The last continent to be explored by Europeans,
Australia is a vast, unique, and contrasting land. Known for its
unusual animal and plant life, Australia also boasts many beautiful
cosmopolitan cities. In less than 200 years, the first English
settlers (convicts) have combined with people from around the world
to create today’s Australia,
one of the most diverse and inspiring countries.
Such a large and varied place offers an enormous
amount of options for visitors. City slickers will love Sydney
and Melbourne for all their cosmopolitan flair. Outdoor lovers
might head north to the Great Barrier Reef or south to the wilds
of Tasmania. Food and wine enthusiasts can sample the vintages
from any number of wine regions and savor the fresh cuisines which
have put Australia on gourmet roadmaps. No matter your age, your
interests or the amount of time you have to visit, there’s
something for everyone Downunder.
As you start planning your vacation to Australia,
keep in mind that the island of Australia is roughly the size of
the USA. The majority of Australia's 21 million people live in the
cities which line the country's eastern coastline; the center of
Australia is a vast and mysterious desert, fondly referred to as "the
Outback."
Most visitors to Australia who have a limited
amount of time, choose to fly between Australia’s major cities.
There are half a dozen domestic airlines in Australia offering
regular flights at reasonable prices and - surprisingly to many
Americans - snacks, pillows and smiling service.
However, those with more time or looking to explore a specific region
should definitely consider renting a car. Although Aussies drive
on the opposite side to Americans, most visitors find driving in
Australia to be reasonably easy with an excellent infrastructure
throughout most of the country.
English is the official language in Australia,
and you will hear many of the colorful local expressions which make
up part of the unforgettable Aussie experience. If you don’t
understand the first time, do not hesitate to ask questions. The
Australian people are some of the friendliest and most endearing
people in the world.
Australia covers 30 degrees of latitude and is
roughly the same size as the continental USA, so there is a wide
variation in climate. About 30% of the continent is in the tropics,
while southern regions are temperate. Remember that the seasons in
Australia are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer
is December - February. Winter is June - August. In Australia,
Santa arrives wearing a swim suit!
In the northern tropical zone (Brisbane, Cairns,
Darwin, the Outback) there are two seasons: Summer (wet - hot and
rainy) and Winter (dry). Also during summer months some beaches
in tropical North Queensland may be closed for swimming due to
the presence of poisonous 'stingers' in
the sea.
The southern temperate areas (Sydney, Melbourne,
Adelaide, Tasmania) have four seasons, in winter averaging 50°F
and in summer 80-90°F.
Sydney boasts a warmer climate, similar to that of Los Angeles;
Melbourne is more like San Francisco, with locals joking that Melbourne
can see all four season is just one day.
1 January - New Year's
Day
26 January - Australia Day
25 April - Anzac Day
9 June - Queen's Birthday
6 October - Labor Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
You’ll find no shortage of shopping opportunities in Australia.
The big cities boast world-class shopping areas featuring both Australian
made goods as well as international brands; make sure to put signature
Australian goods such as Akubra hats, Driza-Bone bushman raincoats,
Aboriginal handicrafts, boomerangs, didgeridoos and wool products
on your shopping list. For those looking for the ultimate souvenir,
consider one of Australia’s legendary opals or coveted pearls,
available at any number of shops through out the country.
The typical Australian lifestyle is laid-back and informal. The accepted
norm is to dress for comfort and weather.
We recommend you pack lightweight, comfortable
clothes and shoes, and a sun hat and sunscreen are essential.
Unless you are attending a special event or dining in a top restaurant,
evenings in Australia call for no more than “smart casual” attire.
If you’re visiting during winter (June to September),
leave space for a jacket or sweater especially if you’re visiting
the southern half of Australia.
The Australian unit of currency is the Australian
dollar (AUD $) which is divided into 100 cents. Australian bills
(notes) are different in size and color depending on the denomination
and come in the following: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Australian coins
are quite beautiful and come in denominations of $2, $1, 50c, 20c,
10c and 5c. Remember, you cannot exchange coins at the end of your
trip, so be sure to use the $1 and $2 coins for last-minute treats
at the airport. Travelers checks are widely accepted throughout Australia,
as are most major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa and
American Express. You can also use most American ATM cards at Australian
banks and other outlets. Check with your bank before traveling.
Foreign exchange outlets are found in all airports, many hotels
and throughout most Australian cities. Banks are generally open 9.00am-5.00pm
Monday to Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are
open on Saturday mornings.
There is a 10% tax (GST) on all items - as well
as on services - in Australia. In most cases it is included in
the price. Departing travelers may be able to claim a refund for
GST and WET (Wine Equalization Tax) paid on goods purchased in
Australia. TRS facilities are located at international airports
and cruise liner terminals. Travelers must show their passport,
international boarding pass, retailer’s
tax invoice, and the goods.
Australian departure tax is A$38 per person and is included in your
international air ticket.
Australian customs enforce strict regulations
concerning the importation of items such as drugs, firearms, agricultural
and wood products, as well as very strict quarantine standards for
animals, foodstuffs, plants, plant products and pets. It is advisable
to contact the Embassy of Australia, or one of Australia’s
consulates, for specific information regarding customs requirements.
All visitors to Australia must have a current
passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival.
In addition, visitors also require an Australian tourist visa, issued
electronically (ETA - electronic travel authority). An ETA is valid
for visits of up to 3 months.
Qantas Vacations can issue the Australian ETA for most
passport holders (additional fee).
If you are traveling from Canada or the United States directly to
Australia, or arriving directly via New Zealand, Tahiti or Fiji,
no shots will be required. If you make another stopover enroute
to Australia, please check the requirements with the Australian
Consulate.
Australia operates on 220/240-volt AC50Hz. Electrical
outlets are two- or three-pin angled plugs. For electrical equipment
that does not match the above configuration, an adapter/converter
is necessary. NOTE: In order for an appliance to work safely in Australia,
both the plug and the voltage of an appliance must be converted.
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, and service
charges are not added in hotels and restaurants. It is always up
to you to tip if you have received good service. Taxi drivers and
cocktail servers do not expect tips. However, in better restaurants
in larger cities, it is now common to tip 10%.
Due to Australia’s close proximity to the
hole in the ozone layer, we suggest you wear a shady hat and cover
up exposed skin with long sleeves or strong sunscreen. Wear factor
15+ and try to avoid exposure during the hottest part of the day
-- from 10am to 3pm.
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