Australia | Travel Guide with 350+ Videos of Australia

 

 

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A few things you should know about Australia..

LOCAL TIMES

Eastern Australia: GMT + 10 hours

Central Australia: GMT + 9.5 hours

Western Australia: GMT + 8 hours

 

TELEPHONE CODES

00 61 + area code

 

Australian Captial Territory 02

New South Wales 02

Northern Territory 08

Queensland 07

South Australia 08

Tasmania 03

Victoria 03

Western Australia 08

 

 

Emergency Services 000

Directory Enquiries 1223

 

Outgoing calls from Australia can be expensive, although there are several cheap ways. Most Travellers use an international phone card and receive large discounts this way.

 

Telephone numbers beginning with 1800 are FREE, and numbers that begin with 13 are charged at local rate (generally 50c total) This does not generally apply for mobile phones.

 

If you buy a Pre-Paid Mobile Phone,it can be quite cost effective, There are 4 main mobile networks in Australia. They include Optus, Telstra, Vodaphone and the 3 Network.

 

WHERE TO GO

 

Australia really has something for everyone, it's not all just dust and desert. Check out all that Australia has on offer with these great Videos of Australia. See also - Melbourne videos and Sydney Videos.

 

 

ELECTRICITY

240/250 Volts AC 50Hz

3 pin plugs

 

WEATHER

Expect extreme climate variations in Australia, from tropical to moderate.

November - March is basically hot everywhere, temperates get higher the further north you go.

 

November - March is the wet season in the northern Australia.

 

April - September has occasional heavy rainfall in the south

 

June - August is skiing season in the southern parts of the country.

 

September - November is when you can see Australian wild flowers in Western Australia.

 

TRANSPORT

When driving around OZ, remember there are a few rules and regulations you should be aware off. Some of these include

 

Drive on the left side of the road.

Always carry a current valid driving license, and a translation if necessary

Make sure that everyone in the vehicle including yourself wears a seatbelt.

Adhere to the speed limits (speed limit in built up areas is normally 60km, highways 100km - 110 km per hor).

Never use a mobile phone whilst driving in Australia. this is a fineable offence

Do not drink alcohol and drive

 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

It is prohibited to carry non-prescribed drugs, weapons and firearms in Australia. All animal or plant objects must be declared upon arrival or you may face heavy fines

 

The Duty Free items limit per person:

 

1125ml of alcohol

250 cigarettes

Goods up to the value of $400

 

CURRENCY

Australian Dollar (AUD$): 100 cents

Australian coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2

Australian notes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

 

Although prices may be marked to the cent, the total of purchase is rounded to the nearest 5c.

 

 

 

BANKING

Monday to Thursday: 9.30am - 4pm

Friday: 9.30 - 5pm

 

 

You can exchange your money at most major banks around Australia, It should be possible to also withdraw money from any ATM. The biggest banks in Australia include Commonwealth, ANZ National, Westpac and St George. If you are travelling away from main towns and cities, banks and ATM's may be few and far between so play it safe and always prepare your finances.

 

 

GST

GST is the abbreviation for Goods and Service Tax, and is quite similar to the British system of VAT.

 

To claim back GST head to the Customs TRS booth when departing Australia. You will need to present the following: An original tax invoice (inclusive of GST) totalling $300 or more from a retailer and your passport and boarding ticket

 

You can get more information about how the Australian GST works by calling 1300 363 263.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Specific vaccinations are not required for entry into Australia. Although, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from an infected area.

 

Under the Australian medicare system you can claim free or reduced fee medical treatment If you are a resident of either New Zealand, Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Malta, Sweden or the UK,

 

For more information about this system Ph: 13 2011.

 

 

Now you have all the practical stuff sorted why not check out over 350 Videos of Australia.