Top Australia Hotels

All foreign nationals (except New Zealanders) wishing to enter Australia require visas. The Australian visitor's visa can be obtained from your nearest Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate.

There is no limit on the amount of local or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia.

Visitors may take the following into Australia duty free:

• Alcohol - 1 litre of alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco - 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products

Australia is free from many pests and diseases which harm plants/animals and serious efforts are made to protect the local agriculture and wildlife. On arrival, all fresh and packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, animals, plants and items made from plants or wood must be declared and deposited in amnesty bins.

Australia has three time zones:

1. Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT +10
   New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria - daylight saving runs from the end of October through to the end of March (GMT +11)
   Tasmania - daylight saving runs from the beginning of October through to the end of March (GMT +11)
   There is no daylight saving in Queensland.
2. Central Standard Time (CST): GMT +9.5
   South Australia - daylight saving runs from late October to late March (GMT +10.5)
   Northern Territory does not have daylight saving
3. Western Standard time (WST): GMT +8
   Western Australia does not have daylight saving

• Australian Dollars (A$) - Check current exchange rates
• 100 cents = A$1
• Notes issued: A$100, A$50, A$20, A$10, A$5
• Coins issued: A$2, A$1, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents

The official language is English

Tipping is not widely practised in Australia and restaurants/hotels do not currently add a service charge. However, as of July 2000 a new Government Service Tax (GST) of 10% will be automatically added to bills for any services provided.

Porters and taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped but it is accepted and appreciated.

• Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4.00pm
• Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm
• Certain banks in major cities may open on Saturday mornings

The international dialling code for Australia is 61.

When making international calls from Australia first dial 0011 + country code + area code + telephone number.

• 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz
• 3 pin round plugs

Tap water is safe to drink and bottled water also is widely available.

Australia has very high standards of health and hygiene but always make sure that you have good medical insurance. The Australian sun can be a health hazard as it is more intense than in other countries, so take extra care to protect your skin. Some of Australia's wildlife such as sharks, crocodiles, snakes, redback and funnel web spiders may seem quite threatening but bites and attacks are rare. Take local advice for each area you visit, particularly in the outback.

Usually there is no need for inoculations but it is always best to check the current situation and any current vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

• Adelaide
• Brisbane
• Cairns
• Darwin
• Hobart
• Melbourne
• Perth
• Sydney
• Townsville

A$25

There are numerous domestic airports and landing strips in Australia. In addition to the international airports mentioned above, here are a selection of the more popular destinations:

• Alice Springs
• Broome
• Canberra
• Coolangatta - serving Surfers Paradise
• Connellan - serving Ayers Rock

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Casual wear is generally okay for almost any occasion or situation in Australia, although some top-end clubs and restaurants have a more formal dress code.

Most countries have representative offices and consulates in Australia.

For further information on Australian culture and tourist attractions:

• Orbit over Australia
  
• Australian Tourist Commission
  

Australia encompasses virtually the entire gamut of climatic differences from the tropical to the temperate.

Pack summer clothes during the northern winter as seasons "Down Under" are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is possible to divide the continent into two zones - the tropical zone in the far north and the temperate zone in the south.

The tropical zone experiences two seasons:

• Wet - November to April
• Dry - May to October.

Northern Territory and Queensland - lightweight clothing is suitable all year round.

The temperate zone experiences four seasons:

• Spring and summer from September/October to March
• Autumn and winter from April to September

New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia - summers are warm to hot and lightweight clothes are suitable for daytime but keep a jacket or sweater handy as nights may be cool. Sweaters, a jacket/light coat and generally warmer clothes are advisable during the winter.

Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings during hot weather.

Note! Take Care in the Sun! Pack a sunhat, sunglasses and suntan lotion to protect yourself from the intense sunshine in Australia. Australian Government advice is good to remember - slip, slop, slap - slip on a T-shirt or cover up, slop on high factor sun cream and slap on a hat. Australians are extremely aware of the dangers of overexposure to their sun and an excellent selection of good quality, high factor sunscreens are available in Australian shops.

North Coast Tropics

Darwin

North Coast Australia, also known as "The Top End", has a very hot and humid tropical climate with an average temperature of 30°C all year round.

The Wet Season begins in November and lasts through to early April - tropical storms make swimming in the sea impossible at this time.

Best time to visit: During the Dry Season, especially at the beginning and end when humidity is less oppressive.

Northern Queensland

Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

Summer is hot and wet in Northern Queensland. The highest rainfall tends to be recorded during the period from January to March, with average rainfall of over 400mm.

Best time to visit: In the Dry Season when rainfall is lower and temperatures average around 27°C.

South East Queensland

Brisbane

The southern part of Queensland enjoys slightly drier summers in comparison to the north. Temperatures in Brisbane average around 20°C in the winter months but if you leave the surf and beaches to venture into the mountains it does get colder at night.

The summer months tend to suffer from high levels of humidity, although the countryside may be at it's best after the rains have nurtured new plant growth.

Best time to visit: During the winter when temperatures are pleasantly cool and rainfall is low.

New South Wales

Sydney

New South Wales has distinct seasons which can be enjoyed all year round.

Autumn is warm and crisp; winter averages 15°C in the daytime - although temperatures can drop below 10°C, which feels comparatively cold; spring can be wet but is generally pleasant.

Best time to visit: If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, then summer is the best time to visit - although it can be a little humid.

Away from the coast, the alpine range of the Snowy Mountains experiences heavy snowfall from the end of June to early October, which makes for good skiing.

Victoria

Melbourne

Victoria's state capital of Melbourne is famous for providing the opportunity to experience four seasons in one day! Whilst drizzle and showers occur almost daily, Victoria does not experience many heavy rainstorms - waterproof clothes and an umbrella are useful all year round.

Best time to visit: Between November and April when days are brighter and sunnier.

South Australia

Southern Australia has a temperate climate enjoying mild winters and dry summers. Most rain falls during the winter, whilst summer (particularly inland) can be very hot.

Best time to visit: In the summer when it is warm and relatively dry. Spring and autumn are also pleasant with low rainfall, although temperatures can get a little cooler.

Outback Australia

Temperatures can be surprisingly extreme in the Outback; while winter days average 22°C, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing. In contrast, during the peak summer months from December to January, temperatures can soar to a very hot 40°C.

Best time to visit: Avoid visiting Central Australia during the extreme seasons and explore the outback in spring and autumn.

Western Australia

Western Australia is generally mild and sunny. This area experiences hot, dry summers with long hours of sunshine that allow for extended outdoor activities. Winters tend to be mild and wet. Lightweight clothes are necessary during the warmer months and a few extra layers and a light jacket would be useful in winter.

Best time to visit: In spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal.

Tasmania

Tasmania enjoys a pleasant temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Rainfall is even throughout the year. Autumn is mild and winter is often cold, wet and cloudy with snow on higher ground. Spring arrives around September and although mild, can often be very windy.

Best time to visit: During the summer when daytime temperatures are in the early 20's (°C) and it is warm enough to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.