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Visa

Anyone wanting to enter Australia must carry a valid passport or similar certificate of identification and everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia.

The Australian visitor visa can be obtained from your nearest Australian high commission, embassy or consulate. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is becoming progressively available through travel agents.

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.

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.

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).

Language

English is Australia's official language - though you will hear many colourful local expressions as well as the Australian accent. Do not hesitate to ask questions; people in Australia are very helpful.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.