Some facts about what to expect in Australia:

The Climate:
Australia's Climate changes to temperate as you move further south towards Tasmania and Victoria and tropical as you move towards the north.

Tasmania is the coldest of the states particularly in the tablelands and highlands. In Victoria the average temperature ranges from 15 - 33 in summer ( although it can sometimes reach 40 degree celcius and above) and 5 - 25 in the winter.

Summer is from December to February, Autumn from March to May, Winter from June to August and Spring from September to November.

Electricity:
The Australian electrical current is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. The Australian 3-pin plug is very safe. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances.
If your appliance operates on a different voltage a transformer may be required.


Currency:
Australia uses the dollar and cents decimal system with 100 cents to the dollar.
Bank notes are easy to identigy and come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 and coins come in 5, 10, 20, 50, $1 and $2.

Foreign Exchange:
You will not encounter any difficulty in changing foreign currency or cash at almost any bank or exchange agent. Traveller's cheques usually convert at a better rate than cash.
Credit cards are also widely accepted at most venues and cash is available at Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) all over the country.


Culture:
Australia is very rich in all of the arts such as music, opera and the performing arts and theatre. There are over 1000 museums displaying Australia's diverse cultural heritage.
Australian authors as well as Australian Film directors and actors, singers etc have been widely acknowledged overseas. In the field of music Australia supports all music, from folk, rock, jazz to classical.


Health:
Although Australia has a very healthy atmosphere it is well to remember that the sun is very strong and it is always advisable to wear a broad rimmed hat and sun blocker whenever you are outside.

Things to avoid whenever you travel in the bush and outlying places. Snakes - do not attempt to touch or pick up snakes, as Australia has many venomous snakes and all are protected. Most snakes are more frightened of you then you are of them and they will try to get away from you. Remember cars are more dangerous.

Some accidents do happen so it would be advisable to take out Travel Insurance before leaving home.


Food:
Fresh fruit and vegetables and meat are available at Australian supermarkets and markets

As Australia is a multicultural society and the choice of foods from all cultures is available at restaurants all over Australia. All tastes are catered for.


Geography
Australia, because of its size, has deserts, rain forests; marine parks, such as the 'Great Barrier Reef', snowfields, mountain ranges etc.

Australia, as one of the oldest continents, is as wide as the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei, and as long as from Singapore to Manila. Remember Australia is the only continent occupied by one country.

Tipping:
Tipping is not compulsory in Australia however if you feel that the service received is exceptional then by all means leave whatever you think would be appropriate.


Visas:
New Zealand is the only nation not to require entry visas to enter Australia. Tourist visas are current for 6 months.
Click here for more information on VISAS.