Australia
Sydney
Essential facts
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language
English
Time zone
Australian Eastern Time · UTC +10 (UTC +11 in summer)
Typical weather
Southern hemisphere seasons are reversed. Summer (December–February) is 19–27°C, winter (June–August) 8–17°C. UV levels are extreme even on cool days.
Plug type
Type I · 230V
Getting around
Trains, buses, ferries and light rail all take contactless payment through Opal. The Manly ferry doubles as one of the best-value harbour tours.
Local customs
Tipping is not expected, though rounding up is welcome. Sun safety is taken seriously. Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.
Travel tips
Use high-factor sunscreen and reapply — UV is far stronger than in the UK. Australia uses Type I plugs, so bring an adapter. Distances between cities are much larger than they look.
Entry requirements for British citizens
- Visa
- British citizens must hold a visa before travelling. An eVisitor (subclass 651) is normally free and applied for online through the official Australian government site.
- Passport
- Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Return ticket
- You may be asked to show onward or return travel.
- Accommodation
- You will be asked for your first address in Australia.
- Health
- No specific vaccination requirements for entry from the UK at this time.
- Customs
- Biosecurity rules are strict. Declare all food, plant and animal products — penalties for non-declaration are significant.
Always check before you travel