Money

Currency

Australia’s national currency is the aptly named Australian Dollar (AUD), which is decimal, with the dollar the basic unit. Keep in mind that 100 cents = $1 dollar. Notes are available in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, while coins are available in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations.

ATM

Automatic Teller Machines (or ATMs) are found scattered across the state. Be aware - money is generally deposited in $20 or $50 notes and some banks charge a small fee to withdraw.

Credit Cards and Traveller’s Cheques

Major credit cards are widely accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.  Traveller's cheques are also accepted in Queensland, though a fee is often charged for cashing them in. Craving cash? Currency exchange facilities reside at all international airports and most city centres.

Tipping

Here in Australia, tipping is not expected. Instead prices are generally inclusive of GST, and tipping is reserved for exceptional service (around 10% at restaurants).

Taxes

All goods and services purchased within Australia are subject to a 10% tax. Tourists can claim a refund of this Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) on certain goods placed in hand luggage or worn when departing the country. Want to know more? Visit the Tourist Refund Scheme Australia’s website of Home Affairs.

Travel Documents

Passports

A valid visa and current passport are essential for entry into Australia. Though, it’s wise to carry an ongoing ticket out of Australia and proof of funds to sustain your stay, in case those are also requested. The only exceptions are current New Zealand and Australian passports.

Visa

Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a visa to enter Australia. If you plan to visit Australia and you hold a British passport you can apply online before you leave home, free of charge for a 3 month visitor visa. This visa is called an eVisitor.   

To apply for a visa online, visit this link. Alternatively. you can visit The Australian Embassy to complete your visa application:  Australia House, Strand, London WC2B 4LA.

 If you're a non-resident and wishing to work in Australia, and aged between 18-30, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa. Visitors should ensure they apply for the correct visa to suit their requirements.  For more detailed information, click here. 

Once in Australia, a visa is not needed to enter Queensland when travelling from other states. 

Embassies

You will find the Australian High Commission, in London. For a full list of Foreign Embassies throughout The United Kingdom, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Customs

On arrival to Australia, you’ll complete a Traveller’s Statement. Keep in mind each traveller is granted a duty-free allowance, provided purchases aren’t intended for retail. There are also regulations related to importing certain goods, including firearms, and medication. Discover more on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Quarantine

Unique flora and fauna calls Australia home, meaning there are strict quarantine laws to protect it from pests and disease. The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Department of Agriculture enforce that all goods of plant or animal origin must be declared on entry. For more information, see the Department of Home Affairs or the Department of Agriculture.

Driving in Queensland

Self-drive

Take control of the wheel, driving your own way across Queensland. Hire companies are conveniently abundant but remember to visit Royal Automobile Club of Queensland's (RACQ) website,  check road conditions at qldtraffic.qld.gov.au and reacquaint yourself with the road rules via Department of Transport and Main Roads before you depart.

Australian Road Rules

Before you hit the road, remember the following:

• In Australia, all vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
• Travel no faster than the signed maximum speed limit.
• All occupants of a vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Legally, all children up to age 7 must be correctly restrained according to age and size.
• Queensland is home to a number of toll roads, where cost is dependent on vehicle type and road accessed. There are no toll booths or toll gates in Queensland - payment should be made online within 72 hours of travel.
• Motorbike, moped and scooter drivers must wear an Australian approved crash helmet. Bicycle helmets are also compulsory.
• Drivers are not allowed to use mobile phones while driving.
• Avoid drinking and driving completely. Australia has strict laws on “drink-driving” and police actively enforce them.
• Driving under the influence of drugs is illegal and penalties severe.
• Be mindful that Fraser Island has specific road rules, especially for 4WDs.
  Learn more via the Department of Transport website.

Driver Safety

• Plan ahead. Queensland is a big place, making it a good idea to calculate the drive between destinations.
• Don’t drive tired, but share time behind the wheel with your friends, and stop for a rest at least every couple of hours. You can stop and take a break at a driver reviver site. 
• Suss out road conditions pre-departure. Potholes, soft road edges, narrow bridges and dusty roads can all make for a dangerous journey.
• Don’t drive through floodwater. Even shallow water can sweep vehicles off the road.
• Keep an eye out for wandering wildlife and livestock which often stray onto the road.

Licencing

International visitors are welcome to drive Queensland roads, provided you carry a valid overseas driver’s licence for the same class of vehicle, as well as a passport. If it’s not in English, carry an International Permit or an official translation of that license. You’re also required to be well-acquainted with the road rules.

Fines

The police, local council, Queensland Transport and Main Roads traffic inspectors enforce road and traffic regulations, including any fines.

Business Hours and Holidays

You’ll find trading hours differ across Queensland, especially when it comes to Public Holidays.

Banks

Generally operating between 9.30am to 4.30pm weekdays, some banks also operate on Saturdays between 9.30am and 12.00pm.

Post Offices

Australia Post Offices open from 9.00am to 5.00pm weekdays. Some also operate on Saturdays from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

Retailers and Supermarkets

Queensland’s maximum permissible shopping hours sit between 8.00am and 9.00pm weekdays, and 8.00am to 5.00pm on Saturdays. Central business districts, including Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast also operate on Sundays.

Public Holidays

Queensland major public holidays include the following:

●     New Year’s Day - January 1

●     Australia Day - January 26

●     Good Friday - March or April

●     Easter Monday - March or April

●     ANZAC Day - April 25

●      Labour Day - First Monday in May

●     Royal Queensland Show Day (Brisbane only) – August

●    Queen’s Birthday - First Monday in October

●     Christmas Day - December 25

●     Boxing Day - December 26

For more information seek the Public and School Holidays section.

Communication

Internet

Paid or free internet access can be found in Internet cafes, accommodation, and public libraries across Queensland. WiFi access is also available (both paid and free) in a growing number of public spaces, restaurants, and cafes.

Phone

Remember: Australia’s country code is 61, the area code for Queensland is 07, and all mobile phones start with the prefix 04. When calling overseas, dial the international access code from Australia (0011), then the country code of the country you are calling and then appropriate area code. The four main mobile phone providers in Australia include: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and Virgin.

Climate

Weather

Pack for warm weather - expect warm summers and mild winters in Queensland, with majority sunny days. The state is subtropical in the south, and tropical up north - it’s the latter that experiences a defined wet season through summer, that’s humid and hot, with a slightly cooler dry season through winter.

When it comes to what to wear, casual, lightweight clothes are reliable. Temperatures can drop in the southern part of the state, where a jacket or sweatshirt may also be required. But no matter where you are in Queensland, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are always recommended alongside a long-sleeve shirt to protect you from the state’s strong UV rays.

Average Temperatures

Summer (December-February): Brisbane: 20°C to 29°C, Cairns: 22°C to 31°C
Autumn (March-May): Brisbane: 14°C to 28°C, Cairns: 20°C to 30°C
Winter (June-August): Brisbane: 10°C to 22°C, Cairns: 17°C to 26°C
Spring (September-November): Brisbane: 13°C to 27°C, Cairns: 19°C to 30°C

The seven-day weather forecast can be found online.

Natural Disasters

Find comprehensive weather information and warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology. If in doubt about an upcoming booking, contact your travel agent, airline, accommodation, attraction or tour provider directly.

Sports and Recreation

Fishing

Anglers don’t require a license to fish recreationally in Queensland, except if fishing in stocked impoundments. Learn more of other fishing regulations via the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

Boating

Queensland requires a recreational marine driver’s licence (RMDL) to operate a recreational boat. More information can be found via Maritime Safety Queensland.

Maritime Safety

Keep yourself and your crew safe by following the safety advice below:

• Check the weather forecast prior to your departure via the Bureau of Meteorology website or calling weather forecast (1300 360 426) and marine warnings (1300 360 427).
• Check the tides and chart your journey. Tides can change rapidly, leaving you susceptible to sandbars.
• Tell someone of your boating plans, including your local marine rescue group before departing on your voyage. Notify them of your plans, and planned return time.
• Pack the following: food and water for all on board, the correct safety equipment and survival gear on board including life jackets (Personal Flotation Devices) and a registered distress beacon (EPIRB), enough fuel for the return trip and then some, and a marine radio. A radio mayday can be heard by many people at once and is more reliable than a mobile phone.
• When hiring watercraft, make sure all necessary boating and safety requirements are accounted for. And that the boat has been properly maintained/serviced and the battery charged.
• If you are the holder of a boating licence, a skipper’s blood alcohol content cannot exceed 0.05%.

Diving

A completed training course is required pre-SCUBA diving unlike snorkelling, where only competent swimming is encouraged. Always remember to do neither alone, and do tell someone where you’re going as well as what time you’re expected to return. It’s also wise to advise any dive company of any existing medical condition or medication.

Cycling

Cycling is popular in Queensland, but be aware that under the Queensland Road Rules bikes are considered vehicles, so all general road rules, as well as specific road rules for cyclists (including helmet wear) must be obeyed. The Department of Transport and Main Roads website provides Bikeway maps and a bike user guide for handy hints.

Coast

Swimming

The following waterway tips will help to keep you safe and sound while in Queensland:

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Blue flags indicate where surfing is allowed.
• Read and obey warning signs on beaches, at beach access points and waterways.
• When in doubt, check with a Lifesaver or Lifeguard.
• Stuck in a strong current or rip? Don’t try to swim against it. Stay calm, floating with the current and raising your hand to alert others that you require assistance.
• Never swim alone. This is especially important for children.
• Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in darkness.
• Never jump or dive into shallow water, whether a rock pool, creek, lake or river. There could be hidden dangers like rocks or logs.

More information can be found on the Beach Safe App, available for download on Apple/iOS and Android.

Marine Life

Beware the following marine life which can potentially pose a threat to humans if precautions are not observed.

Sharks

Attacks are rare but it’s recommended that you avoid swimming alone or at night, especially around the mouth of a river or in canals. Instead, always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.

Jellyfish or Stingers

You’ll find marine stingers common in tropical waters during the warmer months of October to June. This includes the likes of the notorious Box Jellyfish and Irukandji Jellyfish. To help protect against these deadly creatures it’s recommended that full protective clothing (ie. wet suit or stinger suit) is worn while swimming to reduce exposure and swim within stinger resistant enclosures when possible. If you are stung, wash the affected area with household vinegar as soon as possible and seek medical attention.

Crocodiles

Freshwater and saltwater crocodiles reside in Tropical North Queensland, around rivers, freshwater lagoons and coastal beaches. To avoid any croc-related altercations always read and obey warning signs and avoid swimming in any unmarked creeks, rivers, or billabongs. It’s also encouraged to camp at least two metres from the high water mark and 50 metres from the water’s edge if pitching a tent near a lake, river or beach. And when fishing, avoid standing at the water’s edge or on logs or branches that hang over deep water.

Outback Queensland

The Queensland Outback is not for the faint of heart or unfamiliar. Bear in mind that this untouched expanse offers few towns and facilities, often with large distances between them, making it important to inform others of your travel plans before you depart.

It pays to be prepared in these parts - the Outback often lacks reliable mobile phone coverage, so contact your mobile provider in advance. Also ensure your vehicle is in good working order and has been serviced recently, packing a spare tyre, tools, water, and fuel in case required.

Planning

You’ll find road conditions vary here, from sealed tracks to gravel and dirt. Please note that a four-wheel drive is a non-negotiable for unsealed roads. It’s also important to drive slowly and take extra care for holes, road edges, narrow bridges, changing surfaces and dust as Outback roads can be unpredictable.

A few more handy hints; always check local road conditions before departing major roads, turn your vehicle’s lights on low beam during the day for visibility, obey road closure signs, and take care when travelling during summer - temperatures in the outback can reach 50°C (122°F).

Flooded Roads

Come across water on the road? Don’t ever attempt to cross flooded bridges or causeways unless you can guarantee the depth of water and any road damage. Even shallow water has potential to wash away vehicles. Be patient - most flash floods recede within 24 hours.

Road Trains

Beware of the large trucks dubbed road trains. can be the length of 10 cars. Considering it can take up to 2.5 kilometres to overtake a road train at 100km/h, allow plenty of room before you even attempt. Only slow once the road train moves out to pass.

Animals

Keep an eye out for animals on the road, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Kangaroos and emus are common and livestock tend to graze along the roadside. If an animal crosses in front of you, it’s best to reduce speed safely to avoid swerving and rolling your vehicle.

If your vehicle breaks down

Don’t leave your vehicle under any circumstances. A car will provide you with shade and protection from the sweltering heat out west. It’s best to wait for help to arrive, which is why travelling with emergency communication equipment, like satellite phone and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) device is important to consider.

The Great Outdoors

Hiking

There’s no better way to see Queensland than by foot - but remember to come prepared. Visiting the ranger station or park information centre is the best way to gather information pre-hike. But do remember the following:

• Check the weather forecast ahead and be prepared for unexpected changes.
• Consider using a local guide when taking long walks in difficult terrain.
• Always inform someone where you are going and what time you are expected to return.
•  Pack plenty of water - plan to drink at least one litre per hour of walking.
• Wear appropriate gear (ie. sturdy shoes and socks, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and insect repellent). And don’t forget a torch, first aid supplies and a map.
• Pay attention to maps and signs. Always stay on the track, behind safety barriers, and far away from cliff edges.
• Do not feed or play with native animals.

Fire

Considering Australia’s abundance of natural wonders it’s important to limit your use of fire. Bushfires are a very real threat in this parts - it’s for this reason that fires should never be left unattended or unconfined, especially when cooking. Be respectful of any fire bans and restrictions in place, and always place cigarette butts in the bin. If you do see a bushfire, evacuate the area immediately.

Visit Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) for updates.

Snakes and spiders

Australia is famed for its population of snakes and spiders, particularly the venomous kind. If you meet a snake, it’s best to avoid it and take a different path. Spiders are generally harmless, though it’s best to treat all spider bites with caution and seek immediate advice. Also keep an eye out for the funnel-web spider, white-tail and red-back spider - all boast painful bites and can prove deadly for children.

Mosquitoes, flies and sandflies

This trio is equally common across Queensland. They are best avoided by wearing appropriately long clothing when they are prevalent and using insect repellent. Keep in mind that there are a number of mosquito-borne diseases that occur here, including Ross River Virus (RRV), Barmah Forest Virus (BFV) and Dengue Fever.