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Overview

Basic facts:

Capital: Canberra, ACT

Government: Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy; Commonwealth and Federation of States

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD$)

Area: 7,686,850 km2

Population: 21,234,176 (July 2007 est.)

Language: English

Electricity 240V AC

Calling Code +61

Internet TLD .au

Time Zone UTC +8 to +11

 

Australia Travel Guide

 

Quick Overview:

 

Australia is the world's smallest continent, but the 6th largest country. It is renowned for its natural beauty which varies from dense rainforests to golden sun bathed beaches to dry, red desert land. A variety which attracts most of us to seek, travel and enjoy the beauty of this country.
The basic factor each traveler should consider is the vast proportions of this country, which while planning a trip and measuring distances, should be related to as a continent rather than a country.

 

Weather: Being in the southern hemisphere, the timing of the seasons in Australia is reversed with respect to Europe and North America. In other words, the winter in Australia is between June and September while the summer is between December and March. Because Australia is such a large country, its weather varies significantly in different parts of the continent.

 Most of Australia's mainland is a desert and has small amounts of rain throughout the year.

The southern part of the continent has a temperate climate which is typified by warm summers and mild winters. The minimum temperatures in these areas during the winter range between 5-8 C and the maximum temperatures reach to 14-18 C. During the summer it's much more comfortable with minimum temperatures ranging between 14-17 C and maximum temperatures climbing to 25-28 C.

In the northern part of the continent the climate is completely different. The weather in this area has two different seasons: The first is the wet season which lasts between November and April. During this season the temperatures are very high and often reach 35 C and even more. Rain is falling frequently during this season. The second season is the dry season which lasts between May and October. This season is much more comfortable with mild temperatures and small amounts of rain.

This variation of climates should be considered while planning a trip. Traveling the north of the country at a certain time of the year might be totally different then traveling the south at the same exact time. Therefore, one must take the weather into account and beware of its influence.

 

Visa: A trip to Australia (of any kind: holiday, business and of course immigration) requires a visa. There are different kinds of visas designed to suit the various contenders.
Detailed information about Australian visa procedures can be found at:
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/
http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/  (Australian Government's Electronic Travel Authority System).

 

Backpacking Australia

 

Tips:

  • The most common visa among travelers (who aren't Europeans) is a six months visa, which can be renewed four times by leaving the country and then returning. In case you applied for that kind of visa, you should be very aware of its validity dates and plan your time accordingly.
  • Plan your trip according to the climate in the various parts of the continent. For example: if you are planning to travel along one of the coasts it's better to travel from north to south at the end of the winter or the spring so you'll get to the southern parts of the country when the weather is warmer.
  • Driving in Australia is on the left hand side of the road. Travelers often underestimate the distances between towns and cities, and the amount of time it takes to travel by road around Australia. If you intend to drive by yourself through more than one state, do so only if you are a competent and experienced driver. Before every long drive, check your car and make sure to have a first aid kit and a spare jerry can of fuel and water.
  • Flights within Australia: if you intend to fly within the continent it is recommended to use one of the following companies:
    Tiger Airways: http://www.tigerairways.com 
    Jet Star: http://www.jetstar.com/ 
    Virgin Blue: http://www.virginblue.com.au/ 
    Be aware that the prices differ according to the season and to the time of booking.