Post event coverage – ACT National Multicultural Festival

ACT National Multicultural Festival – Where diversity takes centre stage!

From the 16th to 18th of February 2024, the ACT National Multicultural Festival shone a spotlight on culture. It showcased the beauty of unity in diversity within the heart of Canberra.

The iconic 3-day event, brought together more than 170 multicultural communities to share their culture, history and heritage through food, art, song, and dance.

The Multicultural Festival, sponsored by the Australian Government’s Smartraveller saw over 380,000 people visit the event.

Anyone who felt inspired to travel overseas after visiting the festival are encouraged to make Smartraveller their first destination. It provides Australians with the information they need to prepare and plan for their overseas trip and make informed choices.

This includes advice on passports, visas, and travel insurance through to detailed travel advice on over 175 destinations. It also offers essential resources in multiple languages.

“Ensuring the safety of our children during solo travels is an important consideration. Smartraveller has proven to be a dependable resource, offering useful guidance, and providing a sense of reassurance whilst our kids navigate their journey” commented one festival goer.

Another festival goer commented that “Using Smartraveller was simply common sense. The information it provided was not only current but also incredibly practical. It’s like having a reliable companion that keeps you informed and ensures your travel decisions are grounded in real-time insights.“

Smartraveller’s travel tips for your future overseas adventures:

• Research and confirm visa and entry requirements for your destination. Reach out to the relevant embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.
• Consult a doctor to learn about recommended vaccinations and health precautions for your destination. Check your medication’s legality and requirements.
• Don’t forget your travel insurance and make sure you read the fine print on your policy.
• Be aware of how dual nationality may affect your travel plans and consular services.
• Respect the laws of the country you’re visiting, as they may differ from those in Australia.
• Be mindful of the culture and places of significance in the regions you explore. This includes wearing appropriate clothing at places such as temples.
• Use social media responsibly, as posting sensitive content or comments on political issues can have consequences in some countries.
• If traveling alone, take extra precautions, such as using official transport and not disclosing that you’re travelling solo.
• Keep your bags and belongings close – don’t leave them on the ground or the back of a seat. This gives thieves a perfect opportunity to steal them.
• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary and insurance details with someone back in Australia.
• If you don’t already have a passport allow six weeks to renew or apply.

Future travellers are encouraged to read the Consular Services Charter on Smartraveller https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/consular-services-charter

It’s a great resource for understanding what the Australian Government can and cannot do to assist travellers overseas.

Travellers should align their travel insurance decisions with the advice level of their destination and the activities they are doing.

For more information about Smartraveller and to access their travel advice please visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/communities