Australia Travel Guide

What You Need To Know: The Bare Bones

Currency: Australian Dollar
Population; 19.5 Million
Area: 7.7 million KM2
Religion: Approx. 75% Assorted Christian

Weather

Climate wise Australia is good at any time of the year although spring and autumn are probably the best months. (Bear in mind that the seasons down under are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere). One time to beware of is around Christmas, this occurs in the middle of the school summer holidays and is the time when many Aussies choose to go on Holiday.

Entry Requirements

All visitors to Australia need visas or an ETA and a current valid passport. For UK & US citizens ETA's (Electronic Travel Authority) can be easily obtained from your local travel agent and cover a three-month period. For those using Australia as a staging post for visits to other countries, checks should be made to verify any further visa requirements.

Medical Advice

Take precautionary measures against the effects of the sun. The Australian health service (Medi care) have an agreement with the UK over treatment of its citizens whilst on holiday there. Despite this UK citizens are advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of their trip. US citizens are advised to consult with their medical insurers, most policies do not provide medical cover for areas outside of the USA. In the event of needing emergency medical care, Australian service providers may expect cash payments and the amounts can be significant. US citizens are advised to make separate insurance arrangements to give them selves ample Medical cover, this should include provision for medical evacuation back to the US. To avoid the chance of insect borne disease in Australia it is advisable to protect against mosquito bites by the use of nets and repellents. This applies mainly to Queensland and the Northern Territories but may include Western Australia.

Safety Advice

As with urban areas across the world a degree of common sense is required with regard to safety in Australia. Keep to main thoroughfares and try not to travel alone. Vigilance with personal possessions is also advised. Outside of the cities, the same advice holds true of the 'Outback'. Common sense and respect for your surroundings should ensure a trouble free visit. Seek out local advice before venturing away from 'civilisation' and always tell someone where you are going and what time you are expecting to get back. The price to pay for Australia's exotic scenery, flora and fauna is the risk of snakebite, flash flood or bush fire, take the correct precautions and reduce these risks.

Law and Order

Expect arrest and prosecution for involvement in the illicit drug trade. US citizens should be aware that Australians drive on the left and cars are right hand drive. Care should be taken not only whilst driving but also when crossing roads as a pedestrian.

Keeping the Bugs Out

The Australian authorities are keen to keep out anything that may be a threat to the health of native plant, animal and human populations. As such they enforce strict quarantine procedures. Visitors are asked to declare any items of plant or animal origin they may be carrying prior to arrival. In certain cases, such goods may be liable to confiscation and destruction. Visitors may also be required to account for any farm visits made in the month before their arrival. Such stringent measures may cause delays upon arrival.

Cash and Plastic

Credit Cards are readily accepted and ATM machines are commonplace. Australia has a comprehensive banking system for the exchange of currency or travellers cheques.

Insurance

Comprehensive cover is advised for all aspects of your trip, this should include medical, accident, luggage, money and possessions.

What will it cost?

Due to exchange rates, Australia is likely to seem cheap for the traveller from the US or the UK. A good meal may cost only $15, although there is a huge range of choice in the price range below this. The same is true of accommodation. There is a vast range of lower priced places to stay by way of hostels and campsites ($6 and upwards).

So, What is it Really Like?

Australia is a vast land of diversity and contrast. It is a land where the populous coastal strip contains a dramatic heartland. From the architectural landmarks of the Sydney Opera house and Harbour Bridge to the impressive natural beauty of Ayers Rock, from Bondi beach to the Great Barrier Reef it is a land with something for everyone. Added to the geographical diversity is a cultural diversity derived in part from the high number of immigrants from all parts of the globe who have made Australia their home. Australia is a fully 'Westernised' society from the first world but its location on the Asian end of the Pacific rim gives it a flavour all its own.

Britain initially used Australia as a penal colony and convicts were amongst the initial settlers. Up until after the Second World War the bulk of migrant were of British origin, although significant numbers of Germans came to South Australia. Also, large numbers of Chinese came into the country as a result of the discovery of Gold. After WW2 the demand for Labour was such that many 'displaced persons' from Europe found their way down under creating vigorous populations of Italians, Serbs, Croats and Greeks. Latterly, as Australia has engaged more and more with its Asian neighbours, so the number of migrants from the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and other Asian nations has risen. All this has added to the multi cultural mix of Australia.