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GENERAL
INFORMATION ABOUT AUSTRALIA:
Australia
is a big country covering 800 million hectares, an area
equal to the size of Eastern and Western Europe plus
Scandinavia and is about the same size as Mainland USA
yet we only have the population of the California coast,
Holland or one large European industrial area - 17 million.
Imagine it!
We
are an underdeveloped and underpopulated country. The
sheer vastness and the diverse landscapes of Australia
are difficult to describe - desert, snow, tropical rainforests
to mention just a few. Australia is one of the most
astonishing and beautiful continents in the world.
Australians
are, generally, very friendly people, easy going and
unregimented or, as we say, "laid back". We hope this
is something you will like about us!
Our
diverse multi-cultural society is reflected in all aspects
of our every day life - food, festivals, art etc. We
are a mono-lingual culture with an Australian version
of English. Ask us to talk slower - even North Americans
and the English have trouble with our Aussie English!
Come
see and experience the real Australia
MAIL:
Mail
can be received en route at the towns throughout Australia.
Remember if receiving mail via a Post Office that they
are only open on weekdays from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm being
closed on weekends and public holidays.
All
Mail should be addressed as follows -
Mr
& Mrs, Ms. (Your name)
c/- (TOWN) Post Office
TOWN
State. Postcode. Australia.
CLIMATE:
Australian
seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere's:
Spring
- September to November
Summer - December to February
Autumn - March to May
Winter - June to August
April
to September in northern and central Australia - clear
warm days, with cool to cold nights. At the same time
in the south - cool with occasional rain but still some
sunshine.
November
to March is warm to hot everywhere; high humidity and
often heavy tropical rain in the north (Darwin &
Cairns areas) and temperatures over 40 C will be encountered
and on some days temperatures could reach 50 C.; warm
to hot with mild nights in the south.
If
travelling in north Queensland or Darwin and the Top
End in January, February or March be prepared for lots
of rain.
OTHER
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Banks:
Banking
Hours: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm from Monday to Thursday
9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Friday.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Automatic
Banking/Cashpoints/Hole in the Wall/ATM facilities
are available in most towns.
Credit
Cards:
The
most widely recognised and accepted Credit Cards in
Australia are Mastercard (including Eurocard) Visa,
American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted
in most major tourist centres. Other overseas cards
may present difficulties.
Travellers
Cheques:
Travellers
cheques are safe, convenient and can be cashed at
all banks and many of the larger hotels/motels. Australian
Travellers Cheques and larger denominations are recommended.
Tipping:
is optional and is not generally expected in Australia.
For exceptional service a gratuity is appreciated.
(Hotel and restaurant accounts do not include service
charges).
Laundry/Dry
Cleaning:
Caravan
parks ant hotels/motels at major centres will have
laundry and ironing facilities available.
Electrical
Appliances:
220-250
volt and 50 cycles AC 3 pin plug.
INSURANCE:
Many
Travel Insurance Policies are available and we cannot
recommend too strongly that you ask your arrange this
before you leave.
Alice
Springs
What
is there to do in Alice Springs and how long do I need
there?
Alice Springs
is often called the gateway to the real outback and
to Ayers Rock. We suggest at least one to two full days
for touring Alice Springs. In Alice Springs there is
the Flying Doctor Musuem and the Schoolof the air, just
outside of town there is the world renowned Desert Park
to the Camel and Reptile farms. There are cycling tracks
into the mountains
Where
should I start my trip from?
You may start
and Alice Springs and end back in Alice Springs, though
it is possible to fly into or out of the Rock and for
the companies to arrange to pick up you from the Yulara
resort or airport to join the tour. One way rentals
will oncur an extra charge in Ayer s Rock.
How
long do I need for touring?
Touring Ayers
Rock, the Olgas and Kings Canyon is quite a long trip
around 1500km so we would recommend a 3 day trip though
if your budget is limited and time short there are some
2 day trips that do the three points of interest though
not as extensively.
How
far is Ayers Rock from Alice Springs?
452km and the
highway is sealed all the way with roadhouses and petrol
stops every 100 to 150 kilometres.
How
hot does it get?
From April to
August the temperature is around 20-30 degrees Centigrade
and the evenings get rather cold around May to July.
From November to March the temperature rises above 38
degrees Centigrade and the evenings and very mild and
refreshing.
When
is peak season?
Usually every
second year, i.e., 2000 for two to three weeks in October
and also from June to August.
Are
there dangerous animals in the area?
There are reptiles
that can be considered dangerous though they tend to
avoid human contact.
Is
it worth spending time in Alice Springs or going to
the Ayers Rock direct?
Alice Springs
is the gateway to the true outback of Australia and
a wonderful place to see native Australians and our
laidback outback folk (see Ooraminna Cattle station
in our central Australian touring section).
What
amount off time do I need in Alice Springs?
One to two full
days as there are many attractions around Alice Springsthat
are fasinating.
Where
can I hire camping equipment in Alice Springs?
Kmart Shopping
Centre: Available: tents, sleeping bags, coolboxs, sleeping
mats.
Ayers
Rock
Can
I climb Uluru (Ayers Rock)?
The traditional
owners are concerned for your safety in case you hurt
and would feel responsible, though they won't stop you.
Where
can I go to meet Aboriginals?
There are guided
tours into aboriginal culture in Alice Springs, Katherine,
Darwin and other areas. Tours are from half day to two
days.
Do
I need a permit to enter Aboriginal Land?
The desert road
called mereenie loop that links Alice Springs to Kings
Canyon via the Western MacDonnell ranges is unsealed
and a permit is available from three outlets one in
Alice Springs.
How
far is Kings Canyon and Yulara from Ayers Rock?
Kings Canyon resort
is 7km from the canyon. Yulara Resort is app 20km from
Ayers Rock. Yulara resort is app 50 km from the Olgas.
What
is Kings Canyon?
Kings Canyon referred
to as Australia's grand canyon is a wonderful sandstone
chasm plunging over 300 feet to the bottom hidden within
the George Gill Ranges
What
are The Olgas?
The Kata Tjuta
(Olgas) is 36 great rock domes dominating the landscape
with valley's nestling within.
Airlie
Beach and The Whitsunday Island's
Where
are the Whitsundays?
The Whitsunday
Island's consist of 74 islands. Airlie Beach is 640km
south of Cairn's. The Whitsunday's is the gateway to
premium sailing trips in Queensland.
Cairn's
and The Great Barrier Reef.
Where
is Cairns?
Cairn's has a
population of 85000 people. Cairn's is the gateway to
the great barrier reef and premium diving and snorkelling.
What
is the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier
Reef is nearly 2000km long. The are four types of reef
Fringe, Ribbon, Patch and Coral Sea Reef.
Can
I dive without a lincense?
Yes. It's called
resort diving and cost's a little extra and a questionare
re your medical history is required. Email us for more
diving or snorkellinf info and the latest internet special's
and where you wish to dive.
Fraser
Island
Where
is Fraser Island?
The largest sand
island in the world_120km long and 15km wide, there
is the 75 mile beach, rainforest, 200 inland lakes and
25km of coloured sand cliff's. There are selfdrive share
trips, guided tours and hike around yourself.
Where
can I go Whale Watching?
There are whale
watching trips from Harvey Bay the gateway to Fraser
Island. Email us for more info.
Darwin
and Northern Australia
What
amount of time should I allow in Darwin ? (Information)
Around one to
three days for local attractions.
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