From Wikitravel
|
| Location |
|
| Flag |
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| Quick Facts |
| Capital | Canberra,ACT |
| Government | Parliamentary democracy (federal constitutional monarchy) |
| Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD$) |
| Area | 7,686,850 km2 |
| Population | 21,234,176 (July 2007 est.) |
| Language | English |
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| Electricity | 230V/50Hz (Plug Type I) |
| Calling Code | +61 |
| Internet TLD | .au |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 to +10 |
Australia[1]is the only country that has a whole continent to itself. World famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "theOutback", Australia is actually one of the world's most highly urbanised countries. It is also well known for the cosmopolitan attractions of its large cities such asSydney,Melbourne,BrisbaneandPerth.
[edit]Understand
[edit]Geography
Australia is the smallest continent but sixth-largest country. It is comparable in size to the 48 contiguous United States. Australia is bordered to the west by the Indian Ocean, and to the east by the South Pacific Ocean. The Tasman Sea lies to the southeast, separating it fromNew Zealand, while the Coral Sea lies to the northeast.Papua New Guinea,East TimorandIndonesiaare Australia's northern neighbours, separated from Australia by the Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea.
Australia is highly urbanised with most of the population heavily concentrated along the eastern and south-eastern coasts. Most of the inland areas of the country are semi-arid. The most-populous states areVictoriaandNew South Wales, but by far the largest in land area isWestern Australia.
Australia has an area of 7,682,300 square kilometres (2,966,152 sq mi) and the distances between cities and towns is easy to underestimate.
Australia has large areas that have been deforested for agricultural purposes, but many native forest areas survive in extensive national parks and other undeveloped areas. Long-term Australian concerns include salinity, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.
[edit]Climate
As a large continent a wide variation of climates are found across Australia. Most of the country receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Generally, the north is hot and tropical, while south tends to sub-tropical and temperate. Most rainfall is around the coast, and much of the centre isaridandsemi-arid. The daytime maximum temperatures inDarwinrarely drop below 30°C (86°F), even in winter, while night temperatures in winter usually hover around 15-20°C(59°F-68°F). Temperatures in some southern regions can drop below freezing in winter and the Snowy Mountains in the South East experiences metres of winter snow. Parts ofTasmaniahave a temperature range very similar toEngland.
As Australia is in the southern hemisphere the winter is June-August while December-February is summer. The winter is the dry season in the tropics, and the summer is the wet. In the southern parts of the country, the seasonal temperature variation is greater. The rainfall is more evenly distributed throughout the year in Sydney and Melbourne, while in Adelaide and Perth, the summers are dry with the bulk of the rainfall occuring in winter.
[edit]History
The continent of Australia was first settled more than 40,000 years ago with successive waves of immigration of Aboriginal peoples from south and south-east Asia. With rising sea levels after the last Ice Age, Australia became largely isolated from the rest of the world and the Aboriginal tribes developed a variety of cultures, based on a close spiritual relationship with the land and nature, and extended kinship. Australian Aboriginal people maintained a hunter-gatherer culture for thousands of years in association with a complex artistic and cultural life - including a very rich 'story-telling' tradition. While the 'modern impression' of Australian Aboriginal people is largely built around an image of the 'desert people' who have adapted to some of the harshest conditions on the planet (equivalent to the bushmen of the Kalahari), Australia provided a 'comfortable living' for the bulk of the Aboriginal people amongst the bountiful flora and fauna on the Australian coast - until the arrival of Europeans.
Although a lucrative Chinese market for shells andbeche de merehad encouraged Indonesian fishermen to visit Northern Australia for centuries it was unknown to Europeans until the 1600's, when Dutch traders to Asia began to 'bump' into the North Western Coast. Early Dutch impressions of this extremely harsh, dry country were unfavourable, and Australia remained for them something simply a road sign pointing north to the much richer (and lucrative) East Indies (modern Indonesia). Deliberate exploration of the Australian coast was then largely taken over by the French and the British. Consequently place names of bays, headlands and rivers around the coastline reflect a range of Dutch, French, British, and Aboriginal languages.
In 1770, the expedition of the Endeavour under the command of Captain James Cook navigated and charted the east coast of Australia, making first landfall atBotany Bayon 29 Apr 1770. Cook continued northwards, and before leaving put ashore on Possession Island in the Torres Strait off Cape York on 22 Aug 1770. Here he formally claimed the eastern coastline he had discovered for the British Crown, naming it New South Wales. Given that Cook's discoveries would lead to the first European settlement of Australia, he is often popularly conceived as its European discoverer, although he had been preceded by more than 160 years.
Following the exploration period, the first wave of British settlers came to Australia in 1788, starting a process of colonisation that almost entirely displaced the Aboriginal people who inhabited the land. This reduced indigenous populations drastically and marginalised them to the fringes of society.
While Australia began its modern history as a British penal colony, the vast majority of people who came to Australia after 1788 were free settlers, mainly from Britain and Ireland, but also from other European countries. Convict settlements were along the east coast, Adelaide (settled in 1836) and Perth being settled by free settlers. Many Asian and Eastern European people also came to Australia in the 1850s, during the Gold Rush that started Australia's first resource boom. Although such diverse immigration diminished greatly during the xenophobic years of the White Australia policy, Australia welcomed a successive series of immigration from Europe, the Mediterranean and later Asia to formulate a highly diverse and multicultural society by the late 20th century.
The system of separate colonies federated to form the self-governing British dominion of Australia in 1901, each colony now becoming a state of Australia, with New Zealand opting out of the federation. The new country was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and made a large contribution (considering its small size of population) to the Allied war effort in World Wars I and II. Australian troops also made a valuable, if sometimes controversial, contribution to the wars in Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. Australian Diggers retain a reputation as some of the hardest fighting troops along with a great social spirit. Australia and Britain passed the Australia Act in 1986, ending any remnant power the British parliament may have had to pass laws for Australia.
[edit]Economy
Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West European economies.
The service industries, including tourism, education, and financial services, account for the majority of the Australian Gross Domestic Product – about 69%. Within the service sector, tourism is one of the most important industries in Australia, as it provides employment, contributes $73 billion to the economy each year and accounts for at least 11% of total exports.
Primary industry - mining and agriculture - accounts for most of Australia's exports. Iron Ore and Coal are by far the largest exports, with wheat, beef and wool declining in importance.
Australia has a comprehensive social security system, and a minimum wage higher than the United States or the United Kingdom. Tradesmen are extremely well-paid in Australia, often more so than professionals.
[edit]Politics
Australia has a federal system of government, with eight state and territory governments and a national government. Each of these governments has an elected parliament, with the leader of each government being the leader of the largest party represented in the lower house. The national parliament consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The Prime Minister, currently Julia Gillard, is the leader of the national government.
The Queen remains the notional head of state, and her representative in Australia - the Governor-General - has a ceremonial and conventionally politically powerless role. A referendum to change Australia's status to a republic was defeated in 1999.
[edit]Culture
Australia also has a multicultural population practising almost every religion and lifestyle. Over one-fifth of Australians were born to immigrant parents. The most multicultural cities areMelbourneandSydney. Both cities are renowned for the variety and quality of global foods available in their many restaurants, and Melbourne especially promotes itself as a centre for the arts. Smaller rural settlements generally still reflect a majority Anglo-Celtic culture often with a small Aboriginal population, however virtually every large Australian city and town reflects the immigration from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific that occurred after World War II and continued into the 1970s; in the half century after the war when Australia's population boomed from roughly 7 million to just over 20 million people.
There are approximately half a million Australians who identify as being of Aboriginal descent. Many fewer maintain elements of traditional Aboriginal culture.
Contrary to popular mythology, descendants from convicts are in a small minority, and even during the years of transportation free settlers outnumbered convict migrants by at least five to one.
Australian English was once known for its colour and colloquialisms but has lost a great deal of this to outside influence, although people in rural areas still tend to speak in a broader accent, using many of the slang words that have become outmoded in metropolitan areas. There is very little provincialism in Australia and although accents tend to be broader and slower outside of the large cities.
Australians can be socially conservative compared to some European cultures, and most resemble Canadians or New Zealanders in their political outlook. They tend to be relaxed in their religious observance. While the mythic Australian sense egalitarianism has declined in economic terms, modes of address still tend to be casual and familiar compared to some other cultures. Most Australians will tend to address you by your first name and will expect that you do the same to them.
[edit]Holidays
The national holidays in Australia are:
- January 1: New Years' Day
- January 26: Australia Day, marking the anniversary of the First Fleet's landing in Sydney Cove in 1788.
- Easter weekend("Good Friday", "Easter Saturday", "Easter Sunday" and "Easter Monday"): a four day long weekend in March or April set according to the Western Christian dates.
- April 25: ANZAC Day, honouring military veterans
- Second Monday in June: Queen's birthday holiday (celebrated in Western Australia in September) (WA observesFoundation Daya week earlier)
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: Boxing Day
Many states observeLabour Day, but on different days. Most states have one or two additional state-wide holidays, with onlyVictoria (state)having a day off for a horse race (The Melbourne Cup).
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday (and Tuesday if necessary) are usually declared holidays in lieu, although both the celebrations and the retail closures will occur on the day itself. Most tourist attractions are closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Supermarkets and other stores may open for limited hours on some public holidays and on holidays in lieu, but are almost always closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and ANZAC Day morning.
[edit]Peak holiday times
Most attractions in Australia remain open year-round, some operating at a reduced frequency or shorter hours during the off-peak season.
Salaried Australians have four weeks of annual leave and school children in the major population centres have January as a long break. Domestic tourism is strongest during January and the Easter school holidays.
Summer tends to be the peak travel season through much of the south, with the winter (dry) season the peak travel season in the tropics.
Australian teenagers celebrate the end of school for 3 weeks at the end of October and early November. The volume of teen revellers can completely change the nature of some of the cities and towns they choose to visit.
Australia can have up to five different time zones during the daylight savings period, and three at other times.
In the east,Tasmania,New South WalesandVictoriaalways have the same time.Queenslanddoesn't observe daylight saving, so it is an hour behind the other eastern states during that period.
In the centreSouth Australiaand theNorthern Territoryare half an hour behind during the winter, but the Northern Territory doesn't observe daylight saving while South Australia does. During daylight saving South Australia remains half an hour behind New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, but moves half an hour ahead of Queensland. The Northern Territory remains half an hour behind Queensland, but moves an hour and half behind New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
In the westWestern Australiais two hours behind the eastern states in winter, and also doesn't observe daylight saving. It moves three hours behind the eastern states that observe daylight saving (remaining two hours behind Queensland).
There are no official abbreviations or names for Australian time zones, and you may see a few variations used. EST, CST, WST along with EDT, CDT are sometimes used. Sometimes AEST, etc, with the 'A' prefix distinguishing them from the North American time zones with the same names. In conversation, the abbreviations aren't used. People tend to saySydney time,Brisbane time, orPerth time. Expect blank stares from most if you start talking aboutCentral Summer Time.
In those states which observe daylight saving, it commences on the first Sunday in October and ends on the first Sunday in April.
[edit]Regions
| New South Walesand Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)(NSW) & (ACT)
New South Wales is Australia's most populous state. The Harbour City ofSydneyis Australia's largest city. The coast ofNew South Walesis lined with beachside communities, each one offering experiences for the traveller. A little inland are the mountain ranges of theBlue Mountains, and the purpose built capital city ofCanberra, excised fromNew South Wales. Further inland still expect sweeping plains, turning from agriculture to desert the further inland you venture. |
| Queensland(QLD)
Famous for its sunny warm weather, Queensland offers coastal exploration from the vibe of theGold Coastto the tropics of theGreat Barrier Reefto the bustling city ofBrisbane. It is also home to tropical rainforests of theDaintree National Park, and the island resorts of the Whitsundays. Inland lies the ranges of the hinterland, and further on the vast expanses and beauty of outback Australia. |
| Tasmania(TAS)
Separated from the mainland by Bass Strait, Tasmania has rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain and the west, the beaches of the east, and the complete wilderness of the south.Hobartwas the site of the second European settlement in Australia, and many historic sites are well preserved. The island has well developed facilities for travellers. |
| Victoria(VIC)
Small, vibrant and with something for everyone, Victoria has dramatic surf beaches along the southwest and central coast, green rolling farmland and photogenic national parks. The diversity of rural Victoria is very easy to access due in part to its size and well maintained roads. Australia and Victoria's sporting, shopping, fashion and food capital isMelbourne. |
| Western Australia(WA)
A vast state. The south-west contains the state capital and major city ofPerthclosely surrounded by the wildflower, wine growing and scenic destinations of theMargaret RiverandAlbany. North to the tropics and the beachside destination ofBroome. Small townships, roadhouses, mining communities and national parks scattered around the long distances between. |
[edit]Islands
- Lord Howe Island- Two hours flying time fromSydney, with a permanent population, and developed facilities. (Part of New South Wales)
- Norfolk Island- Direct flights from the East Coast, and fromAuckland. Permanent population, and developed facilities.
- Christmas Island- Famous for its red crab migration. Flights fromPerthandKuala Lumpur, developing facilities.
- Cocos Islands- Coral atolls, populated, accessible by flights fromPerth, with some facilities for travel.
- Torres StraitIslands - between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, most islands have some traveller facilities but require permission from the traditional owners to visit. Flights fromCairns.
- Ashmore and Cartier Islands- uninhabited with no developed traveller facilities.
- Coral Sea Islands- largely uninhabited, with no developed traveller facilities.
- Heard Island and McDonald Islands- uninhabited islands over 4000km from the Australian mainland.
- Macquarie Island- An Australian Antarctic base, halfway to Antartica. No facilities for travellers.
Other cities can be found under their respective state and regional articles.
[edit]Other destinations
- Uluru(also known asAyers Rock) andKata Tjuta(The Olgas), are iconic rock formations located in theUluru-Kata Tjuta National Parkin the Northern Territory.
- TheBlue Mountainsis a mountainous region in New South Wales, includingThe Three Sisters.
- Kings Canyon, a mighty chasm reaching a depth of 270 metres in Watarrka National Park,Red Centre.
- The amazingKatherine Gorgein Nitmiluk National Park,Katherine.
All travellersvisiting Australia, except citizens of New Zealand, require avisain advance of travel unless in transit for less than eight hours. Visas come in the following varieties:
- Electronic Travel Authority(ETA), an electronic tourism or business visa available to holders of certain passports[2]. These are valid for visits of up to 3 months and allow multiple entries for a year. Australian employment is not allowed. ETAs are available online[3]for A$20 and may be available through your travel agent. Apply for the ETA through your travel agent if buying tickets from them, as the fee for applying online is usually waived.
- eVisitor[4], for citizens of the EU, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland and a few European microstates. These visas are free, but otherwise effectively identical to the ETA.
- Non-electronicvisas, the only option if you do not hold an ETA/eVistor-eligible passport, also required if you are staying for a longer period of time or wish to seek Australian employment. These will require a written application and processing by an Australian consulate or embassy. Contact the Department of Immigration[5]for more information. Many visas are no longer issued with physical stickers placed in the passport, instead being electronic visas linked to your passport.
For tourists, immigration problems can occur if you are carrying any documents indicating that you are not a genuine tourist (e.g. a resume) or can't demonstrate sufficient funds to support your desired length of stay. If you are staying with a friend or family member bring their details and an invitation.
New Zealanders may travel to and work in Australia for any length of time without a pre-arranged visa, as the visa is issued upon arrival. Non-citizen permanent residents of New Zealand arenoteligible for visa-free entry.
Anyone with a criminal record or who has previously been deported, including New Zealanders, should contact an Australian embassy for advice.
Overstaying or violating any terms of your visa can result in deportation and a 3-year entry ban.
[edit]Customs and quarantine
Australia hasstrict quarantine requirementsregarding importinganimal and vegetablederived products (any food, wooden products, seeds, etc). You must declare all such material, and all baggage is scanned and examined by dogs prior to entry.
Most manufactured, packaged food (chocolates, cookies, etc) is usually found to be acceptable, and will be returned to you. With items found to be a risk, you will be given the options available to you to have the goods processed, removed from Australia at your own expense, or destroyed.
Even permitted food itemsmustbe declared to customs and inspected before they are allowed into the country. There is no penalty provided goods are declared properly. There is no delay associated with declaring items. Everyone goes through the same queue and scanning processes. If in any doubt, just declare it, and you will have no problems.
If you accidentally fail to declare an item you may incur an on-the-spot fine of A$220, which must be paid immediately. The law has the possibility of extremely heavy penalties including fines (in the order of thousands of dollars) and even a possible jail term if you deliberately try to evade quarantine.
While there are no restrictions on the amount of money that can be brought in or out, Australian customs also requires you to declare if you are bringing A$10,000 or more in or out of the country and you will be asked to complete some paperwork.
[edit]By plane
Approximately half of all international travellers arrive first in Australia inSydney, the largest city, (IATA:SYD;ICAO:YSSY). After Sydney, significant numbers of travellers also arrive in Australia inMelbourne,BrisbaneandPerth. There are also direct international services intoAdelaide,Cairns,Darwin, theGold CoastandChristmas Islandthough these are largely restricted to flights from New Zealand or Southeast Asia.
ToSydneyit is a 3-hour flight fromNew Zealand, a 7-11 hour flight from countries inAsia, a 14 hour flight from the west of theUnited States of AmericaandCanada, a 14 hour flight fromJohannesburg,South Africa, a 13-16 hours flight fromSouth America, and up to a 24+ hour flight from westernEurope. On account of long journey times from some destinations, some travellers fromEuropeopt to have a stop-over, commonly inSingapore,Hong Kong,Dubai,BangkokorKuala Lumpur.
If you have to change to a domestic flight in a gateway city,Sydney,BrisbaneandPerthall have distinct domestic terminals, requiring some time and complexity to transit, check the guides.Melbourne,Adelaide,Darwin,Cairnsand theGold Coasthave all gates in the one terminal building or within easy walking distance of each other.
[edit]Discount airlines
There are some routes into Australia that are operated by discount airlines, that can often be combined with other fares to make getting to Australia cheaper. Select your point of entry and exit to give you a cheaper round-trip, and possibly some interesting stopover opportunities on the way.
[edit]By boat
November to February is the cruising season, and there are usually about 10 ships that arrive in Australia from other countries during this time. You can cruise to Australia, and then fly home.
Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Carribean, all offer cruises to Australia across the Pacific.
[edit]By overland tour
There are a couple of expedition companies such as Ozbus or Exploratory Overland Expeditions that conduct organized trips fromLondontoSydneybut the last leg of the journey involves flying toDarwinfromEast TimororSingaporewhile the bus is shipped across. These are targeted at backpackers able to take months for the trip.
[edit]Get around
Australia is huge but sparsely populated, and you can sometimes travel many hours before finding the next trace of civilisation, especially once you leave the south-eastern coastal fringe.
Almost all modern Australian maps, including street directories, use the Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA) as their grid reference, which is for all purposes identical to the WGS84 used by the GPS. You can locate most things on an Australian map or street directory if you just have the "GPS coordinates".
[edit]Quarantine
There are restrictions on carrying fruit and vegetables (including honey) between states and even between regions of states that are involved in fruit growing. If you are driving long distances or interstate, or flying between states, don't stock up on fruits and vegetables.
Australia has a generally well-maintained system of roads and highways, and cars are a commonly used method of transport. Most of the state capitals are linked to each other by good quality highways. Some parts are dual carriageway but many sections are one lane each way. Major regional areas have sealed (paved) dual-lane roads, but isolated areas may have poorly maintained dirt roads or even tracks. Distances and speeds are specified in kilometres and fuel is sold by the litre.
Australia drives on the left. Overseas visitors who are used to driving on the right should take care when they first drive, and again when they are driving on country roads with little traffic.
Generally, overseas licenses are valid for visitors for three months without an international drivers permit (IDP); if the licence is in English. If the licence is not in English an IDP is required. Licensing regulations and road rules vary a little from state to state.
Australia's low population density and large size makes for long driving times between major centres. Some indicative travel times, not including any rest periods, are:
It is almost impossible to predict your travel time just by knowing the distance. Seek local advice for the best route, and how much time to allow. Averaging 100km/h or more is possible on some relatively minor highways when they are straight and there are few towns. On other national highways that traverse mountain ranges and travel through small towns, even averaging 60km/h can be a challenge.
While major highways are well serviced, anyoneleavingsealed roads anywhere in inland Australia is advised to take advice from local authorities, check weather and road conditions, carry sufficient spare fuel, spare parts, spare tyres, matches, food and water. Some remote roads might see one car per month or less. Cellular coverage does not extend to remote areas and you should take some precautions in case of emergency. It is a good idea to advise a person you know and trust of your route and advise them to alert authorities if you do not contact them within a reasonable amount of time after your scheduled arrival at your destination. Carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite phone should be considered when travelling in remote areas, especially where you may not be able to make contact for several days. Police will not automatically start looking for you if you don't report in. Make sure you get one with a GPS built in. These can be borrowed from some local police stations, such as those in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. If you want to hire one, sort it out before you leave a major city, as you won't find hire places in small towns. Expect to pay around $100 to hire for a week, or $700 to buy one. Don't expect an immediate rescue even if you trigger a PLB. Heat and dehydration at any time of year can kill you rapidly. If stranded, stay with your vehicle and do what you can to improve your visibility from the air. Do not take this advice lightly, even local people die out there when their car breaks down and they are not reported missing. If you do have to abandon your car (say you breakdown and then get a lift), call in quickly to the local police station, to avoid the embarrassment and cost of a search being started for you.
[edit]Car rental
Car rentalis widely available in major cities around Australia. National chains include Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar and Thrifty. In smaller towns car rental can be difficult to find. One way fees usually apply.
Restrictions usually exist on travelling into or out ofWestern Australiaand theNorthern Territoryor on the car ferries toTasmania,Kangaroo IslandandFraser Island. Rental cars in capital cities usually have unlimited mileage. In small towns they usually only include 100km a day before a surcharge is applied. Some companies allow travel on any gazetted road, while others forbid travel on a gravel/dirt road unless you hire a four wheel drive.
You will need to have a licence in English or a IDP from your home country, and check conditions carefully if you are under 25.
The very cheapest cars you can hire can be manual (stick-shift). Anything larger will usually be automatic.
[edit]Car purchase
There is a substantial second hand market in cars and campers for backpackers wishing to do extended road trips around Australia. Take common sense precautions if purchasing a car. Free state government services are available to ensure it is unencumbered by a finance arrangement and that it has not been previously written off as a result of an accident.
See:Driving in Australia
[edit]By plane
Due to the large distances involved, flying is a well-patronised form of travel in Australia. Services along the main business travel corridor (Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane) are run almost like a bus service, with flights leaving every 15 minutes during the day.
The only way to get the best airfare is to visit each of the airlines pages directly, and compare fares. Never assume the Qantas fare will be more expensive, as their online deals are often the cheapest available on a route. The best fares are always available on the most competitive routes. Consolidator websites and travel agents almost invariably add a surcharge to direct booking. Use them to compare, but always check the airline website before booking.
There are four domestic airlines in Australia that operate jet aircraft linking capital cities and major destinations.
- Qantas[10], the only nation-wide full service airline, flying to major cities and some larger regional towns;
- Virgin Blue[11], a nation-wide budget airline, flying to major cities and a few larger regional towns;
- Jetstar[12], Qantas's discount arm with limited service and assigned seating.
- Tiger Airways Australia[13], one of Asia's largest LCC has a main hub in Melbourne and a secondary hub in Adelaide serving about 10 destinations across the mainland and Tasmania, prices are very competitive.
Several airlines service regional destinations. Expect discounts on these airlines to be harder to come by, and for standard airfares to be above what you would pay for the same distance between major centres.
- Qantaslink[14], the regional arm of Qantas, covering the smaller cities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia;
- Regional Express[15], covering larger towns & cities on the eastern seaboard as well as country South Australia;
- Skywest[16], covering regional Western Australia, Bali and Darwin;
- Airnorth[17], covering the Northern Territory;
- Skytrans Airlines[18], covering regional Queensland.
- Sharp Airlines[19], covering several regional towns in Victoria and South Australia.
[edit]By train
Visitors from countries with well-developed long distance rail systems such as Europe and Japan may be surprised by the lack of high-speed, inter-city rail services in Australia. A historical lack of cooperation between the states, combined with sheer distances and a relatively small population to service, have left Australia with a national rail network that is relatively slow and used mainly for freight. As a result, travel between major cities will not only be faster by air, but often cheaper as well depending on the route you wish to travel. Train travel between cities is, however, more scenic, and tourists are likely to see more of Australia travelling by train than they would otherwise see, as well as cutting down on their carbon footprint. It is also often a cost effective way of getting to regional towns and cities, which don't have the frequent and cheap flights found between the capital cities.
The long-distance rail services that do exist are mainly used to link regional townships with the state capital, such asBendigotoMelbourne, orCairnstoBrisbane. InQueensland, a high speed train operates betweenBrisbanetoRockhamptonandBrisbanetoCairns. Queensland also has passenger services to inland centres includingLongreach(The Spirit of the Outback),Mount Isa(The Inlander),Charleville(The Westlander) andForsayth(The Savannahlander). There are also inter-city train services operated by Great Southern Railways on the routes Melbourne-Adelaide(The Overland),Sydney-Adelaide-Perth(Indian Pacific), Adelaide-Alice Springs-Darwin(The Ghan) however as noted above, these are not "high speed" services, so if you do not enjoy train travel as part of your holiday in its own right then this is probably not for you.
Tasmaniahas no passenger rail services. TheNorthern Territoryhas the rail line linkingDarwintoAdelaidethroughAlice Springsonly, and the Australian Capital Territory has only a single railway station close to the centre ofCanberra.
[edit]Long distance train operators
- Great Southern Railways[20]. A private train operator running tourist train services, The Ghan, The Indian Pacific and The Overland betweenSydney,Broken Hill,Adelaide,Alice Springs,Darwin,PerthandMelbourne.
- CountryLink[21]- LinksSydneytoMelbourne,BrisbaneandCanberra, and regional connections to mostNew South Walestowns, includingDubbo,Coffs Harbour, andWagga Wagga.
- V/Line Passenger[22]- Train & coach services inVictoria, including combined Train and Coach services betweenMelbourneandAdelaide,MelbourneandCanberra.
- Queensland Rail - Traveltrain[23]- Long distance passenger train services in Queensland
- The Savannahlander[24]- A Queenstrain service that linksCairnswith the outback town ofForsayth, using old heritage trains, and providing overnight accommodation and tours on the way.
- TransWA[25]- State government run, operating train services toKalgoorlieandBunbury. Also operates coach services to much of the state, especially the South West.
[edit]Rail passes
- East Coast Discovery Pass. Get on and off as many times as you like on the east coast trains betweenMelbourneandCairns. Different prices apply depending on which section of the line you want to traverse. One way travel only is permitted. Discounts apply on other train journeys, and often bus connections to local towns are included. This ticket is available to everyone, international visitors and Australian residents.
- Australian Flexi-Pass. Available to non-Australian passport holders. Allows unlimited train travel on the Ghan and the Indian Pacific,New South WalesCountrylink andQueenslandRail. It will get you to every capital city on mainland Australia, as well as the tropical north ofQueensland. If you are not travelling toWestern Australiaor theNorthern Territorythere are probably cheaper options.
[edit]Local public transport
Sydney,Melbourne,Brisbane,Perth,Adelaide,WollongongandNewcastlehave train services integrated into the city public transport. See those articles for details.
[edit]By motorail
Some trains allow you to carry your car with you on special car carriages attached to the back of the train.
The Ghan and the Indian Pacific allow you to transport cars betweenSydney,Melbourne,Adelaide,Alice Springs,Perth, andDarwin. You cannot remove your car at any of the intermediate stations.
Queensland Rail have motorail services on the Sunlander and the Spirit of the Outback, allow cars fromBrisbanetoCairnsandLongreach.
Bus travel in Australia is cheap and convenient, although the distances involved for interstate connections are daunting. Greyhound has the largest bus route network.
- Greyhound,☎1300 473 946(info@greyhound.com.au),[27].Greyhound travels to over 1100 destinations in Australia daily every day of the year. It has a variety of ticketing options allow you to travel at your own pace, hopping on and off as many times as your ticket allows. edit
[edit]By boat
Many major Australian cities have ferries as part of their public transport system. Some smaller roads in the regional areas still have punts to carry cars across rivers and canals. The islands of the Barrier Reef have some scheduled services, and there are a few cruises that cross the top of Australia as well.
However, large inter city transportation ferry services are not common.
- The Spirit of Tasmania,[29]. The only long distance ferry route connectsTasmaniato the mainland and runs betweenMelbourneandDevonport. TheSpirit of Tasmaniacarries cars and passengers on the route across Bass Strait daily.
- SealinkconnectsKangaroo Island, Australia's second largest southern island (after Tasmania) with regular car ferries.
- Sea SAoffers a shortcut across the Spencer Gulf betweenAdelaideand theEyre Peninsula, running daily car ferry services.
[edit]By thumb
Whilst it is certainly possible to hitchhike in Australia, it is not common. Hitchhiking is often frowned upon by locals and the police, at least in metropolitan areas.
If you are forced to hitchhike due to car trouble or a similar emergency you may be able to get a motorist to take you to the nearest town to obtain help. It would be rare that you'd find a motorist who would take you further afield. (Some major inter-city highways have telephones to request help.)
In rural areas it is more common to see a tourist hitching. Your best time to hitchhike is early morning, preferably showered and shaved, near the main exit road.
[edit]By bicycle
Cycling the long distances between towns is not particularly common, and most long distance highways in Australia have poorly developed facilities for cyclists. Never-the-less some intrepid travellers do manage to cover the longer distances by bicycle, and have a different experience of Australia. Trips and routes need careful planning to ensure the correct supplies are carried. To cycle betweenSydneyandBrisbaneyou would have to allow 2-3 weeks with around 80-100km per day.
There is much to see in Australia that you can't see easily in its natural setting anywhere else:
[edit]Wildlife
Australian flora and fauna is unique to the island continent, the result of having been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years. Amongst Australian animals are a large group of marsupials (mammals with a pouch) and monotremes (mammals that lay eggs). Just some of the animal icons of Australia are the kangaroo (national symbol) and the koala. A visit to Australia would not be complete without taking the chance to see some of these animals in their natural environment.
[edit]Wildlife parks and zoos
- Wildlife parks and zoosare in every capital city, but also check out the animal parks if you are passing through smaller towns, likeMilduraorMogo, or staying onHamilton Island. See the Warrawong Fauna Sanctuary if you are inSouth Australia, or visit the koalas with best view in the world, at Taronga Zoo inSydney.
[edit]In the wild
- Kangaroosandwallabiesreside in national parks all around the country. You won't see any kangaroos hopping down the street inCentral Sydney, but they are abundant not too far from the centre of thenation's capital
- WombatsandEchidnaare also common, but harder to find due to their camouflage and tunnelling. See lots of Echnida onKangaroo Island.
- Koalasare present is forests around Australia, but are very notoriously hard to spot, and walking around looking upwards into the boughs of trees will usually send you sprawling over a tree root. Best seen during the day, there is a thriving and friendly population on Raymond Island nearPaynesvillein Victoria. You have a good chance on Otway Coast, on theGreat Ocean Road, or even in the National Park walk nearNoosaon the Sunshine Coast.
- Emuare more common in central Australia. You will certainly see some if you venture to the outback national park atCurrawinya
- Platypusare found in reedy flowing creeks with soft river banks in Victoria and Southern New South Wales - seen at dusk and dawn - you have to have a bit of luck to see one. Try the platypus reserves inBombalaorDelegatein New South Wales, or in Emu Creek atSkiptonjust out ofBallarat.
[edit]Landmarks
Australia has many landmarks, famous the world over. FromUluruin the red centre, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House inSydney.
[edit]The unusual
See some of theBig things in Australia.
Sport is an integral part of the Australian culture from the capital cities to country towns. The majority of games are played over the weekend period (from Friday night to Monday night).
- In the winter inVictoriaAussie Rules(Australian Football) is more than just a sport, it is a way of life. Catch a game at theMelbourneCricket Ground. The national competition has teams from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth as well.
- In summer, internationalcricketis played between Australia and at least two touring sides. The games rotate around all the capital cities. To experience the traditional game catch the New Year's test match at theSydneycricket ground played for 5 days starting from the 2nd of January, or the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne. Or for a more lively entertaining form, that only takes a few hours, try a twenty-twenty match. The final form is "One Day" Cricket, international matches generally start at 1PM and finish at 10 or 11PM (a "Day-Nighter"), with most domestic and occasional international matches played from 11AM to 6PM. TheAustralia DayOne Day International is held in Adelaide every January 26th.
- The Australian Open, one of thetennisGrand Slams, is played annually inMelbourne. Or the Medibank International inSydney Olympic Parkin January.
- Catch arugby unionSuper-14 game, with teams playing from Australia,New ZealandandSouth AfricainBrisbane,Canberra,SydneyandPerthduring late Summer/Autumn. The Australian national team, the Wallabies, also host international teams during winter, including New Zealand and South Africa for the Tri-Nations tournament.
- Rugby League is a winter game played mainly in New South Wales and Queensland, with the National Rugby League competition. Teams include Melbourne in Victoria, Brisbane, North Queensland and the Gold Coast in Queensland, a team from New Zealand, with the rest of the teams coming from suburban areas in Sydney, and some in regional areas of New South Wales such as Newcastle and Canberra.
- Netballis Australia's largest female sport, and there are weekly games in an international competition between Australia andNew Zealandteams.
- Football (Soccer)is a small event by European standards, but there is a national A-League, which is a fully professional league involving teams from Australia and one fromNew Zealand, with games played weekly during the summer. Most cities have a semi-professional "state league" played during winter, with most clubs being built around a specific ethnic/migrant community.
[edit]Itineraries
- in the surf. Australia has seemingly endless sandy beaches. Follow the crowds to the world famousBondi Beachin Sydney, orSurfers Paradiseon the Gold Coast. Or find a stretch all for yourself (but beware of dangerous rips on beaches, it is generally better to find a patrolled beach). The surf is smaller and warmer in the Tropical North, where the reef breaks the swell, and larger and colder in the south with waves rolling in from the Southern Ocean. (And yes, in the middle it isjust right).
- in calm tropical oceans. Cable Beach inBroomeis swept pristine daily by the tide, has perfect sand, and warm water - go in winter.
- in thermal pools. South ofDarwinthere are many natural thermal pools, surrounded by palms and tropical foliage. The most expensive resort in the world couldn't dream of making a pool this good.
- in freshwater lakes. Inland Australia tends to be dry, but there are freshwater lakes where you would least expect them. Explore inland ofCairnsat the Atherton Tablelands, or head outback to theCurrawinya National Park.
- in rivers. If its hot, and there is water, there will be a place to swim. Wherever you are, just ask around for the favourite swimming spot, with a waterhole and rope to swing on.
- in man-made pools. The local swimming pool is often the hub of community life on a summer Sunday in the country towns ofNew South WalesandVictoria. Many of the beachside suburbs ofSydneyhave man made rock pools for swimming by the ocean beaches.
- on the beach! Find your spot by the water, and get out the towel. Tropical north in the winter, down south in the summer. As always when in Australia, protect yourself from the sun.
SeeWinter sports in Australia
[edit]Thrill Activities
It has been said that if there are two flies crawling up a wall, then you just need to look around to find the Aussie who will be running a book.
- Casinos. Crown Casino inMelbourneis Australia's largest, nicely located at Southbank, but there are others scattered in every capital city as well asCairns,Launceston, theGold CoastandTownsville.
- Day at the races. All capital cities have horse racing every weekend, with on-track and off-track betting available, they are usually family occasions, and fashion and being seen are part of the event. Just about every pub inNew South Waleswill have a TAB, where you can place a bet without leaving your chair at the bar. Greyhound racing and trotting happens in the evenings, usually with smaller crowds, more beer, and less fashion. Smaller country towns have race meetings every few months or even annually. These are real events for the local communities, and see the smaller towns come to life. Head outback to theBirdsvilleraces, or if you find the streets deserted it is probably ten past three on the first Tuesday in November (the running of theMelbournecup).
- The unusual. The lizard races, cane toad races, camel races, crab races. Betting on these races is totally illegal, and at you will find the TIB (Totally Illegal Betting) around the back of the shed at the annual guinea pig races atGrenfell.
- Two up. If you are around for Anzac Day (25th April), then betting on coins thrown into the air will be happening at your local RSL club, wherever you are.
- Australia has almost a quarter of all the slot machines (locally known as "pokies" or "poker machines") in the world, and more than half of these are located inNew South Wales, where most pubs and clubs have gaming rooms (labelled "VIP lounges" for legal reasons) where one can "have a slap" and go for the feature.
- If none of this appeals, and you just have too much money in your pocket,every town and suburb in Australia has a TAB. Pick your sport, pick a winner, and hand over your money at the counter.
Gambling is illegal for under-18's. This can often restrict entry to parts of pubs, clubs, and casinos for children.
Expect everyone to speak English. Generally the only Australians who are not fluent English speakers are older people who immigrated as adults.
There is no single commonly used second language. It is fairly rare to find signs in a second language, except in urban areas with a high population of Asian immigrants and students, where signs and restaurant menus in Vietnamese and Chinese are a common sight; and also aroundCairnsin tropical Queensland where some signs (but not road signs) are written in Japanese, due to the large number of Japanese tourists. Some warning signs at beaches are written in several foreign languages.
Australians usually do not speak a second language fluently unless they are part of a family who immigrated recently. As Australia has a large number of immigrants, there are a number of minority languages spoken by a sizable number of Australians including (but not limited to) Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian and Greek. In Australia's Chinatowns inSydney,Melbourne,BrisbaneandPerth, Cantonese is the dominant language.
Australian slangshould not present a problem for tourists except possibly in some isolated outback areas. A few words and euphemisms that are considered offensive elsewhere are common vernacular in Australian speech. Root in Australia means sex, so to "root for" a team may not mean what you think. Fanny, as in theUK, means vagina and is not used widely. Still, Australians are familiar enough with the differences to know what you mean, but they still may have a laugh at your expense.
Visitors who do not speak basic English will find communicating with Australians difficult, and should do some advance planning. There are some tour companies who specialise in offering package deals for Australian tours complete with guides who speak particular languages.
Aboriginal people living in rural aboriginal communities continue to speak various Aboriginal languages. The Torres Strait Islanders, who originate from a group of islands in northernQueenslandnear Papua New Guinea also continue to speak their own languages. Some elders speak limited English.
Australian prices are roughly equivalent to countries in North America, Western Europe or Japan.
A basic takeaway meal - a burger, fancy sandwich, or couple of slices of pizza would cost $5-10, a Big Mac costs $4.50, and you can usually grab a pie for around $3, or a sausage roll for $2.50. A takeaway pizza from Pizza Hut big enough to feed two costs around $10.
A cafe meal costs around $10-$15, and a main course in a restaurant goes from around $15 upwards.
A middy/pot (285ml) of house beer will cost you around $4, and a glass of house wine around $6 in a low end pub. To take away, a case of 24 cans of beer will cost around $35, or a bottle of wine around $8
Dorm accommodation in a capital city is around $40, but can run as low as $20 in Cairns or cheaper backpacker centres. A basic motel in the country or in the capital city suburbs would cost around $100 for a double. Formule 1/Motel 6 style hotels (which are not common) can be around $60-$70 for a double. City Centre hotel accommodation in capital cities can be obtained for around $150 upwards for a double.
Car hire will cost around $65 a day. Public transport day passes from $10-$20 per day depending on the city. Fuel is cheaper than Europe, but more expensive than the United States.
An airfare between neighbouring eastern capitals is around $100 each way, or around $350 to cross the country assuming that you are flexible with dates and book in advance. A train trip on the state run trains will usually cost slightly less. A bus trip, a little less again. A train trip on the private trains will be the most expensive way to travel.
There is usually no admission charge to beaches or city parks. Some popular National Parks charge between $10-$20 per day (per car, or per person depending on the state) while more out of the way National Parks are free. Art Galleries and some attractions are free. Museums generally charge around $10 per admission. Theme parks charge around $70 per person.
[edit]Currency
Australian currency is known as thedollar, and the currency symbol is $. There are 100 cents in every dollar. The dollar is called 'the Australian dollar' usually written as 'AUD' or A$ when it is necessary to distinguish it from other currencies.
The dollar is not pegged to any other currency, and is highly traded on world foreign exchange markets, particularly by currency speculators. Its exchange value to other currencies can be quite volatile, and 1-2% changes in a day are a reasonably regular occurrences.
No other currency is commonly accepted for transactions in Australia. Some businesses in international terminals of some airports may accept some other currencies (US dollars, British pounds, Euros, and possibly NZ dollars).
The coin denominations are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. The note denominations are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Australian notes are produced in plastic polymer rather than paper.
If the total of a transaction is not a multiple of 5 cents the amount will be rounded to the nearest five cents if you are paying in cash. The exact amount will be charged if paying by card.
Money changers in Australia operate in a free market, and charge a range of flat commissions, percentage fees, undisclosed fees built into the exchange rate, and a combination of all three. Generally the best bet is to avoid airports and tourist centres when changing money, and use banks in major centres. Expect fees to vary considerably between institutions. Always get a quote before changing money.
Cash dispensing Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available in almost every Australian town. Australian ATMs are deregulated and may impose a surcharge over what is charged by your bank or card issuer. The fees can vary between institutions and between locations, but are usually around $2. The ATM will display the charges and you will have the option to stop the transaction before you are charged. Check with your bank as to what additional fees they apply to withdrawals in Australia.
Dedicated currency exchange outlets are widely available in major cities, and banks can also exchange most non-restricted currencies. These exchange outlets - especially the ones at the airport - can charge 10% over the best exchange that can be obtained from shopping around. Australian banks usually offer an exchange rate around 2.5% from the current exchange midpoint. A flat commission of $5-8 can be charged on top. Some outlets advertise commission free exchange, usually accompanied by a worse rate of exchange. Don't assume every bank will offer the same exchange. A simple calculation will let you know what offers the best deal for amount you wish to exchange. There are vouchers for commission free exchange at American Express available in the tourist brochure atSydneyAirport.
There is also no need to arrive in Australia with cash if you have a Cirrus, Maestro, MasterCard or Visa card: international airport terminals will have multiple teller machines that can dispense Australian currency with the just the fees imposed by your bank plus the ATM fee.
[edit]Credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Almost all large vendors such as supermarkets accept cards, as do many, but not all, small stores. Australian debit cards can also be used via a system known as EFTPOS. Any card showing the Cirrus or Maestro logos can be used at any terminal displaying those logos.
VISA or MasterCard are the most commonly accepted and are both accepted everywhere credit cards are accepted. However, a surcharge of around 1.5% when using a credit card for payment is becoming more and more common. American Express and Diners Club are accepted at major supermarket and department store chains and many tourist destinations, but they may not be accepted or may incur a surcharge at smaller stores or fuel stations. JCB is only accepted at very limited tourist destinations. Discover is never accepted.
[edit]Haggling
Bargaining is uncommon in Australian stores, though vendors are usually willing to meet or beat a quote or advertised price from a competing retailer. It's also worth asking for a "best price" for high-value goods or purchases involving several items. For example, it would not be unusual to get 10% of an item of jewelry that was not already reduced in price. The person you are dealing with may have limited authority to sell items at anything other than the marked price.
[edit]Tipping
Tipping is never compulsory and is usually not expected in Australia. Staff are seen to be paid an appropriate wage and will certainly not chase you down for a tip.
It is acceptable to pay the amount stated on the bill. When Australians do tip, it will often be in the form of leaving the change from a cash payment (usually as a convenience so the change does not hang around loose on someone's person - not as a gratuity), rather than a fixed percentage.
Tipping is also not expected in taxis, and drivers will typically return your change to the last 5 cents, unless you indicate that they should round the fare to the nearest dollar (it is not unusual for passengers to instruct the driver to round up to the next whole dollar).
[edit]Restaurants
In a suburban or country restaurant where table service is offered, they will certainly take a tip of 5%-10% should you decide to leave one, but it is almost always not expected, and locals usually do not leave any.
In a cafe or more informal restaurant, even with table service, and even in tourist centres, leaving a tip is unusual. Sometimes there is a coin jar by the cashier labelled 'Tips', but more often than not, diners do not leave one.
[edit]Trading hours
Australia'sbase trading hoursare M-F 9AM-5PM. Shops usually have a single night of late night trading, staying open until 9PM on Thursdays (Fridays in Canberra, Brisbane CBD, and Adelaide CBD). Opening hours beyond these base hours vary by the type of store, by location, and by state. See the guides for more local information.
Major supermarket chains in main centres are generally open at least until 9pm. Smaller convenience stores like 7/11 are open 24 hours in major centres. Fast Food restaurant chains such as McDonald's are commonly open 24 hours or at least very late. The exception isWestern Australia, which legally limits opening hours for major supermarkets to 6PM.
Fuel/Service stations are open 24 hours in major centres, but often close at 6pm and on Sundays in country towns.
Australia'sweekendis on Saturday and Sunday of each week. Retail trading is now almost universal in larger cities on weekends, although with slightly reduced hours. Again, Western Australia is an exception with restrictions on large stores opening on Sundays. In smaller country towns shops are closed on Sundays and often also on Saturday afternoons.
Tourist-oriented towns and shops may stay open longer hours. Tourist areas within cities, such asDarling Harbourin Sydney has longer trading hours every night.
Australian banks are open M-F 9AM-4PM only, often closing at 5PM on Fridays. Cash is available through Automatic Teller Machines 24 hours, and currency exchange outlets have extended hours and are open on weekends.
Australia has a sales tax known as theGoods and Services TaxorGSTthat applies all goods and services except unprocessed foods, education and medical services. GST is alwaysincludedin the price of any item you purchase rather than added at the time of payment.
Receipts (tax invoices) will contain the GST amount, which is one eleventh of the total value of taxable supplies.
[edit]Sales tax refunds
If you buy items over $300 at one place at one time you can obtain a refund of the GST if you take the items out of Australia within 30 days. Pack the items in hand luggage, and present the item(s) and the receipt at the TRS, after immigration and security when leaving Australia. Also allow an extra 15 minutes before departure. The refund payment can be made by either cheque, credit to an Australian bank account, or payment to a credit card. There is no refund available for services.
[edit]Places to Eat
- Restaurants. Australians eat out frequently, and you will usually find one or two options to eat out even in small towns, with a wider range in larger towns and cities.
- BYO Restaurants: BYO stands for Bring Your Own (alcohol). In many of the urban communities of Australia you will find small low-cost restaurants that are not licensed to serve but allow diners to bring their own bottle of wine purchased elsewhere. This is frequently much cheaper than ordering a bottle of wine in a restaurant. Beer can be taken to some BYO restaurants, others allow only wine. Expect to pay a corkage fee which can vary from $2 or $3, to $15, or may be calculated by head. BYO is not usually permitted in restaurants that are licensed to sell alcohol.
- Pubs. The counter lunch is the name for a lunch served in the bar of a pub. Traditionally served only at lunchtime in the lounge. Today most pubs provide lunch and dinner and many have a separate bistro or restaurant. Meals of steak, chicken parmigiana, nachos are common.
- Clubs. Clubs, such as bowling clubs, leagues clubs, RSLs are in many towns and cities. They are most common in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Most allow visitors, and sometimes offer good value meals. Some offer attractive locations, like the water views from the Twin Towns inTweed Heads.
- Cafes. Most towns and suburbs have a cafe or coffee shop, serving breakfast and light meals and cakes throughout the day. Not unusual for them to close before dinner.
- Bakeries. Usually a good place to buy bread rolls, a pie or a sausage roll. Some, like theBeechworthbakery, or the bakery in historicGundagaioffer an experience as well.
- Fast food restaurants. McDonalds, Subway and KFC are common. Burger King is known as Hungry Jack's. Red Rooster is a Australian chain, offering barbecued chicken and other mostly chicken-based items.
- Take-away. Milk bars or take-away stores usually sell pies, barbecued (rotisserie) chicken, hamburgers, fish and chips, gyros, kebabs. Ubiquitous in every town and suburb.
- Food Courts. Most shopping centres have a food court, even in country towns.
- Picnic. The Australian climate is usually amenable to getting whatever food you can, and heading to the nearest park, river, lake or beach.
- Barbecueis a popular Australian pastime and many parks in Australia provide free barbecues for public use. Contrary to the stereotype, Australians rarely "Throw a shrimp on the barbie" (also, in Australia a shrimp is more commonly referred to as a prawn). Steaks, chops, sausages, chicken fillets, fish, kebabs are popularly barbecued.
[edit]Native Foods
- Kangaroo. If you fancy some, it is commonly available from most supermarkets and butchers shops. Head to the nearest park, and barbecue it until medium rare. It tastes much like beef. It occasionally makes it onto the menu in restaurants, mostly in tourist areas. Kangaroos aren't endangered, and kangaroo grazing does far less damage to the sensitive Australian environment than hoofed animals, and far less carbon emissions too. If you are not ready to go vegetarian, kangaroo is the best environmental statement you can make while barbecuing.
- Crocodilemeat from farms in theNorthern TerritoryandQueenslandis widely available around the top end, and occasionally elsewhere. AtRockhampton, the beef capital of Australia, you can see the ancient reptile on a farm while munching on a croc burger.
- Emu. Yes, you can eat the Australian Coat of Arms. Emu is low in fat, and available in some speciality butchers. Try the Coat of Arms pie inMalenyon the Sunshine Coast.
- Bush Tucker. Many tours may give you an opportunity to try some bush tucker, the berries, nuts, roots, ants, and grubs from Australia's native bush. Macadamia nuts are the only native plant to Australia that is grown for food commercially. Taste some of the other bush foods, and you will discover why.
[edit]Beyond cuisine
Vegemite, a salty yeast-based spread, best spread thinly on toast. If you aren't up for buying a jar, any coffee shop will serve vegemite on toast at breakfast time. It may not even be on the menu, but the vegemite will be out the back in the jar next to the marmalade. If you do buy a jar, the secret is it to spread it very thin, and don't forget the butter as well. It tastes similar to Marmite or Cenovis.
TheTim-Tamis a chocolate fudge-filled sandwich of two chocolate biscuits, all dipped in chocolate. You can buy a packet (or two) from any supermarket or convenience store. Tim-Tams are required to perform the Tim-Tam Slam manoeuvre. This requires biting off both ends of the Tim-Tam, then using it as a straw to drink your favourite hot beverage, typically coffee. The hot drink melts the fudge centre and creates an experience hard to describe. Finesse is needed to suck the whole biscuit into your mouth in the microseconds between being fully saturated and dissolving. Tim-Tams are sold in packs of 11, so sure you agree on the sharing arrangements before buying a packet with your travel partner, or onward travel arrangements may be disrupted.
Thelamingtonis a a cube of sponge cake covered in chocolate icing and dipped in desiccated coconut. The home-baked form can be found at a local Saturday morning market, or you can buy one from a bakery if you are desperate. Avoid at all costs the plastic wrapped varieties sold in supermarkets.
Thepavlovais a meringue cake with a cream topping usually decorated with fresh fruit. Served on special occasions, or after a lunchtime barbecue. Often the source of dispute withNew Zealandover the original source of the recipe.
ANZAC biscuitsare a mix of coconut, oats, flour, sugar and golden syrup. They were reputedly sent by wives and care organisations to world war soldiers in care packages, but the story is likely apocryphal. They are available from bakeries, cafes and supermarkets, and a popular in the lead up to ANZAC day (25 April).
Damperis a traditional soda bread that was baked by drovers and stockmen. It has basic ingredients (flour, water and perhaps salt) and usually cooked in the embers of a fire. It is not routinely available in bakeries and only commonly served to tourists on organised tours. Best eaten with butter and jam or golden syrup as it is dry and bland.
Apie floateris aSouth Australiandish available aroundAdelaide. It is a pie inverted in a bowl of thick mushy pea soup. Similar pie variations are sometimes available in other regions.
AChiko Rollis a deep-fried snack inspired by the egg roll or the spring roll. Despite the name, it contains no chicken. Its filling is boned mutton, vegetables, rice, barley, and seasonings. Its shell is thicker than an egg roll, meant to survive handling at football matches. Available anywhere you can buy fish and chips.
[edit]Other cuisines
Cuisines widely available in Australia, often prepared by members of the relevant culture, include:
- Chinese. Synonymous with the term "takeaway" in the past generations. Many Chinese restaurants still cater to takeaway addicts today, mostly of the Australianized Chinese variety, but major cities have small "Chinatowns" or suburbs with a large number of ethnic Chinese residents, that have excellent restaurants serving authentic Chinese food.
- Thai, especially in Sydney. As above, suburban Thai restaurants of indifferent quality are starting to replace the previous generation of Chinese restaurants of indifferent quality, but Australia also has excellent and authentic Thai restaurants.
- Italian, the Italian community is one of the largest ethnic communities of non Anglo-Saxon origin in Australia, and they have contributed greatly to the cafe culture that has flourished across the major cities over the past few decades. Restaurants either serve Italian food that has been adapted to suit Australian tastes, or authentic regional Italian food, with the latter tending to be pricier and in more upmarket surrounds.
- Greek, as above.
- Lebanese, especially in Sydney
- Indian, especially North Indian
- Japanese, including bento takeaway shops and sushi trains
- Vietnamese, although many are Vietnamese Chinese run and thus provide a more Chinese experience
- Asian Fusionrefers generally to Asian-inspired dishes
[edit]Vegetarian
Eating vegetarian is quite common in Australia and many restaurants offer at least one or two vegetarian dishes. Some will have an entire vegetarian menu section. Vegans may have more difficulty but any restaurant with a large vegetarian menu should offer some flexibility. In large cities you will find a number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, as well as in the coastal backpacker-friendly towns along the east coast. The market town ofKurandaor the seaside towns ofByron Bayare a vegetarian's paradise. In other regional areas vegetarians are often poorly catered for, but most towns will have a Chinese restaurant that will provide steamed rice and vegetables.
[edit]Religious diets
People observing kosher or halal will easily be able to find specialist butchers in the capital cities, and will also find a number of restaurants with appropriate menus and cooking styles. Outside the capital cities, it will be much more difficult to find food prepared in a strict religious manner.
[edit]Markets
All of the capital cities and many regional towns in Australia host a "farmer's market", which is generally held each week in a designated area on a Saturday or Sunday. These markets mostly sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as hygiene standards in Australia forbid the selling of meat directly from market stalls. Butchers who set up shop at a farmer's market would usually trade their wares from a display cabinet within their truck. The attraction of markets is the lower prices and freshness of the produce. The attraction for the traveller will be the cheap and excellent fruits on offer - depending on the region and season. In regional areas the market is usually held outside the town itself in an empty paddock; markets in capital cities are easier to reach but the prices are typically more in line with those you would find in supermarkets. See the destination guides for details.
[edit]Varieties
Drinkingbeeris ingrained in Australian culture. Although Fosters is promoted as an Australian beer overseas, it is rarely consumed by Australians in Australia. There are the mass produced Australian beers available everywhere and widely consumed, produced by the two primary brewers, Lion Nathan, and Carlton United. There are second-tier brewers, whose products are widely distributed, such as Little Creatures, Coopers and Boags. There are also local microbrew choices, which can be harder to find, but often worth seeking out. There are also usually a wide range of imported European and American bottled beers available in all but the most basic pub.
Light (Lite) beer refers to lower alcoholic content, and not lower calories. It has around half the alcohol of full strength beer, and is taxed at a lower rate, meaning it is also cheaper than full strength beer.
Australia produces quality wine on a truly industrial scale, with large multinational brands supplying Australian bottleshops and exporting around the world. There are also a multitude of boutique wineries and smaller suppliers. Very good red and white wine can be bought very cheaply in Australia, often at less than $10 a bottle, and even the smallest shop could be expected to have 50 or more varieties to choose from.
The areas of theBarossa Valley,Hunter Valley, andMargaret Riverare particularly renowned for their wineries and opportunities for cellar door sampling, but northernVictoriaandMudgee, also have a large variety. You are never too far from a wine trail anywhere in southern Australia.
Try the local wines wherever you can find them, and ask for local recommendations. Try not to get taken in by the label, or the price tag. The best wine is rarely the one with the best artwork, or the most expensive price. However, it is probably wise to avoid the house wine if it comes straight from a cask (4-litre container). Wines at the cellar door are almost invariably sold at around 20% premium to the same wine in the shops in the local town.
If you insist on overseas wines, theMarlboroughregion ofNew Zealandis usually well represented on wine lists and in bottle shops in Australia.
See alsoGrape grazing in Australia.
[edit]Spirits
Bundaberg Rum (Bundy) is an Australian dark rum particularly popular inQueenslandand many Queenslanders will not touch any other brand of rum. It is probably the most famous Australian made spirit, mass produced inBundabergand available everywhere.
You will have to search much harder to find other Australian distilled spirits, mostly from niche players, but there are distilleries in every state of Australia if you look hard enough. Drop into the Lark Distillery on the scenicHobartwaterfront precinct. Pick up a bottle of 151 East Vodka inWollongongor after a few days inKununurrayou are definitely going to need an Ord River Rum.
Mixed drinks are also available, particularly vodka, scotch, bourbon and other whiskey mixers. Jim Beam bourbon is probably the most commonly drunk, so those fromKentuckyshould feel right at home. Spirits are also available as pre-mixed bottles and cans but are subject to higher taxation in this form, so it is cheaper to mix them yourself. Spirits are served in all pubs and bars, but not in all restaurants.
[edit]Legal aspects
The legal drinking age throughout Australia is18 years. It is illegal either to purchase alcohol for yourself if you are under 18 years of age. It is illegal to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18 years of age. The only legally acceptable proof-of-age is an Australian drivers licence, state-issued proof-of-age card or a passport, and it would be wise to carry one if you want to purchase alcohol or tobacco and look under 25, as both alcohol and cigarettes retailers must ask for ID if you look under 25. It is illegal to go into a gambling area of a pub or club when under 18.
Often there is a lounge, restaurant or bistro area in a pub or club that permits under-age people provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult over 18 and don't approach the bar or wander around. Some city pubs even have video games, and playgrounds for children. Some country pubs have large open areas out in the back where kids can run and play.
In general, you can take alcohol (say a bottle of wine or beer) to consume at a park or beach. Alcohol consumption is banned in some public places as 'street drinking'. These are often indicated by signs and is particularly the case in parks and footpaths where public drunkenness has been a problem. However, if you are a family with your picnic basket and blanket out at lunchtime with a bottle of wine, you are unlikely to encounter any problems.
Alcohol can be purchased for consumption on premises only inlicensed venues: pubs, clubs and many restaurants. You can purchase alcohol for private consumption inbottle shops, which are separate stores selling bottled alcohol. In some but not all states you can buy alcohol insupermarkets, or in a supermarket-owned shop very close by. In those states where you can't, bottle shops and major supermarkets are often found in very close proximity.
Public drunkenness varies in acceptability. You will certainly find a great deal of it in close proximity to pubs and clubs at night time but much less so during the day. Public drunkenness is an offence but you would only likely ever be picked up by the police if you were causing a nuisance. You may spend the night sobering up in a holding cell or be charged.
Driving while affected by alcoholis both stigmatized and policed by random breath testing police patrols in Australia, as well as being inherently dangerous. Drink driving is a very serious offence in Australia, punishable by a range of mechanisms including loss of license. The acceptable maximum blood alcohol concentration is 0.05% in all states, often lower or not allowed for operators of heavy vehicles and young or novice drivers. In Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia police officers are also empowered to randomly test drivers for the recent use of prohibited drugs. The operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of prohibited drugs or alcohol will always result in arrest and a required court appearance many weeks from the date of arrest and it can comprehensively disrupt travel plans. Random breath testing is common early Saturday and Sunday mornings, and many people are caught the morning after.
[edit]A shout
Buying a round of drinks is a custom in Australia, as it is in theUnited KingdomandIreland. It is generally expected in a pub, when you arrive and make your first trip to the bar that you will offer to buy a drink for others you are drinking with. Similarly this will likely be done to you when someone else joins the group. This is calleda shout, and incurs an obligation that you will generally return the favour in a following round, and that also you will generally maintain the same drinking pace as your associates in the round throughout the evening. If someone in the same round as you has an empty glass, who is ahead of you in drinks bought, you should declare that it is your shout, and make your way to the bar. If someone offers to buy you a drink, but does not offer to buy for the person who already has bought you a drink, you should say you are already in a shout, and decline. If they buy you and the people in your round a drink, they have joined the shout. Its generally not polite to switch between shouts during an evening. It you are in a large shout, and you decline a drink, you still have to buy a drink for the round when it comes to your turn. You are well advised if you wish to skip a round, to do so on your shout. It is generally poorly received to buy a round, and then to refuse a drink when one is purchased for you. Often the drink will just be bought for you without even asking. Don't be surprised if someone who bought you a drink earlier in the night, later says that it is your shout. Not joining a shout can be awkward in some groups. The best way is to say you are driving, and you will buy your own drinks. This is also an acceptable way to drop out after one round, when the score is even.
If you are intending to study in Australia, you may need to be on a visa class that allows this, rather than a tourist visa. Students and academics invited to visit Australian universities will generally also need an appropriate visa, even if their visit is of a short enough period to be covered by a tourist electronic visa. For extremely short term or part time courses, check with your Australian consulate or embassy.
Australian students attend high school for six years, and enter university at seventeen or eighteen years of age. (In Australia, neither "school" nor "college" are used to refer to tertiary institutions; they are referred to only as "universities" - in fact, some primary and secondary educational institutions are referred to as 'colleges'). Australian undergraduate programs are usuallythree to four yearsin length. A fifth year is compulsory in some professional undergraduate programs such as engineering, law, medicine and dentistry. Students in three-year degree programs can take an optional fourth year known ashonoursif they want to proceed into a postgraduate research program, whereas students enrolled in four year programs typically can incorporate their honours thesis into their fourth year.
Australia does not have universities whose prestige competes with Harvard or the other Ivies in the US or Oxford or Cambridge in the UK. However many are ranked in the top 200 in the world (Times Higher Education Supplement).
All tuition at university level is inEnglish, save for courses that specifically focus on other languages. Students who have not previously earned a qualification in an English speaking program (or passed high school English) will have to take one of a number of English competency tests before being allowed to enrol.
Postgraduatestudies in Australia fall into two classes: coursework and research. Coursework degrees are generally at the Masters level. Research degrees are at the Masters and Doctoral level.
[edit]Universities
There are 39 Universities in Australia. The higher education institutions usually regarded as the best Australian universities have gained their reputation over many years. The best universities are credited for having been established the longest. Australia's oldest universities are the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne. Australia's most prestigious Universities are known as the "Group of 8."
- The University of Adelaide
- The Australian National University
- The University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- The University of New South Wales
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
[edit]Admission
Undergraduate admission to university iscentralisedat the state level. You make a single application for admission to the state admissions body stating your course preferences. The universities select students from this common applicant pool based upon their ranking and preferences. Unless you are applying for a creative arts degree, your ranking will be based solely onprevious academic performanceat both high school and previous university studies.
Postgraduate admission is managed by individual universities and you will need to apply separately to each institution you are considering.
[edit]Tuition fees
Bond University(a private school) is currently the most expensive University in Australia with semester rates of 13,760 or per year(3 semesters) 41,280.
The full fees are very competitive compared to many Western universities. Australian citizens have the option of substantially reduced fees and also have the option of deferring payment and having the money taken from their taxable income along with tax after graduation.Other studentswill generally be required to pay full tuition on enrolment each semester.
Scholarshipsare rarely awarded for undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees. A comparatively large number of scholarships are available for postgraduate research usually covering both tuition, where required, and living costs. These are awarded by individual universities.
Accommodation is readily available in most Australian cities and tourist destinations. It comes in a number of different styles.
[edit]Camping
Camping is a popular pastime. Most caravan parks will rent camping sites by the night, where you can pitch a tent, and these are available in most towns and cities. The caravan park will provide showers and toilets, and sometimes washing and cooking facilities. Sometimes for an additional fee. Expect to pay around $20 for a tent site, and a few dollars per person. You can even find caravan parks right on the beach, with lagoon swimming pools and playgrounds all free for guests.
National parks often provide camping sites, which expect you to be more self-sufficient. Often toilets are provided and sometimes cold showers. Camping permits are usually required, and popular spots fill up during the holidays in summer. Mostly in Australia it is common to be within an hours drive of a national park or recreation area that will permit some form of camping, even in the capital cities. Expect to pay around $5-$10 per night per person for a camping permit, and national park admission fees in the more popular national parks (eg: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Kosciuszko National Park, etc), however entry and camping is free in the majority of national parks further from population and tourist centres.
Some other camping areas are run by government or even local landowners. Expect around $10 per person per night, depending on the time of year.
You can try your luck sleeping on a beach or pitching a tent overnight in a highway rest area, or out in the bush for a free bed. Most rest areas and beaches prohibit camping and many even prohibit overnight parking to discourage this. Generally the closer you are to civilisation or a tourist area, the greater the chance of being hassled by the authorities.
Camping in state forests is often preferable to national parks if you're after a camping experience over sightseeing, as collecting of your own fire wood is allowed (sometimes felling of trees is permissible dependent on the area) and camping is not restricted to camp sites. Some other activities that are generally allowed in state forests that are not allowed in national parks are: bringing in dogs/pets, open fires, motorbikes and four-wheel driving. State forests are generally free to stay in, although you will need to check locally if public access is allowed.
[edit]Hostels and Backpackers
Budget hostel-style accommodationwith shared bathrooms and often with dormitories is approximately $20-$30 per person per night. Facilities usually include a fully equipped kitchen with adequate refrigeration and food storage areas. Most hostels also have living room areas equipped with couches, dining tables, and televisions.
There are several backpacker hostel chains in Australia, including the most well knownYHA, andNomads[30]. There are many independent ones also. If you are staying many nights in the same brand of hostel, consider their discount cards, which usually offer a loyalty bonus on accommodation, and other attraction and tour discounts negotiated by the chain.
Most pubs in Australia offer some form of accommodation. It can vary from very basic shabby rooms, to newly renovated boutique accommodation. The price is usually a good reflection of what you are in for. It is still quite unusual to have a private bathroom, even in the nicer pubs.
Outside of the major centres, the pub is called aHotel. A motel won't have a public bar. A motel that does have a bar attached is called a Hotel/Motel.
In very small towns local pubs offer the only accommodation available to travellers. Accommodation in these pubs tends to be budget-style with shared bathrooms but private rooms.
Pub accommodation is even available in the centre ofSydney, making getting back to your room after a beer a simple endeavour.
If you travel as a single, and want a private room, pubs usually have single rooms at a discount over a double room. Most motels will charge the same price for one or two people sharing a room.
Typically, motel-style accommodation will have a private room with a bed or number of beds, and a private shower and toilet. Many motels have family rooms, that will usually have a double bed and two single beds in the one room.
Motel rooms in the cities will generally cost upwards from $80. Usually the cost is the same for one or two adults, with any extra people charged an additional fee. Prices for additional children can range from free to $20 per child. During quiet times its not unusual for motels to offer standby discounts.
Most motels will serve a cooked or continental breakfast to your room in the morning, for an additional charge. Some may have a restaurant or serve an evening meal. Some may have a toaster in the room.
A number of local and international chains offer motel-style accommodation:
All state capitals have at least one major hotel at 5 star standard, with several available in the major capitals. The majority of Australia's hotels are located in the Central Business Districts (CBD) of the capital city. Hotel services and hospitality are often excellent such as room cleaning services, free morning newspapers, meals to your door and a high-speed internet connection up to 24mb/s (often with a premium fee).
All hotels have a restaurant (or bistro, depending on the type of hotel you are staying in). The restaurant or bistro would often serve food that comparable to many other up-market restaurants outside the hotel. Also on the ground floor would normally be a fully equipped bar.
Cabins are an economical way for families to stay while travelling. Sometimes built on private land, sometimes in caravan parks, cabins typically have a kitchen / lounge area, and one, two or three bedrooms.
[edit]Farm Stay
Much as the name suggests, this usually involves a cabin or homestead accommodation on a working property. Suited for a stay of two or more days, this accommodation usually allows you to get a little involved in the running of the farm if you wish. It is common for dinner to be provided in the homestead, and a breakfast pack to be provided to your cabin.
[edit]Holiday home
Holiday homes are homes rented by their owners, often using local real estate agents or specialised web sites. Sometimes located in prime positions, but also sometimes in the residential sections of cities and towns. Minimum rental periods of at least 2 days usually apply, rising to a week during periods when they are busy. At a minimum will have bedrooms, a lounge, bathroom.
[edit]Bed and Breakfasts
Bed and Breakfasts tend to be a premium form of accommodation in Australia, often focussed on weekend accommodation for couples. They certainly don't offer the discount form of accommmodation they do in part of theUnited Kingdom, and the local motel will usually be cheaper.
Sometimes extra rooms in a person's home, but often a purpose built building. You should expect a cosy, well kept room, a common area, and a cooked breakfast. Possibly private facilities. Substantial discounts often apply for mid-week stays at bed and breakfasts.
[edit]Resorts
There are many true resorts around Australia. Many have lagoon pools, tennis, golf, kids clubs, and other arranged activities. The island of theWhitsundayshave a choice of resorts, some occupying entire islands.Port Douglasalso has many resorts of a world standard.
[edit]Serviced apartments
Serviced apartments are widely available, for stays as short as one night. Amenities typically include kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate bedrooms.
[edit]Caravanning, Campervan, Motorhome and RV
Caravan parks exist in most towns and cities in Australia that will provide powered and unpowered sites for Caravans. You will commonly see the Grey Nomad brigade on their trips around Australia in motorhomes and caravans.
Thecamper trailerhas also become very pop