FAQs
Question
Do I need a visa?
Answer
Yes, you will need to apply for a visa and we suggest doing this NOW. We recommend the Electronic Travel Authority Visa (Subclass 601 - ETA) https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601. In most cases you will be notified of the result of your ETA application immediately or within 24 hours, however, they can take between 2-3 weeks so apply as soon as possible. However, please check your passport eligibility and travel requirements before applying. Please allow sufficient time to get your visa approved as you will not be allowed to travel into Australia without one.
Question
Are there tips for getting decent flight prices to Australia from the US?
Answer
We now consider ourselves quite seasoned travellers having gone back and forth to the US nearly a dozen times. Flight prices from major hubs can vary and go up and down weekly, however you should aim for prices between $700-$900 USD roundtrip to Sydney. LAX and SFO usually have prices within this range, so if you are on a budget, you may consider taking a cheap domestic flight to get yourself to one of these hubs (of course giving yourself plenty of connection time). It should be completely feasible to find a roundtrip under $1k from a hub, so set flight alerts and see if you have flexibility on your dates of travel. We promise, the 14-15 hours (direct from CA) actually goes by quickly! Sit back, enjoy a couple movies, and rest up before the fun!
Question
When should I fly to arrive in time for the wedding?
Answer
If you are joining us from overseas, please note that due to the international dateline, usually you will get +2 days added onto your arrival time. However upon your return to the US, you arrive the same day that you depart (ie depart Sydney 3pm on Sun Nov 3rd, arrive to LAX at ~8am on Sun Nov 3rd...yay time travel!). That being said, to ensure you give yourself time to settle in from jetlag and not be rushed for our wedding, we suggest you fly between Friday October 25th or Saturday Oct 26th, which would have you arrive in Sydney on Sun Oct 27th or Mon Oct 28th. As our wedding festivities begin on Tuesday October 29th, we do not suggest arriving on this day if you'd like to have a relaxed transition to Australia. You are of course welcome to come earlier and stay later to explore the region!
Question
Is there a shuttle service?
Answer
Yes, we are organizing a shuttle service from a central location in Sydney to KVBR based on demand from our survey (charged at ~ $35USD per person roundtrip). This will pick you up on Tuesday October 29th and return you to Sydney on Thursday October 31st. Additionally, there will be a smaller complimentary shuttle that we will provide on the day of the wedding for anyone wanting to get offsite from the venue to explore Kangaroo Valley town and will later take people back to the venue. Please see the Travel & Accommodation page for more updated information.
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
Due to constraints in numbers for our destination wedding, please clear with us first to see if we have space for your +1.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Kids are welcome but please let us know how many we should expect as soon as you are able to confirm.
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
Welcome to Sydney, all of you out-of-towners! It will be SPRING here in Australia which means warms days with potentially chilly evenings with a high of 23C/74F and with a low of 11C/52F . There is a chance of rain, but fingers crossed it will be dry!
Question
Where should I park?
Answer
There is plenty of free parking on site.
Question
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
Answer
Yes, the venue is wonderfully accessible! We can work with the venue for anyone needing assistance getting around the property.
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Answer
Our wedding ceremony is outdoors, but our reception will be inside. In the event of wet weather, the venue has provisions so everyone gets a dry seat and large umbrellas.
Question
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
Answer
The venue is primarily outdoors with dirt paths connecting various buildings to the ceremony site. Wear shoes with decent grip that you will be comfortable in. (Wedges or sandals are fine but avoid stiletto heels).
Question
Do I need cash for traveling around Australia?
Answer
In Australia, just about everywhere accepts card payments with most Aussies electing to tap their card, phone, or smart watch. There are plenty of ATMs around Sydney if you decide you want to use cash. However there are by far more "cashless" establishments than "cash only" establishments.
Question
Is there public transportation available from the airport to the venue?
Answer
In general, public transportation in Sydney is quite great. You can simply tap your phone or credit card to take buses, trains, and ferries throughout the city. However, as our wedding venue is 2 hours from Sydney, we suggest you do not use public transit if you're hoping for efficiency. Although there are trains that run from near the airport and Sydney CBD down south to North Nowra and buses from there to Kangaroo Valley, it could take up to 6 hours or more. If you are choosing this option, please ensure you are aware of transit schedules. We would encourage everyone to consider renting a car, carpooling, or utilizing the ticketed shuttle service we are organizing (you will need to just get yourself to the centrally located pickup point, and for that public transit should be fine!).
Question
Aussie Culture Pointers
Answer
Aus is NOT a tipping culture. You are not expected to tip at restaurants or other service establishments, and as Aussies do not, we suggest you follow suit. On that note, at most restaurants do not expect to be waited on or have your water refilled, you usually have to go up and ask. Sydney is a very SAFE city. Use common sense, however there is no need to feel worried using public transit or walking at night. Pub drinks on tap: You can order your usual pint, or the more common (one size smaller) is the SCHOONER (pronounced skoo-ner) Feel free to greet locals with a G'day Mate or a How ya going?
