Discover the Wonders of Australia: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
While modern-day Australia might have started life as a British prison colony, it has evolved into one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. Visitors to Australia will delight in its exciting, cosmopolitan cities, fantastic weather and famously beautiful coastline, as well as the friendly nature of the locals who they encounter.
Australia – a country and continent in one – is the world’s sixth-largest nation by land area, and has a wealth of natural attractions begging to be explored. The country 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 big, efficient 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 about 2,000 national parks and 14 World Heritage-listed areas, along with more than 7,000 beaches.
For those who prefer to keep their holidays urban, Australia’s cities will certainly not disappoint. Clean, cosmopolitan and youthful, Australia’s urban centres (including Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne) are world class. Famous cultural attractions in Australia include the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Australian Museum and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Australia also boasts an impressive and fast-moving restaurant culture, guaranteed to satisfy even the fussiest gastronomes.
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 one of the world’s oldest surviving civilisations, and recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in keeping the Aboriginal culture alive and flourishing in Australia.
Whether you schedule a lot of sightseeing in Australia, or plan to spend most of your time relaxing on the great beaches and sampling some of the local beer, you are bound to have a splendid time in the Land Down Under.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language of Australia.
- Passport/Visa:
A valid passport and a visa or ETA is required for travel to Australia. An ETA is an electronically issued and verified visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers travelling for touristic or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are usually valid for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents. It is highly recommended that passports are valid six months after departure from a holiday destination.
- Currency:
The unit of currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), which is divided into 100 cents. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banks and bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. 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.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin flat blade plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.
Overview
Both continent and country, Australia spans thousands of miles from coast to coast and is packed full of wonderful sightseeing activities for visitors of every budget and taste. Australia offers tropical rainforests, more than 8,000 species of wildflowers in Western Australia alone, a sublime coastline including the likes of Fraser Island (the world’s largest sand island), vast, dramatic dessert landscapes and some great modern cities. This super diverse country boasts about 14 UNESCO-listed areas, 2,000 national parks and 7,000 beaches, ensuring that there is plenty to explore in this Land Down Under.
Visitors should head north to explore the rugged bush and ancient Aboriginal cultures while trekking across the Great Outback, visiting Uluru (Ayres Rock) along the way; splash into the crystalline waters of the Great Barrier Reef for a spot of snorkelling; head south towards Sydney for a day of basking in the sun on Bondi Beach; take in the historical sites in the Rocks, the site of the first European settlement in 1788 and the birthplace of Australia; go hiking in the Blue Mountains; and pay a special visit to Hunter Valley for a spot of wine tasting. With all these options and hundreds more, visitors will have trouble narrowing down their itineraries.
Australia is all about the great outdoors, with exciting and unique wildlife to boot and visitors should get out and explore the sights on foot when possible. Travelling along the east coast of the country is best done by bus or car, while those wanting to cross the treacherous great expanse of the country are advised to catch a plane, unless they are interested in an outback safari.
With so many territories offering their own special flavour, it would take a few months, if not years to explore and discover all that this magical country has to offer.
Climate in Australia
Australia has a hot and sunny climate, with most of the country receiving more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. In summer (December to March) the average temperature is 84F (29C), and the hottest region is the northern two-thirds of the country, which experiences humid and wet conditions at this time of year. Further south summer is warm with occasional hot spells and mild nights. The average temperature in winter (June to August) is 56F (13C) for the country as a whole; warm days and mild nights in the northern areas become cool and showery in the south (although there are still plenty of sunny days).
Health Notes when travelling to Australia
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 immunisations or medications are required for most trips to Australia; however, insect repellents are strongly advised because of the risk of 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 Notes when travelling to Australia
The crime rate in Australia is low; however, travellers should be aware that tourists could be targeted by petty criminals. Visitors should be vigilant about personal possessions and travel documents, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as along the Gold Coast. Tropical cyclones normally occur between November and April in some parts of Australia, particularly in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. There is a serious risk of bush fires in summer (November to March), especially in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and ACT. Also during the summer months, 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 to avoid injury.
Customs in Australia
Generally an informal attitude, in dress and behaviour, prevails in most social and business situations. Sport, particularly rugby and cricket, is almost a religion in Australia.
Duty Free in Australia
Travellers to Australia over 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 2.25 litres of alcohol; and 25 cigarettes or 25g of cigars or tobacco products. All tobacco products in travellers’ baggage are included in this category, regardless of where they were purchased. Gifts are included in the A$900 duty-free allowance. Fresh produce and animal or plant products are prohibited.
Doing Business in Australia
Those doing business in Australia are sure to find that the friendly yet professional corporate atmosphere of the country will provide them with an exciting opportunity to develop their careers. The business culture of Australia is a bit of a hybrid breed, incorporating the trappings of British formality and conservatism, the egalitarian ethos of Scandinavian countries, and the dynamic, innovative approach to business that is generally thought of as American in origin – rounded out, of course, with typical Australian warmth and humour. The approach to management in Australia is consultative, pragmatic, and strictly non-hierarchical. Those in positions of relative power are accorded respect by virtue of their personal qualities, not simply because they happen to be the boss.
Business etiquette in Australia further reflects this egalitarian ethos. Business people should use titles initially, though they will almost certainly be told to dispense with them and refer to their colleagues by their first names. They should maintain eye contact when speaking to their associates, as this is regarded as a sign of forthrightness and trustworthiness, qualities that Australian business people tend to favour over showiness, self-aggrandisement or empty promises. Business meetings in Australia should be scheduled about a week in advance, and then confirmed a few days before they are due to take place.
Colleagues should be punctual, as lateness can be seen as a symptom of flakiness or indifference. Business meetings in Australia do not generally proceed from a set agenda. Rather, they are viewed as open forums, in which ideas are to be debated and discussed. In fact, over-preparing for a meeting can make participants seem pushy, as though they wish to bully others into adopting their opinions on the issue at hand. The dress code for business in Australia remains surprisingly traditional: dark suits and ties are the norm for men; for women, business suits, worn either with pants or a skirt. As a general rule, business people should avoid loud jewellery and accessories, as to Australian eyes they might make them seem arrogant. The official language of business in Australia is English, and business hours are generally from 8.30am (or 9am) to 5pm (or 5.30pm), Monday to Friday.
Communication in Australia
The international dialling code for Australia is +61. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available; purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option than paying international roaming costs, which can be quite high.
Tipping in Australia
Most service providers in Sydney don’t expect a tip, so travellers shouldn’t feel pressured into giving one. A tip of 10 percent is standard in restaurants, however, and passengers usually round up to the nearest dollar or more in taxis.
Passport/Visa Note
A valid passport and a visa or ETA is required for travel to Australia. An ETA is an electronically issued and verified visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers travelling for touristic or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are usually valid for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents. It is highly recommended that passports are valid six months after departure from a holiday destination.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals must have a valid passport on arrival. A pre-obtained Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for intended period of stay. A pre-arranged Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals must have a passport valid for intended period of stay. A pre-arranged Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a passport that is valid on arrival. A pre-arranged Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for stays up to three months.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders require a valid passport on entry to Australia. A Special Category Visa (SCV) is issued on arrival after completing a passenger card.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must have a passport valid for at least six months after their date of departure. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Australian Tourist Commission, Sydney: +61 (0)2 9360 1111 or http://www.australia.com
Australia Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Australia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 797 3000.
- In Canada:
Australian High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 0841.
- In the United Kingdom:
Australian High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7379 4334.
- In Ireland:
Australian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 664 5300.
- In New Zealand:
Australian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 6411.
- In South Africa:
Australian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 423 6000.
Foreign Embassies in Australia
- American Embassy
Embassy of the United States, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6214 5600.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6270 4000.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6270 6666.
- Irish Embassy
Embassy of Ireland, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6214 0000.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6270 4211.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6272 7300.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
