The first thing is to apply for a visa. This will probably be a Tourist Visa if you are just going on holiday, though other types are now possible such as the Electronic Travel Authority - if you click here you can see the different visa types available and who to contact if you need to ask questions.

Once your visa, tickets and passport are in order, you can start planning your trip. The currency is the Australian dollar; you can buy these before you leave or on arrival. Travellers' cheques are accepted in most banks, and major credit cards are accepted in most places.

If you come from the northern hemisphere. don't forget that winter is in June to August and summer starts around December. A great many tourists go to Australia in the summer (ie, December to February) but you may find many places are hot, crowded and expensive at this time. Spring and autumn are probably the best times.

You can learn more about planning your visit here.