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ABOUT AUSTRALIA…. AUSTRALIA is an incredibly beautiful and diverse country with a vast array of natural wonders, from the Red Centre and Ayers Rock (Uluru), tropical rainforests, Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park and Blue Mountains to name just a few. With such fantastic destinations and activities make sure you check out our overviews of each state to help plan your trip and ensure you don’t miss out on anything!
Useful Info… Facts Population Just over 21 million people Land Size Australia is the sixth largest country in the world (7,741,220sq km) Highest Mountain Mt. Kosciuszko, NSW at 2228 metres Seasons Summer starts in December; autumn in March; winter in June and spring in September. Time zones Australia has three time zones: (what about daylight saving?) Eastern Standard Time is GMT + 10 hrs Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania Central Standard GMT+ 9.5 hrs Northern Territory and South Australia Western Standard Time is GMT + 8hrs Western Australia Official Language English Government Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy (since 26 January 1901), formed by the federation of eight states and territories, with a Federal Parliament, one constitution and one flag. National Anthem Advance Australia Fair Currency Australian Dollar (AUD) Capital Canberra Largest City Sydney Calling Code +61
Driving In Australia: If you’ve got a sense of adventure and want the freedom of driving around this bloody big country, no worries … as long as you are over 18 with a valid driver’s licence and you’ve been in the country for less than 6 months. If you’re planning to stay in the country longer you should consider getting an international driving permit or an Australian driver’s licence.
Buying a Car: The best way to explore Australia, owning a car allows you the freedom to travel at your own leisure. Backpacker vehicles can be bought for a reasonable price. For vehicle buying, selling and share a ride options visit www.travellerscarmarket.com
Medicare: Medicare is a government-run health scheme that has reciprocal agreements with the UK, Malta, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Finland and New Zealand. To apply for a card visit any Medicare office, online at www.medicareaustralia.com.au , or call 13 20 11.
Tax File Number: To work legally in Australia you will need a Tax File Number. To apply for your tax file number online visit www.ato.gov.au
Bank Accounts: The four main banks in Australia are the Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, ANZ and Westpac. Opening times are usually 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. To open your account and get an ATM card just visit the bank with your passport and money!
Mobile Phone & SIM Cards Mobile phones and/or SIM cards are available from Vodafone, Optus, Telstra, Virgin or Boost mobile.
Useful Numbers Emergency Services, including police – 000 Overseas Operator – 1225 Directory Assistance – 1223 Telephone Language Service – 131450 Outgoing from Australia 00 11 country code + area code without the first 0 (? Sounds like first 0 above ) Australian Capital Territory 02 New South Wales 02 Northern Territory 08 Queensland 07 South Australia 08 Tasmania 03 Victoria 03 Western Australia 08
Lost Credit Cards: Visa 1800 805 341 Mastercard – 1800 120 113 American Express – 1300 366105 Thomas Cook – 1800 127495
Emergency Traveller Cheque Numbers AMEX: (02) 886 0689 (in Sydney) AMEX: 1800 251 902 (outside Sydney)
Electricity 240/250 Volts AC 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are used although an adapter is required.
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