Arriving in Australia

• General Information
• Australian Immigration
• Australian Customs Service
• Arrivals Hall

General Information

You should fly into Sydney International Airport (SYD) which is the closest international airport to Wollongong. 

Visit Sydney International Airport for more information.

Wollongong is located 80 kilometres from Sydney and is easily accessible by road and rail. 

Location Map

Australian Immigration

When you first arrive in Australia, you will be required to make your way through Australian Immigration (follow the signs for Arriving Passengers as you leave the airplane). An Immigration Officer will ask to see your completed Incoming Passenger Card (given to you on the plane) along with your passport and student visa. You should also be prepared to show the Immigration Officer a copy of your offer letter, eCOE and evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while studying (e.g. bank statements) if requested. The Immigration Officer will check your documents and may also ask you a few questions about your plans for your time in Australia.

Click here for more information about the immigration process and passenger cards.

Australian Customs Service

Australian Customs and Quarantine restrictions are very strict: you must not bring prohibited drugs, food or plants into Australia. If you have any goods of plant or animal origin, you must declare them on the Traveler’s Statement (given to you on the plane) which acts as your Customs declaration. If you are in doubt about what to declare you should ask a Customs Officer as there are serious penalties (including large fines and jail terms) for people who make false declarations.

For further information visit the Australian Customs Service.

Arrivals Hall

You will be able to leave the restricted area and enter the Arrivals Hall after you have cleared Customs. Here you will find a number of retail and food outlets along with public telephones, a Traveler’s Advisory Bureau and money exchange facilities. If you are arriving on a weekend, you may like to change currency at the airport as most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Last reviewed: 13 May, 2008