Let’s set the scene… You’ve finally decided you’re ready for the long flight from London to Australia, and you’re feeling the kind of excitement that makes it impossible to sleep the night before departure.
You’ve read about kangaroos crossing highways like it’s the most normal thing, about beaches with sand so white it looks filtered, and cities that mix skyscrapers with bushland in a way that almost dares you not to fall in love with them.
But before you toss your flip-flops into a suitcase and call it planning, it’s worth pausing to think through a few practical details. Australia might be sunny and easygoing on the surface, but it likes travelers who arrive prepared.
Tips for Long-Haul Travel between London and Australia
1. Get the Paperwork Out of the Way First
Nearly everyone needs a visa to enter Australia, even if you’re planning the world’s shortest holiday. If you’re a citizen of certain countries, you can apply for an eVisitor or an Electronic Travel Authority, which are basically electronic visas you sort online.
The process isn’t complicated, but it can take longer than you expect, and there’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of realizing you forgot to apply when you’re already halfway to the airport.
Statistics show that around 363,700 people entered Australia on a temporary visitor’s visa in 2024. So, make this your first checklist item. Check which visa suits your plans, apply at least a couple of weeks ahead, and save a digital copy somewhere you can find it even when your brain is jet-lagged.
2. Health Basics You Shouldn’t Ignore
Australia is famously clean and safe when it comes to health, but that doesn’t mean you can skip precautions altogether. If you’re arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk, you must show proof of vaccination.
Even if you’re not, it’s smart to have your routine shots up to date. Also, consider travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations and medical costs if you trip over your own feet hiking in Tasmania.
And yes, it’s worth packing a small first-aid kit and some insect repellent. If you venture into the bush or the tropics, the mosquitoes will find you eventually.
3. Understanding Seasons
If you’re used to thinking of July as summer, prepare to have your internal calendar scrambled. In Australia, December to February means long, hot days, sometimes so scorching you feel your eyebrows crisping.
Winter lands in June, bringing cooler temperatures to the south and sometimes snow in the mountains.
What this means for your packing list is simple: do your homework. The country is enormous, and the weather can vary wildly between regions on the same day.
Bring layers, sun protection, and a sense of humor about the forecast because you’ll probably need all three.
4. Getting Connected (and Staying That Way)
Mobile coverage in Australian cities is generally reliable, but the moment you venture beyond the urban sprawl, you’ll find there are still pockets of no signal.
That’s where an eSIM proves its worth. You can sort it out before you leave home, and the best eSIM app will give you coverage in most populated areas without the drama of hunting for a physical SIM card after a 14-hour flight.
Having data on arrival makes it easier to check your accommodation details or message someone to say you’ve landed in one piece, which feels a lot nicer than trying to track down airport Wi-Fi with half your brain asleep.
5. The Etiquette of Being a Visitor
Australians are warm, but they appreciate a bit of courtesy. It’s common to greet people with a friendly “How ya going?” which is not necessarily an invitation to share your life story. A simple “Good, thanks” will do.
Tipping isn’t compulsory, though it’s nice to leave something extra if you’ve enjoyed the service. When someone offers to buy you a drink, consider returning the gesture later.
And a quick note about humor: Australians enjoy a bit of friendly teasing. If someone gives you a nickname, take it as a sign you’re being welcomed into the fold.
6. Moving Around a Big Country
You may have looked at a map and thought driving between cities could be a pleasant afternoon jaunt. It usually isn’t.
Distances are enormous, and once you leave the metropolitan areas, petrol stations, and food stops can be hours apart. In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, public transport is efficient, and you can get around easily with a transport card.
But if you plan to explore the coastline or venture into the Outback, renting a car is often your best option. Just remember: Australians drive on the left. It takes a little adjustment if you’re used to the right side of the road.
7. Packing Essentials (Beyond the Obvious)
You’ll need the usual suspects, passport, power adapter (Australia uses Type I plugs), sturdy shoes, but there are a few extras worth squeezing into your bag. Sunscreen is essential because the UV here can be fierce.
A reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated. A wide-brimmed hat might seem cliché, but you’ll thank yourself later.
And if you’re heading into regional areas, bring offline maps or download apps that let you navigate without a connection.
8. Experiences That Make the Trip
Most guides will tell you to see the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and Uluru. They’re right. But there’s also magic in the less obvious places.
Wander through laneways in Melbourne to discover hidden cafés and street art. Spend a day exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
If you have the chance, join a local tour that shares stories of Indigenous cultures. Australia is a country layered with history, and the more you learn, the richer your experience will be.
The Joy of Being Prepared
Australia has a way of expanding your sense of what travel can feel like. With some early planning, business visa sorted, bags packed thoughtfully, eSIM ready, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the thousands of small moments that make the trip unforgettable.
Whether you’re watching kangaroos at sunrise or sampling flat whites in a busy café, you’ll find the country has its own pace, and it’s worth slowing down to match it.
