Australia Today
The Australian Government has launched a new initiative to raise awareness among young people travelling overseas for celebrations after finishing Year 12. The new interactive tool TravelSmarts is available through the government’s Smartraveller service and aims to help young people recognise potential risks and prepare for their trip.
According to the government’s announcement on 9 October 2026, the initiative provides information on drink spiking, methanol poisoning, differences in overseas laws, travel insurance and the importance of staying in touch with family while travelling. The government has urged young people to check official advice for their destination before heading overseas and familiarise themselves with potential risks.
A key message is that laws overseas can differ considerably from those in Australia. Conduct that is legal or commonplace in Australia may be prohibited in another country and carry legal consequences. Young travellers are therefore encouraged to read destination-specific warnings and advice on the Smartraveller website before leaving.
Appropriate travel insurance is another central recommendation. Young people and their families should check the policy’s coverage before buying it and ensure it covers the activities they plan to undertake. Maintaining regular contact with family and sharing travel plans can also be crucial in an emergency.
The information is also useful for Afghan, Iranian and other migrant families in Australia, particularly those whose Year 12 children are travelling overseas without their parents for the first time. Before departure, parents can review Smartraveller advice, insurance coverage, destination laws and emergency contact arrangements with their children.
TravelSmarts is an Australian Government safety and awareness tool, rather than a compulsory program or a new travel law. People planning an overseas trip should use it alongside the latest official advice and warnings for their destination, both before departure and during their travels.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, 9 October 2026.
