Highlights

Denali National Park

Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali National Park offers vast wilderness, wildlife like grizzlies and moose, and scenic tours through tundra and alpine landscapes. A must for nature lovers.

Small ship cruises

Small ship cruises in Alaska offer intimate access to fjords, glaciers and remote villages. With fewer passengers, they allow for flexible itineraries and close-up wildlife encounters.

Glacier Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Glacier Bay is a stunning marine park filled with tidewater glaciers, whales and sea otters. It’s a highlight of many Alaskan cruises. 

Northern Lights

From late August to April, Alaska’s dark skies light up with the aurora borealis. Fairbanks is a top viewing spot, offering guided tours and cosy lodges for aurora chasers. 

Arctic Circle

Crossing the Arctic Circle in Alaska is a bucket list experience. Travellers can explore remote tundra, meet Indigenous communities and witness the midnight sun or polar night.

Katmai National Park

Famous for its brown bears catching salmon mid-leap during the summer spawning season at Brooks Falls. Katmai is a remote park accessible by air and features volcanic landscapes. 

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Alaska, USA: +1 

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

USA Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | United States of America (New Zealand) 

 All Emergency Services: 911 

 

Australian Embassy, Washington DC 

Contact the Australian Embassy in Washington DC if you're in Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia. 

1601 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20036 

Phone: +1 202 797 3000 

 

Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles 

Contact the Consulate-General in Los Angeles if you're in Alaska. 2029 Century Park East, 31st Floor, Los Angeles CA 90067 

Phone: +1 310 229 2300 
Email: losangeles@dfat.gov.au  
 

New Zealand Embassy Washington DC 

37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 

Phone: +1 202 328 4800 

Email: WSHinfo@mfat.govt.nz  

 

New Zealand Consulate-General Los Angeles 

Suite 600E, 2425 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404 

Phone: +1 310 566 6555 

Email: nzcg.la@mfat.net  

Customs

Alaska’s culture is a blend of Indigenous traditions, frontier spirit and American customs. Travellers should be aware of the diverse Native Alaskan communities, each with its own customs, languages, and heritage. Respect for local traditions and land is essential, especially when visiting rural or Indigenous areas. Alaskans are known for their independence and hospitality, and casual, practical attire is the norm. Engaging with the locals about their way of life, especially in small towns, is welcomed. 

 

Alaska is home to over 200 federally recognised tribes and 20 Indigenous languages. Native cultures play a vital role in Alaskan identity. Their traditions, art, subsistence lifestyles, and community values are deeply woven into the state’s cultural fabric, far more prominently than in most other US states. Due to its remote and rugged environment, Alaskans often embody a keen sense of independence and self-sufficiency. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land are not just hobbies but essential parts of life in many communities. This frontier mindset is less common in the more urbanised and connected parts of the US. 

 

Caring for the environment is important—respect wildlife, follow Leave No Trace principles, and be prepared for remote conditions. Alaskans live near vast wilderness, glaciers and wildlife. Outdoor activities like dog mushing, ice fishing, snowmachining, and bush flying are part of everyday life. This deep connection to nature influences everything from recreation to food sourcing and environmental stewardship. 

Electricity

Plug types: Type A and Type B 
These are the same flat-pronged plugs used throughout the United States. 

Voltage: 120 volts 

Frequency: 60 Hz

Health

There are no specific health risks for the USA in addition to those experienced in Australia and New Zealand. Travellers to the United States should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance policies in place. Medical costs in the United States are extremely high, and any incurred will be at your expense.  

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

USA Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | United States of America (New Zealand) 

How to Get There & Getting Around

Alaska is accessible primarily by air, with Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) serving as major hubs.  

 

Many travellers also arrive by cruise ship, especially to coastal towns like Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.  

 

Once in Alaska, getting around depends on your itinerary. Driving is a popular option for flexibility, especially along the scenic routes between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks. The Alaska Railroad offers a unique and picturesque way to travel between major destinations. For more remote areas, small regional flights are necessary. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system connects many coastal communities and is ideal for those exploring the Inside Passage. 

Holidays & Festivals

  • Fur Rendezvous (February) – A winter carnival in Anchorage celebrating Alaskan heritage with dog sledding and snow sculptures. 
  • Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (March) – Commemorates historic dog sled routes with a world-famous endurance race. 
  • Midnight Sun Festival (June) – Held in Fairbanks to celebrate the summer solstice and nearly 24-hour daylight. 
  • Independence Day (4 July) – US national holiday with fireworks and parades. 
  • Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November) – A major family holiday centred around a traditional meal and gratitude. 

Language

English is the main language spoken in Alaska. There are 20 recognised official native languages as well. 

Money, Tipping & Shopping

The United States Dollar (USD) is the official and only currency used. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful in remote areas and small towns.  

 

Tipping is expected in most service settings. Restaurants add 15–20% of the bill, in hotels tip $3–$5 per night for housekeeping, $1–$2 per bag for porters. Tip your tour guides $5–$10 per person for half-day tours, more for full-day tours.  

 

Many shops cater to tourists, especially in cruise ports, with locally made items. Sales tax varies by location, so check if it's included in the price. Popular souvenirs include Alaskan birch syrup and smoked salmon, Ulu knives (traditional curved blades), native Alaskan art and carvings, fireweed honey and wild berry jams and Alaskan-made jewellery and mukluks (fur-lined boots).

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

Most travellers to the USA will need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program. It’s important to check the latest entry requirements on the US Department of State website before your trip, as regulations can vary. If you're visiting the United States for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to: 

  • apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and 
  • then enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) 

Australian passport holders can now apply for the Global Entry program directly through US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP). The Global Entry program is a US Government program that allows faster border clearance entering the United States for some Australians subject to strict eligibility criteria. For more information see Global Entry for Australians. 

 

New Zealand passport holders who are travelling for tourism or business purposes can enter the US without a visa for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). To enter the US under the VWP, you need a machine-readable passport and a US Electronic Travel Authorisation. Find out more about the VWP on the US Travel Docs website and apply for ESTA online. 

 
Official Travel advice visit:  

USA Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | United States of America (New Zealand) 

 

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