Diversion Dive Travel - Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQ are written as a checklist for your trip preparation. It is not going to replace a travel guide where you find more in depth information.

Some items like rates or schedules may change without notice. So please don't take it as gospel and double-check before you travel. Should you find information here that is outdated or wrong, please e-mail us and let us know.

Is Australia a safe place to travel?
Do I need a Passport or Visa?
When is the best time to visit and dive in Australia?
Do I need vaccinations before I travel to Australia?
What do I need to know about the currency?
Will my electrical appliances/computer/chargers etc. work in Australia?
Can I use my drivers' licence to hire a car?
Should I bring any special clothing?
How much tips do I need to give?
What is the time difference to Australia?
Are airport transfers included?

Is Australia a safe place to travel?
Australia must be one of the safest places in the world. People are very friendly, approachable and have a reputation for their inviting friendliness. If you use common sense and normal caution chances are good that you will feel safer in Australia then back home.

Do I need a Passport or Visa?
To travel to Australia (also on stopovers) you need a valid passport and a "Electronic Travel Authority" (ETA), which can be issued free of charge on the spot by all airline-ticketing offices or the Travel Agent that is making your flight arrangements into Australia. If you purchase your air ticket through DIVERSION DIVE TRAVEL, we can also issue your ETA. Online information regarding your eligibility for an ETA can be found at: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/tourist.htm

When is the best time to visit and dive in Australia?
The good thing about Australia is that it is so big, that there is always a place where it is summer. Being on the southern half of the planet, our seasons are reversed, Christmas is our summer, whereas skiing happens in June in South Australia!

So it will depend a lot on your activities to answer this question. In general Australia is great for travel and diving all year round, especially up north in the tropics at the Great Barrier Reef.

The majority of divers visit the Great Barrier Reef between the Far Northern section and the southern Great Barrier Reef section (Townsville). For this reason we have compiled weather information for divers about this area. Please check directly with us for other regional info about current weather conditions.

Even in tropical Northern Australia there are 4 seasons! They are not as distinctly different as in the Northern Hemisphere, but we have them: Spring: Sep-Nov, Summer: Dec-Feb, Autumn: March-May, Winter: June-Aug

Diving conditions are usually best from late August to early December. The tropical monsoon season is January-March and cyclones can occur then. Winds: Between May and August usually strongest.

Average Weather Chart for North Queensland

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Water Temperature

C
F

28
84

25
80

22
72

23
74

25
79

26
80

27
82

Air Temperature

Average 1 to 2 degrees higher than water temperature

Rain

most
rain

bit
rain

least
rain

bit
rain

Least Wind in FNQ

GBR Best
Visibility

Coral Sea Best Visibility

Recommended Wetsuit Options

3mm*
1/8 inch

5mm
1/4 inch

3mm
1/8 inch

3mm*
1/8
inch

*During these months a lycra suit (stinger suit) might be enough for most divers

Do I need vaccinations before I travel to Australia?
North Queensland and the Northern Territories belong to the few tropical areas in the world, where malaria does not exist. There are isolated cases of dengue fever and other rare tropical diseases, but there is no need for special prophylactic treatments or vaccinations.

All other parts of Australia with moderate climates further south don't require any special attention at all. Just make sure you keep your usual immunisations current, which you should have anyway (eg. polio, tetanus). It is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance cover for Australia.

What do I need to know about the currency?
The Australian Dollar is a very stable currency. Traveller cheques and credit cards are the way to go. Preferably: Visa and Master cards, AMEX and Diners are not accepted in some places. If your bank account is linked to the CIRRUS MAESTRO worldwide ATM network, you can use your bank key-card to get cash in Australia. Check with your bank for details. Banks in Australia are open Mo-Tue 9.30 am to 4 PM, Fridays until 5 PM. Most tourist centres have currency exchange locations which are open late into the evenings and on weekends.

Will my electrical appliances/computer/chargers etc. work in Australia?
Voltage in Australia is 240/250Volt. 220V appliances usually work without problems. You have to bring a special adapter for the 3-pronged sockets used in Australia.

Can I use my drivers licence to hire a car?
Australians drive their cars on the left hand side of the road. Most people do get used to it quickly. To legally hire a car a valid national car drivers licence (in English) or a international drivers licence is needed. Some hire companies request a minimum age of 21.

Should I bring any special clothing?
You all might have seen the movie "Crocodile Dundee" - the khaki safari look has been popular with tourists ever since. However, unless you are really travelling off the beaten track, comfortable casual leisurewear is all what is needed. Make sure to check the climate zones - winter in Melbourne and Tasmania (Jun/Jul) is really cold! All over Australia, you should be careful with sun exposure. Get a hat with broad rim and make sure you always protect your skin with sunscreen (15+).

How much do I need to tip?
Good news: No one in Australia demands any tips for services rendered. Tips have never been part of the culture. That said, people always like to be rewarded for very good service. Give as much or little as you see fit. Tipping on dive boats is appreciated but never expected.

What time zones does Australia belong to?
On the top right corner of this webpage you see the current local time in Cairns, Queensland. Just calculate the difference to your local time.

Like with all countries this size, Australian cities are located in different time zones: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania are part of the Eastern Standard Time zone (GMT + 10). Western Australia is 2 hours behind (GMT+8), South Australia and Northern Territory are ½ hour behind (GMT +9.5). Travel schedules are always stated in local time.

Are airport transfers included?
Some hotels, cruises or tour operators do offer complementary pick up services from the airport. This will be marked clearly in the product description. Should there be no pre- arranged transfer service, all Australian airports offer very reliable and affordable taxi or regularly scheduled transfer bus services. Be aware that transfer buses sometimes stop at other hotels first before reaching your accommodationl. Following is a list of approximate taxi fares from the airport to downtown for several places you might visit (as of Dec 2001).