Sydney time: 15:39 Monday 15th March 2010

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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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