by Pauline

Created on: March 17, 2009

Australia is a beautiful country filled with pristine beaches, diverse wild life, friendly locals and mouth-watering cuisine. In order to discover all that Australia has to offer, keep in mind a few basic travel information about this country to ensure a hassle-free and pleasant experience in the land down under.

Travel visas. Tourists are required to have valid visas stamped on their passports before entering the country. An Australian tourist visa can allow holders up to a maximum of three months, depending on the purpose of the travel. Visit the Australian immigration website for the complete set of requirements and process for visa applications.

Quarantine rules and regulations. The Australian Customs Department enforces strict regulations on which food and other items can be to the country. Tourists and residents flying back to the country are given declaration forms for items that must be declared prior to entering Australia. Among items that need to be declared are commercially-prepared food, dairy and egg products, seeds and nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as plant materials. These quarantine items may be disposed of by the Customs officers if the items are perceived to be a threat to Australian livestock and produce. Baggage are checked, x-rayed and could be randomly inspected by Custom officers. Failure to declare or dispose of quarantine items or making false declarations could result in hefty fines. Fill out all the necessary forms and as much as possible, avoid bringing food items into the country unless absolutely necessary.

As Australia is located below the equator, the weather here could be quite different from the northern hemisphere. Summer is during December to February and chilly days commence from July to September. The weather could differ from various states, as Western Australia and Queensland is typically hotter than the rest of the country. Check out weather updates and forecasts prior to traveling. Temperatures can drop and soar easily as you travel across Australia, and it's important to bring suitable clothes before traveling.

Upon arrival, grab the travel brochures located all over the arrival lounge of the airport. These brochures give detailed travel information about Australia, places to visit and a few discount coupons to various tourist destinations that could help save a few bucks. This could save time and help plan your vacation at the cheapest possible option.

There is no limit to what Australia can offer even the most seasoned tourist from all over the world. Visit a local bar to get the full Australian beer drinking experience. Strike up a conversation with the friendly locals. Give in to your curiosity and try out the world famous kangaroo steak. Explore and see for yourself why Australia is considered as a world-class tourist destination and why some keep coming back.

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