Planning Your Holiday
Before we can finalise your travel e-documents, please complete the items on your To-Do List in your Guest Hub so we have all the required information. Once you have done this and ticked the box to request your documentation, we will aim to have everything ready for you within 10 working days.
For Escorted Coach Tours booked with us, we will send e-documents to you once we have received them from the operator, which is approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your departure date.
Please note that there may be occasional delays due to seasonal demand or in-country factors such as major weather events. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding should your e-documents take a little longer than expected.
Our team is generally available 7 days a week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (AEST). Please note that hours are subject to change in the event of Public Holidays, etc.
Need help? Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.
Visa requirements for entering Australia depend on your nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay.
We recommend checking directly with:
- Your airline
- Your local embassy or consulate
- The official Australian immigration websites:
These sites provide up-to-date information on:
- Whether you need a visa or are eligible for an ETA or eVisitor visa
- Visa types and application processes
- Passport validity and health requirements
It is the responsibility of all visitors to ensure they meet all the current passport, visa, and vaccination requirements before travelling to Australia.
We know that many of you will be coming to Australia for a variety of experiences, so, therefore, your clothing and equipment needs will vary accordingly. It has to be said that Australia is a fairly informal country and very few places insist on strict dress codes, so unless you are coming to Australia for business we have compiled a useful list that tries to accommodate various requirements. We hope the information provided helps you make the right decisions, ensuring you have a trouble-free holiday.
See our Australian Travel Guide: How to, and what to pack when heading to Australia
You can bring certain medications into Australia, including prescription medication, but you may need to declare them.
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official websites:
Australian Border Force - Can you bring it in?
You can bring cash into Australia, but if you're carrying large amounts, you may need to declare it.
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official websites:
The best way to travel to Australia is by air (unless you want to spend a lot of time on a boat). Most of the major airlines offer direct flights to Australia. It’s easy to get here on a non-stop flight from America, New Zealand, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Or you can get a connecting flight from these countries to Australia from anywhere in the world.
When flying to Australia, you may well want to take advantage of the various stopovers available.
For further details and a list of Airlines servicing Australia, please see our Travel Guide Getting Flights to Australia
The International Date Line is an invisible line in the Pacific Ocean where the calendar date changes. Crossing it is like jumping forward or backwards in time — not because of the flight duration, but because of how the world’s time zones are arranged.
When flying to Australia from North America or the UK (often via Asia), you’ll cross this line and lose a day — for example, departing on a Monday might mean arriving on Wednesday, even if the flight is under 24 hours. On your return trip, you’ll gain a day, often arriving earlier than you departed. It’s a quirk of global time zones, not flight duration. Flying from New Zealand is a little easier, with a maximum flight time of 7 hours and a minimal time difference.
It is essential that you know what date you actually land in Australia, so that all of your onward travel arrangements are correct. You can check with your airline to confirm your exact arrival date and time.
There’s nothing quite like exploring the quintessentially Australian ‘great outdoors’. With some of the most breathtaking and varied scenery in the world, untouched terrain, pristine rivers and beaches, and plenty of walking, hiking, and water-sport options, Australia is an outdoor playground. However, every year, Australian Search and Rescue crews are called upon to rescue Aussies and visitors who have become lost, injured, or need emergency help. We want your trip of a lifetime to run without a hitch, so our advice is to always ‘be prepared’.
See our Australian holiday planner: Safety in Australia's Great Outdoors
We know how hard it is to find your way around without a map, especially in such a vast country, so we have created a free Australia Touring & Self-Drive Map. This will help you plan your perfect itinerary or driving route Down Under.
About Australia
When it is Summer or Winter in the northern hemisphere, the opposite season prevails in Australia, a principle that becomes harder to apply to the transitional seasons of Autumn and Spring. To confuse things further, the four seasons only really exist in the southern half of the country outside of the tropics.
Here, you’ll find reliably warm summers at the coast with regular, but brief heat waves in excess of 40°C. Head inland, and the temperatures rise further. Winters, on the other hand, can be miserable, particularly in Victoria, where the short days add to the gloom. Tasmania is cooler year-round: while weather in the highlands is unpredictable at all times, summer is a reliable time to explore the island’s outdoor attractions.
Have a look at the Australian Weather by City
One of the most important parts of planning for an overseas holiday is knowing how much things cost and therefore how much spending money you will need to budget for. Items like petrol, meals and alcohol can quickly add up to a significant amount.
We have compiled some helpful information on Australian prices to help you budget for your Australian holiday. See our Australian Pricing Guide
Australia is a safe and welcoming destination, and like any country, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions with your belongings.
Our beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife are part of what makes Australia so special, but it’s good to be prepared. The sun here can be intense, so we recommend wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and staying hydrated, especially when spending time outdoors or on the water.
Australia is home to stunning beaches, rivers, and lakes. If you're planning to swim, always follow local safety signs and swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches. Avoid swimming alone or after consuming alcohol, and take extra care in unfamiliar waters.
You might also encounter some of our more curious creatures, from insects to marine life. While encounters are rare, it’s helpful to know what to look out for.
We’ve put together a helpful guide to staying safe and making the most of your adventure: Travelling Safely in Australia
In short “use plastic, but make sure it's the right plastic” We recommend you use credit cards for big purchases, car rental & hotel security bonds. Use debit cards for cash as it is less expensive. We suggest you forget about traveller’s cheques or exchanging currency.
Read our detailed article - Everything you need to know about Money in Australia
Tipping and Service Charges: Australians do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in Australia do not add service charges to their bills.
Yes, you probably do need an Australian power plug adapter when you're on holiday. Australia uses 230/240 volt electricity at 50 hertz, with angled two- or three-pin plugs (Type I). Most hotels and motels may offer 110-volt AC outlets (limited to 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other devices, a power adapter or voltage converter may be required (unless your equipment supports multi-voltage).
Read our comprehensive guide to Australian Power Plug Adapters & Converters
Australia has excellent medical facilities and public hospitals offering a high standard of care. Australia has a Commonwealth Government Program that guarantees all citizens and some overseas visitors access to a wide range of health services at little or no cost. But if you are not eligible, these services cost and if you don't have travel insurance it could be a lot.
Please read our detailed guide on - What to do if I have an accident in Australia
Many Australian businesses, including tours, cafes, and attractions, are now cashless, accepting only card or digital payments. We recommend carrying a debit or credit card and using mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Here are some handy websites and apps to download before your trip:
- Qantas – flight bookings and updates
- BOM Weather – Australian weather forecasts
- Parkopedia – parking info
- TasALERT – Tasmanian Emergency warnings
- QLDTraffic – Queensland traffic information
- Live Traffic NSW – New South Wales traffic information
- VicTraffic – Victoria traffic information
- Main Roads WA – Western Australia travel information
- Outback Road Warnings – South Australia travel information
- Road Report NT – Northern Territory travel information
- ACT City Services – ACT travel information
Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, including restaurants, bars, and workplaces. Many outdoor areas, such as beaches, parks, and transport hubs, are also smoke-free. Always look for signage and designated smoking areas.
Health recommendations can vary depending on your country of origin and travel plans within Australia.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend checking the official guidance from:
For personalised advice, please consult your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist.
Driving & Rental Cars in Australia
Most visitors can drive in Australia with a valid driver’s licence from their home country. If your licence is not in English, you may need either an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation.
You must carry your licence (and IDP or translation, if required) at all times while driving. You can only drive the types of vehicles your licence permits in your home country.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official source:
We drive on the left in right-hand-drive vehicles and, if you are not overtaking, stay in the left-hand lane on motorways.
Visitors can usually drive on their overseas driver’s licence, and you must carry your licence (and IDP or translation, if required) at all times while driving.
Everyone must wear a seatbelt, and children under 7 years old must be in an approved child safety seat.
You must not talk on a hand-held phone while driving, compose or read SMS messages, or access services on your phone that require you to hold the phone.
Australia uses kilometres per hour for speed and kilometres for distances.
For further useful information, read our blog: Australian Road Rules
Australian Car Hire Insurance differs from that in other countries. To fully understand, please read Australian Rental Car Insurance - Demystified.
When planning an Australian self-drive holiday or road trip, use our Australian Driving Time and Travel Distance Calculator Below to work out the best route between two towns or cities. This calculator will give you the average driving time, taking into consideration obstacles like mountain passes, winding roads, single lanes, etc. It does not allow time for stops, heavy traffic or the impact of various weather conditions. We recommend you allow extra time to enjoy your journey safely. When travelling between mainland Australia and Tasmania, you'll need to catch a ferry or flight.
Try our Australian Driving Time and Travel Distance Calculator
Bookings, payments, cancellations and insurance
If an activity provider cancels an activity due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will strive to provide the best alternative possible. On our hosted tours, all the details will be discussed with you and taken care of for you by our local guide. If you are on a self-drive tour, simply call our freephone number and we will endeavour to either book you onto a different activity of your choice, determine whether the activity can be rescheduled, or, if there are no suitable alternatives, we will refund to you the cost of the activity.
Please note that this does not apply if you change your mind on a particular activity – only if the activity provider cancels the activity.
Cancellations by you: As per the Booking Conditions, any cancellations made by you will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Please let us know in writing if you wish to cancel anything, and we will take care of the rest for you.
Cancellations by our suppliers: Many of the best activities are weather-dependent and, as a result, sometimes need to be cancelled by our suppliers. Where possible, they will endeavour to re-book you on an alternative departure; however, if this is not suitable, please let us know, as we may be able to fit a similar activity option into your itinerary elsewhere. At the end of your trip, we will calculate any necessary reimbursements and process any refunds in a one-off payment.
Travel insurance is not compulsory except on group diving and some specific adventure tours, but it is strongly recommended.
Absolutely! We offer flexible payment options, allowing you to pay your balance in multiple instalments through our secure portal at any time before your final payment due date (70 days before departure).
Just keep in mind that exchange rates can fluctuate, and your bank or credit card provider may apply processing fees for each transaction. We highly recommend that you opt for a bank transfer to keep fees to a minimum.
You can make your balance payment(s) at any time before your final payment due date (70 days before departure).
We highly recommend opting for bank transfers to keep fees to a minimum. Depending on the country where you are based, there may be one or two options.
- Local Account to You
We have local accounts in the countries where the majority of our guests come from, so you can pay in your own currency. Our local bank determines this amount based on their current exchange rate, which determines how much of your local currency is required to ensure we end up with the correct amount of our currency to match your balance exactly. This rate will be displayed in your Guest Hub and is valid for 7 days. After 7 days, it is refreshed and updated.
- Local Account to Us
If you are from a country where we do not have a local account in your currency, then you can make a bank transfer into our local currency account that matches the currency of your booking and balance. Your local bank determines this amount based on its current exchange rate and the amount of your local currency required to ensure we end up with the correct amount of our currency to match your balance exactly.
Please do not use any online currency tools that do not reflect the bank's actual rates, as these will not result in us receiving the exact amount required. Your balance must be $0 before your e-documents can be actioned, so any bank transfers that fall short will require additional payments until the balance is $0 owed.
If you opt to pay via card, fees will apply, and your bank will determine the exchange rate on the day of processing.
Your bank may charge additional fees for any of the above options — please check with them if you are unsure or would like more information.
We’re here for you. If anything goes wrong during your trip, our team is available to help. Most issues can be resolved during office hours, 7 days a week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (AET), but we also operate a 24-hour emergency helpdesk for urgent support. All contact details and instructions are available in your Guest Portal under the in-country support documentation.
Questions about First Light Travel
Since 2001 we’ve been helping visitors plan their dream holiday to Australia. We aim to make it effortless for you to have the holiday of a lifetime in our beautiful land. Well, we can think of at least 10 reasons to book your trip with us...
COST
The misconception is that booking a trip with a tour operator or travel agent costs you more. Not true! The cost to you, the consumer, is the same and, often better as we pass on our good contract rates to you.
TIME
Information overload! There is too much destination information out there to wade through on the internet, travel books and magazines, friends recommendations and other sources. It can be overwhelming, confusing and time-consuming. Then, the actual planning, setting dates, reserving, following up, reconfirming, sending payments to various locations ... there is much to do. Your time is too valuable - let us make it a process whole lot easier for you.
PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
The glamorous part of being in the travel business is we get to travel all the time. Yeah, someone’s got to do it! The reality is, we check out all the rooms and compare the boats, resorts and operators, meet and negotiate with adventure outfitters, airlines and so forth. Most importantly, we experience firsthand the diving, kayaking, rafting and other adventure activities. Can you believe that some dive & adventure travel companies do not have employees that dive or hike? We are all dive certified with thousands of dives under our belts. Travel is our passion and we pass on our valuable knowledge to you so you will reserve the trip that is right for you. An internet site or brochure might look amazing, but the reality can lead to big-time bad experiences and then you have wasted your hard-earned vacation.
EXPERIENCE
We’ve been in the travel business for many years! We know how to put together trips and what makes an itinerary work successfully. We represent only the most seasoned and reputable operators.
LOGISTICS
We coordinate every aspect of your trip. Airline connections, transfers, what works on certain days, what does not, the timing, the pacing - we know who to make it all work together. Let us handle getting you from point A to B to C for you.
DETAILS
We make sure you have exactly what you have requested - whether it is aisle seats, vegetarian meals, diving equipment rentals, king-size beds or honeymoon specials. As our valued clients, we provide you with important pre-departure information, which includes recommended packing lists, visa and medical information, travel insurance, suggested readings, emergency contact numbers and more.
THE UNEXPECTED
Just when you think a trip is all set, something happens. Whether it is something major like a hurricane or coup or minor like flight cancellations, we can fix it for you. We can rearrange your trip to accommodate the change or come up with a viable alternative or handle the refund for you. We specialize in smoothing over the rough spots. We do it all the time. Also, our inbound operators are so amazing that if something happens to you in the field, they will handle any emergency or change with efficiency and care.….we provide 24/7 assistance by phone. We act as your travel advocate and deal with suppliers on your behalf.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
We are not a faceless, dot-com, travel consortium run by venture capitalists trying to retire in their 30s (too late for that!). We are people who love travel and have chosen it as our profession. Whether you contact us by email or over the telephone, we enjoy hearing from you and will fulfill your requests in a timely and personable manner. Many of our clients have become our friends and return to us time and time again. We all share a great passion for travel.
PERSONALISATION
We will not corral you into a pre-packaged tour that is not right for you. All of our itineraries are customised for the travel you have requested. This is time-consuming and work-intensive for us, but we feel very strongly that your vacation time is golden and you should have the perfect itinerary that is right for your travel desires.
YOUR NEXT TRIP
We value our clients and enjoy hearing your feedback and your thoughts on your next travel plans. We offer special deals to our clients and enjoy planning your trip with you. We are here for the long haul and want you to have many fabulous and exciting vacations with us!
In short, it’s our goal to inspire and enthuse you about your hard earned vacation. As a First Light Travel client, we provide you with comprehensive pre-travel information on what to do before you leave, suggested packing, vital documentation, money and medical matters, driving on the left, safety and more.
Don't take our word for it, check-out nearly 2 decades of Customer Feedback and Reviews
So what’s the next step? Contact us for an obligation-free itinerary and quote. Then, relax and enjoy the convenience of having your locally-based travel specialist pull together options, pricing, and ideas. Everything from air tickets to car rentals, coach and train reservations, accommodation, insurance, and activities. We’d love to hear from you.
To make your Australian travel dreams come true you need the right team in your corner. That’s where we come in! We’ve been helping travellers enjoy the very best of Australia and New Zealand since 2001 and have learned plenty of tricks which will help you have a hassle-free and super fun holiday. Our past guest testimonials speak volumes about our excellent service and tour planning ability.
See First Light Travel’s Testimonials and Reviews Page for feedback that has come to us either directly or has been pulled in from our social media channels.
A trustworthy source of reviews is social media, so here’s what our guests have to say …
Read Independent guest reviews posted on Facebook
Read Independent guest reviews posted on Google
Started in 2001, First Light Travel is owned and operated by Brent Narbey and Nigel Williamson. Adventurers themselves, with more than a few travel stories of their own, they know the ins and outs of travelling both in Australia and New Zealand. Both are absolute travel professionals with a lifetime in the industry, which means you couldn’t be in safer hands!
Backed by a dedicated team of passionate Australian Travel Specialists, we guarantee to deliver the holiday of a lifetime.
Good Question!
Australia is a land of incredible natural wonders with a unique ecosystem featuring many species found only on these islands - and we want to keep it that way! Sustainable tourism is everything to us, this is our country and we love living here, our job is to help others experience that very thing we treasure the most. So we have put strategies in place to promote the positive impacts and to minimise the negative.
Please take your time and read First Light Travel's Sustainable Tourism Policy
We love video and we are lucky to have a selection of great videos our guests have shared with us and a collection we have had made our-selves to show you as much as we can of our beautiful country.
First Light Travel have been given the "Aussie Specialist" designation by Tourism Australia. This means you can count on our ultra-knowledgeable Travel Specialists to create a standout Australian holiday, itinerary or vacation for you. Find out how an Aussie Specialist can help you plan your perfect trip Down Under.
Read all about Tourism Australia's Aussie Specialists status.
