Australia is the sixth largest country in the world - more or
less the same size as mainland USA. This vast land however also has
the lowest population density in the world, with only two people
per square kilometre.
Australia is politically divided into six states and two
territories, each one offering a different experience for the
traveller. There is the drama of the remote 'Outback', the
colourful spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef and its coral
islands, the excitement of the cosmopolitan cities, the sun and
surf at some of the best beaches in the world, and the tropical
rainforests of Western Australia. The list is endless in this
diverse land of adventure, which boasts 2,000 national parks and 14
World Heritage-listed areas, along with more than 7,000
beaches.
Australia is a land of character too, with its melting pot of
cultures. For more than 50,000 years the Aboriginal people lived
and thrived in the continent's unique environment. It is believed
the Aboriginals are the world's oldest civilisation, and in recent
years there has been a resurgence of interest in keeping the
Aboriginal culture alive and flourishing.
The vast continent at the bottom of the world was the last
landmass to be discovered by European explorers. Captain James Cook
arrived in Botany Bay in 1770 and sparked off generations of
emigration to Australia, which for some time served as a penal
colony. It was not until 1860 that two explorers - Robert Burke and
William Wills - became the first Europeans to cross Australia from
south to north. The country remains a magnet for modern explorers
and adventurers and has a great deal to offer tourists and
holidaymakers.
Climate
Australia is temperate, most of the country receiving more
than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. In summer (December to March)
the average temperature is 84°F (29°C). The hottest region is the
northern two-thirds of the continent, which experiences humid and
wet conditions in summer. Further south summer is warm with
occasional hot spells and mild nights. Winter (June to August)
averages 56°F (13°C) for the country as a whole, with warm days and
mild nights in the northern areas, becoming cool and showery in the
south (although there are still plenty of sunny days).
Language
English is the official language.
Time
Money
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is divided into 100 cents. Banks
and bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. Travellers
cheques are also welcome everywhere, but banks take a small
commission and it is better to take cheques in major currencies
(e.g. US dollars or Euros) to avoid additional charges. Credit
cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout
the country. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm Monday to
Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer
extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.
Passport Visa
An ETA is an electronically issued and verified
visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers
travelling for tourist or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are valid
for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at:
www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents.
Entry Requirements
US nationals must have a valid passport for intended period of
stay. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required.UK nationals must have a passport valid for intended period of
stay. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for British
passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British National
(Overseas) if residing in Hong Kong. Other British passport holders
are not eligible for an ETA and require a visa.Canadian nationals require a passport valid for intended period
of stay. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required.South African nationals must have a passport valid for the
duration of the stay. A visa is required.Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the intended
period of stay. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is
required.New Zealanders require a valid passport on entry to Australia.
Although a visa is not a requirement, New Zealanders have to apply
for a Special Category Visa on arrival by completing a passenger
card.
Embassy Consulates
Embassy of the United States, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6214
5600.
British High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6270 6666.
Canadian High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6270 4000.
South African High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6273
2424-7.
Embassy of Ireland, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6273 3022.
New Zealand High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6270 4211.
Health
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 because
of the risk of Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River virus
infections, dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
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.
Safety
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. Tropical cyclones normally occur
between November and April in some parts of Australia, usually in
Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory. There is a
serious risk of bush fires in summer, especially in Victoria,
Tasmania, New South Wales and ACT. During the summer months,
usually between October and May, the shallow coastal waters of
northern Australia and Queensland become infested with marine
stingers, commonly known as box jellyfish, whose sting is highly
dangerous and can be deadly. Visitors should pay attention to signs
on beaches and follow the instructions of local
lifeguards.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin
flat blade plugs are used but are different to those in most other
countries, so an adapter is normally required.
Business
Australian business culture is generally relaxed and
informal, although punctuality for meetings is imperative, and
business dress is conservative: a dark suit and tie for men and a
skirt suit for women. Women expect to be treated the same as their
male counterparts, and firm handshakes between both men and women
are standard at the beginning and end of every meeting. Business
cards can be exchanged, but there are no formalities regarding this
practice. In business dealings, brevity is appreciated and 'plain
talking' is respected; however do not try to rush decision-making,
as input from all sectors is customarily considered before reaching
a conclusion. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to
Friday.
Communications
The international access code for Australia is +61.
The outgoing code is 0011 followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 001144 for the United Kingdom). The area code for both
Canberra and Sydney is (0)2. Local calls from public payphones are
unlimited and cost a standard rate, while international and long
distance calls are charged according to the time spent on the
phone. Mobile phone operators use GSM and CDMA networks (area code
(0)4); mobile phones are available for rent. Internet cafes are
widely available.
Duty Free
Travellers to Australia over 18 years do not have to pay
customs duty on 2.25 litres of alcohol; 250 cigarettes or 250g
cigars or other tobacco products. Gifts are included in the A$900
duty-free allowance. Fresh produce and animal/plant products are
prohibited.
