Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, is where the seat of the Australian government resides. Sydney is the largest city in the country with a population over 4 million and is the capital of the state of New South Wales. Melbourne has been voted the number 1 place to live in the world for a number of years.
A.C. electrical power is 220-240V at 50Hz. Plugs have 3 flat prongs that form a triangular Y shape configuration.
Metropolitan Banking Hours
9 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday.
9 am to 5 pm Fridays.
Some have extended hours, including Saturday mornings.
Most Banks will exchange most foreign currencies, and foreign currency exchanges can be found at Sydney Airport and popular tourist spots such as Martin Place, CentrePoint, and Circular Quay.
Post Offices
Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Fridays, except public holidays (see below).
Daylight Savings (Summer Time)
Recent changes by state and territory governments have changed the length of time Daylight saving will run. They have been extended from the 1st Sunday in October to the 1st Sunday in April, beginning in the Australian summer of 2008. This includes New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and South Australia.
Australia Public Holidays
New Years Day
Saturday, 3 January 2022
Monday, 2 January 2023
Monday, 1 January 2024
Australia Day
Wednesday, 26 January 2022
Thursday, 26 January 2023
Friday, 26 January 2024
Good Friday
Friday, 15 April 2022
Friday, 07 April 2023
Friday, 29 March 2024
Easter Sunday
Sunday, 17 April 2022
Sunday, 09 April 2023
Sunday, 31 March April 2024
Easter Monday
Monday, 18 April 2022
Monday, 10 April 2023
Monday, 01 April 2024
Anzac Day
Monday, 25 April 2022
Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Thursday, 25 April 2024
Queen’s Birthday Holiday
Monday, 13 June 2022
Monday, 12 June 2023
Monday, 10 June 2024
ACT, NSW and SA Labour Day
Note: varies between states and territories
Monday, 03 October 2022
Monday, 04 October 2023
Monday, 03 March 2024
Christmas Day
Saturday, 25 December 2021
Sunday, 25 December 2022
Monday, 25 December 2023
Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Boxing Day
Monday, 27 December 2021
Monday, 26 December 2022
Tuesday, 26 December 2023
Thursday, 26 December 2024
Note: Seasons are reversed in Australia from the Northern Hemisphere.
You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia. This applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on to the aircraft or ship when you leave Australia.
Work in Australia - Jobs Information
Finding Sydney Jobs - Changes in government policy has made it easier to get work visas for the skilled and backpackers.
Australian Currency
Australia uses decimal currency - 100 cents = $1.00
Notes presently in use are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills.
Visitors Info for Travelling to Australia
Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, is where the seat of the Australian government resides. Sydney is the largest city in the country with a population over 4 million and is the capital of the state of New South Wales. Melbourne has been voted the number 1 place to live in the world for a number of years.
The State Capitals of Australia are as follows:
Driving in Australia
Driving Info for Travellers in Australia
Language
English is official language of Australia. Only a few words vary in pronunciation and usage throughout the country. The accent is called ’Aussie’.
Religion
Australia is very much a cosmopolitan country. All the major religions and many sects are represented here.
The Disability Information Resource.
Power
Metropolitan Banking Hours
Most Banks will exchange most foreign currencies, and foreign currency exchanges can be found at Sydney Airport and popular tourist spots such as Martin Place, CentrePoint, and Circular Quay.
Post Offices
Daylight Savings (Summer Time)
Recent changes by state and territory governments have changed the length of time Daylight saving will run. They have been extended from the 1st Sunday in October to the 1st Sunday in April, beginning in the Australian summer of 2008. This includes New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and South Australia.
Australia Public Holidays
Monday, 2 January 2023
Monday, 1 January 2024
Thursday, 26 January 2023
Friday, 26 January 2024
Friday, 07 April 2023
Friday, 29 March 2024
Sunday, 09 April 2023
Sunday, 31 March April 2024
Monday, 10 April 2023
Monday, 01 April 2024
Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Thursday, 25 April 2024
Monday, 12 June 2023
Monday, 10 June 2024
Monday, 03 October 2022
Monday, 04 October 2023
Monday, 03 March 2024
Sunday, 25 December 2022
Monday, 25 December 2023
Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Monday, 26 December 2022
Tuesday, 26 December 2023
Thursday, 26 December 2024
Note: Seasons are reversed in Australia from the Northern Hemisphere.
Australia Public Holidays
Wheelchair Access
For maps of city facilities with wheelchair access Sydney City Council.
Phone Directory Assistance
Australian White Pages - www.whitepages.com.au.
Road Safety for Overseas Travellers.
Driving Safely in NSW - Road Rules..
Visa and Immigration Information
Visa and Immigration Information.
Tourist Refund Scheme
You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia. This applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on to the aircraft or ship when you leave Australia.
Work in Australia - Jobs Information
Finding Sydney Jobs - Changes in government policy has made it easier to get work visas for the skilled and backpackers.
Australian Currency
See current exchange rate for the AUD Currency Exchange Rates.
Sydney Business Information
Police - Ambulance - Fire Emergency
Emergency Contact Number
000
Note: The Sydney travel information provided here is a guide only - call the relevant organisation(s) direct to ensure accuracy.
Beach Notes
NOTE: Swim at beaches with lifeguards. Swimming at Australian beaches involves Swimming Between The Flags!
Ask a lifeguard about the conditions for the day. Be considerate of them, they are there for you and your children!
We wish you a safe and enjoyable stay.
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Sydney Tourist Information
Driving in Australia
About Australia
Road Conditions
International Driving Licences
Weather and Driving in Australia
Australia Tourist Guide
More information about Australia - see the Australia Tourist Guide.
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Photo: Sydney Cove and the Opera House