Travel Tips
Read these 84 Travel Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Australian tips and hundreds of other topics.
G-Line (Gambling)
Emergency Numbers
G-Line, Crisis counselling and referral for problem gambling.
Pubs
Pubs: Australian hotels are local drinking holes and vary a great deal according to clientele. You can judge a place by its surroundings usually, an affluent pub is in an affluent suburb, etc
Most pubs have bands, TAB, Poker Machines or some other form of entertainment, usually a bistro or restaurant and often accommodation.
About Australia
Australia is the world´s smallest continent and sixth-largest country. With proportionately more desert land than any other continent, Australia has a low population density. Lying completely in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the west and south and by the Pacific Ocean on the east. These oceans merge on the north in the Arafura Sea between Australia and Indonesia and New Guinea, and on the south in the Bass Strait. The coastline length, estimated at 19,200 km (11,930 mi), is remarkably short for so large an area, a result of the relative lack of indentation. Major inlets other than the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Great Australian Bight are few. A self-governing member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Australia celebrated its bicentennial in 1988 (see Bicentennial, Australian). It is a federation of five mainland states (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia) and one island state (Tasmania), as well as two territories (Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory). The country´s name derives from the Latin terra australis incognita, meaning "unknown southern land," which resulted from a confusion between Australia and Antarctica on early world maps. In many ways Australia is unusual among continents. It lacks major relief features and has a high proportion of dry land. The continent´s isolation from other landmasses accounts for its unique varieties of vegetation and animal life, and for the existence of a Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) culture among the Aborigines. Except for Antarctica, Australia was probably the last continent to be inhabited by humans and the last to be explored and settled by Europeans. It is the only continent comprising a single nation-state. Dutch explorers first sighted Australia in the early 17th century. Capt. James Cook explored the east coast in 1770 and claimed the land for Great Britain. In 1778 the first settlement (Sydney) was founded at an excellent harbor on the southeast coast. British convicts played an important role in the territory´s early history. The discovery of gold and other ores attracted immigrants, but Australia remained a primarily agricultural country until World War II. Subsequent industrialization has been rapid, and today Australia ranks as one of the world´s most economically developed countries, although vast areas of the interior, known as the Outback, remain all but uninhabited.
Beach do's and don'ts
- Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
- Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
- Read and obey signs.
- Don't swim directly after a meal.
- If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
- Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
- If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
- If caught in a rip, float with the current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance. Areas of discoloured (brown) water usually signal a rip.
Medical Services
You can enjoy a healthy lifestyle in Australia, where standards of hygiene and health care are high, particularly in food preparation. Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, your hotel can call a doctor or refer you to one, or you can ask your embassy, high commission or consulate for a list of approved doctors. Overseas visitors are strongly recommended to take out health insurance before departure to cover the duration of their stay in Australia. Ensure you have personal insurance or travel insurance with a comprehensive health component to cover the possibility of illness or accident.
Luggage Inspection
Luggage Inspection
Luggage and hand baggage may be inspected by customs and/or quarantine officers and airport security inspectors. Hand baggage is also checked by airport security before passengers board domestic and international flights
Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service
Emergency Numbers
Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service:
Phone: 1800 043 5038 freecall
Ambulance, Fire, Police
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance, Fire, Police: (For non-life threatening calls please check individual listing under Ambulance Service, Fire Brigades, Police Service of the State you are in.
Phone:000
Study
Study
Australian universities have a wide range of credit-earning courses available to students for a summer, semester or longer.
English Australia represents the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) Association, which is the professional association of centres teaching English language courses to overseas students in Australia. There are more than 100 accredited and registered ELICOS centres in Australia offering a wide diversity of courses and study tour programs. Courses are taught at all levels of proficiency.
To obtain more information, contact the nearest Australian consulate
Stingers (Box Jellyfish)
From late October to early May, venomous box jelly fish, also called stingers or sea wasps, occur in the coastal waters of northern Australia. The jellyfish does not exist in the waters surrounding most of the islands of Queensland and are rarely found on the Outer Barrier Reef, allowing visitors to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef year round. In the Northern Territory the stingers are present at all beaches, while in Western Australia they affect the Kimberley coastline. Those beaches affected by stingers have warning signs for visitors. During this time, visitors are advised to swim in the ocean only, where protective enclosures are provided.
Taxis
Taxis
Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at transport terminals, major hotels or shopping centres or you can hail taxis in the street.
A light and sign on the roof shows when a cab is vacant. The Yellow Pages of the telephone directory list taxi companies that will send a radio-controlled cab to pick you up (for a small charge).
There is a minimum 'flagfall' charge, then a charge for the distance travelled. Small additional charges are made for tollways, luggage and telephone reservations, otherwise the account shows on the meter. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but will accept gratuities.
Emergencies:
The Emergency Number in Australia is 000.
This is a direct link to the Fire, Ambulance and Police services manned by an operator.
Swimming inland
When swimming inland, check water depth and note the presence of other hazards before diving in. If caught in a fast flowing river, try to float feet first. Avoid swimming in boating areas.
Reciprocal health care agreements
Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with eight countries: New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Malta and Ireland. Under the agreements, residents of these countries have restricted access to Medicare while visiting Australia.
The agreements with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Malta provide free care as a public patient in public hospitals, subsidised out-of-hospital medical treatment, such as visiting a doctor, under Medicare and subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
The agreement with New Zealand - from 1 September 1999 - and the agreement with Ireland provide free care as a public patient in public hospitals and subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, but do not cover out-of-hospital medical treatment.
Visitors from the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland are covered for the duration of their stay in Australia, while visitors from Italy and Malta are covered for a period of six months only.
Visitors from New Zealand and Ireland are not able to enrol in Medicare and may be required to produce alternative evidence of their eligibility such as a passport. Visitors from the remaining six countries may enrol at any Medicare office in Australia.
Before travelling to Australia contact your national health scheme to make sure you have the correct documents you will need to be eligible to enrol in Medicare. The agreements provide health care for immediately necessary treatment and do not cover treatment in a private hospital, treatment as a private patient in a public hospital, dental care, costs arising en route, elective treatment, ambulance services or allied health services. For some services covered by the agreements there may be an out of pocket cost. The agreements do not cover repatriation in the case of illness or injury. As the nature of the agreements vary, visitors may contact the Health Insurance Commission for further information.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Tourists travelling overseas may be able to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST - 10 per cent) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET - 14.5 per cent) that they paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund only applies to goods travellers take with them as hand luggage when they leave the country. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia or to goods purchased before 1 July 2000.
However, unlike other tourist shopping schemes, the goods can be used before leaving Australia. The refund will be paid on goods costing $A300 (tax inclusive) or more, bought from the same store, no more than 30 days before departure. To claim a refund, travellers must get a tax invoice from the store where they buy the goods.
If travellers are leaving Australia by air, they should look for the TRS booth in the departures areas of international terminals at Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide, Darwin, Coolangatta and Broome, after they have passed through passport control.
At the booth they need to produce
- the goods
- the tax invoice from the retailer
- their passport
- their international boarding pass
They will then be paid a cash refund or assisted to complete their non-cash payment option.
More information is available from Customs on 1300 363 263 (within Australia) or +61 2 6275 6666.
Eating out
You can dine at elegant restaurants, leading hotels and other locations or enjoy a 'pub' counter lunch. Bistros, cafes and family-style restaurants offer good food at reasonable prices as well as the many low-cost eating places, including fast-food chains and take-away food stores.
The fine food is complemented by excellent and inexpensive Australian wines and locally brewed beer. Restaurants usually serve iced water on request only. Many restaurants have a full liquor service; others allow you to 'bring your own' -BYO- wine or beer to serve with your meal.
Many restaurants provide non-smoking dining areas.
Disabled Visitors
Disabled Visitors
Access for people with disabilities in Australia has improved significantly in recent years, and it remains a priority. Australian hotels, airlines, attractions and major transport carriers generally provide access for people with disabilities. It is advisable to check with all service providers prior to your visit, ensuring that they are able to meet your particular needs. Advance notice and reservation well ahead will also help ensure that you receive the best possible assistance.
Australian Search and Rescue
Emergency Numbers:
Australian Search and Rescue:
Maritime: 1800 641 792* freecall
Aviation: 1800 815 257* freecall
Weights and Measures
Weights and Measures
Australia uses the metric system of weights and measures. Speed and distance are measured in kilometres; goods in kilograms and litres; temperature in Celsius (Centigrade).
Seasons to Visit
Seasons to Visit
Australia is an all-year-round destination, but during the summer, December to February, it is hot in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. At the Great Barrier Reef, most rain falls in January and February. In northern Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, roads may flood during the "wet" season, January-March. The ski season occurs from June to October in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Food : General
Food and Restaurants
Food is fresh and plentiful at stores and supermarkets. Australia is known for its superb seafood, tropical fruit, excellent beef and lamb and dairy products. Unique local delicacies include kangaroo, buffalo, crocodile and emu and a variety of 'bush foods'. Australia is a multicultural country and so every conceivable type of cuisine is available - some cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, kosher and halal.
Eating out: general
Eating out:
Australia has many fine restaurants, with cuisine from around the world. A lot of restaurants are BYO, and charge a nominal corkage fee.
Although tipping is not mandatory, if the service and food are good it is customary to leave a tip, this is usually divided by all the staff at the restaurant.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking
This is strongly discouraged throughout Australia.
Public transport and private coach companies operate services to connect most cities and towns.
Banking and Business Hours
Banking and Business Hours
General office hours are 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri.
Banks are open 9.30am-4pm Mon-Thu; 9.30am-5pm Fri.
Post offices are open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri with most GPOs in capital cities and selected outlets in major shopping centres also open on Saturday mornings.
Stamps are often available at front desks of hotels and motels and at selected retail outlets.
Poisons Information Services
Emergency Numbers
Poisons Information Services: For advice in emergency poisionings.
Phone: 13 1126
Driving Licences
Driving Licences
A bona-fide tourist may drive in Australia on a valid overseas drivers licence for the same class of vehicle. Licences must be carried when driving. If the drivers licence is not in the English language, the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An International Drivers Permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid drivers permit. For further information contact the relevant state Road Transport Authority on arrival.
Shop Trading Hours
Trading Hours: Most shops keep the times: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Sat 9am-12noon.
Banks: Mon-Fri 10-4
Post Offices: Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12noon
Though most supermarkets Malls and Plazas are open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm, Sat and Sun 8.30am-4pm.
Many supermarkets are open 24 hrs a day.
Petrol (Gasoline)
Petrol (Gasoline)
Petrol (Gasoline) in Australia comes in super leaded, unleaded regular and premium unleaded grades and is sold by the litre. Petrol costs between $A0.90 and $A1 a litre, with unleaded petrol two cents less per litre than leaded petrol. Prices are usually higher in country areas.
Petrol stations are plentiful. Trading hours vary although many service stations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most accept international credit cards
Driving Laws
Driving Laws
Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km/h (35 mph) and on country roads and highways, 100 km/h (62mph) to 110km/h (68 mph) unless signs indicate otherwise. Strict drink-driving laws apply. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers at all times
Medications
Medications
Visitors are permitted to bring reasonable quantities of prescribed (non-narcotic) medications. All should be clearly labelled and identifiable. For large quantities it is advisable to bring a doctor's certificate to produce to Customs if necessary, and to an Australian doctor if required. All medication must be carried in personal hand luggage. Local pharmacies, called 'chemists' can fill most prescriptions - which must be written by an Australian-registered doctor
Telephones
Telephones
Australia has a modern telephone system which enables you to make local calls, long distance call within Australia (STD) and International Direct Dialling (IDD).
Local calls from Telstra public payphones are untimed and charged at 40c. Public payphones accept all Australian coins and Telstra Smart Phonecards that can be purchased from most newsagents and retail outlets.
Creditphones accept most participating credit-card suppliers including Visa and can be found at international and domestic airports, central-city locations and many hotels.
Country Direct is a service that lets you speak directly with an operator in your home country or you can use an automated service.
Mobile phones are available for rent, alternatively bring your own mobile phone with you. Australia's mobile network operates on the 900 & 1800 band for GSM and 800 for CDMA. Telstra MobileNet has international roaming agreements with many countries. Please contact your telecommunications carrier for activating international roaming while you're visiting Australia.
Medicare for travellers
Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with eight countries: New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Malta and Ireland. Under the agreements, residents of these countries have restricted access to Medicare while visiting Australia.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers Cheques
You should cash travellers' cheques at banks or larger hotels as it may be difficult elsewhere. Please note that some banks may charge a fee for cashing travellers' cheques.
Shopping
Shopping
Big department stores, arcades, malls, gift shops, fashion boutiques and specialty stores abound in Australia. Good buys include quality Australian opals and other precious or semi-precious stones, sheepskins and leather goods, Australian fashion, Aboriginal artefacts and paintings. Philatelic desks at main post offices sell sets of souvenir stamps. Duty free shops are located in city centres and at international airports. Shops attached to galleries, museums and many other tourist attractions are stocked with an excellent range of interesting souvenirs.
Shopping hours vary from state to state but generally big department stores open from 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday with late night shopping either on Thursday or Friday until 9pm; and 9am - 5 pm on Saturday. Some states have Sunday trading and major stores open from 10am - 4pm.
While you are here, you are covered by Australia's consumer protection laws. This means if you buy something and it doesn't work as advertised you have a right to a refund or to have the article replaced or repaired. General information on consumer laws can be found at the Consumer Affairs Division's web site.
Take away food
Take away food:
The food scene in Australia is a very full one, from fish and chips to Macdonalds. I will list a few: Pizza Hut, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway. It is a matter of taste, really all are well priced and have drive-through (bar Subway). The local take away shops are well worth a try, a good way to find the best in an area is to ask a local!
Sun protection
Sun protection:
Because of the depletion of the ozone layer, a hat and 30+ sunscreen is recommended for daytime use. A sunshirt is also a good idea for those that burn readily. Shade on the beach is found in the form of beach umbrellas or sunshades (polyester structures) all readily available at supermarkets.
Clothing
Clothing
Check the temperature chart and the weather maps carefully. In the tropics lightweight clothing (natural fibres) is suitable all year round. In the southern temperate regions, summers (December February) are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime, but keep a jacket or sweater handy as nights may be cool. For the southern winters (June August), sweaters, a jacket or light coat and generally warmer clothes are advisable. Australians are informal dressers, but for special occasions, such as business meetings, theatres and dining at good restaurants, men may need a jacket and tie or suit and women a more formal dress. Most of the time just keep clothing light and comfortable. Bring a sunhat, sunglasses and suntan lotion if you expect hot weather. For foot protection in the coral pools of the Great Barrier Reef, pack your sandshoes (sneakers).
Tourist Information:
Tourist Information:
Each town in Australia has a tourist information centre, it is depicted by a white sign with an itallic blue i, they are well sign-posted, and supply maps and brochures informing of local places of interest.
Cash
There is no limit on the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, amounts of more than $A10,000, or equivalent in foreign currency, must be reported on arrival and departure. Failure to do so is an offence under the law. Currency means notes and coins of legal tender but does not include travellers' cheques or other monetary instruments. Forms for reporting currency transfers are available from customs officers at ports or airports.
Australian Bugeting guide
See a table of approximate costings of everyday items, in the articles section of this site 'Australian Bugeting guide'.
Surf do's and don'ts
- Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
- Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
- Read and obey signs.
- Don't swim directly after a meal.
- If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
- Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
- If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
- If caught in a rip, float with the current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance. Areas of discoloured (brown) water usually signal a rip.
Credit Cards
Credit Cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB and their affiliates. Use may be restricted in smaller towns and country areas and small retail shops.
Passenger Movement Charge/Departure Tax
Passenger Movement Charge/Departure Tax
Australia's passenger movement charge - or departure tax as it is commonly called - is the equivalent of $A38 and is prepaid with your airline ticket, with payment noted on the ticket. Exemptions apply to children under 12 years of age, 24-hour transit passengers and transit passengers who stay longer than a day if departure is delayed by circumstances beyond their control.
Abortion Grief Counselling
Emergency Numbers:
Abortion Grief Counselling: For emergency grief counselling for those having undergone an abortion, and having difficulty dealing with it.
Phone:1300 363 550.
Beach safety
Popular beaches are patrolled by volunteer Surf Life Saving Association members identified by their red and yellow caps. Enjoy your holiday and minimise risks by observing simple safety.
Surf and Water Safety
Surf and Water Safety
Popular beaches are patrolled by volunteer Surf Life Saving Association members identified by their red and yellow caps. Enjoy your holiday and minimise risks by observing simple safety.
- Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
- Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
- Read and obey signs.
- Don't swim directly after a meal.
- If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
- Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
- If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
- If caught in a rip, float with the current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance. Areas of discoloured (brown) water usually signal a rip.
From late October to early May, venomous box jelly fish, also called stingers or sea wasps, occur in the coastal waters of northern Australia. The jellyfish does not exist in the waters surrounding most of the islands of Queensland and are rarely found on the Outer Barrier Reef, allowing visitors to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef year round. In the Northern Territory the stingers are present at all beaches, while in Western Australia they affect the Kimberley coastline. Those beaches affected by stingers have warning signs for visitors. During this time, visitors are advised to swim in the ocean only, where protective enclosures are provided.
When swimming inland, check water depth and note the presence of other hazards before diving in. If caught in a fast flowing river, try to float feet first. Avoid swimming in boating areas.
Contraband
Customs
There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. All animals, animal products, foodstuffs, plants and plant products are subject to quarantine control, and must be declared on arrival. The penalties for breaking these laws are severe. If you are uncertain about anything in your baggage, declare it and bring it to the attention of a customs officer.
Sudden Infant Death Association
Emergency Numbers
Sudden Infant Death Association:
Phone: 1800 651 186
Talking to the locals
Talking to the locals:
Australians are a friendly lot, very laid back and accepting of most things. We respect eachothers space and expect the same. Common courtesy is all that is required.
Public Transport:
Public Transport:
The Capital Cities and major towns of Australia have very good public transport systems (trains, busses, trams and ferries), and it is usually easier to use these than to drive. The country services between towns are great, but the service in towns themselves are often erratic. Timetables are readily available at Information centres in each town.
Outback Travel
Outback Travel
Take precautions when travelling independently in isolated Outback areas.
- Plan your trip with the aid of a reputable map, stay on recognised routes and check facilities and road conditions before departure.
- Advise someone of your route, destination and arrival time and ask them to notify the police if you have not contacted them by an agreed time.
- Make sure you carry ample supplies of petrol/gasoline, food and water. Allow at least 5 litres/a gallon of water per person per day. Drink water regularly and in sufficient quantities to prevent dehydration.
- In the case of a breakdown, stay with your vehicle where there is shade and protection from the heat
Child Abuse Prevention Services
Emergency Numbers:
Child Abuse Prevention Services:
Phone: 1800 688 009* freecall
Kids Help Line
Emergency Numbers
Kids Help Line: Crisis counselling for Kids.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Quarantine
Quarantine
Australia is a beautiful country free from many pests and diseases found elsewhere in the world. It's vital you declare anything that could harm our wildlife, agricultural industries and plants, including fresh and packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, animals, plants and items made from plants or wood. Amnesty bins are available for unwanted items as you leave your aircraft on arrival in Australia.
If you've declared any food, plant or animal items on your Incoming Passenger Card make sure you use the red channel exits from the baggage halls where you'll be directed to a quarantine officer to have your items inspected. Many items will be allowed in after inspection or treatment; for banned items, you may be given an option to re-export them.
Quarantine officers use detector dog teams, X-ray machines and random baggage checks to detect undeclared quarantine items. If you conceal items or quarantine concern, you may receive an on-the-spot fine or you could be prosecuted.
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has information for travellers available on its website.
Duty Free
Every traveller over 18 years of age may bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. Duty/tax-free allowances of $A400 per person aged 18 or over and $A200 per person under 18 are granted for other goods intended as gifts. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes. In addition to these concessions, tourists visiting Australia for a limited period may bring most articles into the country duty/tax free, provided Customs is satisfied that they are for their personal use and that they will be taken out of Australia on departure.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days prior to arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia.
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange
Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. Changing foreign currency or travellers' cheques can be done quickly and efficiently at most banks
Climate
Climate
Spending Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange but the fact is, Australia's seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere - summer starts in December, autumn in March, winter in June and spring in September.
Due to its size, geographical location and the lack of extensive high mountain ranges Australia has a wide range of climates but generally no extremes. The average temperature ranges from 23-26 degrees Celsius above the Tropic of Capricorn with the southern areas more temperate although subject to variations. This and the fact that Australia is the driest continent on earth makes our land a great all-year destination. In fact in our winter you can ski in the southern states one day and be diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next.
Tipping
Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. Porters at airports, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped although you may do so if you wish. Porters have set charges at railway terminals, but not at hotels. In better-class restaurants, it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10 per cent of the bill for good service. At any time, tipping is your choice.
Liquor Laws
Liquor Laws
Regulations on the consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages vary from state to state. You must be 18 years or older to buy or consume alcohol. Young travellers can be asked for evidence of age to gain entry to licensed venues or to purchase alcohol. Packaged alcoholic beverages are sold at hotels and liquor stores. In most tourist destinations there are many venues to choose from that trade up to 24 hours a day.
Security
Security: Though crime is not rampant in Australia, it is wise to be aware. A bum bag is ideal for carrying passport, wallet etc. Beware of airports, markets, ATM's, railway stations etc. Also beware of ploys to divert your attention, keep all bags close and wrapped around a part of your body. Report any crime at the nearest police station.
Common Sense prevails
The essentials for safe health practices are readily available in Australia and it makes sense to follow the same simple health and safety rules you observe at home. Just as you should protect yourself from exposure to the Australian sun, you should - when partying and having fun - protect yourself from other risks such as exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Time Zones
Time Zones
There are three time zones in Australia - Eastern Standard Time (EST), which operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland; Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia and Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) in Western Australia.
CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST. Australian states except Northern Territory and Western Australia and Queensland have daylight saving during the summer months.
Daylight saving runs in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia from the end of October through to the end of March, Tasmania from the beginning of October through to the end of March.
Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline:
Phone: 1800 675 888
ATM's
Electronic Banking/Automatic Teller Machines
Banks have ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) located outside the branch or in the foyer, that can be accessed 24 hours a day. To access an account, cardholders are required to use their Personal Identification Number (PIN) when obtaining cash or services. Cards can be used in Australia at both ATMs and at most retail locations, as long as they have been enabled for international access. Please contact your bank for information on availability and service charges.
Electricity
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three pin power outlet is different from that in some countries so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
Sun Protection
Sun Protection
Enjoy outdoor activities such as sightseeing, bushwalking, boating and camping without the risk of harmful exposure to the sun by using simple skin protection. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with a collar and sleeves, and pH 15+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on exposed areas of skin. Try to avoid the sun during the middle of the day, between 10am and 2pm (11am and 3pm in daylight saving time) when the ultraviolet rays are at their strongest.
Reclaim the GST
Departing travellers may be able to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that they paid on goods bought in Australia after 1 July 2000. The refund on goods, costing $A300 or more, only applies to items carried as hand luggage. Tourist Refund Scheme booths are located in the departure areas of international terminals behind passport control, where travellers must show their passport, international boarding pass, tax invoice from the retailer and the goods. Customs officers process cash refunds and assist in completing non-cash payment options.
Drinking
Drinking:
Most Australians enjoy a beer, the varieties are endless, and depending on the state you in, the size glasses are called by different names, schooners and middies in one state and pots and pints in the next. We also drink a lot of wine, preferring the Australian brands. The wines are reasonably priced, and decent wines can be bought by the cask. Spirits are more pricey, especially in restaurants.
Surf and Water Safety :general
Surf and Water Safety
Popular beaches are patrolled by volunteer Surf Life Saving Association members identified by their red and yellow caps. Enjoy your holiday and minimise risks by observing simple safety.
Tourist Information Centres
Tourist Information Centres
Even in the smallest town, you will find an outlet distributing local tourist information and advice free of charge. Look for the international "i" sign.
Taxes
Taxes
On 1 July 2000, Australia came into line with many other nations with the introduction of a tax reform package aimed at making the country even more competitive. As a part of the tax reform program, a number of taxes were removed and a goods and services tax (GST) of 10 per cent imposed. There are several inbound visitor specific initiatives in the tax reform package: - International flights and domestic flights purchased overseas by non-residents are GST free. Continuous domestic legs of international journeys are also GST free.
- Under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), tourists can claim a refund at the departure gate for GST and WET (wine equalisation tax) paid on goods purchased in Australia that they take with them.
Cities
Cities
Australians are one of the world's most urbanised societies - nearly 90 per cent of the population is city dweller living along the coast.
The largest and most populous city is Sydney with 3.9 million people, closely followed by Melbourne, its southern rival, counting 3.3 million. Third largest city is Brisbane, 1.5 m, followed by Perth 1.3 m, Adelaide 1.08 m, Canberra 308,000, Hobart 195,000 and Darwin 86,000.
Australian cities are wide-spread and consisting more or less of suburban one-storey houses on a quarter-acre block. There is a tendency to build multi-storey office blocks in central business districts and the gleaming glass and concrete towers dominate the skyline in most capital cities. In the shadows of skyscrapers are labyrinths of interconnecting courts and arcades offering a wealth of shopping, cafes, restaurants, and night-clubs.
In business life Australians are conservative dressers but this changes abruptly as the week-end approaches. Australia is very much a beach culture and people's attire reflects an outdoor lifestyle. All state capital cities are built either on or very near the water; even Canberra, although an inland city, is dominated by Lake Burley Griffin.
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| George Sayour |
