LOCATION
Located in the Pacific Ocean, Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It is about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the United States but has the lowest population density in the world – only two people per square kilometer.
Flying time from Los Angeles is approximately 14 hours.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Sydney is usually the main gateway to Australia. It’s airport, known as Kingsford Smith Airport, is both International and Domestic and is located approximately 9 miles from central Sydney. There are also flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne and Brisbane.
VISITOR VISAS
Everyone entering Australia requires a valid passport and a visitor visa that must be approved prior to departure from the United States. Passports must be valid 4 months from date of departure.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE
Apart from their own personal effects, each traveler over the age of 18 is allowed to bring the following into Australia. These allowances are a guide only and are subject to change.
| Item |
Limit |
| Cigarettes |
250 |
| Cigars |
250 grams |
| Spirits |
1125ml |
CLIMATE
Australia is a continent of contrasts - from tropical rainforests to dry, barren deserts and the climate of Australia varies from state to state and season to season.
The northern regions experience basically two climate zones. North, above the Tropic of Capricorn, (known as the tropical zone) the temperatures are hotter. As you travel south the temperatures become more temperate. The temperate zones enjoy four seasons while the tropical zone has two seasons, winter being the drier and summer the wetter season.
POPULATION
The total population at last census was over 19,000,000. This is made up of a large range of nationalities from Aboriginal, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, New Zealanders, Europeans and descendants from the original settlers of Australia from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
LANGUAGE
English is the most widely spoken language in Australia but with such a diverse range of nationalities living throughout the continent, you will frequently hear other languages.
CURRENCY
Australian dollars are similar to American in that they come in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 dollar bills. The coins come in $2, $1, $.50, $.20, $.10, and $.5, denominations.
Banks are generally open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday with some banks being open till 500pm on Fridays.
BUSINESS HOURS
| Monday to Friday |
9.00am to 5.00pm |
| Saturday |
9.00am to 4.00pm |
| Sunday |
10.30am to 4.00pm |
SHOPPING
“Everything under the sun” best describes the shopping options in Australia. There are many shopping complexes in all the major cities and shopping is extremely well priced. The quality of goods is of International standards and all major credit cards are accepted throughout Australia.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2008
Certain public holidays vary from state to state. The following apply in New South Wales/Sydney.
| Date |
Holiday |
| January 1 |
New Year's Day |
| January 26 |
Australia Day
|
| Mar 21 |
Good Friday
|
| Mar 24 |
Easter Monday |
| Mar 25 |
Easter Tuesday |
| April 25 |
Anzac Day |
| June 9 |
Queen's Birthday |
| October 6 |
Labour Day |
| December 25 |
Christmas Day |
| December 26 |
Boxing Day |
| January 1 |
New Years Day |
ELECTRICITY
Since the electricity is 240volts, a step down converter is required.
DRIVING
Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Tourists are able to use the drivers license of their own country as long as the license is current – however it must be in English and valid for one year.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Every form of transportation is readily available in all the major cities. With so many trains, buses and ferries you will find that there is little reason to get a rental car within the cities and suburbs. If however you plan to explore the countryside, rental cars and camper vans can easily be arranged prior to your departure.
DRINKING WATER
Tap water is safe to drink in any major town or city in Australia but bottled water is recommended in outback areas.
HEALTH
Unless the visitor is coming from an infected area, no vaccinations are required.
NIGHTLIFE
There is no shortage of nightlife in Australia. From the Sydney Opera House to the Hard Rock Café, there is something to suit every taste.
DINING OUT
Melbourne is world famous for it’s multicultural cuisine, Sydney for it’s 5 star restaurants and Queensland boasts of some of the largest varieties of seafood restaurants. From 5 star restaurants to fish and chip shops, you can find it all in Australia.
TIPPING
Tipping is not a custom in Australia, however for particularly good service this is at the discretion of the individual.
The above information has been derived from various sources and Travel Arrangements Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the content.
