Australia is known for its phenomenal level of sport. From rugby to cricket, hockey, tennis and netball, Australia proves that they strive to be the best. This country makes for a great multi-sport destination. Australia is one of the most interesting continents around. Australia is also undeniably one of the most spectacular stretches of coast anywhere on Earth. The Australian Outback is one of the most unique and surreal places to visit. Imagine a land of bright red earth littered with white sand dunes and the occasional canyon full of trickling waterfalls and aboriginal cave drawings.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

South African passport holders can now apply for an Australian visa online. Australia issues a label free visa and it is not necessary to submit a physical passport. A minimum of 30 days are required to process this application. Required documents below (these are the basics that apply to most other short stay visas):

• Current valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• A recent passport sized photo (not older than 6 months).
• A copy or printout of transfer receipt showing payment of the applicable fees.

Visa Cost: AUD40 + a R900 service fee

Compulsory Vaccinations Required: Conditional.

Please note: Visa and vaccination information is correct at time of publish and are subject to change

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Winter Sports – June/July

Summer sports – September/October

Cultural – Anytime during the year as Australia has similar school holidays and weather to South Africa i.e: March/April/June/July/September

AREAS TO VISIT AND THEIR MAIN ATTRACTIONS

SYDNEY

The waterside city of Sydney is a glittering metropolis of boats, bays and beaches, with world-famous landmarks that shouldn’t be missed. The stark white sails of the Sydney Opera House and the steel magnificence of Sydney Harbour are on the bucket list of every traveller to Australia.

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, Australia. It is one of the 20th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings.

For a breathtaking (and free) 360-degree view, a visit to Observatory Hill is a must. Originally built to accurately tell the time via astronomical observations, the signal ball on the roof still drops at exactly 1pm. You can take a tour of the observatory, or even a stargazing class at night.

Bondi Beach adorns postcards and Instagram pages everywhere, and is no disappointment to those who want to soak up that sought-after Australian sunshine. Stretch out on the golden sand and people-watch, throw a frisbee around, take a dip in the turquoise waves and get an ice cream to cool off as the sun begins to set. It’s the perfect, quintessential Aussie day out.

MELBOURNE

The six-time world’s most livable city is also one of the best to visit, as it offers a diverse range of attractions. A giant observation wheel, sacred sports ground, museums, historical prisons and the oldest building in Australia.

Located in the Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere. Roam beneath towering dinosaurs, discover the Melbourne story, see indigenous artifacts at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, stroll through the living Forest Gallery and come face to face with Phar Lap.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are internationally renowned botanical gardens located near the centre of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on the south bank of the Yarra River. Obscured by Melbourne’s urban jungle, Melbourne Gardens is a 94-acre sanctuary comprising of 10,000 native and exotic plant species, selected for their value, rarity and diversity.

Built to honour the Victorians who served during World War I, the Shrine of Remembrance has since become a memorial to all Australians who have served in war. Open daily, the Shrine is a place for solitude and reverence, and exhibitions including Galleries of Remembrance offers a glimpse into the Australian military service.