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.