How does the Australian visa work, also is Uluru/Kata Tjuta worth visiting?

Question

I'm an American travelling to Australia in November. I was told that a visa can be issued electronically with my electronic ticket for $20. When I arrive in Australia is my passport then stamped with the entry visa on arrival? Also, going to Uluru (Ayers Rock) seems expensive. Worth the time and money? How about Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)?

Answer 1

Australia handles all visa's and entry / exit electronically, we don't actually stamp passports unless you ask (as a momento if you like).

It depends on how much time you are spending, Uluru is quite a sight. There's alot of quite interesting parks and wildlife in the Northern Territory, you don't have to drive far from Uluru to realise you are in the middle of Australia and a long way from civilisation.

If you're just going to visit it alone, it's probably expensive because it is a long way from any major city. You might as well see the Olgas while you are there. Best time is probably April > August, it gets quite humid and hot after that.

Answer 2

Nope.

An Electronic Travel Authority visa is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport. You'll be a able to travel anywhere in Australia for 12 months, 3 months maximum length of each visit.