Australian Parliament Building, Canberra.

Next: Road Conditions in Australia

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:

New South Wales:	Sydney
Northern Territory:	Darwin
South Australia:	Adelaide
Queensland:	Brisbane
Tasmania:	Hobart
Victoria :	Melbourne
Western Australia:	Perth

 

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

• Accessibility.com.au

 

Power

• 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.

 

Future Australia Public Holidays Dates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Safety - 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

• Australia uses decimal currency - 100 cents = $1.00
• Notes presently in use are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills.
• Coins are 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1.00 and $2.00.

See current exchange rate for the AUD Currency Exchange Rates.

Sydney Business Information

• Sydney Business Information

 

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.

Previous Page: Sydney Info

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.

 

 

Previous: Visiting Australia Things to Know

Topic: Travelling to Australia

Main Photo: Australian Parliament Building, Canberra.