Essential Things to Do Upon Arrival in Australia: Your First Steps to Starting a New Life
Starting life as a new immigrant in Australia is both exciting and overwhelming. The idea of beginning from scratch can feel intimidating—but with the right steps, you can start this new chapter smoothly and confidently.
I still remember the day we landed in Melbourne. We were filled with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement for the opportunities ahead, anxiety about the unknown, and sadness for the family we left behind. Even though we had relatives already living in Melbourne who helped ease our transition, we quickly learned that those first few days in Australia still required clear focus and planning.
Whether you’ve just arrived or are preparing for the move, this guide outlines the key things to do upon arrival in Australia—from setting up your essentials to navigating your first local tasks. These early steps laid the groundwork for our life here, and I hope they’ll help you too.
Hence, if you’re wondering what to do when you first arrive in Australia, here are 9 essential first steps every new immigrant should take—based on our real experience.
1. Rest and Recharge: Recover Your Energy
After the whirlwind of travel, rest was our top priority. Even though our flight from the Philippines was just eight hours, we were exhausted, especially with a two-year-old in tow. I remember collapsing into bed and sleeping almost the entire day after we arrived. Rest is essential—not just to recover from the flight but to prepare for the busy days ahead. You’ll need all the energy you can get to tackle the many tasks of setting up your new life.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush into action the moment you land. Take at least a day to rest, adjust to the time zone, and recharge your batteries.
2. Buy Some Food: Settling the Basics
One of the first things we did upon arrival was head out to buy groceries. With our family staying at my sister-in-law’s house, food was a top priority—especially since it was our first experience with Australian shopping hours, which often end by 5:00 PM. Unlike back home, many shops close early, so it’s good to know your options for supermarkets that stay open later.
Pro Tip: Look for 24-hour supermarkets or those with extended hours to avoid last-minute rushes, especially during your first few weeks.
3. Get Connected: Buy a Prepaid SIM Card
Staying connected is essential, especially when you’ve just arrived in a new country. One of our first purchases was a prepaid SIM card, which allowed us to keep in touch with family back home and stay connected locally. You’ll need a local number for everything—from job applications to opening bank accounts and accessing government services.
Pro Tip: Compare prepaid SIM options at the airport or local convenience stores. Look for plans with good data deals since you’ll likely be using maps and apps a lot in the beginning.
4. Open a Bank Account: Secure Your Finances
Opening a bank account is a critical step in setting up your new life in Australia. We visited a nearby bank branch, documents in hand, to get our accounts sorted. Most banks require your passport, visa, and proof of address, so make sure you have these on hand. Setting up your bank account early allows you to manage your finances better and provides a safe place to deposit funds, including any benefits or payments you may receive.
Pro Tip: Compare banks to find one that offers low fees, good online banking options, and accounts that cater to new arrivals.
5. Visit Centrelink: Understand Your Benefits
Centrelink plays a crucial role in supporting new immigrants with various benefits, including family tax benefits for those with dependent children. We visited the nearest Centrelink office soon after arriving to apply for a Customer Reference Number (CRN) and learn about available assistance. Having a CRN is essential for accessing social services, so this step is important even if you don’t think you’ll need support right away.
Pro Tip: Check Centrelink’s website to see what you might be eligible for and prepare the necessary documents to streamline your application process.
6. Enroll in Medicare: Access Public Health Services
Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system, providing free or subsidized access to a range of medical services. One of the first things we did upon arrival was enroll in Medicare to ensure we had access to essential health services. We filled out the necessary forms, submitted our supporting documents, and received our Medicare cards within a few days.
Pro Tip: Apply for Medicare as soon as possible—you never know when you’ll need medical assistance, and having your card ready will make the process smoother.
7. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN): Get Ready to Work
A Tax File Number (TFN) is essential for working in Australia and managing your tax affairs. Your TFN is a unique identifier used by employers, banks, and the government, so applying for it early is crucial. It’s easy to apply online, and having your TFN ready will make it easier to start your job search and handle any superannuation (retirement fund) requirements.
Pro Tip: Apply for your TFN online as soon as you can—it’s free and takes just a few minutes to complete the application.
8. Convert Your Overseas Driver’s Licence: Hit the Road
Converting your overseas driver’s license is a process that can take some time, but it’s worth starting as soon as you arrive. Although we held international licenses, we needed to take additional tests before we could legally drive in Victoria. This included online exams and a practical driving test to ensure we met local requirements.
Pro Tip: Check the rules for your specific state, as requirements can vary. Book your tests early to avoid long wait times.
9. Familiarize Yourself with Your New Home: Explore and Adjust
One of the most exciting parts of our arrival was exploring our new surroundings. From local shops and parks to getting familiar with public transport, taking the time to understand our area helped us feel more at home. We also started picking up on Australian slang and customs, which made integrating into our community easier.
Pro Tip: Use public transport, visit local markets, and engage with your neighbors. The more you explore, the more confident you’ll feel navigating your new environment.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey of Starting Anew
Starting your new life in Australia is filled with both challenges and meaningful milestones. The initial steps you take after arrival—like setting up your TFN, bank account, and Medicare—create the foundation for long-term success and peace of mind.
Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming at first. Take one task at a time, lean on available resources, and remind yourself how far you’ve already come.
Want more practical tips? Visit our Settling in Australia section or explore guides on finding a rental and setting up an emergency fund.
You’re not alone—and this is just the beginning of your amazing journey in Australia. Welcome!