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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 buy
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. This may change look at
www.macdonnellranges.com
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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