The ETA, the sun, and the distances

Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authority or an eVisitor visa, applied for on the official immigration site before flying. The sun is stronger than in Europe or North America: the UV index hits extreme by mid-morning in summer, so a hat, sunscreen, and shade are not optional. The country is as wide as the continental United States; Sydney to Perth is a five-hour flight, and Sydney to Melbourne, the closest big pair, is an hour's flight or a long day's drive.