The sun in Australia is fearsome.

If you arrive when it is hot then you need to be very careful of the sun (especially if you are coming form the UK). The heat is one thing but the intensity of the sun is MUCH stronger due to the proximity of the hole in the Ozone Layer.

To put this in perspective, 3 people die across Australia every day from skin cancer. Trust us when we say it is a serious issue.

If you learn how to surf then a rash vest or "Rashie" is essential to protect you from the sun.

Please read

• Factor 30 is the most common sun cream and it often hard to find anything below that. You probably shouldn’t use anything below this until you are used to the sun. Remember you are going to be here for a while so you don’t need an instant tan and it is more important to look after your skin (we're not trying to sound like your mother!!)
• The “Cancer Council of Australia” has a range of sun creams that are both both extremely effective and great value for money.
• See this Top Tip