AUSTRALIA FACTS

Australia is made up of 6 states and 2 territories and each of these areas offers a different Australian experience. From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef to the beautiful cities, there is so much to explore.   Australia has 47,000 kms (29,204 miles) of coastline, more than 3000 national parks and reserves and 11 World Heritage sites.  To lose yourself in nature and meet with native birds and animals is easy, many of the national parks are close to and within cities.  Some, such as the Blue Mountains National Park with its wildly spectacular mountain trails and scenery, are only an hours train ride from Sydney.   For the more adventurous travel let us take you off the beaten track to some of the more unusual places that Australia has to offer.  Let Downunder Journeys help you experience the best there is of Australia. 

AUSTRALIA CLIMATE & WEATHER
With the reverse seasons of the northern hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or an amazing 70 per cent of the total possible hours. Grab a hat and sunscreen and enjoy our delightful climate!  Spending Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange but the fact is, Australia's seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere - summer starts in December, Fall in March, Winter in June and Spring in September.  Due to the size of Australia, it's geographical location and the lack of extensive high mountains ranges Australia has a wide range of climates but generally no extremes.  A winter day in the Outback (Alice Springs) can be very warm, or an alpine temperature on the same day can be somewhere near freezing. November to March is warm to hot everywhere, humid with tropical rain in the north, warm to hot with mild nights in the south. April to September is beautiful in northern and Central Australia – clear warm days, cool refreshing nights. At the same time in the south – cool and occasional rain but still plenty of sun.

This and the fact that Australia is the driest continent on earth makes the land a great all-year destination.  In fact in our winter you can ski in the southern states one day and be diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next.....

Please check the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website for more up-to-date and detailed weather information. Weather details are indicative only.  www.bom.gov.au

CUSTOMS

There are regulations and concessions covering personal effects, prohibited goods, alcohol, tobacco, sporting equipment and other goods brought into Australia. Please be advised that Australia imposes severe penalties on those found carrying narcotics and other controlled substances.  http://travel.state.gov/Australia.html

DEPARTURE TAX

Australia's passenger movement charge - or departure tax as it is commonly called is prepaid with your airline ticket, with payment noted on the ticket.  Exemptions apply to children under 12 years of age, 24 hour transit passengers and transit passengers who stay longer than a day if departure is delayed by circumstances beyond their control.

DRIVING
Australians drive on the left hand side of the road as they do in England and some of the Caribbean countries such as Jamaica and Barbados. This can be confusing for Americans and Continental Europeans but after a short time on the road you usually get the hang of it. You can become complacent however and problems may occur, especially after making a turn. If you are not concentrating, you may find yourself facing oncoming traffic once you have made the turn at an intersection. Take your time and think about it. If you are on a road with two way traffic you will most likely be closer to the center line on the road if you are the driver than if you are the passenger. The reason for this is that the drivers seat and steering wheel are also on the opposite side of the vehicle compared to America.

It's probably best to start out in an automatic car as the manual stick shift cars in Australia have the gears shifted with your left hand. In most cases, the maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km/h (35 mph) and 100 km/h (60 mph) on country roads and highways, unless signs indicate otherwise. Police regularly check motorists' speed with radar and camera devices.

Australia has very strict drunk-driving laws and random breath testing is conducted in all Australian States. The limit is only 0.05 compared with 0.08 to 0.1 in the United States. All drivers must hold a current drivers license (with an English translation shown on the license) from their country of residence, or an International drivers permit. State laws stipulate that licenses must be carried at all times when driving.

Australia is a huge country. Please allow yourself plenty of time if you plan to drive around the country. It is a wonderful way to see Australia but many people from the northern hemisphere are surprised by Australia's immense size.

ELECTRICITY

The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volt AC 50Hz.  The Australian 3-pin power outlet is different so you will need an adaptor socket.  If your appliances are 110v check if there is a 110/240v switch.  If not, you will need a voltage converted.  Universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS / VISAS

A valid passport is required for entry into Australia. In addition, Visitors of all nationalities (except Australian and New Zealand passport holders) must obtain a visa before traveling to Australia.  Electronic Travel Authority Visas are issued free of charge and are available from your local travel agent.  Some nationalities are not eligible to enter Australia using an Electronic Travel Authority Visa, your travel agent can check your requirements.  www.austemb.org

FLYING TIMES TO AUSTRALIA

Los Angeles 14.5 hrs to Sydney
Los Angeles 15 hrs to Melbourne
From Honolulu to Sydney 10 hrs.
From Vancouver to Sydney 17.5 hrs

FOOD

In Australia you can drink the tap water safely, and you enjoy all cuisines without hesitation. Australian health regulations are stringent. In the major cities you can find restaurants with globally inspired cuisines but we hope you will also try traditional Australian dishes. Food is fresh and abundant. Local specialties include a wide variety of seafood as well as beef and lamb. Both red and white Australian wines are exceptional as are the many varieties of domestic beers.

GOODS AND SERVICES TAX

There is a 10% tax on all items & services in Australia. In most cases it’s included in the price you pay and will be stated clearly on your purchase receipt. Reclaim services are available at the airport prior to departure. 

HEALTH SERVICES

Doctor’s dentists and hospitals have modern equipment, highly trained staff and extensive facilities. Visitor’s health care costs are not covered by the Australian Health Scheme. For this reason insurance is strongly recommended (please consulate with your travel agent).