Guide for your trip to Australia

10 things young travelers need to know
It looks like a traveler’s paradise is Down Under! From tropical islands to crocodiles, sharks and kangaroos, from rural areas to modern cities, from the fantastic climate to the friendly population: there are many reasons why young Indian should choose Australia as a destination for their school year abroad and for to travel!

Are you already packing your bags? It’s time to raise the enthusiasm! Australia is, without a doubt, the ideal destination for young people looking for adventure and diversity!

Here is a brief guide to get you ready before departure

1. AUSTRALIA IS VERY LARGE AND EXTREMELY VARIED

For those who still don’t know … Australia is a HUGE country!

It is the sixth largest nation in the world, so moving from one place to another could take much longer than you are used to; in addition, destinations are usually much further away than they appear on the map. Unless you’re lucky enough to spend at least a semester or school year there, it’s impossible for you to see everything. Here’s what you shouldn’t

To visit various cities in a short time, taking a plane is the best option. It is also possible to book tours that include the most common attractions such as Ulu, Melbourne and Sydney, but you must still be prepared for many hours of travel. It is important to start the journey well aware of the distances between destinations, in order to better plan the journeys and avoid unexpected events.

To get an idea of ​​the distances:

• A flight from Brisbane to Perth takes 5 1/2 hours. In case you are thinking of making the journey by car, think again!
• A drive from Cairns to Brisbane is impossible to do in less than 3 days, and would still be done very quickly. The same goes for a trip from Brisbane to Sidney.
• A car journey from Sydney to Melbourne takes 9 hours.

Also remember that most of the Australian population lives along the coast.

We recommend not to include too many destinations to visit in a short time, it is better to go slow and enjoy all that this wonderful country has to offer.

2. THE CLIMATE COULD SURPRISE YOU

The first thing to keep in mind is that the seasons are the other way around! If you leave for Australia when it is summer in India, it will be winter there.

Don’t think that Australia is hot all year round. The northern areas can have a mild climate all year round, but elsewhere temperatures can also drop below freezing. The Australian summer (December to March) is hot, very hot, and in some parts of the country it often rains. The best months are October / November or April / May, it is still very hot but it rains less and the climate is less humid.

The Australian seasons

SPRING (September-November) Season of cyclones
SUMMER (December-February) Dry season
AUTUMN (March – May) Rainy season
WINTER (June-August) 20 ° C

3. TYPICAL AUSTRALIAN EXPRESSIONS – SPEAK LIKE AN OZZY!

There are many differences between American English and Australian English and there are many words that are only used in Australia; Here are some examples you will likely hear on your trip.

In case you get sick and need some medicine, look for a “Chemist” not a “Pharmacy”. Whenever someone invites you home “for tea” usually means they are inviting you to dinner.

Many words are shortened: G’day (Good day), arvo (afternoon), not to be confused with avo (avocado), barbie (barbecue), bickies (biscuits) and breaky (breakfast).

4. BEWARE OF THE SUN!

We don’t want to be like parents who always tell you to cover yourself up or not to spend too much time in the sun, but be careful! The sun is really strong so equip yourself with a good sunscreen and be prepared for the fact that you could get burned much faster than you are used to. Not because the sun there is “different” but, for various environmental reasons, it has a stronger impact on the skin.
Divide your time well between the sun and shade, put on sunscreen, cover up and don’t forget to drink a lot! apply for the Visitor Visa Here

5. ALWAYS SWIM “BETWEEN THE FLAGS”

Sharks can be found in the waters surrounding Australia. Swimming between flags decreases your chances of encountering a specimen of this protected species and also protects you from dangerous waves. In any case, make sure you never swim alone and always follow the lifeguard’s instructions.

6. DON’T EXPECT TO BE SURROUNDED BY KANGAROO AND KOALA

It is certainly possible to meet Kangaroos and Koalas, but to do so you have to venture into national parks or inland, away from the chaotic cities. Sometimes, but quite rarely, it is possible to spot these animals even in suburban areas or on golf courses. One of the best places to spot them is definitely Kangaroo Island, south of Adelaide.
Although kangaroos and koalas are not common in populated areas, other animals such as bats, possums, snakes, lizards, spiders, and other insects are.

7. THE GUIDE IS ON THE LEFT

In Australia, driving is very common as the places to reach can be very far from each other and means of transport usually take longer (although of course it depends on the city you are in). In any case, always remember that in Australia driving is on the left and beware of kangaroos, especially at sunrise and sunset, and if you cross country roads. In any case, if you are walking on the street, always look to the right before crossing!

8. AFL (Australian Football League) AND RUGBY ARE MORE FAMOUS THAN FOOTBALL

If Cricket is the king of sports in India, AFL and rugby are the most popular sports in Australia.

The AFL final, held annually at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is the most spectator sporting event in the world. If you find yourself in Australia at the right time, buy your tickets in advance and go see the game, or arrange to watch it on TV with friends and local fans. You will not regret!

9. TAKE RESPECT

There are around 500 different Aboriginal peoples in Australia, each with its own language and territory. It is important to be respectful towards them, after all they are, by tradition, the owners of the territory that is hosting you. Strong respect for the Aborigines is often evident during ceremonies, meetings or events. Australian cities are meeting points for people of different nationalities and cultures and this allows the country to have an international and unique climate. Aborigines are often integrated with the Australian population, but remain true to their roots through their art and culture, which also manifest in large cities.

10. GET USED TO BEING OFF LINE

Internet in Australia is slow and quite expensive. Usually hotels and bars have free Wi-Fi but, more often than not, the connection will not be optimal. Libraries and Mc Donalds always have free Wi-Fi so if you desperately need the Internet, you can go there.

In general, the best way to stay connected is to buy an Australian SIM for the phone, we highly recommend it to all Exchange Students in Australia. You can choose one that has good line and network coverage throughout the territory, so you can stay connected even in remote areas.

EXTRA TIPS:

• There are 3 time zones in Australia, which become 5 in the October-March period. Make sure you know the right time in the area you are in every time, even if you have to take a plane or other means of transport.

• Australians do not have one cent coins. Banknotes are plastic and the bigger they are the more value they have. The price of the products is always rounded to 5 cents, which is the smallest measure of the Australian currency.

• For any medical emergency, fire or to contact the police, call 000.

• Vegemite is a thick black spread made with yeast extract, various spices and plant extracts. It has a very special flavor so if you try it for the first time, don’t spread too much!

• It is not common to tip in Australia, not even in restaurants or bars.