as published on Tourism Australia website www.australia.com

for more information about each state and territory,
please choose your favorite part of Australia
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Flying to Australia
Twenty-five airlines now fly to Australia from the UK alone, which means 75 flights to choose from each week (May 2002). Getting to Australia has never been easier - whether via the US and Canada, South Africa or Asia.

You can fly direct, plan a stopover in Japan, Thailand or Singapore, break your journey in Johannesburg or Los Angeles, then island hop across the Pacific to a number of international gateways, with Sydney and Melbourne being the most popular. Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart also have international terminals. A huge range of flying and ticket options is available. Around-the-world tickets to Australia are often a great deal as they offer airline flexibility and a number of stops.

Don't do it all in one go!
If you're taking 2-3 weeks holiday you won't be able to see all of Australia. Save some for the next visit. Check out these 3 itinerary suggestions in our

Experience the diversity of Australia
The contrast between modern cities, blue reef, white beaches, the lush greens of the rainforest, the magnificent Red Centre, the many islands. Use our Designer Tour service to find a combination to suit you.

Visit Australia now - why wait?
With a two week holiday costing as little as £1,200 including hotel and airfares visit Australia this year. You'll be amazed how easy it is and you'll want to go back time and again to visit 'old favouites' and discover more.

Affordable Australia
You get a good exchange rate from Aussie Dollars to many currencies. Check out hotel, car hire, domestic airfares and other holiday prices on our website. Your money goes a long way and the sunshine comes free.

It's all so easy!
Good roads, domestic airline and rail services mean it's easy to get around. –Our tours can be picked up at all major airports and city centre locations. There are some great deals for domestic flights if you book well in advance of your departure. - Try one of the spectacular overland trains combining leisurely travel and overnight accommodation.

Real Australia
What do YOU want from your holiday? Adventure, unspoilt nature, unique experiences, empty beaches, friendly people? Take a look at just some of the things you can do in Australia in

Accommodation
From tents to luxury and indulgence. It's all here.


Friendly People & Outdoor Cities
The weather is great so most Aussie spend a lot of time outdoors. Add beaches and the ocean. It's a recept for friendly people enjoying an outdoor lifestyle that you'll find easy to slip into and hard to leave.

Entry formalities
A valid passport or similar acceptable travel document is required of all people wishing to travel to and enter Australia. Everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia. New Zealand passport holders apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia. All other passport holders must hold a visa before travelling to Australia. Ask your airline if they can also issue your visa when you make a booking. A charge may apply.

Visas
Travellers to Australia need a valid passport or similar certificate of identification. Everyone, except travellers with Australian or New Zealand passports, requires a visa.Visit the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs’ website for information on tourist visas, working holidays, business visits, students, immigration, Electronic Travel Authority (ETAs), visas and other useful contacts. For the location of your nearest Australian consulate go to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.

Customs
There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

Each traveller over 18 years of age can bring into Australia 2250ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. For other goods, including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax-free allowance of $A900 per person or $A450 per person under 18 is available. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.

If you bring in or take out of Australia more than $A10,000 cash or the equivalent in foreign currency (travellers cheques excluded), you must declare it to Customs. Failure to do is an offence.

Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival. It is advisable to have a letter or prescription from your doctor describing your medical condition and the medication.

Luggage inspection
Luggage and hand baggage may be inspected before passengers board domestic and international flights. Also upon arrival into Australia all luggage may be inspected. You need to declare all items of a quarantine concern, otherwise you may be fined or prosecuted. For further information please see Australian Customs Service.

Passenger Movement Charge
Australia's Passenger Movement Charge (departure tax) is $A38 per person and is pre-paid with your international airline ticket. Exemptions apply to children under 12 years and 24 hour transit passengers. There may be other government, airport and sea taxes and levies applicable which are usually included in your ticket.

Quarantine
Australia’s environment is unique. Quarantine helps keep it that way. Food, plant and animal products from overseas could introduce destructive pests and diseases to the country. You can help protect our unique environment by declaring quarantine items on arrival in Australia. Quarantine items include fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, skins, feathers, wood and plants. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) screens or X-rays all luggage and uses sniffer dogs to find high-risk products. AQIS also provides bins at international airports for travellers to dispose of quarantine items. Failure to declare food, plant and animal material could result in serious fines. For further information see the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia. For further information see Department of Health and Aged Care and World Health Organisation.


What to pack
Australia is a vast country that has a range of temperate climates. In the Australian winter you can ski in the southern states one day and be diving in the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next. Such temperate conditions make al fresco dining, days on the beach or the water, and a huge variety of sports a way of life here. Keep clothing light, layered and comfortable to cater for whatever you want to do. Protect yourself against the sun - don’t forget to pack sunhat, sunglasses and suntan lotion.

Seasons
The seasons in Australia are the reverse of the northern hemisphere. The summer months (December to February) are warm to hot. Bring lightweight clothes, but keep a jacket or sweater handy as nights may be cool. For the winter months (June to August), warmer clothes plus sweaters, jumpers, a jacket or light coat are advisable. In the tropical areas, lightweight clothing (natural fibres) is suitable all year round.

Special occasions
For special occasions like business meetings, theatres and formal dining, men may need a jacket and tie or suit and women a more formal dress.


Health & safety
You will encounter few health hazards when travelling in Australia, and hygiene standards are high. Below is a brief outline of some of the issues you need to take into consideration

Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is strongly discouraged throughout Australia. Public and private transport operates between most cities and towns.

Insurance
Travel insurance, with comprehensive health cover, is strongly recommended. Comprehensive insurance should be taken out before departure.

Medicare
Medicare is Australia’s public health care system. Eligibility is generally restricted to permanent residents of Australia.
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. For further information see Department of Health and Ageing.

Sun protection
Enjoy outdoor activities in Australia’s beautiful weather, but minimise your exposure to the sun. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, cover up and apply water-resistant sunscreen frequently.

Surf and water safety
Australia is fringed with superb beaches just waiting to be enjoyed. As with all beaches, it is advisable to follow basic precautions. Popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer lifesavers from October to April. Always swim or surf at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags which mark the safest area for swimming. Take your time entering the water, and don’t swim alone. Also, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun - take your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cover up, particularly in the middle of the day.

From late October to early May, venomous box jellyfish, also called stingers or sea wasps, occur in the coastal waters of northern Australia and around many of the Queensland islands. They are rarely found on the Outer Barrier Reef.

In the Northern Territory, the stingers are present at all beaches, and in Western Australia they are found along the Kimberley coastline. Beaches usually have warning signs during this time, and visitors are advised to swim where protective enclosures are provided.

Northern Australia is also home to two types of crocodiles. Freshwater crocodiles occur only in inland waters. Estuarine or saltwater crocodiles are seen mostly in the tidal reaches of rivers, but also occur in freshwater lagoons and swamps and along some beaches. They can be found in waterways hundreds of kilometres from the sea.

Crocodiles are potentially dangerous. Be ‘croc-wise’ in croc-country, by observing all warning signs and do not take unnecessary risks in crocodile areas. Do not swim where crocodiles live, camp at least 50m from the waters edge and never clean fish or discard food scraps near the waters edge. Find more information on crocodile safety here

General health
You should protect yourself from risks such as HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.


Communications
Australia offers modern and reliable telecommunication services. Telephone, post, email and Internet services are all readily available to visitors. The details below will assist with your communications home.

Telephones
Australia has a modern and competitive telephone system. You can make local calls, long-distance calls within Australia (STD), and International Direct Dialling (IDD) calls.Local calls from public payphones are untimed and charged at $A0.40. Long distance and international calls are usually timed. Public payphones accept Australian coins and some accept credit cards and pre-paid phone cards.

Mobile phones
Mobile phones are available for rent, or bring your mobile phone with you. Australia’s mobile network operates on the 900 and 1800 bands for GSM and 800 for CDMA. Contact your telecommunications carrier for activating international roaming while you are visiting Australia.

Email and Internet
Internet and email access is readily available at countless Internet cafes, hotels, hostels and libraries. Australia uses RJ-45 telephone plugs and Telstra Exicom-610 six-pin plugs. If your connection is not correct go to a local electronic shop. Also check that your PC-card modem is suitable in Australia. An easy way to access Internet and email is via one of the many free web-based email services such as Hotmail or Yahoo.

Postal services
Post offices are usually open 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday with some city post offices open on Saturday morning. Stamps are usually available from hotels and motels, and selected retail outlets. Travellers can arrange to collect mail at post offices throughout Australia. Mail is held for 30 days free of charge and should be marked ‘Poste Restante’. Your name should be clearly printed on the envelope. A passport is required when collecting mail. Mail can be redirected for a small charge.

Time zones
There are three time zones in Australia, running east to west. Eastern Standard Time (EST) operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia and Northern Territory. Western Standard Time (WST) in Western Australia. CST is half an hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.

Daylight saving
Some Australian states and territories have daylight saving during the summer months. In New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia daylight saving runs from the end of October through to the end of March. In Tasmania, daylight saving runs from the beginning of October through to the end of March. Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland do not have daylight saving.

Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three?¢‚Ǩ‚Äòpin power outlet is different from some other countries so you may need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, you may need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.


National holidays

Public holidays in Australia 2006

Monday 2 January New Year's Day

Thursday 26 January Australia Day

Friday 14 April Good Friday

Saturday 15 April Easter Saturday

Sunday 16 April Easter Sunday

Monday 17 April Easter Monday

Tuesday 25 April ANZAC Day

Monday 12 June Queen's Birthday

Monday  25 December Christmas Day

Tuesday 26 December Boxing Day

Various local and State based holidays are also observed

Shopping guidelines
There are a wide variety of quality products on offer in Australia at very competitive prices. When shopping, sightseeing or visiting theme parks on tours, remember you have a choice of where and when to shop. Shop around and compare prices and quality before you buy. This will help you get the great bargains that are available across a range of stores in Australia.


Shop around
As in other countries, some Australian businesses pay commissions to tour operators and tour guides to bring tour groups to their stores. These costs are often passed on to you, the customer, through higher prices for products and services. If you are on a tour, do not feel you have to buy ONLY from the stores you are taken to. You should have an opportunity to visit and buy from other stores so check your itinerary for free shopping time.

While you are in Australia you are covered by Australia’s consumer protection laws, which require businesses to treat you fairly. All stores must obey these laws. Industry and governments are also working together to introduce standards of professionalism, with these to be embodied in a set of Tourism Export Code of Conduct standards for industry to follow. Your country also has similar laws that protect your consumer rights and govern the professional standards of travel wholesalers and retailers. If you are not satisfied with what you have purchased from them, contact the relevant government authority for travel and tourism in your home country.

Other handy information
In Australia many stores sell duty-free and tax-free products and services. Make sure you keep originals or copies of your passport and travel ticket with you to take advantage of these discounts. If you buy an item and it does not work properly, you have the right to a refund or to have the item replaced or repaired. Also ask about the store’s policy on repairing or returning their products in your home country (keep your receipts). Before buying watches and cameras, check that they have an international warranty valid in your country. Always compare prices and itineraries for optional sightseeing and theme park tours. Restaurants usually have prices on a menu/noticeboard. Check before you order. You are not obliged to give your tour guide a tip. Tipping is not obligatory in Australia.

Contact details
If you are unsure of your consumer rights or have a problem with a tour, store or product in Australia, please contact Australia’s Consumer Affairs/Fair Trading agencies in the state that the incident occurred on:
South Australia (08) 8204 9777
Canberra (02) 6207 0400
Northern Territory (08) 8999 5184
New South Wales (02) 9895 0111
Tasmania (03) 6233 4567
Victoria (03) 9627 6111
Queensland - Cairns (07) 4042 3300, Gold Coast (07) 5581 3300, Brisbane (07) 3246 1500

If you do not speak English, you may wish to talk to these agencies through an interpreter service, which will help you with your query. For 24 hour Interpreter Services telephone 131 450.
If you would prefer to pursue a complaint or query once you’ve returned home, you can find further information by visiting the following websites:
Consumer Affairs in Australia
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Please copy all e-mails about your complaints to the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) - info@atec.net.au to help it follow up complaints against any of its members.

Currency information

Australian currency ($A) is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 denominations. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations. Prices are rounded to the nearest 5c.

Credit cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and JCB.

Banks and various locations have ATMs (Automated Teller Machines). Credit cards may need to be enabled for international access so contact your credit card provider.

Currency exchange
Exchange facilities are available at international airports. Changing foreign currency or traveller’s cheques can be done at most banks.

Weather
Spending Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange but Australia's seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere - summer officially starts in December and winter in June. But even in winter you'll enjoy blue skies and warm, bright days.

Australia's climate and the fact that it is the driest continent on earth makes it a fabulous holiday destination all year round, whatever you're planning to do. In the Australian winter you can ski in the southern states one day and be diving in the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next. Such temperate conditions make al fresco dining, sublime days on the beach or the water, outdoor barbeques, and a huge variety of sports a way of life here. No wonder Aussies believe life is for living!


Australian Bureau of Meteorology
The weather on australia.com is provided daily by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), Australia’s national authority. Weather details are indicative only.

Please check the BoM website for more up- to-date and detailed Australian weather information.

Environment

Natural Resources
From diamonds, emeralds, gold, silver, industrial minerals and rare earths, Australia's natural resources are fabulous! This amazing natural wealth, still largely untapped, makes Australia one of the most resource-rich nations on earth.

Geography
The Australian environment is unique. From unspoilt beaches, tropical rainforest, rugged mountain ranges and vast tracts of desert, Australia is a country of contrast. Home to an amazing 14 World Heritage listed wilderness areas, Australia's diversity is yours to enjoy.

Climate
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!

Landmarks
Australia has many world famous landmarks. Beside the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (both conveniently close to one another!), there is a host of other landmarks in the midst of beautiful cities, dramatic cliffs, tranquil bays and the richness of the Australian desert.

Time zones
There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory; Central Standard Time (CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) - Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.

Flora and fauna

Birds
Australia has around 800 species of bird, 400 of which are unique to this country. The wealth of bird life, from the boisterous laugh of the kookaburra, a large kingfisher, to the brilliantly plumed rainbow lorikeets, makes Australia a haven for bird lovers.

Forests
In contrast to the red earth of the outback, Australia is a land of lush green, with forests alone covering five per cent of the landmass. Australia has beautiful and diverse green regions, many located close to major metropolitan areas. The distinctive smell of a eucalypt forest shouldn't be missed!

Native animals
As the Australian landmass separated from the other continents over 50 million years ago, indigenous animals have developed a range of individual and unusual characteristics in a unique habitat. The result is a wealth of wildlife not found anywhere else in the world.

Unique wonders

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Opened in 1932 and affectionately known as the 'coathanger,' the bridge is 1,149 metres long, weighs 52,800 tonnes, has six million rivets and needed 272,000 litres of paint for its initial coat. Paint maintenance is a continual process. It takes 10 years and 30,000 litres of paint before they start all over again!

Sydney Opera House
A short walk from the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House is one of the world's premier performing arts centres. Taking almost 15 years to build, it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.

The Blue Mountains
Dramatic canyons, sheer valleys, thundering waterfalls and gum forests all make up Australia's most recent World Heritage area - the Blue Mountains National Park. Also part of this latest listing is nearby Wollemi National Park - the home of the prehistoric Wollemi Pine.

The 12 Apostles
Located along the spectacular Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the 12 Apostles stand as sentinels against a dramatic backdrop of sheer cliff face and wild ocean. Formed over thousands of years by the action of the sea, only eight of the original 12 Apostles remain.

The Great Barrier Reef
Australia's most famous natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef, will stun you with its magnificence. It's as big as the total combined area of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and contains more than 1,000 islands, from sandy cays to rainforest isles. The beauty of the waters and the prolific life it supports enraptures visitors. You can reach coral sites by air and water taxi and scuba dive or snorkel for intimate reef views. Or choose comfortable accommodation on some secluded reef islands.

Fraser Island
Stretching 120 kilometres long and 10 kilometres wide, World Heritage listed Fraser Island offers vast white beaches, beautiful headlands and rainforests, and the best camping ever. You can mingle with kangaroos, wallabies and other unique animals, or stay in style at a resort!

Daintree Rainforest
Reef and rainforest touch in this region of World Heritage protected beauty. The Daintree River winds gently through tangled woodland through jungle homes of unique birds, pythons and crocodiles, north to Cape Tribulation, a spectacular national park.

Uluru
Located in the centre of Australia, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is the world's biggest monolith. It's 3.6 kilometres long, 2 kilometres wide and has a 9.4 kilometre circumference. Made of arkosic sandstone, Uluru changes colour in different lights, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Kangaroo Island
Limited development has ensured an abundance of wildlife on this island located close to the tip of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Here, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, koalas and of course, kangaroos, live in a protected natural environment. Pure air and clean water provide one of the last unspoiled wonders of the world.

Tasmanian Wilderness
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area is one of the largest conservation reserves in Australia, covering 1.38 million hectares. This stronghold of temperate rainforest and alpine vegetation provides pristine habitats for plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, including many rare and endangered species.

Kakadu National Park
In Australia's tropical Top End, the delicate pink beauty of the waterlily and the prehistoric brute strength of the crocodile merge in stunning Kakadu National Park. Rivers with roaring waterfalls and a landscape of towering sandstone escarpments cradle some of Kakadu's treasures waiting to be explored.

Bungle Bungles
The Bungle Bungle Range, in Purnululu National Park, is one of the most fascinating geological landmarks in Western Australia. Orange and black stripes of silica and algae across the beehive-like mounds are clearly visible as you approach from the air. Closer up, a hidden world of gorges and pools is revealed, with fan palms clinging precariously to walls and crevices in the rocks

Sport
It's no secret that Australians have a love affair with sport. With more than 120 national and thousands of local, regional and state sporting organisations, it's estimated that six-and-a-half million people in Australia are registered sport participants. Not bad from a population of just over 20 million!

Culture The Australian love of life shows in our culture. Whether spent appreciating the arts or exploring the great outdoors, leisure time is an important aspect of Australian life. Our multicultural diversity has also influenced our culture, from Chinese New Year to the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Australians are known for their love of life and enjoyment of the great outdoors. While we have a reputation for being a little wild at times, our love of fine dining, the arts and music go hand in hand with our love of sport, the beach and BBQs. Wherever you go in Australia, you'll find a passion for getting the most out of life.

Communications
Australia’s communications and media services are world class. Communications include an excellent national postal service and country-wide Internet and mobile (cell) coverage. A range of network and cable television stations and more than 1,200 magazine titles and newspapers will keep you informed.