When you retire, you’ll likely have a long list of things you’d love to do. This may include trying new experiences, spending more time with family or heading off on a trip of a lifetime. If the latter is what you’ve got planned for your retirement, we’re here to tell you why we believe Australia is the place to go! 

Australia attracted over 5.43 million visitors in 2023, the most since the country went into a strong lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the country now back open for tourists, there is no better time to start planning your epic getaway to this wonderful country. 

If you need help planning this trip, our guide below can help. We’ll look at some of the things you need to be aware of when visiting Australia and the must-see parts for you to visit. Read on to find out more.

Everything you need to know before entering Australia 

• The flight to Australia is extremely long and typically requires a layover
• Australia is an expensive country to visit, so your trip could be expensive. As you’re retired, you may decide to try equity release to get all the funds you need to make the most of your trip
• You need a visa to enter and there are several other rules to follow, which can be found on the government’s travel advice page for Australia.

Top tips for navigating Australia when you’re retired

Get prepared 

Preparation is key when visiting Australia and it can help to save both time and money. Start by booking your flights and accommodation well in advance to get the best value for money. Next, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to enter the country well ahead of your visit to reduce your stress. 

We also recommend that you do plenty of research during the planning stage, so you can be confident that you’ll enjoy the places you’re visiting. 

Get your finances in order 

Australia uses its own dollar, so you’ll need to get some of this cash before you touch down. Paying by card overseas may have extra fees, so using cash can help you enjoy the best value. 

If you do plan on using your debit or credit cards, inform your bank of the days you’ll be away. This will ensure they don’t see your spending over there as suspicious and block your card from making payments.

Medical advice 

You may face plenty of challenges in the Australian climate, so make sure you do the following to stay healthy during your visit:

• Get plenty of sleep and plan rest days 
• Drink plenty of fluids 
• Try to maintain a balanced diet
• Avoid dangerous animals and seek medical advice if you’re bitten by anything
• Stay as active as possible