Things you should know about travelling to Australia in 2022

With everything from the "must-see" to the "out of this world," Australia has something for everyone.

All foreign nationals entering Australia must have a passport valid for at least three months from the time of their arrival in Australia. The time and purpose of your stay in Australia will determine the type of visa you need. It is necessary that the traveller will be visiting Australia for either business or tourism when submitting an online visa application (ETA or eVisitor).

With multiple visits and a total validity of 12 months, the visa for Australia online allows for a stay of up to 90 consecutive days (3 months) in the nation. People who plan to stay in Australia for an extended period, such as studying, working or living in the country, will need a particular sort of visa.

All fully vaccinated visa holders will be able to travel to Australia from February 21, 2022, without a travel exemption. However, unvaccinated visitors to Australia will still need a current and valid travel exemption on their visas.

Travelling to Australia requires a negative COVID-19 test. A negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within three days after the departure date or a negative Rapid Antigen Test performed under medical supervision within 24 hours of the departure date are acceptable forms of proof. In case your flight is delayed, you may be required to do pre-testing. If your flight has to be postponed or canceled, you may need to retake the COVID-19 test.

If you are fully vaccinated, you will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. There are specific requirements for foreign vaccine certificates that must be met if you were vaccinated elsewhere than in Australia. However, if you were vaccinated in Australia, you should use the International COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate (ICVC) generated by Services Australia.

You must submit a Digital Passenger Declaration at least 72 hours before flying into Australia. Your pre-departure COVID-19 vaccination status and test results are included in the Digital Passenger Declaration. When you board a flight to Australia, you might be asked to show that you have completed your Digital Passenger Declaration.

States and territories can impose their own travel restrictions. Make sure you know the rules in the state or territory where you'll be going. Eligibility standards and other border regulations are subject to rapid revision. Therefore, travellers should be prepared for unexpected changes in their schedules.

Sydney is the best place to start any trip to Australia, and for a good reason. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House evoke powerful feelings even from the plane. Other parts of Sydney are an equally rewarding experience. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Sydney's pulsating heart as you stroll along its famous harbor. SKYWALK at the Sydney Tower Eye offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Blue Mountains from its glass-floor viewing platform. This is not even mentioning the city's best beaches, which include Bondi and Coogee as well as Manly, both just a short drive from the city center. A day trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains, is a must-see if you're planning a longer stay. 

Sydney airport car hire can make your life easier in this case, since visiting with your own car is probably the best option.

Despite Sydney's larger size and greater natural beauty, I personally prefer Melbourne to the city. Melbourne appears to be more cosmopolitan, yet its milder climate makes it a more tourist-friendly place. You can take a day trip from Melbourne to see the Great Ocean Road, or you can visit it as a standalone destination. This is probably the most beautiful scenery in the vicinity of "Urban Australia," though Brighton Beach and its colorful "bathing boxes" are closer to Melbourne's center.

If you have enough time, I recommend driving up the East Coast from Sydney to as far north as you can go, stopping in Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay on the way. However, if time is more of an issue for you, consider spending a few days in Brisbane before heading north to the Gold Coast.

Within this, there is some room for improvisation. Some visitors may opt to take the "express route," which includes stops at Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island, before making a quick dash to the north coast. However, if you have your own car, I'd recommend taking your time and getting a little lost on your way. Some of the most awe-inspiring places in Australia are not included in any guidebooks.

Travel from Brisbane early in the morning so that you have time to visit the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and take in the park's numerous walking trails or sign up for a variety of tour options in the park. Make sure to stick around until the sun sets for a spectacular sight. It's worth getting up early to catch the sunrise at Kata Tjuta (also known as "The Olgas"), where you'll spend the rest of the day exploring. After that hiking, unwind with a quiet dinner at Ayers Rock Resort while sipping champagne and listening to traditional didgeridoo music.

It doesn't matter where you're going or how long you're there-- Australia will greet you with amazement, style, and comfort. You will get the most out of your trip thanks to the numerous domestic flight options. Choose whatever destination; you are guaranteed to have a memorable experience. An important part of the Aussie experience is the warmth and attention you receive while travelling to and from each location.