Australia Travel Guide

Full Name

Commonwealth of Australia

Former Name

Capital City

Canberra

Government Type

Democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as sovereign

Area Size

7,692,030 sq km 2,969,909 sq miles

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +10 (Eastern Standard Time) GMT/UTC +9.5 (Central Time) GMT/UTC +8 (Western Time)

Climate

Australia is in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are opposite to those in Europe and North America. There are two climatic zones: the tropical zone (in the north above the Tropic of Capricorn) and the temperate zone. The tropical zone (consisting of 40% of Australia) has two seasons, summer (’wet’) and winter (’dry’), while the temperate zone has all four seasons. Spring to summer: Warm or hot everywhere, tropical in the north, and warm to hot with mild nights in the south. Autumn to winter: Northern and central Australia have clear warm days, cool nights; the south has cool days with occasional rain but still plenty of sun. Snow is totally confined to mountainous regions of the southeast.

Geography

World's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; the invigorating tropical sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast, and is one of the most consistent winds in the world.

Languages

English 79.1%, Chinese 2.1%, Italian 1.9%, other 11.1%, unspecified 5.8% (2001 Census)

Culture

Australia’s arts and cultural activities reflect the nation’s unique blend of different cultures, new influences and old traditions. They are the product of an ancient landscape that is home to both the world’s oldest continuous cultural traditions and also to a rich mix of migrant cultures. Australia today has a vibrant artistic and cultural scene and all forms of the performing arts, including music, theatre and dance, have strong followings.

History

Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the 1990's, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980's. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.

Travel Information

The national airline is Qantas (QF). About 25 international airlines fly to Australia. Sydney Airport (SYD) (Kingsford Smith) is 8km south of the city (journey time – 30 minutes). Airport Link connects the airport to Sydney Central Station (journey time – 13 minutes). Coaches meet all incoming international and domestic flights, departing every 20 to 30 minutes. There are many courtesy guest shuttles; enquire at hotel when booking is made. The international terminal is separate from the domestic terminal. Passengers may be set down at city airline terminals and some city hotels, motels and guest houses on request. There are also buses and taxis. Adelaide Airport (ADL) is 6km west of the city (journey time – 30 minutes). Coaches meet all international and domestic flights. Buses and taxis are available to the city and hotels. Melbourne Airport (MEL) (Tullamarine) is 22km northwest of the city (journey time – 30 minutes). Skybus Coach (24 hours) or taxis are available to the city centre. There are also regional bus links from the airport. Perth Airport (PER) is 12km northeast of the city (journey time – 25 minutes). There are separate international and domestic terminals. Airport buses meet international and domestic flights. Taxis are available. Brisbane Airport (BNE) is 13km northeast of the city (journey time – 35 minutes). Coach services are available to the city, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and major hotels. Coaches meet all international flights. A rail link between the airport and the city was introduced in 2001. Taxis are also available. Darwin Airport (DRW) is 13km northeast of the city (journey time – 20 minutes). Coaches and taxis meet all incoming international daytime flights. Hobart Airport (HBA is 16km east of the city (journey time – 25 minutes). Coaches meet all incoming flights. Buses and taxis are available to the city. Cairns Airport (CNS) is 8km north of the city (journey time – 10 minutes). Coaches meet all incoming flights. There is also a shuttle taxi service, limousines, car hire and taxis. Canberra Airport (CBR) is 8km east of Canberra (journey time – 15 minutes). Taxis and shuttle buses are available to the city centre. Main ports: Cruise liners dock at Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth (Port of Fremantle), Adelaide and Brisbane.

Accommodation

Every state has a selection of hotels run by well-known and established international chains. More authentic accommodation can be found outside the cities. The highways out of the state cities are lined with good quality motels offering self-contained family units, and often an in-house restaurant service. Most hotels and motels provide rooms with telephones, private shower and/or bath, toilet, small fridge and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Visa Requirements

Visas are required by all nationals of The EU, Canada and USA except: Those continuing their journey to a third country (who hold confirmation of booking and documentation to enter country) within eight hours of arriving in Australia. Valid passport required by all nationals of countries referred to above. All other nationals must obtain a transit visa before travel if intending to remain in Australia no longer than 72 hours and a stopover is intended. Transit visas are free of charge. Not all airports remain open all night; travellers should check with the airline. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the Department of Immigration at the high commission to check visa requirements. The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia that allows people from certain countries (see below) to visit Australia for up to three months for tourism, short-term business or elective study purposes. An ETA is invisible and therefore will not show up in your passport. All nationals referred to above are eligible for an ETA except: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia. Visitors not eligible for an ETA, or seeking a longer stay than an ETA offers, may apply for Tourist (Non ETA) and Business Short-stay (Non ETA) visas. There are also student visas, employers' visas for overseas workers and sponsored family visitor visas available; enquire at the Australian high commission. Visitor ETAs are valid for 12 months from date of issue (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first) and permit multiple entries into Australia for a stay of up to three months on each visit. Short Validity Business ETAs are valid for 12 months from date of issue (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first) with stays of up to three months on each visit and can be used for single or multiple entry travel. Business Visitor (Long Validity) ETAs are valid for 10 years (or the life of the passport) and permit multiple entries for a stay of up to three months for each visit. For non-ETA visas, the validity varies according to the type of visa, the purpose of the trip and the validity of the passport. Visas are usually valid from three to 12 months. The validity will be stated on the visa label in your passport. Apply to authorised travel agents or airlines for ETA; by telephone; some nationals may apply online through the main Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) (Visitor and Short Validity Business ETAs only); travel agents and airline offices. Apply to Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates for Non-ETA. There is a Tourist Short-Stay visa available online for passport holders of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia.

Getting Around

The major domestic airlines are Jetstar Airways, Qantas and Virgin Blue, which serve the major resorts and cities throughout Australia. In addition, Rex Regional Express operates throughout New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria; Air North operates throughout the Northern Territory; Macair Airlines operates throughout Queensland; Skywest operates throughout Western Australia and several small airlines operate to the islands off Tasmania. There are 36,738km of coastline and many lakes, inland waterways and inlets, all of which can be used for touring by boat. From paddle steamers along the Murray River to deep-sea fishing cruisers along the vast Barrier Reef, all are available for charter or passenger booking. The Spirit of Tasmania is an overnight car-ferry service linking Melbourne with Tasmania daily. Over 40,000km of track cover the country. Rail travel can be slow and relatively expensive. Two services span the continent from coast to coast. The twice-weekly Indian Pacific travels 4,350km from Sydney to Perth, via Adelaide. The journey takes three days and three nights. The Ghan travels 2,979km between Adelaide and Darwin, via Alice Springs. The service runs weekly in each direction and takes two nights. Traffic drives on the left. Road travel is best between April and October. Distances between towns can be considerable, and apart from ensuring that all vehicles are in peak condition, it is advisable to carry spare water, petrol and equipment. Travellers are advised to check with local automobile associations before departure in order to obtain up-to-date information on road and weather conditions. Major cities are linked by an excellent national coach system, run by Greyhound Pioneer. Tasmania also has its own coach service, Tasmanian Redline Coaches. Car hire is available at all major airports and major hotels to those over 21 years old. Comprehensive public transport systems are provided in all the main towns. The state capitals have suburban rail networks, those in Sydney and Melbourne being particularly extensive, and trams run in Melbourne and Adelaide. Meter-operated taxis can be found in all major cities and towns. There is a minimum 'flagfall charge’ and then a charge for the distance travelled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. A small additional payment may be required for luggage and telephone bookings. Some taxis accept payment by credit card.

Health & Safety

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age arriving within six days of having stayed overnight or longer in an infected country. No other special immunizations or medications are required for most trips to Australia, however insect repellents are strongly advised for the Northern Territory, north Queensland and north Western Australia, as well as certain parts of New South Wales and Victoria, because of the risk of Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River virus infections, dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Beach-goers are warned to beware of jellyfish in the coastal waters; stings have proved fatal on occasion. Another health risk is sunburn, and visitors are advised to take precautions. Medical services are excellent, but can be expensive so travellers should ensure that they have adequate insurance. Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with the United Kingdom providing for free hospital emergency medical treatment; proof of UK residence is required. The crime rate in Australia is low, however travellers should be aware that tourists could be targeted by petty criminals. Be vigilant about personal possessions and travel documents, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as along the Gold Coast. There has been an increase in incidents of spiked drinks and women in particular should be cautious in nightspots; many victims were also sexually assaulted.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 26 Jan - Australia Day. 6-9 Apr - Easter. 25 Apr - ANZAC Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Boxing Day.

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Electricity

220-240V AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am -5.00pm.

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance: 000, Fire: 000, Police: 000