En bonne française qui va rendre visite à 2 françaises gourmandes, j'aimerais leur faire la surprise d'amener une terrine de foie gras... je sais que c'est interdit mais... en bonne française je veux passer outre...😊😛
Je pars du principe et de l'expérience qu'on ne m'a jamais fait ouvrir mes bagages de soute (je sais que ça arrive mais je compte sur ma bonne étoile) et donc j'aimerais tenter le coup. Je me dit, au pire la douane le trouve et je perd ma surprise et 16 € 😕, au mieux ça passe et BINGO ! 😏
Sauf que...j'aimerais ne pas prendre le risque de pire...une amende ?
Je pense que d'autres vilains français rebelles ont déjà du essayer (ma collègue en a fait passer avec du fromage, si si, en Chine ! 😮), et donc merci de vos conseils !
J'aimerais aussi emporter une bonne bouteille mais ça c plus lourd et puis il y en a en Australie.
Tous les bagages sont contrôlés ou inspectés aux rayons X à leur arrivée en Australie par les agents du service de quarantaine et des chiens détecteurs. Si vous ne déclarez ou ne jetez pas des articles soumis aux règles de quarantaine, ou faites une fausse déclaration : • vous vous ferez prendre ; • vous serez passible d’une amende de 220 AUD payable sur le champ ; ou • vous serez passible de poursuites, d’une amende de plus de 60 000 AUD et d’une peine d’emprisonnement de 10 ans.
MERDE et REMERDE !
Ca se détecte une bocal... en verre + les attaches en métal ?
Ils sont vraiment si méchants que ça ou c'est juste pour faire peur ?
Bon...je crois que je poursuis un espoir fou... 🤪
D'après ce que je lis sur le doc des douanes, on peut amener du foie gras en conserve mais il faut le déclarer.
Quelqu'un l'a t'il fait ? Est ce que ça passe tout seul en déclarant, bref ça prend pas des heures ? 🏴☠️
J'ai lu aussi qu'il fallait déclarer le matériel de pêche...mon ami veut emporter sa canne ! 🤪
T'amuse pas à ce genre de truc, ça pourrais te gacher le début de tes vacances. Moi ils ont même vérifier l'état de mes baskettes au retour de la NZ. Ca risque de passer si tu veux payer.
En plus des chiens ils passent tout aux RX et si ils ont le moindre doute ils te font ouvrir ton sac.
J'avais acheté en pharmacie en NZ un petit sac contenant je ne sais quoi, à mettre dans un micro- onde pour le réchauffer et l'utiliser pour soulager une articulation douloureuse. Je l'avais mis dans mon sac, puis plus ou moins oubliez, à al douane Australienne ils l'ont détecté, ouvert au canif et zut c'était des graines, alors je pouvais le récupérer pour 70$ ou le jeter. Alors payer un truc 70$ d'amande alors que tu l'as payé 9$ NZ et quand plus tu ne peux plus le réutiliser... j'ai jeté.
Tu me diras aussi que là c'est une affaire de fric purement et simplement, car pourquoi faire tout un plat, faut pas improter de graines, de fruits... pour protéger le pays, ce que je comprends, mais si tu paye, ça passe, pas logique.
Je crois que je vais prendre en photo la terrine, et qu'on salivera dessus en attendant leur retour chez nous ! 😛😕
C trop con ce qui t'es arrivé, c vraiment disproportionné. Je sais aussi pourquoi il faut être strict mais pas besoin des touristes, il y a les bateaux, les oiseaux, etc. surtt quand on voit qu'il suffit de payer pour que ça passe...🤪😠
Je crois aussi qu'on louera la canne à pêche sur place...
Bon, ben, à qque chose malheur est bon comme je dit tjs : on voyagera plus léger ! 😐
deedou, va voir sur les forums de downunder.com, il y a eu une discussion spécifique sur le foie gras dont il ressort qu'en conserve de métal c'est ok mais en verrine c'est...ko.
Pour ma part, je me pose actuellement la question des escargots!
Ok pour emporter deux ou trois boîtes de "tinned snails" mais quid des coquilles, sachant que celles-ci sont lavées, séchées, réutilisées et en vrac? Je crois qu'on va m'apporter des oranges (fraîches) dans les geôles aussies sous peu😄
Et merci à chaucer pour son lien!
Pour les cuisses de grenouilles, j'attends une variété comestible des cane toads et je fais fortune sur place?🏴☠️
"le silence des pantoufles est plus terrifiant que le bruit des bottes"
Tu ne devrais pas avoir de problème si tu déclares ta boîte de conserve sans essayer de la passer à l'as.
Elle sera juste vérifiée et devrait passer normalement .
Comme le précise la douane, ce n'est pas formellement interdit si c'est dans ce genre de conditionnement.
C'est la même procédure aux USA d'ailleurs pour les produits non pasteurisés.
Ta bonne foi sera le meilleur passeport 😎. Nous avons posé la question pour des bonbons et du chewing-gum en ne sachant pas s'il fallait les jeter aussi ( y'a des poubelles avec le détail avant la douane pour se débarasser des denrées interdites ).
On nous a dit que c'était OK et on est passé sans aucune autre vérification pour le coup 😛 alors que certains se faisaient ouvrir les valises au grand complet 😕
Bon...je viens de tout lire sur le site downunder, donc effectivement il vaut mieux amener en boite métal. Si on déclare ça passe sans souci (la verrine est passée pour plusieurs maisil n'y a pas unanimité). Ci dessous un extrait du sujet (c ici : Fin janvier voyage en Australie, desir de faire plaisir a la petite famille, allez hop on emmene des chocolats (escagots Lanvin, un petit pot de caviar, et du foie gras!!!)
Sur les conseils avises de plusieurs d'entre vous, je n'ai pas amene de foie gras en bocaux mais seulement en boite de conserve metallique.
Quans nous sommes arrives a la douane on a pris la file "marchandises a declarer" et j'ai bien declare le foie gras, le caviar et les chocolats.
Pour les chocos pas de probleme, pour le caviar idem le douanier a juste regarde l'etiquette et hop c'est bon, pour le foie gras pareil juste regarde la boite, lu? l'etiquette et c'etait bon...
Prenant mon courage a deux mains, j'ai donc pose la question pour en avoir le coeur net : Quelle est la regle pour le foie gras?
Reponse sans ambiguite :
Tous les foies gras en conserves metalliques, de fabrication industrielle sont autorisés car sterilisés dans une boite scellee, ils ne presentent donc aucun risque de contamination.
Par contre le foie gras en bocaux est interdit et confisque systematiquement car il peut etre d'origine artisanale et donc pas sterilise correctement, de plus le bocal peut etre ouvert puis referme et ne presente aucune garantie !!!
On a bien joue en gardant les bocaux en France !!!
J'ai plus qu'à retourner dans les magasins...😠 mais au moins ça passera ! 😏
Au fait, il y a un site australien sur les produits soumis à la quarantaine, l'AQIS :
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_querycontent.asp
Pour le foie gras, extrait :
Import case details - public listing New Search Commodity: Foie gras Scientific name: Country: Only: France End use: Human consumption Date printed: Aug 8 2006
Condition C9075
Non-commercial
1. An Import Permit is not required for foie gras from any country if commercially canned or retorted.
2. A Quarantine Entry is not required for personal consignments of commercially canned or retorted product imported by post or as accompanying baggage.
3. The foie gras products must only contain duck and/or goose liver.
Note: If product contains other ingredients (i.e. egg) then the product must also satisfy the conditions in the relevant ICON case.
4. Consignments are subject to inspection on arrival to ensure the product is in a metal can, retort pouches or other equivalent receptacle and does not require refrigeration to maintain quality.
5. If the product is not retorted or canned and is not shelf stable, the Commercial conditions apply.
Commercial
1. A valid Import Permit is required and must be applied for prior to importation. Permit applications must be sent to AQIS Canberra office for assessment.
2. A Quarantine Entry is required for all consignments.
3. Only products manufactured from the livers of ducks or geese farmed and slaughtered in France under official supervision are permitted for importation. The Import Permit will specify the Government Veterinary Certification required for the product to be imported.
4. The foie gras products must be manufactured in an establishment that has current AQIS approval.
5. The establishment must have procedures in place to be able to maintain segregation within the plant of any animal or poultry material not originating in France.
6. The foie gras products must contain no animal or poultry material other than duck and/or goose liver.
7. The foie gras must not contain microbiological agents or residue injurious to health. Issue of an Import Permit is subject to AQIS's assessment and acceptance of the exporting country's microbiological and residues monitoring programmes.
8. During manufacture the foie gras must be subjected to thermal processing at one of the following minimum core temperatures for at least the respective time period stated below, or to a process which is capable, in the opinion of the Director of Quarantine, of effecting a 5 decimal reduction in the population of IBD virus if present:
70oC for at least 92 minutes
72oC for at least 65 minutes
74oC for at least 45 minutes
76oC for at least 32 minutes
78oC for at least 23 minutes
80oC for at least 16 minutes
Pataugas, pour les escargots, tu devrais trouver la fiche qui va bien ! 😉
Tiens...je crois que je vais ajouter une bouteille de champ' finalement...😛😊
Je souhaite partir 1 an en Australie, et je veux amener mon chien avec moi. J'ai regardé sur le site AQIS, sur la quarantaine.. et ça m'a l'air un peu…
Le 9 février, j'arrive à Sydney pour débuter mon périple en oz. Je dois y voir des amis australiens et je souhaite leur amener une bouteille de rosé de…
J´ai besoin de certains médicaments pour passer 2 mois en Australie. Quelles sont les formalités que je dois remplir pour les amener avec moi? Ordonnances…
Our daughter has gone to Sydney, and we’d love to spend the end-of-year holidays with her.
The plan is to leave from Paris or Brussels and break up the trip with a 3- or 4-day layover to "split" the journey in two.
Then head back to Sydney, explore the East Coast in a van, celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in Sydney, and finally return to France with another layover.
My questions:
Which city should we choose for the layover (we’ve already visited Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and would like to see a different city)? Both on the way there and back?
Which agency should we rent a van from?
What sites should we visit on the East Coast?
If you’ve done this kind of trip before and have any tips or advice, I’d love to hear them.
Hi everyone! I’m planning a long trip of two and a half months and could use some input to fine-tune my itinerary. I already have a good idea of the dates and how the climate will vary depending on where we are in Australia. Feel free to share your thoughts!
**Zone 1: DARWIN – August 17 to 22 (6 days)**
Activities & visits: Crocosaurus Cove, Kakadu Park scenic flight, 3-day excursion to Kakadu, Litchfield, and Katherine National Parks
Flight to Alice Springs on the 23rd
**Zone 2: ALICE SPRINGS – ULURU – August 23 to 30 (8 days)**
Car rental
Activities & visits: Alice Springs (1 day), West MacDonnell Ranges (1 day), Watarrka National Park, Uluru (3 days)
Flight to Cairns on the 31st
**Zone 3: CAIRNS – August 31 to September 9 (10 days)**
Car rental from the 31st to the 6th
Activities & visits: Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mount Quincan, Herberton Historic Village, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef
Bus to Townsville on the 10th
**Zone 4: TOWNSVILLE – NOOSA – September 10 to 26 (17 days)**
Activities & visits: Magnetic Island
Bus to Airlie Beach on the 13th
Activities & visits: Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef
Car rental from the 17th to the 20th
Activities & visits: Eungella National Park
Overnight bus from Mackay to Hervey Bay (20th to 21st)
Activities & visits: K’gari (Fraser Island)
Bus to Noosa on the 25th
Activities & visits: Noosa National Park
Bus to Brisbane on the 27th
**Zone 5: BRISBANE – September 27 to October 1 (5 days)**
Car rental from the 29th to the 1st
Activities & visits: Brisbane, Glass House Mountains, Springbrook National Park, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Bus to Coffs Harbour on the 2nd
**Zone 6: COFFS HARBOUR – October 2 to 4**
Car rental from the 3rd to the 4th
Activities & visits: Dorrigo National Park
Overnight bus to Sydney (4th to 5th)
**Zone 7: SYDNEY – October 5 to 9 (5 days)**
Car rental from the 7th to the 9th
Activities & visits: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves
Overnight bus to Melbourne (9th to 10th)
**Zone 8: MELBOURNE – October 10 to 16 (7 days)**
Car rental from the 13th to the 16th
Activities & visits: Melbourne, Phillip Island, Great Ocean Road
Flight to Hobart on the 17th
**Zone 9: TASMANIA – October 17 to 23 (6 days)**
Car rental from the 17th to the 23rd
Activities & visits: Hobart, Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet National Park, Natureworld
Flight to Perth on the 23rd
**Zone 10: PERTH – October 24 to 27 (4 days)**
Activities & visits: Rottnest Island, Wave Rock, Perth
Flight to Paris on the 28th
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the scattered info out there and I'm struggling to organize my solo trip to French Polynesia. I'm all about snorkeling—no hiking for me—so it's all about the water, water, water... I'd love to meet whales (what's the best season?), stay with locals or in budget guesthouses (I'm pretty low-key, no worries about comfort), and most importantly, be as close to the coral reefs as possible (all day long...).
I'm retired, so I've got plenty of time...
If you can help, it would mean the world to me.
Thanks everyone! !
Hi,
I'm planning a trip to this region in November. My initial plan was Adelaide-Darwin by van, but I'm worried about those critters. I'm now considering staying in hotels instead, but for the Red Centre, camping is more practical... if we overlook those pests.
What do you think? Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m reaching out because I’m finally living my dream later this year, and I could really use your advice!
On December 26th, I’m flying to Tahiti, then Moorea, and finally Bora-Bora.
Since I’ll be staying in Bora-Bora for several days, I’d love to take a day trip to another island: either Maupiti or Tahaa-Raiatea (my top picks...).
My issue is that the schedules for getting to Tahaa and then to Raiatea don’t quite work for me. Here are the two options I’ve looked into:
**Option 1: Day trip to Tahaa-Raiatea**
- Morning departure at 7:00 AM to Tahaa from Vaitape (I’ll be staying on a motu, so I need to check if there’s a shuttle connecting the motu to Vaitape early enough).
- Arrival at 8:15 AM in Poutoru, Tahaa. Tour of the island, visit to a vanilla plantation.
- Hire a "private" boat to Raiatea around 12:00–1:00 PM.
- Tour of Raiatea.
- Departure at 4:00 PM from Uturoa (Raiatea) back to Bora-Bora.
**Option 2: Day trip to Maupiti**
- Morning departure from Bora-Bora at 8:30 AM.
- Arrival in Maupiti at 10:05 AM. Visit the island and the motus.
- Return in the evening at 4:00 PM.
My questions:
- Will I have enough time to explore Tahaa-Raiatea from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM?
- Car rental? Bike rental? For all three islands...
- Time lost during rentals?
- Distance between rental shops and the ports where I arrive?
- For Tahaa and Raiatea, should I hire a guide? Would that be better organized, meaning no car rental needed, to save time or explore the island on my own?
- Finally, what do you think of these three islands and their points of interest? Which would you choose between Maupiti and Tahaa-Raiatea?
If you can shed some light on this, I’d be so grateful!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and advice!
Hello! We’re heading to the Marquesas in July-August and I’d love to know if it’s possible, for a fee, to do a leg of the journey on the Aranui—like from Hiva Oa to Fatu Hiva, or Nuku Hiva to Ua Pou, or even Ua Pou to Ua Huka? Sure, there are shuttles twice a week with Codim connecting these islands, but the schedules won’t be known until two months in advance, and I need to book flights and hotels much earlier than that. So, what’s the best way to handle this?
Looking forward to your replies—thanks in advance!
Elisabeth Marcel
babeth.marcel@yahoo.fr
Hi there,
I’d like to go to French Polynesia.
I found round-trip flights for 650 € with Air Caraïbes.
That seems really cheap—anyone here who can tell me about this airline if you’ve flown with them before?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi everyone. I’ve got a round-trip ticket to Perth for 4 weeks. Is it better to stay on the west coast the whole time?
Or should I grab a round-trip to the east coast?
Or even head over to NZ as well?
Thanks for your tips.
We’re crossing New Zealand next April and we’re wondering which to choose between exploring Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
The first is more well-known, famous, and popular, a UNESCO natural heritage site, while the second can be just as spectacular—bigger, harder to access, and less touristy.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I’ve blocked out 3 weeks at the end of March/beginning of April, arriving in Sydney and departing from Adelaide while following the coast.
Kangaroo Island is a bit of a question mark for me. If I go, I can dedicate 2.5 days to it. Is it worth the time and the cost? I’ve read plenty of travel journals highlighting the landscapes and wildlife, but I’m sure I’ll see plenty of that along my route anyway. I’m not factoring in the financial side (which isn’t negligible for KI), but I’d rather not be disappointed. What are the real added values of KI, especially since the island has been affected by fires? I’ve also come across people online calling it a tourist trap. For example, I ruled out Phillip Island because it felt too organized and structured. Sorry if I’m opening Pandora’s box here!
Hi! I just spent a month in New Caledonia (backpacking/tent) and I know some of you were looking for info on accommodations and itineraries, so feel free to reach out if you want me to share my little experience. Just to say—New Caledonia is AMAZING!!!
Hi there,
I just got back from two weeks in Fiji, and I noticed the forum discussions here are a bit outdated (the most recent ones are from 2017).
So feel free to ask if you'd like an update!
Hi,
I’m heading to Viti Levu, the main island, for a few days’ vacation.
I usually rent a two-wheeler to keep some independence.
On several forums, people advised against it—first because it’s not really the local culture, and also because of the road conditions and local driving habits.
But I’m a bit wary of English-language forums where the typical vacation is just airport-resort-airport with a taxi in between.
Can you confirm if it’s really that risky compared to, say, Southeast Asia? What are the alternatives? Buses, taxis?
Thanks!
I’m planning and budgeting a trip to Australia for August 2026, lasting 40 days.
Here’s the current itinerary:
Arrival at Port Macquarie Airport in New South Wales and return from Cairns Airport in Queensland.
- South West Rock
- Cap Ridge Park
- Springbrook Park
- Stradbroke Island
- Maleny
- Noosa
- Rainbow Beach
- K’Gari
- Gladstone
- Heron Island
- Airlie Beach
- Townsville
- Magnetic Island
- Cairns
- Cape Tribulation
My main issue is transport to cover all of this.
The first leg is already tricky—I haven’t found a way to rent a car in Port Macquarie and drop it off in South West Rock.
And if we keep the vehicle until Cleveland (8 days) before taking the ferry to Stradbroke Island, it’s already around 1000 €.
- Are there any systems where we could buy a vehicle in Port Macquarie and be sure it’s bought back at the end of the trip in Cairns?
- Do you know of any Australian online car rental sites?
As for trains, they’re not really an option for our stay in New South Wales.
In Queensland, I found the Queensland Rail Travel website with a Brisbane–Cairns line, but trains don’t run every day.
- Do you know of any other train companies in Queensland that connect coastal cities from Brisbane to Cairns?
For flights, I checked Queensland with Qantas, and most routes require a stopover in Brisbane, which wastes a lot of time, and the prices are still high.
Do you know of any low-cost airlines for domestic flights in Australia?
2025 is shaping up to be amazing, as I’m lucky enough to be planning a 6-week trip to Polynesia.
I wanted to buy the *Guide du Routard* (my favorite), but I discovered there isn’t one for this destination. And the *Lonely Planet* is from 2022, which I feel is already a bit outdated.
So I’m looking for other resources: in your opinion, what’s the best paper guide, and most importantly, what online resources have you used to prepare a trip to Polynesia?
My wife, our 3-year-old son, and I are planning a trip along Australia’s East Coast, leaving in early October and returning in mid-November. The plan is to do a 4-week road trip in a campervan, then settle down for about ten days.
The question I’m asking myself is: which way should we go? From Sydney to Cairns or the other way around? Despite all the documentation I’ve read, I’m still struggling to decide the best direction based on the climate at that time and swimming conditions.
Up north, the weather will be warmer, and the water too, unlike the south. However, in the north, there are swimming restrictions, especially because of jellyfish, whereas in the south, there seems to be less danger (apart from sharks, maybe). Are there many protected beaches in the north where we can swim safely?
Also, I should consider that in the south, the Great Barrier Reef no longer protects the beaches, so I imagine there are fewer calm spots for swimming?
I’d love any tips or advice you can share, and thanks in advance!
Hi there,
for a 6-month trip to Australia and NZ starting in NOVEMBER, I’d like to visit PNG and the Solomon Islands. Has anyone already explored these two countries?
How can you travel solo there—transport, accommodation, banking, safety—and what’s the best way to get there from AUS?
Thanks for any tips! Are there any French-language sites about these destinations?
Cheers,
jps
Hi there,
I’m leaving on March 4th for Australia from Réunion Island, landing in Perth, then a road trip down to Melbourne before flying out to Vietnam on April 15th.
I’d like to visit Perth and the surrounding area, then head southwest to Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, and back to Perth to catch a flight to Adelaide. From there, I’ll make my way to Melbourne.
1/ What do you think of this itinerary?
2/ For flights, are there any domestic airlines worth prioritizing for good prices?
3/ I’m planning to rent a car after exploring Perth and the area—I’m traveling solo. Any rental companies you’d recommend, as well as nice hotels, B&Bs, or hostels?
4/ Any tips, good deals, or info are welcome—don’t hesitate to share!
Thanks in advance.
I’m planning a solo trip from April 16th to June 2nd!
I have to work for 3 weeks in Papeete when I arrive in French Polynesia, so I can only explore on the weekends (3-day weekends). For my first weekend, I’ll visit Tahiti; my second weekend will be dedicated to Moorea, and the last weekend to Huahine.
After my work period, I’ll continue with my vacation and keep exploring:
Maupiti - 4 nights
Raiatea - 3 nights (including a day trip to Tahaa)
Bora Bora - 3 nights
Rangiroa - 4 nights (could do 3)
Tikehau - 2 nights (could do 3)
Fakarava - 3 nights
For activities, I’m mostly interested in discovering the islands, hiking, and observing wildlife.
I’m not a diver, but I plan to do a beginner’s dive once I’m there. I love snorkeling, though, and I’m wondering if I’m spending too much time in the Tuamotus, which are famous for diving from what I’ve seen.
For travel between the islands, I’ve already looked into the Bora Tuamotu Max pass, which seems like the best option, but I’d love advice on replacing it with one or more ferries.
What do you think? I’m struggling to finalize my itinerary.
We’ll be in Adelaide from February 24th to March 4th and we’d like to spend 3 days and 2 nights on Kangaroo Island.
Any recommendations?
We always travel with simple accommodations
Hi everyone, we're heading to Australia next month. We have 7 days to go from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road. Should we visit Kangaroo Island or not? We can't decide! Thanks for your advice.
We really want to see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to NZ at the end of January.
It’s peak season—do you think it’s necessary to book activities in advance (like a cruise to Milford Sound), or is it not essential?
Thanks
We’ll be in New Zealand starting March 15th. We’re considering renting a car from Christchurch to Auckland. We’ve read that a lot of ferries have been canceled—is that true? Would it be better to rent one car in the South Island and another in the North Island? Thanks, and happy New Year!
Hi,
When I hear our French friends talk about them, they’re the most beautiful islands in the world.
For those of you who’ve traveled extensively, is that really the case?
Are the prices for accommodation, even basic ones, justified? Isn’t a room in a family-run guesthouse at 150/200 € a bit much?
Are there other islands in Polynesia (non-French) that are just as "paradise-like" but more affordable?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.