Cairns holidays

Canberra

Australia has a population of 19.5 million.

Australia has three time zones: Eastern Standard Time: GMT +10 Hours taking in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland Central Standard Time: GMT + 9 Hours 30 Mins taking in Northern Territory and South Australia. Western Standard Time: GMT

English is the official language even though they do have their own vocabulary for certain words! The aborigines do have their own language but it is not widely spoken.

Australian Dollar ($). Approx. exchange rate AUD 1.61 = GBP 1 (27 January 2011) comprising of 100 cents = $1.

As in most countries, it is wise to take precautions against theft, especially in big cities. Keep valuables such as expensive jewellery in the hotel safety deposit box.

Visas are required by everyone except holders of Australian or New Zealand passports. Visas can now be booked electronically through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA’s) or by contacting the Australian High Commission. Clients will also require a 10 year passport which needs to be valid for six months after return to the UK. All other passport holders should contact the Australian High Commission as early as possible.

Aborigine art is available in all major cities at every conceivable price. Shops selling duty-free goods are available so it’s worth looking at radios, photographic and electrical equipment, as well as clothes and perfumes. Your passport and ongoing ticket will prove that you’re eligible for duty-free although not always asked for. Souvenirs include the cuddly koala, boomerangs and the  Australian wide brimmed hat.

Rule of the thumb is that the seasons in Australia are opposite to those in Europe. Spring & Summer is October to March with most of the country being warm or hot, the north being more tropical and the south having milder nights. Autumn and winter is April to September where the north and central Australia is clear, with warm days and cool nights. The south experiences cool days with occasional rain.

No compulsory vaccinations but recommended vaccination is Tetanus.

For warmer weather light weight cotton garments are advisable and for cold weather a jumper or jacket is useful especially for cooler evenings

If you feel that you have received an excellent service and wish to show appreciation for this then a discretionary tip of 10% may be given.