Marina & Brendan

We’re so excited to welcome friends and family from 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇺🇸 US, 🇷🇴 Romania, obviously 🇦🇺 Australia and beyond! Here’s some practical info to make the trip smooth.

✈️ Travel & Flights

The closest international airport is Brisbane Airport (BNE). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Toowoomba (approx. 2 – 2.5 hrs) --> Find more details here .

🛂 Visas

Spain, UK and US are part of Australia’s ETA (electronic Travel Authority program. How to apply for this ETA here it costs AUD20 and approvals typically arrive within 24 hours if there was no mistakes made in the application ( you have a year to use it).

💱 Currency & Payments

Australia uses AUD ($). Cards are widely accepted. Tipping isn’t expected, but appreciated for great service.

🕒 Timezone & Plugs

Queensland is on AEST (UTC +10). Power plugs are Type I (230V, 50Hz). Bring a travel adapter if needed.

📍 Getting to the Venue

Adora Downs is in Mt Tyson, ~40 minutes west of Toowoomba. A car is easiest; we’ll help coordinate rides where possible.

📶 SIM at the Airport

In Brisbane Airport (Arrivals), you’ll usually find mobile counters selling prepaid visitor SIMs (Optus/Vodafone). If you want Telstra (best rural coverage), the quickest option is to activate a Telstra eSIM on the airport Wi-Fi using the My Telstra app with your passport. Prefer a physical Telstra SIM? Pick one up in Brisbane, Toowoomba or Pittsworth at a Telstra store, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, major supermarkets (like Woolworths), or Australia Post.

• Bring: Unlocked phone + passport for ID
• Plans: 28-day packs with data + AU calls/texts
• eSIM: Fast activation if your phone supports it

📶 Telstra Pre-Paid SIMs & eSIMs

• Best options on arrival: At BNE’s International Terminal Level 2 (before security) you’ll find official Optus and Vodafone stores with traveller SIMs.
• Telstra specifically: Easiest is to buy a Telstra Pre-Paid eSIM online and activate in the My Telstra app, or pick up a physical SIM at a Telstra store or Woolworths Supermarket / major retailer in Brisbane after you land. See Telstra’s traveller SIM info here.
• ID to activate: Australian law requires an ID check for prepaid services (your passport works). Telstra’s ID options are listed here.
• Tip: Airport Wi-Fi is free — you can install the app and activate your eSIM right away.

🚘 Driving in Australia (Queensland) as a Tourist

• Overseas licence: Visitors can drive in Queensland with a valid overseas licence. If it isn’t in English, carry an English translation (e.g., by a NAATI-certified, find your certified translator here) or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Carry your docs: Always carry your physical licence and the translation/IDP when driving.

Key differences vs Spain:

• 🇦🇺 Australia drives on the left; overtake on the right. Road signs and speeds are in km/h (same units as Spain).
• Alcohol limits: In QLD, open-licence drivers must be under 0.05% BAC; learner/provisional drivers must be 0.00%. Spain’s general limit is also 0.05% (lower for new/professional drivers).
• Phones: Holding a phone while driving is illegal in QLD (even when stopped). Spain also strictly penalises handheld phone use (fines and licence points).

🧳 What you can’t bring into Australia (declare, declare, declare!)

Australia’s biosecurity is very strict. You must declare all food, plant and animal products on arrival. Many items are prohibited or require permits/certificates.

• Spanish ham (jamón ibérico/serrano, prosciutto): Generally not permitted for travellers unless it meets very specific import conditions with official certification — assume it will be confiscated if you bring it.
• Seeds, fresh fruit/veg, meat, eggs, dairy, honey, live plants: Usually prohibited or tightly restricted. Don’t pack them.
• Commercially packaged snacks (sealed, shelf-stable) may be allowed but must be declared; border officers will decide.

🎁 Duty-free allowances (18+)

• Alcohol: up to 2.25 L total per person.
• Tobacco: up to 25 cigarettes or 25 g of tobacco per person.
• General goods: up to AUD 900 per adult (AUD 450 for under 18s).
• If unsure — declare it. Penalties apply for undeclared items.

📱 Communication

We’ll coordinate via WhatsApp or Messenger. Airport SIM options are available, and eSIMs work great if your phone supports them.

📞 Emergency Info

• Emergency (police/medical/fire): 000

🇦🇺 Language Tips

Most Australians speak casual English. We’ll be on hand to help — and remember, “thongs” = flip-flops! 😄