Australia

Yes, it was built on the sheep's back, yes, it has gorgeous, sandy beaches, yes, it has critters like you wouldn't believe of both the soft and furry and seriously threatening kind, yes, its people have a reputation for being relaxed, straight talking, outdoors loving, sports fans who love a good drink and know how to party on New Years eve. Australia is definitely offering all those things, but what you don't get from the adverts is the sheer size of the place.

Australia is a photogenic country of wide open spaces and intense colours. Endless reefs, glittering harbours and long beaches lead into the bright dense emerald of tropical forests, the soft grey greens of the alpine bush, the thousand shades of dry of the farming plains, the oranges and ochres of the desert centre and the big red rock at the heart. Vast distances apart hugging the fertile coast, Australia's cities have got their own personalities, influenced not just by the varied environment but by the gradually blending cultures of the people who live in them, cosmopolitan upbringings showing through in arts, food and fashion. But in Australia pretty much everything is influenced by the landscape.

Best Time to Go

Australia has loads to offer no matter what time of year you visit. Contrary to what you may think, Australia is not hot year round and it can get quite cold, but it's a big place and everyday of the year there will be a beach somewhere where conditions are perfect. The 'Top End' is tropical and monsoonal and hideous over summer (December to February), but lovely, warm and sunny during the winter months, while the southern side is cooler (you can even ski), but still scorching in summer (but the evenings are balmy). For the less extreme temperatures, your best bet is to visit in spring or autumn.

Language Barriers

Country Code +61

No communication difficulties here, English is the official language of Australia. You may hear some minority languages including Greek, Vietnamese, German, Italian and Chinese, but no one will expect you to respond in kind. You will also have no problem finding a telephone, some which accept credit cards, as well as cash or phone cards. It is even possible to gain internet access on some phones. Internet cafes are everywhere, even small towns usually have them, as well as hostels and hotels.

Cash, Card or Cheque?

Australian Dollar/A$

The best place to exchange your money, for Australia's colourful plastic currency, is at a bank. They will offer you the best exchange rates, however you can also change your money at airports and many hotels. Travelers checks are accepted - also best to exchange them at a bank. You can find an ATM anywhere. Credit cards are also widely accepted, but keep in mind that the more remote you go, the better off you are carrying cash. It is useful to know that Australian currency can make it through a washing cycle or two.

How Much?

Anyone from the US or Europe will find that prices in Australia are fairly reasonable and that there is a huge range of price options. As far as tipping is concerned, it is becoming more popular. Do not feel obligated to leave a tip at restaurants or cafes, but if you do 10%-15% is the norm.

Getting Around

There are huge distances for travel between cities so plane travel is often the quickest and easiest way to get around (it's an eight hour flight from Perth to Sydney, which is the same flight time as Perth to Kuala Lumpur). There are also buses (Greyhound Australia) that go from city to city. Taking a bus for a long journey can be pretty uncivilised, and is still quite expensive, where as train travel between closer cities, like Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and even as far as Adelaide and Brisbane is smoother and more scenic with the advantage of dropping you off in the centre of town. If you have time you can travel across the entire country by train, but you're looking at a week of gazing out the window... if you're serious about travelling more than just a small part of the country hire or buy a car and do it at your own pace.

Staying and Playing Safe

Dial 000 for all emergencies. An operator will answer and help you, then will send assistance depending on your emergency. Crime rates in Australia are generally low, but be smart about flashing your tourist trappings around and be selective about which parts of the big cities you wander after dark.

PROTECT YOURSELF PROPERLY FROM THE SUN! Under the hole in the ozone layer, you're likely to get alot more sunburn than you would at home. It's pretty obvious who the tourists are 'cause they're lobster-esque by their third day in Sydney... It's also a good idea to travel with insect repellent. Mosquitoes can be more than annoying, especially if you're traveling in the tropics. You don't need to take malaria pills but there are more nasties that they can give you.

When it comes to the beach swim between the flags. Australian's take life saving duties pretty seriously and beaches can be dangerous so read the signs and listen to what you're told by the boys and girls in red and yellow. People do get attacked by sharks as well as caught in rips and strong currents, these guys aren't just out there to perfect their tan.

Red Tape

Valid passports are required for all visitors to Australia. Except for a few countries, visas are required for everyone traveling to Australia. There are short-stay tourist visas and long-stay tourist visas. Short-stay visas are valid for up to three months and long-stay visas are valid for up to twelve months. Australian visa regulations tend to change occasionally so it is best to check the embassies web site prior to departure. It is also important to check with your airline about carry-on rules and regulations as they tend to change as well. There are currently no serious travel warnings for Australia.