There's much to learn about Australia. Endless miles of unspoilt beaches, tropical rainforest, mountain ranges and vast tracts of desert make Australia a country of contrast.
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometer
Australia boasts over 7,000 beaches - more than any other nation.
Coober Pedy in South Australia is known as the opal capital of the world. Its population is made up of more than 40 nationalities and, with year-round extremes in temperature, more than 50 per cent of the population live in below-ground 'dugouts'.
There is an enormous variety of authentic Aboriginal art for sale or viewing. From traditional dot and bark paintings, modern 'earth pigment' screen prints, decorated jewellery and wood carvings, to boomerangs, didgeridoos, weapons, ceramics, scarves, even compact discs of traditional music. In whatever form it takes, the art of this amazing civilisation should not be missed on your visit
Australia's climate and the fact that it is the driest continent on earth makes it a fabulous holiday destination all year round, whatever you're planning to do.
Australia is an exciting country full of spirit, colour and contrast. Spirit is the feeling or a young nation on the move. Colour is green, pristine wilderness, lush rainforest, blue skies, sparkling water, silver beaches and the red earth of the outback. Contrast is a way of life in Australia. View it for yourself.
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| Climate |
Australia's climate can generally be divided into five areas. Summers & winters are the reverse to those in Europe, so summer is Nov-Mar & winter Apr-Oct
Central Australia; including Alice Springs & Ayers Rock, is a vast desert region, the sun shines practically every day & rainfall is scarce. Temperatures are extremely hot during summer & cooler during winter, however temperatures can be chilly during the evening. Rain falls during winter months (Apr-Oct) in the south of this region & in the north during the summer period (Nov-Mar)
North & Northeast Australia; including Darwin in the north, round to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef & down to Brisbane. This area has a tropical climate, hot & sunny all year. The rainy monsoon arrives between Nov-Mar making humidity high especially along the coast, however the sun still manages to shine for a good number of hours each day. Cyclones can batter northern coasts several times a year
Southeast Australia; including Sydney & Melbourne, has warm to hot summers on the coast & hot temperatures inland which quite often produce long periods of drought. Winters can be cold inland but this is unusual on the coast. The weather can be changeable throughout the region with rain at any time of the year, although more so in coastal areas
Southern & Western Australia; including Perth & Adelaide, have a Mediterranean-type climate. Summer temperatures can be hot particularly inland & winters are mild. Rain falls mostly during winter (Apr-Oct), Perth being wetter than Adelaide, cyclones may also occur during this time bringing strong winds
Tasmania; lies off the south coast of Australia, has warm summers & cold, wet winters. Generally conditions here are similar to the south coast mainland but wetter, cloudier & cooler. Changeable weather prevails throughout the year, including heavy snowfalls in the mountains |
| Local Time |
Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales & Victoria:
From 31 Oct 04 to 27 Mar 05 GMT +11
From 27 Mar 05 to 30 Oct 05 GMT +10
Lord Howe Island:
From 31 Oct 04 to 27 Mar 05 GMT +11
From 27 Mar 05 to 30 Oct 05 GMT +10½
Northern Territory: GMT +9½
Queensland: GMT +10
South Australia & Broken Hill:
From 31 Oct 04 to 27 Mar 05 GMT +10½
From 27 Mar 05 to 30 Oct 05 GMT +9½
Tasmania:
From 3 Oct 04 to 27 Mar 05 GMT +11
From 27 Mar 05 to 2 Oct 05 GMT +10
Western Australia: GMT +8 |
| Health |
A reciprocal health agreement for urgent medical treatment exists with the United Kingdom. In order to obtain treatment some proof of United Kingdom residence will be required. Further details are available from the Department of Health International Relations Unit, Room 518, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2NS |
| Customs |
Import
Allowances
Tobacco and alcoholic beverages for persons of 18 years of age or older:
a) 1.125 lit of alcohol
b) 250 cigarettes or 250gr of tobacco or cigars
c) Any other goods obtained overseas or bought duty and tax free in Australia to a total value not exceeding AUD 400 per adult (AUD 200 per person under the age of 18 years)
Currency
Tobacco and alcoholic beverages for persons of 18 years of age or older:
a) 1.125 lit of alcohol
b) 250 cigarettes or 250gr of tobacco or cigars
c) Any other goods obtained overseas or bought duty and tax free in Australia to a total value not exceeding AUD 400 per adult (AUD 200 per person under the age of 18 years) |
| Passport & Visa |
The following details relate to holders of adult normal passports (requirements for children may be different), if any other type of passport or travel document is held, entry requirements should be checked with the relevant embassy or consulate
Required by all
Passports must be valid for duration of stay
The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Australia
2) Nationals of New Zealand who hold & produce New Zealand passports that are in force
3) Permanent residents of Norfolk Island holding endorsed passports confirming authority to reside indefinitely in Norfolk Island |
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