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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 Springs
that are fasinating.
Ayers
Rock
Can
I climb 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 Olgas (Kata
Tjuta) 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.
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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