Entry
A valid passport, a return or onward ticket and a Visa are required to enter
Australia. Tourist visas are valid for three months and cost
between $11-$35. The visa needs to be acquired before arrival.
Climate
The seasons are reverse of those in the
northern hemisphere: September to November is spring, December to February
summer, March to May fall, and June to August winter. Australia is an
all-year-round destination, but during the summer it is hot in Western
Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. At the Great Barrier
Reef, most rain falls in January and February. In northern Queensland
and parts of the Northern Territory, roads may flood during the 'green'
season, January to March.
The climate regions are upside down as well. The tropics lie north, the
temperate zones south. Tasmania, the island state off the southern tip of
the continent, is the coolest, while north of Brisbane things get pretty hot
most of the year.
As a general rule you can assume that from November to March it's warm
everywhere. In the far north, around Darwin, is the monsoon season and
definitely a time to stay away unless you enjoy getting drenched in
rainwater. But the northern winter offers close to ideal traveling
weather. In the south, winter tends to be chilly, with plenty of snow.
Water
Visibility ranges from 50-100ft, depending on the season.
The water temperature averages between 72-82F.
Currency
The official currency is the Australian dollar
($A). Major credit cards and traveler checks can be
used almost anywhere.
Language
Australia’s official language is English. Aboriginal languages,
European, Arabic and Asian languages are also spoken. Australian
English does not differ significantly from other forms of English,
although some colloquial and slang expressions are unique.
Departure tax
Departure tax on international flights is US$19.
Health
No vaccination certificates
are required unless you come from a yellow-fever infected area. Water
is safe to drink, but bottled water is available anywhere.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 220-240V. |
