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Australia

General Information

Capital City:
Canberra
Population:
22.62 million
Area:
2,967,893 square miles
Language:
English
Electricity:
220/240V AC 50Hz
Direct Dial:
61
Driving:
Driving is on the left. National licence or International Driving Permit required, must be translated into English
Currency:
Australian Dollar (AUD 1 = 100 Cents)

Business Hours

Bank:
0930-1600 Mon-Thur, 0930-1700 Fri
Office:
0900-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops:
0900-1730 Mon-Wed & Fri, 0900-2100 Thur, 0900-1700 Sat
Public Holidays:
<b>2012</b> 01 Jan : New Year's Day 26 Jan : Australia Day 06 Apr : Easter 25 Apr : ANZAC Day 11 Jun : Queen's Birthday Celebrations* 25 Dec : Christmas Day 26 Dec : Boxing Day Note: These are National Holidays - There may be additional days which vary by state. If these dates fall on a Sat/Sun, another day may be given in lieu. * Varies in Western Australia

Business and social hints

General:
Business is conducted in English, not many executives speak a second language. In business an informal attitude prevails. Smoking is not permitted in bars, restaurants, cafes and any other public places. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Tipping:
Not a general custom but around 10% is usual in hotels & restaurants. Tips are not expected by taxis
Clothing:
Central Australia; light clothes supplemented with warmer wear for evenings North & Northeastern Australia; light clothes & rainwear between Nov-Mar, although rainwear would be appropriate all year towards Brisbane Southeast Australia; light clothes with something warmer for winter or slightly heavier if travelling inland. Rainwear for coastal areas Southern & Western Australia; light clothes for summer, warmer wear & rainwear for winter Tasmania; mix of clothes needed, light, heavy & rainwear
Emergency Services:
Police, Fire & Ambulance: 000
Hotel Classification:
There is no official hotel classification system in Australia. Categories given here are those awarded by the country's regional automobile clubs (AAA Tourism). The usual system of stars, from 1 to 5, is used with the additional refinement of intermediate half-star ratings. Australia has developed the concept of so-called "boutique" hotels. Like their shop namesakes, they are usually small, stylishly decorated and furnished, offering personal service in an exclusive, often club-like, atmosphere. Although not always 5-star, this treatment comes at a price.

Climate

Australia's climate can generally be divided into five areas. Summers & winters are the reverse to those in Europe, so summer is Nov-Mar & winter Apr-Oct Central Australia; including Alice Springs & Ayers Rock, is a vast desert region, the sun shines practically every day & rainfall is scarce. Temperatures are extremely hot during summer & cooler during winter, however temperatures can be chilly during the evening. Rain falls during winter months (Apr-Oct) in the south of this region & in the north during the summer period (Nov-Mar) North & Northeast Australia; including Darwin in the north, round to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef & down to Brisbane. This area has a tropical climate, hot & sunny all year. The rainy monsoon arrives between Nov-Mar making humidity high especially along the coast, however the sun still manages to shine for a good number of hours each day. Cyclones can batter northern coasts several times a year Southeast Australia; including Sydney & Melbourne, has warm to hot summers on the coast & hot temperatures inland which quite often produce long periods of drought. Winters can be cold inland but this is unusual on the coast. The weather can be changeable throughout the region with rain at any time of the year, although more so in coastal areas Southern & Western Australia; including Perth & Adelaide, have a Mediterranean-type climate. Summer temperatures can be hot particularly inland & winters are mild. Rain falls mostly during winter (Apr-Oct), Perth being wetter than Adelaide, cyclones may also occur during this time bringing strong winds Tasmania; lies off the south coast of Australia, has warm summers & cold, wet winters. Generally conditions here are similar to the south coast mainland but wetter, cloudier & cooler. Changeable weather prevails throughout the year, including heavy snowfalls in the mountains

Brisbane (Queensland)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum Temperature °C 29 29 28 26 23 21 20 22 24 27 28 29
Minimum Temperature °C 21 20 19 16 13 11 9 10 13 16 18 19
Average Humidity (mornings) % 66 69 72 71 73 73 72 69 64 60 60 62
Average Humidity (afternoons) % 59 60 60 56 55 54 51 49 51 53 57 56
Average Rainfall 163 160 145 94 71 66 56 48 48 64 94 127

Darwin (Northern Territory)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum Temperature °C 32 32 33 33 33 31 31 32 33 34 34 33
Minimum Temperature °C 25 25 25 24 23 21 19 21 23 25 26 26
Average Humidity (mornings) % 78 79 78 69 63 61 59 63 65 65 68 73
Average Humidity (afternoons) % 71 72 67 54 47 47 44 45 49 52 58 65
Average Rainfall 386 312 254 97 15 3 0 3 13 51 119 239

Perth (Western Australia)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum Temperature °C 29 29 27 24 21 18 17 18 19 21 24 27
Minimum Temperature °C 17 17 16 14 12 10 9 9 10 12 14 16
Average Humidity (mornings) % 51 53 58 61 72 76 76 73 67 60 54 50
Average Humidity (afternoons) % 44 43 45 49 58 63 63 61 58 55 49 47
Average Rainfall 8 10 20 43 130 180 170 145 86 56 20 13

Sydney (New South Wales)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum Temperature °C 26 26 24 22 19 16 16 17 19 22 23 25
Minimum Temperature °C 18 18 17 14 11 9 8 9 11 13 16 17
Average Humidity (mornings) % 68 71 73 76 77 77 76 72 67 65 65 66
Average Humidity (afternoons) % 64 65 65 64 63 62 60 56 55 57 60 62
Average Rainfall 89 102 127 135 127 117 117 76 74 71 74 74

Customs

Import Allowances:
Tobacco and alcoholic beverages for persons of 18 years of age or older: a) 2.25 lit of alcohol b) 250 cigarettes or 250gr of cigars or tobacco products c) Other goods up to the value of AUD 900 (AUD 450 for travellers under 18 years) obtained overseas or purchased duty/tax free in Australia
Contraband:
Drugs of dependence and all weapons must be declared to customs. Strict controls over the import of wildlife and goods made from wildlife, including animals, animal products, plants, fruit and flowers. Warning: Articles of apparel, handbags, shoes etc, other personal or household effects made from endangered species will be seized Customs information booklets can be obtained from the Australian High Commission or Embassy.

Health

A reciprocal health agreement for medical treatment exists with the United Kingdom. In order to obtain treatment some proof of United Kingdom residence such as NHS medical card or driving licence will be required and temporary entry permit. Further details are available from www.dh.gov.uk.

Compulsary Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required from travellers aged 1 year and over and arriving from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission, with the exception of Panama.
Recommended Immunisations
None.
Risks
- <b>Pertussis (Whooping Cough)</b>: There have been large outbreaks of Pertussis in Australia over the last few years. Travellers have become concerned either because of risk of contracting pertussis themselves or because, if infected, they may put very young children who are too young to be vaccinated at risk (e.g. grandparents visiting new grandchildren) Adult boosters of pertussis vaccine are not recommended for the UK. Refer to Practice Nurse or GP for further advice. <b>GENERAL INFO FOR ALL TRAVELLERS:</b> Details listed can occasionally change at very short notice and it's recommended that all travellers seek advice from their Practice Nurse, GP or Travel Clinic when planning a visit to Australia. It should be noted that some vaccinations and treatments may require one or more visits and should be planned well in advance of travel. Primary courses and boosters should always be up to date as recommended for life in the UK. This should include vaccines given to special groups due to complications or risk exposure such as Hepatitis B for health care workers, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly etc.

Immigration and Passport

Passports and passport replacing documents must be valid on arrival.

The following DO NOT require a visa: 1) Nationals of Australia. 2) Nationals of New Zealand who must apply for an Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival by completing a passenger card. 3) Permanent residents of Norfolk Island holding endorsed passports confirming authority to reside indefinitely in Norfolk Island, who must apply for a "Permanent Residents of Norfolk Islands visa" at the border. 4) The Electronic Travel Authority System (ETA), an invisible electronic visa, is available to holders of the following passports for tourist/business travel: a) Nationals of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR China passports), Iceland, Ireland (Rep of), Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA & Vatican City b) Holders of British passports "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" and endorsed "British Citizen". c) Holders of British Passports endorsed "British National (Overseas)". d) Holders of Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) passports who must be residents of Chinese Taipei and having applied for the ETA in Chinese Taipei.

Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Commission of Australia.

Useful Contacts

Embassy

High Commission of Australia Australia House, Strand London, WC2B 4LA tel: +44 20 7379 4334, 0906 550 8900* (visa enq) fax: +44 020 7240 5333 e-mail: etareferrals.lhlh@dfat.gov.au (ETA referrals only) website: www.uk.embassy.gov.au hours: 0900-1100 (Mon-Fri) * calls cost �1 per minute

Airports

  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane International
  • Cairns International
  • Canberra International
  • Darwin International
  • Hobart International
  • Melbourne Avalon
  • Melbourne Tullamarine
  • Perth
  • Sydney (Kingsford Smith)
  • Townsville

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Tour pace:

For each itinerary we have created this simple guide to clearly illustrate the nature of your tour from a gentle, leisurely pace to a more lively experience.

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Tour experience:

For each itinerary we have created this simple guide to clearly illustrate your touring experience, from the scenic delights of the world's natural wonders to city chic with included excursions and entrances, or a comfortable blend of both.

Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar Tours:

Trafalgar Tours offer a range of first-class escorted tours including top-class hotels, comprehensive itineraries, luxury transportation, delicious meal plans and knowledgeable tour directors, often joined by experienced local guides.

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations:

Insight Vacations provides premium-class escorted tours, enabling you to stay in the very best hotels where available, enjoying enhanced meal plans and touring on luxury coaches with fewer seats resulting in extra legroom.

Thompson's Africa

Thompson's Africa:

Thompson's Africa offers excellent first-class escorted tours but with smaller groups ranging from only 2 passengers to 18 per group and touring in air-conditioned micro-buses for a more intimate approach.

AAT Kings

AAT Kings:

AAT Kings, one of Australia's most respected travel companies, provides a range of first-class escorted tours in Australia and New Zealand which include top-class hotels, comprehensive itineraries, luxury transportation, delicious meal plans and knowledgeable tour directors, often joined by experienced local guides.

Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations:

When you travel to South America with Brendan, you can expect first class hotels in convenient locations that provide the highest standard of service and the most up-to-date luxurious coaches available

Milestones Tours

Milestones

City and Resort Breaks that allow for a more independent holiday while still matched with Milestones' unrivalled levels of service.

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

On board a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise ship, guests can enjoy an intimate, luxurious experience with five-star inclusions. With an average capacity of just over 130 guests and one crew member for every three guests, Uniworld's Premium Class award-winning services are recognised as the world's best.

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First Class:

For over 60 years, our award-winning First Class tours have been providing incredible value escorted tours, not only showing you the major sites and attractions that you would expect to see but also surprising you with exclusive Hidden Gems along the way, that only a true expert would know. Enjoy the comfort of first-class hotels, travelling by air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and restroom, included meal plans and the services of our professional Tour Directors.
From exclusive Be My Guest dining experiences to in-depth insights provided by expert local guides, our First Class tours offer an enriching travel experience where you come away with a wealth of local knowledge and a photo album packed with memories.

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Premium Class:

On a Premium Class escorted tour you'll be travelling with a smaller, more personal group of like-minded travellers (maximum 40 guests on board) on coaches featuring business-class-like legroom and spacious comfort.
And you'll be staying in superior quality hotels in the heart of every destination. We select only premium brands of major hotel groups. Your expert Tour Director will act as your 'personal concierge' throughout and will be assisted by local guides, passionate on the life and history of their own city. We include many special dining evenings such as authentic local lunches, Highlight Dinners and our unique Dine-Around experiences featuring smallgroup dining at a choice of restaurants.

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At Leisure:

At Leisure is an inspiring new style of travel offering the best expertly planned escorted tours combined with more opportunity for in-depth, authentic experiences and more freedom to go your own way than ever before. With average hotel stays of two or three nights, spend minimal time unpacking andmore time soaking up the ambience of each amazing place. You'll also enjoy a leisurely start each day with departures never earlier than 9am on travel days. At Leisure provides free time to explore each destination on your own, including complimentary hop-on/hop-off city sightseeing passes where available. Plus you'll enjoy sightseeing in major cities with a local guide assigned to more intimate groups.

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Premium Gold:

Premium Gold is an exclusive collection of deluxe tours, each celebrating the fine art of luxury travel. All of the luxury hotels exude elegance and style, with many being members of the Leading Hotels of the World or other internationally recognised upmarket hotel associations. Premium Gold itineraries are leisurely-paced with relaxed stays in the most sought-after locations and with ample free time for personal exploration.
You will delight in sumptuous, authentic dining with four-course hotel dining and superb a la carte menus in some of the best gourmet restaurants. Premium Gold features smaller group sizes on tour and includes Premium Highlight sightseeing often including private tours with VIP entrances.

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Cost Saver:

We have introduced a new collection of touring holidays known as 'Cost Saver', a new and exciting programme of tours offering you fantastic European experiences at an unbeatable price.
The new selection of tours cover destinations such as Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The perfectly balanced itineraries combine plenty of free time to explore along with First Class touches including unique Hidden Treasures.