas), United States of America, Vatican City

Holders of Taiwan passports can only be processed for an ETA if resident in and applying in Taiwan. Holders of UK passports which indicate their nationality to be British National (Overseas) (BNO) can be processed for an ETA if applying via a travel agent, airline, or at an office of the department. BNO passport holders cannot apply for their ETA online.

New Zealand passport holders are not eligible for an ETA as New Zealand passport holders may enter Australia without prior notice. New Zealand citizens are issued a Special Category visa on arrival, which entitles them to live, work and study unrestricted in Australia permanently.

Holders of passports from all other countries must apply for a visa at their local embassy or consulate.

Types of visa and cost

There is a service fee of $20 (AUD) to apply for an ETA online. This service requires a valid credit card.

Australian Embassies, High Commissions and/or Consulates

Austria

• Australian Embassy, Vienna

Mattiellistraße 2-4
A -1040 Vienna
Austria
Telephone: +43 1 506 740
Fax: +43 1 504 1178
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.austria.embassy.gov.au

Canada

• Australian High Commission, Ottawa

Suite 710, 50 O'Connor Street
Ottawa Ontario K1P 6L2
Canada
Telephone: +1 613 236 0841
Fax: +1 613 236 4376
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.canada.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Consulate-General, Toronto

Suite 1100 South Tower
175 Bloor Street,
East Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3R8
Canada
Telephone: +1 416 323 1155
Fax: +1 416 323 3910

• Australian Consulate-General, Vancouver

Suite 2050 - 1075 West Georgia Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3C9
Canada
Telephone: +1 604 684 1177
Fax: +1 604 684 1856

France

• Australian Embassy, Paris

4 Rue Jean Rey
Paris 75724 Cedex 15
France
Telephone: +33 1 4059 3300
Fax: +33 1 4059 3315
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.france.embassy.gov.au/

India

• Australian High Commission, New Delhi

1/50 - G, Shantipath
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 100 021
India
Telephone: +91 11 4139 9900
Fax: +91 11 4149 4490
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.ausgovindia.com/

• Australian Consulate-General, Chennai

512, Alpha Wing, Raheja Towers
177, Anna Salai
Chennai, TN 600 002
India
Telephone: +91 44 2860 1160
Fax: +91 44 2860 4988

• Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai

36 Maker Chambers VI
220 Nariman Point
Mumbai, MH 400 021
India
Telephone: +91 22 6669 2000
Fax: +91 22 6669 2005

Indonesia

• Australian High Commission, Jakarta

Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16 Jakarta Selatan 12940 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 21 2550 5555
Fax: +62 21 2550 5467
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.indonesia.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Consulate-General, Bali

Jalan Tantular, No. 32,
Renon,
Denpasar,
Bali 80234
Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 241 118
Fax: +62 361 221 195
Web Site: http://www.bali.indonesia.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Honorary Consul, Medan

Australia Centre
Jalan R.A. Kartini No. 32
Medan 21152
Indonesia
Telephone: +62 61 415 7810 / +62 61 455 4520
Fax: +62 61 415 6820

Ireland

• Australian Embassy, Dublin

Seventh Floor, Fitzwilton House
Wilton Terrace
Dublin 2
Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 664 5300
Fax: +353 1 678 5185
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.ireland.embassy.gov.au/

Malaysia

• Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur

6, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
Kuala Lumpur 50450
Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3 2146 5555
Fax: +60 3 2141 5773
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.malaysia.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Honorary Consul, Kota Kinabalu

Suite 10.1, Level 10, Wisma Great Eastern Life
65 Jalan Gaya
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 88000
Malaysia
Telephone: +60 88 267 151
Fax: +60 88 266 509
Email: mailto:[email protected]

• Australian Honorary Consul, Kuching

Suite 504, 5th Floor, Wisma Bukit Mata Kuching
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
Kuching, Sarawak 93100
Malaysia
Telephone: +60 82 233 350
Fax: +60 82 233 480
Email: mailto:[email protected]

• Australian Honorary Consul, Penang

1-C Lorong Hutton
Penang 10050
Malaysia
Telephone: +60 4 262 5285 / +60 4 263 3320
Fax: +60 4 263 3320

New Zealand

• Australian High Commission, Wellington

72-76 Hobson Street
Thorndon
Wellington
New Zealand
Telephone: +64 4 473 6411
Fax: +64 4 498 7103
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.newzealand.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Consulate-General, Auckland

Level 7 Price Water House Coopers Tower
186-194 Quay Street
Auckland
New Zealand
Telephone: +64 9 921 8800
Fax: +64 9 921 8820

Pakistan

• Australian High Commission, Islamabad

Constitution Ave and Ispahani Rd
Diplomatic Enclave No. 1, Sector G-5/4
Islamabad
Pakistan
Telephone: +92 51 282 4345
Fax: +92 51 282 0112
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.pakistan.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Honorary Consul, Karachi

2-a/1, St 20, Phase 5
Defence Society
Karachi
Pakistan
Telephone: +92 21 586 4905
Fax: +92 21 587 0843

Saudi Arabia

• Australian Embassy, Riyadh

Abdullah bin Hozafa Al-Sahmi Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 1 488 7788
Fax: +966 1 488 7973
Web Site: http://www.saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au/

Singapore

• Australian High Commission, Singapore

25 Napier Road
Singapore 258507
Singapore
Telephone: +65 6836 4100
Fax: +65 6737 7465
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.singapore.embassy.gov.au/

Spain

• Australian Embassy, Marid

Plaza del Descubridor Diego de Ordas, 3
Madrid 28003
Spain
Telephone: +34 91 353 6600
Fax: +34 91 353 6692
Web Site: http://www.spain.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Honorary Consul, Barcelona

Plaza Gala Placidia, 1-3, 1st floor
Barcelona 08006
Spain
Telephone: +34 9349 09013
Fax: +34 9341 10904

• Australian Honorary Consul, Seville

Federico Rubio 14
Seville 41004
Spain
Telephone: +34 95 422 0971
Fax: +34 95 421 1145

United Kingdom

• Australian High Commission, London

Australia House
The Strand
London WC 2B 4LA
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7379 4334
Fax: +44 20 7887 5558
Web Site: http://www.uk.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Honorary Consul, Edinburgh

Euro Business Centre
21-23 Hill Street
Edinburgh EH2 3JP
Scotland
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 131 226 8161
Fax: +44 131 624 4020

United States of America

• Embassy of Australia, Washington DC

1601 Massachusetts Ave
Washington DC NW 20036-2273
United States of America
Telephone: +1 202 797 3000
Fax: +1 202 797 3331
Web Site: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au

• Australian Consulate-General, Atlanta

Atlanta Financial Center
3353 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1140
Atlanta GA 30326
United States of America
Telephone: +1 404 760 3400
Fax: +1 404 760 3401

• Australian Consulate-General, Chicago

123 North Wacker Drive
Suite 1330
Chicago IL 60606
United States of America
Telephone: +1 312 419 1480
Fax: +1 312 419 1499

• Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu

Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street
Honolulu HI 96813
United States of America
Telephone: +1 808 524 5050
Fax: +1 808 531 5142

• Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles

Century Plaza Towers - 31st Floor
2029 Century Park East, Century City
Los Angeles CA 90067
United States of America
Telephone: +1 310 229 2300
Fax: +1 310 229 2380
Website: http://www.losangeles.consulate.gov.au/

• Australian Consulate-General, New York

150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor
New York NY 10017-5612
United States of America
Telephone: +1 212 351 6500
Fax: +1 212 351 6500
Website: http://www.newyork.usa.embassy.gov.au/

• Australian Mission to the United Nations, New York

150 East 42 Street, Level 33
New York NY 10017
United States of America
Telephone: +1-212 or 1-646 351 6600
Fax: ++1-212 or 1-646 351 6600
Website: http://www.unny.mission.gov.au/

• Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco

575 Market Street
Suite 1800 (18th Floor)
San Francisco CA 94105-2815
United States of America
Telephone: +1 415 536 1970
Fax: +1 415 536 1982

• Australian Honorary Consul, Denver

2629 Main Street, Suite 190
Littleton CO 80120-4643
United States of America
Telephone: +1 303 321 2234
Fax: +1 303 738 1393

• Australian Honorary Consul, Houston

4623 Feagan Street
Houston TX 77007
United States of America
Telephone: +1 713 782 6009
Fax: +1 713 862 8364

• Australian Honorary Consul, Seattle

401 Andover Park East,
Seattle WA 98188
United States of America
Telephone: +1 206 575 7446
Fax: +1 206 244 9886 |}}

Cities

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