+ 7-10 h / + 6-8 h during our summer time
+ 9 h (Papua New Guinea)

Canberra

Official language

English

230 volts / adapter required. Type I plugs are used

Banks
9.30 - 16.00 h (Mon - Fri)
Opening hours may vary. Some bank branches may also open for limited hours on Saturdays.

Shops
9.00 - 17.00 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 13.00 h (Sat)
Opening hours may be longer in shopping centres and larger business districts, often extending until late in the evening. Some large supermarkets may even open around the clock.

• 1 January: New Year's Day

• 26 January: Australia Day

• Good Friday and Easter Monday

• 25 April: Anzac Day

• 25 December: Christmas Day

• 26 December: Boxing Day

The following information is intended for Swiss citizens residing in Switzerland. The following documents are required to enter Australia:

• A valid Swiss passport.

• A visa. Swiss citizens can apply online free of charge for an eVisitor visa (subclass 651) for private travel and certain business visits. It permits multiple entries over a 12-month period, with a maximum stay of three months on each visit. Visa information and applications: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas (in English).

• Minors: depending on the visa type and travel arrangements, additional evidence of parental consent and welfare arrangements may be required. Form 1229 applies to certain visa applications for children under 18 but is not intended for ETA or eVisitor applicants. Form 1257 applies in certain cases where a minor will not stay with a parent, legal guardian or relative. The person assuming responsibility must be at least 21 years old. Follow the requirements for the specific visa being requested.

Australia is a vast continent with numerous climatic regions ranging from tropical to temperate. As it lies in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are reversed compared with the Northern Hemisphere. Seasons in southern Australia are similar to those in Europe or North America, while northern Australia has tropical and subtropical zones with less pronounced seasons.

Tropical northern Australia:

• Summer (December - February): average temperatures from 24°C to 33°C. High humidity and frequent thunderstorms.

• Winter (June - August): average temperatures from 19°C to 31°C. Drier conditions and milder temperatures.

Subtropical eastern Australia, including Sydney and Brisbane:

• Summer: average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C. Warm, humid conditions with occasional heatwaves.

• Winter: average temperatures from 10°C to 20°C. Mild temperatures with occasional rain showers.

Temperate southern Australia, including Melbourne and Adelaide:

• Summer: average temperatures from 14°C to 26°C. Warm days and cool nights.

• Winter: average temperatures from 6°C to 15°C. Cool to mild conditions with occasional rain.

Desert and Outback regions, including Alice Springs and Uluru:

• Summer: average temperatures from 20°C to over 40°C. Extremely dry heat with very hot days.

• Winter: average temperatures from 5°C to 23°C. Warm days and cool nights, with milder temperatures than in summer.

Western Australia, including Perth and Broome:

• Summer: average temperatures from 17°C to 31°C. Dry heat with occasional heatwaves.

• Winter: average temperatures from 8°C to 19°C. Mild conditions with occasional rain.

The ideal time for your trip to Australia:

• Beach holidays: October to April on the east coast, for example in Queensland, and December to February on the west coast, for example around Perth.

• City breaks: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are attractive throughout the year. Spring, from September to November, and autumn, from March to May, are often the most pleasant seasons because the weather is mild and rainfall less frequent.

• Winter holidays: June to August are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Australia's main ski areas are in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, the Victorian Alps and the Tasmanian Highlands.

• Mobile phones: using a mobile phone in Australia may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the fees before departure and, if appropriate, purchase a special roaming package.

• Prepaid SIM cards: buying a local prepaid SIM is a less expensive option. SIM cards are available in most electronics shops, supermarkets and mobile-phone stores and generally offer affordable local calls, text messages and data.

• Remote areas: mobile coverage may be limited or unavailable. Travellers should allow for this when planning and consider alternative means of communication, such as satellite phones or emergency locator devices, where appropriate.

• Wi-Fi: free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public areas.

• Great Barrier Reef: the world's largest coral reef system and a paradise for snorkellers and divers.

• Sydney Opera House: an iconic architectural masterpiece and one of Australia's best-known landmarks.

• Uluru (Ayers Rock): an impressive monolith in Australia's Red Centre and an important cultural and spiritual symbol for Aboriginal peoples.

• Sydney Harbour Bridge: one of the world's most famous bridges, offering breathtaking views of Sydney and the harbour.

• Great Ocean Road: a spectacular coastal road along Australia's southern coast with magnificent views of rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles.

• Kakadu National Park: a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse wildlife, Aboriginal rock art and spectacular landscapes.

• Bondi Beach: a popular Sydney beach with golden sand and excellent surfing conditions.

• K'gari (formerly Fraser Island): the world's largest sand island, known for its unique freshwater lakes and rainforests.

• Daintree Rainforest: one of the world's oldest living rainforest areas, filled with exotic plants and wildlife.

• Melbourne: a culturally diverse city with excellent restaurants, art galleries, theatres and sporting events.

• Blue Mountains: an impressive mountain region west of Sydney, known for its deep gorges, waterfalls and eucalyptus forests.

• Ningaloo Reef: a less well-known but equally impressive coral reef off the west coast, renowned for its biodiversity and opportunities to swim with whale sharks.

• Tasmania: an island state with breathtaking natural scenery, including Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the historic town of Port Arthur.

• Barossa Valley: one of Australia's most famous wine regions, known for its outstanding wines and picturesque scenery.

• The Kimberley: a rugged, remote region in north-western Australia with spectacular gorges, waterfalls and fascinating Aboriginal art sites.

Travel inspiration

Find inspiration in our blog posts and discover Australia's fascinating destinations:

• Great Ocean Road, Australia: spectacular coastal scenery and endless adventure

• Diverse cuisine: Australian cuisine has been strongly shaped by its many immigrant communities, creating a varied culinary landscape. Traditional Australian dishes are often influenced by British cuisine as well as Asian, Mediterranean and Indigenous traditions.

• Barbecue (BBQ): barbecuing is both a popular cooking method and a cultural tradition. Many Australians enjoy outdoor barbecues, especially at weekends and on public holidays. Typical foods include steaks, sausages, chicken and seafood, often accompanied by salads, bread and sauces.

• Seafood: Australia's long coastline provides an abundance of fresh seafood, including barramundi, oysters, prawns, lobster and salmon. Fish and chips is popular, particularly in coastal towns.

• Bush Tucker, Indigenous food: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rich culinary traditions often described as “Bush Tucker”. These include many native plants and animals traditionally gathered or hunted, such as bush tomatoes, wattleseed, bush plums, kangaroo and emu.

• Café culture: Australia has a thriving café culture, particularly in cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Australians enjoy quality coffee, breakfast and brunch in relaxed cafés. The flat white, which became popular in Australia, is an integral part of its coffee culture.

• Wine and craft beer: Australia is known for high-quality wine and craft beer. Barossa Valley, Margaret River and Hunter Valley are famous wine regions. The craft-beer scene has grown strongly in recent years, with many small breweries producing a wide range of beers.

• Greetings: a simple “Hello” is customary. “Good morning”, “Good afternoon” and “Good evening” are also standard greetings at the appropriate time of day. A firm handshake is common at formal or business meetings.

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is appreciated. It is important to say “please” and “thank you”, particularly when receiving a service or in social interactions.

• Clothing: Australia has a relaxed dress code, especially in informal settings and during leisure time. Smart casual clothing or suits may be appropriate for formal occasions.

• Dining: it is customary to use a knife and fork and to keep elbows off the table. When invited for a meal, it is polite to bring something, such as a bottle of wine or a dessert.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants, bars, shopping centres and public transport. Observe local restrictions and use designated smoking areas.

• Tipping: tipping is less common than in some other countries. It is generally not expected in restaurants. For exceptional service or in an upmarket restaurant, a tip of 5-10% may be given, but it is not obligatory.

• Other: Australia is known for its relaxed lifestyle and “No worries” mentality. Take time to enjoy your surroundings. Show appropriate respect when visiting Aboriginal meeting and gathering places. Uluru, for example, is a sacred mountain in Indigenous culture.

• Drinking water quality: it is generally very high and complies with strict national health and safety standards. Tap water is safe to drink in most cities and rural areas. It is nevertheless advisable to check locally in remote regions or particular areas.

• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are generally required to enter Australia. Travellers are nevertheless advised to keep routine vaccinations up to date, particularly those for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles.

• Medical care is available. Hospitals require a financial guarantee for the treatment of patients who are not covered by Australian health insurance. Serious illnesses or injuries may result in very high costs.
• If you depend on particular medication, carry an adequate supply. Many countries, however, have special rules on bringing in medicines containing controlled substances, such as methadone, and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, check directly with the responsible foreign diplomatic mission before departure.

• Before and during your trip, follow media reports about the current situation and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• Further information on the current security situation is available from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Despite increased security measures, the risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.

• Traffic drives on the left.

• Rules for overseas driving licences vary by state or territory. A valid Swiss driving licence is generally recognized for a tourist stay. If the licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit or an official English translation must also be carried.

• The minimum age for renting a car ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the company.

• The general blood alcohol limit for full licence holders is below 0.05%. A zero or lower limit applies to learner and provisional licence holders and certain professional driver categories, among others.

• Long-distance trains: Australia has an extensive rail network connecting different cities and regions. The Indian Pacific links Sydney with Perth on one of the world's longest rail routes. The Ghan connects Adelaide with Darwin, and the Spirit of Queensland runs between Brisbane and Cairns.

• Regional trains: these serve smaller towns and communities in several states and offer a convenient way to explore inland Australia. They often provide comfortable seating, food and drink services and panoramic views.

• Buses: buses are a common form of transport in urban and regional areas and provide access to places not directly served by rail. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide have well-developed bus networks.

• Subways and trams: Sydney has a metro and light-rail network. Melbourne is known for its extensive tram system, while light rail or trams also operate in Adelaide, Canberra, the Gold Coast and Newcastle. Not every major Australian city therefore has a subway or tram network.

• Tickets: systems vary by mode and region. Many city networks offer travel cards or contactless payment, including Opal in Sydney and myki in Melbourne. Long-distance and regional rail tickets can be purchased online, at stations or through travel agents. Different fares and discounts may be available.

• Other: public transport may be limited in rural and remote areas. A rental car can be useful for reaching certain destinations.

• Sydney Airport (SYD): connections from Zurich and Geneva with at least one stopover.

• Melbourne Airport (MEL): connections from Switzerland with at least one stopover.

• Brisbane Airport (BNE): connections from Switzerland with at least one stopover.

• Perth Airport (PER): connections from Switzerland with at least one stopover.

• Adelaide Airport (ADL): connections from Switzerland with at least one stopover.

• Gold Coast Airport (OOL): connections from Switzerland with one or more stopovers, often via another Australian city.

Major airlines operating in Australia include Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways, Rex, Airnorth, QantasLink, Alliance Airlines, National Jet Express and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.

0011 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Main emergency number: 000
From a mobile phone, try 112 if 000 does not work.

Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney
101 Grafton Street, Cnr Grosvenor Street
Tower 2, Level 23
Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
Australia

Tel.: +61 2 8383 4000
Email: sydney@eda.admin.ch

Special legal provisions

• Laws may vary between states. This also applies to alcohol consumption, smoking in public spaces and traffic regulations. Ask local contacts or your hotel about the laws in each place you visit. In general, offences, including traffic violations, are punished more severely than in Switzerland. Drug offences are subject to severe penalties even for small quantities and for every type of drug.