AUSTRALIA

Geography
Covering a total area of 7.69 million square kilometres,
mainland Australia is the worlds largest island - but
smallest continent. In distance, the continent stretches
about 3700 kilometres from north to south and 4000
kilometres from east to west, making it the sixthlargest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United
States and Brazil.
Australia is also the only continent that is governed as a single country. It is sometimes informally
referred to as an 'island' continent, surrounded by oceans.
Our ocean territory is also the third-largest in the world, spanning three oceans and covering around 12
million square kilometres. We also have one of the most urbanised and coast-dwelling populations in
the world, with more than 80 per cent of residents living within 100 kilometres of the coastline.
Australia currently has a population of almost 23 million people.
Australian Government
Australia has three levels of government the federal Australian Government, the governments of the
six states and two territories, and around 700 local government authorities. Australia has been a nation
with a single national government since 1 January 1901. Although it is divided into states and territories
which have their own state governments, we are all united as one nation.
Australia is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom as its head of state,
which is why Australia's national flag comprises the Union Jack (along with the Commonwealth Star and
the Southern Cross).
The Queen appoints the Governor-General of Australia as her representative on the advice of the
elected Australian Government. The Governor-General appoints ministers on the advice of the Prime
Minister. Australias system of government is based on the liberal democratic tradition, which includes
religious tolerance and freedom of speech and association.
The Australian Constitution sets out the functions of the Australian Government, such as foreign
relations and trade, defence and immigration. States and territories are responsible for matters not
assigned to the federal government.
There are two major political groups that usually form government, federally and in the states: the
Australian Labor Party, and the Coalition which is a formal grouping of the Liberal Party and its minor
partner, the National Party.

Multicultural Australia
Australian society is made up of people from a rich variety of
cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds, and this
is a defining feature of modern Australian society. Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people have inhabited Australia for
tens of thousands of years. Most Australians are immigrants
or the descendants of immigrants who arrived during the
past two hundred years from more than 200 countries. The
most commonly spoken language in Australia is English, and
the most commonly practiced religion is Christianity,
although foreign languages and other religions are also common.
Cities, states and territories
Australia is divided into six states and two territories.
Canberra is the national capital and the centre of government. It is located approximately 290
kilometres south of Sydney in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Canberra lies on the ancient lands
of the Indigenous Ngunnawal people, and its name is thought to mean meeting place, from the
Aboriginal word Kamberra. It is home to important national institutions, including the Australian
Parliament and the High Court of Australia.
New South Wales is Australias oldest and most populated state. It was originally settled as a penal
colony on the shores of Port Jackson where the bustling capital city of Sydney now stands. More than a
third of Australians live in New South Wales, and Sydney is the nations largest city.
Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states in size but the second most populated. Melbourne is the
capital and is Australias second most populated city. During the gold rush of the 1850s, it became one
of the world's largest and wealthiest cities. Melbourne is sometimes referred to as the "cultural capital
of Australia" and is the birthplace of Australian film, television, art, dance and music. Victorians
enthusiasm for sport is also legendary and this is where Australian Rules football began.
Queensland is Australias second-largest state in size. The state capital is Brisbane, the third most
populated city in Australia. Queenslanders enjoy more winter sunshine and warmth than most other
Australian states and its perfect for all types of outdoor activities and water sports. Queensland is also
home to the world famous Great Barrier Reef as well as five World Heritage listed areas.
South Australia is a state in the southern central part of the country which covers some of the most arid
parts of the continent. It is the fourth largest of Australia's states and shares its borders with all of the
mainland states and the Northern Territory. The state capital is Adelaide, the fifth-largest city in
Australia. South Australia has a thriving arts scene and is sometimes known as the Festival State, with
more than 500 festivals taking place there every year.
At the top end of Australia lies the Northern Territory. Darwin, on the northern coast, is the capital, and
Alice Springs the principal inland town. Alice Springs is the physical heart of Australia, almost exactly at
the nation's geographical centre. The Northern Territory is home to the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata
Tjuta (the Olgas) and Kakadu National Park.

Western Australia is Australias largest state by area. About three-quarters of the states population live
in the capital Perth, which is the fourth most populated city in Australia. The east of the state is mostly
desert while to the west the state is bound by almost 13000 kilometres of pristine coastline. In the
1890s gold was discovered and mining is still one of the states biggest industries.
Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by Bass Strait and is the smallest state in Australia. The
capital, Hobart, was founded in 1804 as a penal colony, and is Australia's second oldest capital city after
Sydney. One-fifth of Tasmania is covered by national parks and wilderness areas. It is one of the world's
most mountainous islands whose geology reflects Australias connection millions of years ago with
Antarctica.
Australia also administers Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, the Cocos (or Keeling) Islands,
the Coral Sea Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island and the Australian Antarctic Territory
(covering 42 per cent of the Antarctic continent) as external territories.
Weather in Australia
Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year but the climate can vary due to the size of
our continent. The northern states typically experience warm weather much of the time, with the
southern states experiencing cooler winters. Australia is also one of the driest continents on earth with
an average annual rainfall of less than 600 millimetres. Like all countries in the southern hemisphere,
Australia's seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. December to February is summer;
March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring.
Useful Tips
Prepare for your Australian trip with our practical tips. Learn about our currency, how to call home, keep
safe, shop responsibly and travel with a disability. Then youre ready to go.
Money
Australias currency is Australian Dollars (AUD) and currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and
international airports. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard,
Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB and their affiliates. Try this handy currency converter.
Goods and Services Tax
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. You may be able to claim a refund of the
GST paid on goods bought here if you have spent AUD$300 or more in one store, no more than 30 days
before departing Australia. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in the departure area of
international terminals. For more detailed information see Australian government information on the
Tourist Refund Scheme.
Shopping
Youll find large department stores, arcades, malls, gift and souvenir shops across Australia. Trading
hours vary across the country but shops in tourist and city areas are generally open until 6pm, with the
exception of late night shopping on either Thursdays or Fridays in different states. In Australia you are
covered by Australia's consumer protection laws which require businesses to treat you fairly.

Tipping and bargaining

Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill. In up market restaurants, it is usual to tip
waiters up to ten per cent of the bill for good service. However, tipping is always your choice. It is not
custom to bargain in Australia.
Emergency assistance
The emergency number for police, ambulance and or fire brigade is 000.
Surf and water safety
Australias popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer lifesavers from October to April and red
and yellow flags mark the safest area for swimming. For information about marine stingers and
crocodile safety read the Queensland Government website.
Language
Australias official language is English. However, being a multicultural nation with a significant migrant
population, we also enjoy a tremendous diversity of languages and cultures.
Electrical power points
Our electrical current is 220 240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from
some other countries, so you may need an adaptor.
Communication
Australias country code is 61. Local calls from public pay phones are untimed and charged at AUD$.050.
Mobile, long distance and overseas calls are usually timed.Mobile phone network coverage is available
across Australia, however coverage may be limited in some remote areas. Internet access is widely
available at internet cafes, accommodation and libraries.
Postal services
Post offices are usually open 9am 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some city post offices open on
Saturday morning. Travellers can arrange to collect mail at post offices throughout Australia.
Accessible Travel
If you have a disability and are planning to explore Australia, there is a host of services and special deals
to meet your needs. Thorough preparation is essential to a successful trip, so speak to your travel agent
about your specific requirements. For more information on accessible tourism in Australia go to NICAN
or the AustraliaForAll websites.
Australias Travel Tips / Hazards
Australias stable political system, well-maintained roads, low crime rate and high standard of health
care make it a safe and relatively easy country to explore. However its important to be aware of
potential environmental hazards, such as bushfires, rough surf and extreme desert heat. Youll need to
be thoroughly prepared for outback journeys and long bushwalks or hikes, and take sensible precautions
in regards to sharks, crocodiles and poisonous animals. With the following common-sense tips, you can
safely enjoy Australias unique landscapes from the vast outback to wild ocean beaches and pristine
wilderness tracts.

Personal Security
Australia has a stable political system and low crime rate on a world scale and so Australians experience
a safe lifestyle. It is generally a safe destination with tourists enjoying unhindered travel experiences in
terms of their personal safety and security. However, as with all travel at home or away, you should
observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions.
Sun protection
The Australian sun is very strong. Always wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion,
even on cloudy days. If spending the whole day outdoors, reapply sunscreen regularly. Stay out of the
sun during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid
dehydration.
Bushfires fires in general
Australians live with the risk of bushfires. The danger period is from late spring to summer and during
this time observe some simple safety precautions. Before setting out on a journey, inform yourself of
bushfire risks through TV, radio and newspapers reports. When camping, use designated fireplaces and
comply with road warning signs and total fire bans. If you must light a fire, always extinguish it
completely with water.
Swimming between the flags
Australias beautiful beaches can hold hidden dangers in the form of strong currents called rips. Avoid
them by always swimming between the red and yellow flags - they mark the safest place to swim on the
beach. Lifesavers wearing red and yellow uniforms generally patrol beaches during the warmer months
of October to April, but some of the most popular beaches are patrolled all-year round. Never swim
alone, at night, under the influence of alcohol or directly after a meal. Always check water depth before
diving in and never run and dive into the water from the beach.
Sharks and crocodiles
Shark attacks in Australia are very rare, however may be fatal. Shark netting on Australian beaches deter
sharks, but you can further reduce your risk by always swimming between the flags on patrolled
beaches and not swimming at dusk or evening. Avoid swimming alone, a long way offshore, at river
mouths or along drop-offs to deeper water.
Crocodiles live in rivers and coastal estuaries across northern Australia, often changing habitat via sea.
When travelling near crocodile habitats, observe safety signs and dont swim in rivers, estuaries, tidal
rivers, deep pools or mangrove shores. Also seek expert advice about crocodiles before camping, fishing
or boating.
The poisonous animals snakes, spiders, marine stingers
Marine stingers are present in tropical waters from November to April. During this time you can only
swim within stinger-resistant enclosures, which are set up on the most popular beaches. You will also
need to wear protective clothing when swimming, snorkeling or diving on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Always observe warning signs.
When bushwalking or hiking, you can avoid snake and spider bites by wearing protective footwear and
using your common sense. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention. Deaths from snake bites are
extremely rare and there have been few deaths from spider bites since anti venoms were made
available in 1981.

Travelling in remote Australia

Driving through Australias remote and rugged areas requires thorough preparation. Before embarking
on a 4WD or outback journey, ensure you have a roadworthy vehicle fitted with GPS and two spare
tyres. Youll also need good maps, extra food, water and fuel and an emergency plan. Plan your route
carefully and notify a third party of your expected arrival. Check road conditions before beginning your
journey, stay with your vehicle if it breaks down and avoid travelling in extreme heat conditions. If
driving a conventional vehicle through remote areas, drive slowly on unsealed, dusty or narrow roads
and always check road conditions before turning off major roads. Mobile phones have limited coverage
in remote areas, so check your phone provider for coverage.
Bushwalking or hiking in wilderness
When planning a bushwalk or hike, check the length and difficulty of the walk and consider using a local
guide for long or challenging walks. If walking without a guide, tell someone where youre going and
when you expect to return. Wear protective footwear, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent and take
wet weather gear, a topographic map and plenty of water. When walking, read maps and signs, stay on
the track, behind safety barriers and away from cliff edges. Dont feed or play with native animals, as
you might get scratched or bitten. Plan walking in summer months carefully and avoid challenging hikes
when the sun is too intense.