Australia

You can reduce the risk of losing your passport by carrying a proof of age card – this could be a driving licence or a student ID. This is accepted ID for many services like opening a bank account or entering licensed premises.

Laws on smoking and e-cigarettes (vapes) differ between states. The Australian government is reviewing laws, so the rules may change. You must have a prescription to buy e-cigarettes containing liquid nicotine. There are strict rules on importing vaping goods.

In all states it is illegal to smoke in enclosed public spaces. Get local advice on any restrictions, and see smoking and tobacco laws in Australia.

Some drinks served in bars in Australia can be stronger than those in the UK. Alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.     

The Australian authorities act against anyone who imports or traffics illegal drugs. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and deportation.

Same-sex marriages are legally recognised. Australia is generally open-minded about homosexuality, but there are isolated incidents of homophobic crime. Visit Gay Australia is a useful travel planning resource alongside LGBT+ information from the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

The mobile phone network generally works well in cities and large towns, but coverage elsewhere can be very limited or non-existent. If you’re travelling to remote areas, check with your phone provider about coverage. You can use your UK mobile phone in Australia if global roaming has been activated, but making and receiving calls can be expensive. Many visitors prefer to buy an Australian SIM card on arrival.

You can use any Telstra public payphone to make free phone calls to Australian numbers. Free wifi is also available at some payphones around the country.

If you’re in Australia on a working holiday visa, the Fair Work Ombudsman website has information about:

• your rights as an employee in Australia
• how to report any concerns about unfair or unlawful treatment online – you can also call 131 394

Different tax rules and rates apply to residents and non-residents. Working holidaymakers are usually regarded as non-resident for tax purposes. This means they do not qualify for any tax-free personal allowance on earnings. Get guidance from the Australian Taxation Office.

See information for people working in Australia.

Bushfires can occur in any part of Australia, including areas close to towns and cities.

Be aware of the risk of bushfires, especially at the height of the Australian summer from November to February. Bushfires can start and change direction and become a risk to life very suddenly.

Australia regularly battles devastating bushfires. Previous fires resulted in the loss of lives and property with many residents and visitors advised to evacuate.

Australian authorities have a range of online information and apps to help citizens and visitors keep track of weather and bushfire warnings. You should consider downloading weather and emergency information apps from the Australian or State governments:

• ‘BOM Weather’ – all-Australia weather forecast and warnings .
• ‘Hazards near me’ – New South Wales
• ‘VicEmergency’ – Victoria
• ‘AlertSA’ – South Australia
• ‘EmergencyWA’ – Western Australia

If you’re in or near an affected area, follow the advice of local authorities:

• Australian Capital Territory Fire and Rescue
• New South Wales Rural Fire Service
• Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
• Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
• South Australian Country Fire Service
• Tasmania Fire Service
• Victoria’s Country Fire Authority
• Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Bushfires can cause poor air quality and aggravate respiratory conditions. Smoke can accumulate far from a fire, including in urban areas and major cities. If you’re unable to avoid smoke affected areas, state and territory governments monitor air quality and give advice:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Extreme heat is a serious risk in Australia. See the Australian Red Cross’s information on heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

Heavy rain and tropical cyclones can cause flooding, including flash floods in some areas. You can get flood warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology. Check local media reports.

Significant weather events can happen suddenly. Spillways, flood plains and drains can quickly become submerged.

The local authorities may issue stay-at-home or leave-now orders. Always follow the advice of local authorities.

More information can be found on the relevant state and territory websites:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

While rare in Australia, earthquakes can happen. Follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services in the event of a natural disaster.

Tropical cyclones affect some parts of Australia, mainly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. The cyclone season normally runs from November to April.

Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

If you are in or near an affected area, follow the advice of local authorities.

Dust storms happen regularly in Australia, usually only in outback areas. Follow the advice of local authorities.