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| Australia :: Australia Travel Guide |
Australia Travel Guide |
| About Australia
- Just the Facts! |
 In land area, Australia is the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil. It has, however, a relatively small population.
Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. The mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth. It lies between 10° and 39° South latitude. The highest point on the mainland, Mount Kosciuszko, is only 2228 metres. Apart from Antarctica, Australia is the driest
Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. Its interior has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world and about three-quarters of the land is arid or semi-arid. Its fertile areas are well watered, however, and these are used very effectively to help feed the world. Sheep and cattle graze in dry country, but care must be taken with the soil. Some grazing land became desert when the long cycles that influence rainfall in Australia turned-to-drought.
 The Australian federation consists of six States and two Territories. Most inland borders follow lines of longitude and latitude. The largest State, Western Australia, is about the same size as Western Europe.
Australia is an independent Western democracy with a population of more than 20 million. It is one of the world’s most urbanised countries, with about 70 per cent of the population living in the 10 largest cities. Most of the population is concentrated along the eastern seaboard and the southeastern corner of the continent. Australia’s lifestyle reflects its mainly Western origins. |
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| Climate |
The climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperatures. Broadly there are two climatic zones. In the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn, about 40 percent of Australia is in the tropical zone. The remaining areas lie in the temperate zone.
 However, because of Australia’s vast size, there are variations within these zones. The temperate regions have all four seasons, while those in the tropical zone have two: summer ("wet") and winter ("dry").
Australia's seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. Spring: September-November Summer: December-February Fall: March-May
Winter : June-August . |
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| While Traveling to Australia |
| Telephone Codes |
 All regular phone numbers have an area code followed by an eight-digit number. Australia has four telephone area codes.
New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory - 02
Northern Territory, South Australia & Western Australia - 08
Queensland - 07
Tasmania & Victoria - 03 |
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| What to Wear |
| In the tropics lightweight (natural fibbers) clothing is suitable year-round. In the southern temperate regions, summers (Dec-Feb) 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 (Jun-Aug) sweaters and warmer clothes are advisable. Most of the time just keeps it light and comfortable. |
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| Time Zones |
 There are three time zones in Australia Eastern Standard Time (EST) which operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland; Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia and Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) in Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.
Australian States except Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland have daylight saving during the summer months . |
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| Banks, Post Offices & ATM Machines |
 Banks - 9:30am-4pm Mon-Thu - 9:30am 5pm Fri.
General office and Post Offices - 9am-5pm, Mon Fri.
ATM cards can be used in Australia at both ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) and at participating retail locations, so long as they have been enabled for international access. Your ATM card must carry either the CIRRUS, PLUS or STAR international ATM mark or the Interlink or Maestro POS mark. Travellers should contact their bank at home for information on availability and service charges . |
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| Customs |
 Strict laws prohibit or restrict the entry of drugs, steroids, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. All animals, animal products, foodstuffs, plants, and plant products must be declared. There is no limit on the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, amounts over A.U.$ 5,000/- must be reported.
Travellers 18 years and over may bring I litter of alcohol and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco duty free. There is a duty free allowance of A$400 per person 18 years and over, or $A200 per person under 18 years. Short term visitors may bring most articles into the country duty free, provided Customs is satisfied that they are for their own personal use. |
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| Quarantine (very strict) |
 Importation of fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs and egg products, vegetables, seeds, cultures, plants and plant products are strictly controlled. There is up to 6 months quarantine for pets and other domestic animals. Anyone carrying any of these items on arrival in Australia must tick the appropriate box on the Customs, Quarantine and Wildlife statement. This is handed to you before arrival and must be presented with your passport upon arrival. |
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| Electricity |
| The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in North America so you will need an adapter socket. If your appliances are not 240/250 volts you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 11 OV appliances are usually found in leading hotels. |
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| OFF beat Facts – Did you know? |
| Wide open spaces |
 Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometer Beaches. Australia boasts over 7,000 beaches - more than any other nation. |
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| Little beauties |
 Australia produces 95 per cent of the world's precious opals and 99 per cent of black opals. |
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| Opal capital |
 Coober Pedy in South Australia is known as the opal capital of the world. Its population is made up of more than 40 nationalities and, with year-round extremes in temperature, more than 50 per cent of the population live in belowground 'dugouts' |
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| Golden city |
 Kalgoorlie in Western Australia is not only Australia's largest producer of gold, but has the world's largest political electorate - covering a mammoth 2.2 million square kilometers . |
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| Aussie icon |
 The kangaroo is unique to Australia and one of our most easily recognized mammals. There are more kangaroos in Australia now than when Australia was first settled. Estimates suggest around 50 million. |
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| Merino’s en masse |
 Australia's 140 million sheep (mostly merinos), found on around 53,000 properties, produce more than 70 per cent of the world's wool. |
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| Beef exports |
 With 24 million head of cattle, Australia is the world's largest exporter of beef. |
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| Flourishing flora |
 Australia supports at least 25,000 species of plants, while Europe only supports 17,500 |
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| Long haul |
 The longest stretch of straight railway track in the world crosses the Nullarbor Plain. From Nurina in Western Australia to near Watson in South Australia, the track is dead straight for 478 kilometers . |
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| Long drive |
 The Eyre Highway at Caiguna in Western Australia has the longest stretch of straight road in Australia - 148 kilometers. Crossing the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, it is the only sealed road from Perth to Adelaide, a 2700kms. |
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| Long fence |
 The world's longest continuous fence known as the 'dingo fence', runs through central Queensland for 5,531 kilometers. It is 1.8 meters high and is designed to keep sheep safe from Australia's native dog. |
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| AUSTRALIA - Places of Interest |
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| SYDNEY |
 Sydney is a sprawling city of more than 12,500 square kilometers. Central Sydney is compact and mostly accessible on foot. Circular Quay is the hub of the city’s public transport system, and right next door is the historic area of The Rocks. Northwest of here is Darling Harbour. To the east of Circular Quay is the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and a few blocks north is the main shopping district.
Sydney boasts a mild and usually idyllic climate. It is rarely too hot or too cold here. On average there are 342 sunny days a year with an average rainfall of 1214mm annually. Sydney, like Australia, is a city of contrast – harbour to hills, to downtown to outback.
 Sydney is the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere and lays claim to the title of social, cultural and financial center of Australia. The hear of the Central Business District is Martin Place, a pedestrian mall between Macquarie and George Streets. Attractions include Art Gallery of NSW, Hyde Park, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, restaurants to indulge in every cuisine, Darling Harbour with its parks, gardens, fountains, shops and restaurants, and a cruise around Sydney Harbour.
Tour from Sydney operate to the scenic Blue Mountains where you can see the spectacular Three Sisters, a unique rock formation to Wonderland with it’s rides packed with fun for the whole family, Southern Highlands including Bowral where the Don Bradman Museum is situated, and to the famous wine district –Hunter Valley. No matter what your interests, your age or your budget, there is always something exciting to do in Sydney. |
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| SYDNEY - TOURING OPTIONS |
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| Sydney Sights |
 Travel over Sydney Harbour Bridge to Spit Bridge and Middle Harbour with its flotilla of expensive yachts and cruisers overlooked by magnificent homes. Then to the famous beaches of Dee Why, Curl Curl, Freshwater and Manly. Then to the Rocks, the birthplace of Australia. Board the boat for your cruise of Sydney Harbour with/without lunch. After the cruise drive Gardens, Art Gallery and return via Watson’s Bay and Kings Cross. |
| Three In Pass |
 Excellent day trip pass, which includes all day travel on Monorail, entrance to the famous Sydney aquarium, and the A.M.P.tower. Excellent way to travel and see CBD of Sydney, after seeing the above two, using the same pass you can explore the famous paddy’s market for some good souvenir bargains, and visit Darling Harbour . |
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| Hunter Valley Full Day |
 The Hunter Valley is renowned for its excellent wines and your host will discuss you preferred styles and tastes before offering you a wide range of wineries from which to choose. You may choose to spend the remainder of the day on an in depth tour of the vineyards or spend the afternoon exploring the lush wilderness nearby. |
| Port Stephens & Nelson Bay Dunes & Dolphins |
 Discover the beautiful North Coast region of Port Stephens. Pristine waterways, golden sandy beaches, eco-diverse Marine & National Parks provide an array of activities for everyone. Board a luxury cruiser and search for the pods of bottlenose dolphins. Watch as they play on the bow waves or why not ride on the boom net and get close to our friendly visitors! Also experience the grandeur and tranquility of local desert wilderness, and environmental and historical sights. |
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| Blue Mountains |
 Passing the 2000 Olympic site at Home bush proceed to the Blue Mountains. View the spectacular Three Sisters, a giant rock formation and hear the Aborigine Legend connected with it. Then to The Edge Cinema where you will see, on the giant screen, magnificent natural scenery if the Blue Mountains with its valleys, waterfalls, cliff and rain forests. Visit the Wildlife Park, home to Australian native animals and birds including the koala. |
| Featherdale |
 Featherdale is an extensive wildlife park, developed in a natural bush less than one hour from Sydney’s center. You can stroll along its shady level walkways; enter enclosures for face-to face, touch-to-touch meetings with friendly kangaroos and cuddly koalas.
Witnesses an Australian Miracle – some climb, some hop, crawl, slither, slide or fly – while others, looking cautiously around, simply perch and stare in big-eyed wonder. |
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| The Edge Cinema |
 The Edge Cinema provides audiences with an experience of the Blue Mountains never before seen by visitors to this region. The Edge Movie takes you well beyond the escarpment lookouts, providing a truly entertaining ‘interactive’ experience of this unique Australian landscape, imagine being plunged into the deepest canyons, abseiling from a sheer rock face or floating over the magnificent mist filled valleys. The Edge Movie is not just a visual extravaganza it will leave a lasting memory of you visit to the Blue Mountains. |
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| CANBERRA |
|  Australia’s capital city, Canberra, had a difficult birth, punctuated by political infighting, wars and the Great Depression, but it is now a thriving modern city which, together with its surrounds, makes up Australia’s Capital Territory.
Like most capitals of the world, Canberra boasts an architectural heritage in its civic and Government buildings, but Canberra is also blessed with some of the loveliest surroundings of any national capital. There are more than 30 Australian artistic and cultural institutions located in Canberra, ranging from the Australian War Memorial to Parliament House, surmounted by a colossal stainless-steel flagpole and set in 23 hectares of gardens. In the centre of Lake Burley Griffin, the impressive Captain Cook Memorial Jet shoots a six-ton column of water 482ft (147m) into the air, while on the shore the National Gallery of Australia houses the country’s premier public art collection spanning about 5,000 years of international art. |
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| CANBERRA - TOURING OPTIONS |
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| Floriade |
 Floriade is Canberra’s annual spring splash of colour – a flower festival with more than 1.47 million flowers that bloom on cue for four weeks in September and October.
To compliment the flowers, the event also includes a full entertainment program with visiting and local performers, kids activities, workshops, exhibitions and the Craftsman’s Corner featuring Australian made gifts, crafts and produce.
It all began in 1986 as a vision for the 1988 bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th birthday when two members of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service envisaged a huge floral display for the celebration. Their inspiration was the annual Dutch Keukenhof flower display and Holland’s Floriade, which happens every 10 years. Floriade is now the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere. |
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| GOLD COAST / SURFERS PARADISE |
 The Gold Coast is Australia’s holiday playground commonly known as entertainment capital – backed by ocean boulevards, resort shopping, a casino, nightclubs and bars, the central region has all the perfect ingredients for a playground for the young and young at heart. The climate being subtropical, the region enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.
This area’s greatest attractions are golden beaches those stretch forever and are washed by the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Try fishing in the ocean waters, lakes or streams, parasailing, deep sea diving, surfing, windsurfing, parachuting and hang – gliding.
The theme parks are thrill – a – minute parks for all ages. Ride a giant roller coaster or water slide, be entertained by colorful characters, take in the sights from a hot-air balloon, and learn to throw a boomerang and shear a sheep or feed brilliantly colored lorikeets, kangaroos and wallabies. There are stunts galore from dolphins and high – flying acts to crazy magic and Wild West adventures. Lose yourself in a world of mystery and illusion at these parks. Take a photograph with the Tiger at Dream world where you can actually sit next to him.
 A growing number of tourists visit the Gold Coast to play golf around this region, which has some 36 international standard golf courses and resorts. Courses very in design from the extremely challenging, featuring abundant waterways and hazards, to the natural and links-style- resort courses.
Mountains peaks, cascading waterfalls, wide open spaces with breathtaking views, national parks, quaint towns and villages all form part of the hinterland. Backtracks take you through the rainforest. Stay overnight at O’ Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse and Binna Burra Mountains lodge which provide excellent accommodation as well as guided walks.
For the adventurous there is bungee jumping, hang-gliding and endless other exciting things to do. As the Gold Coasts boast it has everything under the sun! |
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| GOLD COAST / SURFERS PARADISE - TOURING OPTIONS |
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| Movie World |
 The fun never stops here in this Park. Start off with Breakfast with the Stars (option). Experience the thrill of Batman Adventure – The Ride, see the original Riddler’s Lair and the all Bat mobile in the Batman Experience. Move on to the Stunt Police Academy with its non-stop high explosive action from start to finish, enjoy the Mavericks Grand Illusion Show with its fantastic special effects. Your favorite Looney Tunes characters are there to meet you at the Looney Tunes Studio Tour and the Animal Actor’s Stage Show. |
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| Sea World |
 The world of the sea comes to life at Sea world. Marvel at the grace and strength displayed in the Whale, Dolphin and Sea Lion Celebration. Enjoy the Sea Lions at Play and Penguin on Parade especially at feeding times. Waves of excitements as you try the breathtaking Free Fall Slide, the dips and dives of the Speed Slide and the rush of the Toboggan Ride all in the Water Park. At the Action see how fast and how crazy you can go on the International Ski Spectacular with its stunts, jumps and somersaults . |
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| Dream World |
 Australia’s favorite family theme park, including eleven different theme areas and the fastest (160kph), tallest (115 meters), most terrifying ride in the world, Tower of Terror, plus thrill to action rides like the Wipeout and Thunderbolt. At Tiger Island you can watch as Bengal tigers play and swim with their handlers in the specifically created habitat, cuddle a koalas or feed a kangaroo. Be absorbed in an IMAX film projected on a six storey high screen. |
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| Tempo Rouge |
 Described as the place where ‘the world comes to party’, Tempo Rouge will provide audiences with 90 minutes of total entertainment, incorporating a fusion of song, dance, talented specialty acts and flamboyant costumes. The show will revolve around a theme of global celebration. |
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| CAIRNS |
 Cairns – which boasts a tropical climate all year round – is the perfect place to ‘get away’ from it all. The rainfall months are December to April and it tapers down to an average of 50mm during May to November. Tropical North Queensland is world famous for the Great Barrier Reef, which is about 23000 kms, and about 70 million football grounds the size, the magnificent Daintree Rainforest. A number of sea faring vessels, raging from the luxurious to the basic, can whisk you off to the Barrier Reef, to see the spectacular coral formations and amazing colours of fishes which swim leisurely through the corals.
Scenic flights over the Barrier Reef are an unforgettable experience as you cruise over the water and see the beautiful islands surrounded by coral reefs. A trip to Kuranda on the Scenic Rail, which travels through hand-hewn tunnels, and the Skyrail takes you over the top of the rainforest.
Tjapukai – Aboriginal Cultural Park just 15 minutes from Cairns will entrance you with its Creation theatre – the world’s best hologram show, its History Theatre – a story of survival, and the Dance Theater – a celebration of song & Dance. Didgeridoo, Fire making and boomerang throwing, along with their excellent restaurant, makes it an exciting day. The tropical Atherton Tablelands and the oldest Rainforest – Daintree, are some of the other wonderful experience around Cairns. Cairns boasts a wide variety and range of accommodation and restaurants. |
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| CAIRNS
- TOURING OPTIONS |
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| TJapukai |
 The spiritual and traditional beliefs of the Tjapukai people are captured in a series of stunning presentations in three theatres, museum, art gallery and a variety of outdoor settings. Tjapukai Culture Park is the next stop for the Tjapukai Dance Theatre formerly located at Kuranda.. The Kuranda show has been running for 9 years and is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records 1997 as Australia’s longest running show. |
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| Kuranda - World's most beautifull Rainforest |
Board the Skyrail Cableway, enjoy the 7.5 km rainforest canopy and arrive Kuranda, voted as Australia’s best attraction Our full day “Ultimate Kuranda” excursion gives the best of all. |
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| White Water Rafting & Hot Air Balloning |
 This is one of the Australia’s best one-day white water adventures. Up to five hours on the Tully River in the midst of World Heritage rainforest. Race through the gorge of the Tully River and experience racing the world famous rapids like Alarm Clock Falls and Wet ’n Moistly! Morning tea and a delicious BBQ lunch along the riverside and dinner at the Tully Country Club is included. See yourself on video, which can be purchased. Children under 14 are unable to do this adventure |
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| The Great Barrier Reef |
 From the moon, the Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure visible on the earth. It is a national treasure and one of the true wonders of the world . The ribbon reefs north of Cairns are renowned for their excellent year – round water clarity and coral formations. Agincourt Reef is the only ribbon reef on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef to be visited by a day cruises. It lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage area, one of the most diverse and delicate eco-systems on the world.
The day starts with a cruise on Quicksilver catamaran to the Outer barrier Reef where you can relax in the luxury of the spacious air-conditioned cabin areas or sit outside and enjoy the cool breezes. After approximately 1 hour you arrive at Quicksilver’s Reef platforms, which float like an island in a coral sea. This provides the ultimate in facilities for reef viewing and relaxation in all weather and wind conditions.
At the reef lagoon at Agincourt there are excellent swimming and snorkeling areas where the Marine Biologists can introduce you to a whole new and exciting world and explain the secrets of the spectacular marine life, intricate coral gardens and breathtaking drop –offs. Watch the fish feeding from the unique viewing platform and underwater observatory. The semi-submarine will introduce you to the beautiful coral world and its myriad of fishes with their amazing range of colours.
Scuba diving is optional for those who wish to dive. It is not necessary for you to be an experienced diver. Alternatively you can decide to explore the beauty of the reef with the snorkeling gear that is provided. |
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| MELBOURNE |
|  Melbourne is the heart of Australia’s classic south. It has compelling appeal in its gardens, its history, its character and its charm. Inhabited by cultures from across the globe, Melbourne has a fascination in the mix of its cosmopolitan who passionately shares in the richness of this most dynamic and vibrant city. The attractions include the Melbourne Zoo, Casino Complex, the Victoria Arts Center and Capt and Cooks Cottage. Find a bargain at Queen Victoria Market and enjoy the breathtaking views from the Rialto. From Melbourne one can head to Philip Island to see the wonderful sight of the Penguins as they come ashore, across the beach, to the sand dunes. Seals near the sea, bask in the late sunlight on half-tide rocks and nearby Seal Rock a fascinating and amazing exhibit.  The route ‘Great Ocean Road’ to Adelaide is undeniably one of the world’s most spectacular scenic experiences. The scenery changes dramatically via the slopes of lush pastures, down to white sand beaches, across picturesque estuaries, upwards onto breathtaking headlands, through rainforest and waterfalls and on to amazing limestone cliffs and rock formations. The unique coastline brings into focus the extraordinary, dramatic formations of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Bay of islands. Seemingly created for the express purpose of inspiring awe in the on-looker, the Yarra Valley, Dandenongs and The Ranges offer marvelous diversity to visitors – forest walks, mountain vistas, famous vineyards, cozy places to stay, unique shopping experience, diverse restaurants, history and gardens exhibiting native and exotic floras in abundance.  Yarra Valley, less than an hour from central Melbourne, is an exhilarating experience. All along the main roads or the side roads, the vineyards exhibit their orderly patterns and magical fruit, along rich river flats and rolling hills. Since the 19 th Century, grapes from this region have produced wines to captivate the connoisseurs of the world.
The Gold Rush days of 1850 can be captured during a visit to Sovereign Hill and Ballarat. The excitements of these bawdy times emerge as you visit the scene of revolt, rebellion and the start of democracy at Eureka. The Ballard Wildlife Park affords you with the opportunity to see the Australian native animals. |
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| MELBOURNE - TOURING OPTIONS |
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| Penguin Parade |
 Travel to Phillip Island – a natural home of koalas, mutton-birds, seals and fairy penguins. Prior to the ‘penguin parade’, a gourmet dinner with Australian wine is served in a charming Victorian home. |
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| Great Ocean Road |
 This tour is designed to highlight the very best of the Great Ocean Road. Take in the magnificent views of Loch Ard Gerge, Bay of Martyre, Twelve Apostles and London Bridge. Enjoy an historic walk through Loch Ard George and discover the tragic story behind the famous shipwreck. |
| Melbourne Cricket Ground |
 Strongly recommended and must be included for all the Indian groups, since it’s one of the worlds best cricket ground and excellent guided tour is conducted by the M.C.G. It has the only photograph of Great cricketers pictures together namely Sir. Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. |
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| Sovereign Hill & Ballarat |
 ‘Striking it rich’ was the dream of the immigrants who flocked to Ballarat in search of gold. Their enthusiasm, blood, sweats and tears can still be felt today: a re-creation of the original gold mining town as it was in the 1850’s. The town is a tribute to the gold diggers who struggled against the odds and hardships if a young nation. This tour explores the triumphs and failures of the Great Australian Gold Rush. |
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