How to book a trip to Australia

Making your dream trip a reality

Step 0 – Plan your trip!

Australia is an absolutely VAST country with a wealth of natural beauty, rich history and some of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities on the planet. Whether you want to explore the Red Centre, cruise the Whitsunday Islands, or discover the hidden laneways of Melbourne, there’s something for everyone in the Land Down Under.

Step 1 – Get a visa

Everyone planning to visit Australia needs a visa of some kind. Depending on your nationality, visas for the purposes of tourism are often either very cheap or free, and will usually be processed within a week of applying.

New Zealand passport holders are exempt from needing to apply for a visa in advance and will be given a Special Category Visa (SVC) upon arrival in Australia. Non-New Zealand passport holders will need to apply for the below tourism visas.

Note: If you are intending to work & travel in Australia - you should apply for a Working Holiday Maker visa (subclasses 417 & 462).

eVisitor (subclass 651)
Free. For multiple visits to Australia for tourism (up to three months at a time) inside a 12-month period. Available to: Passport holders from most European countries.

Electronic Travel Authority visa (ETA) (subclass 601)
$20AUD service charge (for online applications which should be made using an APP). For multiple visits to Australia for tourism (up to three months at a time) inside a 12-month period. Available to: Passport holders from a long list of Asian and European countries, as well as the United States and Canada.

Visitor visa (subclass 600)
$370AUD+. Allows multiple visits to Australia for tourism (up to three months at a time) inside a 12-month period. Available to: Everyone else not eligible for the above visas.

Find out more about Australian visa requirements for visitors. 

Step 2 – Book your trip!

The main things you'll need to book are: Flights, activities/tours, accommodation and transport.

Flights – When booking flights, it's can be a good idea to make sure everything is refundable so you can stay flexible. Read the fine print on your ticket carefully if circumstances change your plans! 

Activities/Tours – There's tons of options for tours and experiences, and YHA has a bunch of sweet deals to hook you up with! From a guided walk through the historical city centre all the way to an epic overland journey through the outback, there's sure to be something to tickle your fancy. Prefer to chart your own path? Check out some of the amazing experiences available in your area. Remember – be sure to book any multi-day tours BEFORE finalising your accommodation, because many of them include overnight stays in the overall cost.

Accommodation – With clean, affordable rooms in spectacular locations all across Australia, YHA should be your go-to when picking out your lodgings Down Under. Take a look at our full list of locations – just be sure to book well in advance to secure the best rate and avoid disappointment. 

Note: Right after booking everything is when you should pick up any travel insurance you'll be purchasing. YHA recommends World Nomads for any travellers visiting Australia, but there are plenty of options out there depending on your risk tolerance and budget. Also take this juncture to let a family member or friend know about your itinerary so they can contact you in an emergency.

Step 3 – Fill out your travel declaration

Before departing for Australia, you must complete a Australia Travel Declaration (at least 72 hours prior). 

Step 4 – Depart for your Aussie adventure

Now for the exciting bit – lift off!

Congratulations! You're now in the air and on your way to Australia! An untamed land nearly equal in size to the whole of Europe is waiting for you, so as soon as you land, get out there and explore what this vast country has to offer! And wear sunscreen!

Information last updated 12 Jul 2023

While every effort has been made to ensure correct information, YHA Australia does not take responsibility for any errors or omissions or any loss or inconvenience suffered by any person resulting from information published on this page.