Key Information

Canberra is the capital of Australia. It is situated within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), located inland between Sydney and Melbourne and surrounded by the state of New South Wales.

TIME ZONE

Canberra’s time zone is Australian Eastern Daylight Time (GMT plus 11 hours), the same as Sydney and Melbourne.

CLIMATE

Canberra has four distinct seasons, with the environment changing as the seasons do. All year round, Canberra is loved for its clean air, stunning sunsets and beautiful nature. Seasonal temperatures in Celsius are:

SEASON Spring

Summer

AVERAGE MIN °C AVERAGE MAX °C 6° 19°

12° 27°

Autumn 7° 20°

Winter 1° 12°

GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST)

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% on most goods and services. It is included in the advertised price and is not added on when you pay.

VISAS AND ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY

All international visitors to Australia, except New Zealand travellers, require a visa to travel to and enter Australia. They must apply for their visa prior to entering Australia. The most common visa for business purposes is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), valid for visits up to three months. Visitors with a passport from an Electronic Travel Authority Business Access country can obtain an ETA to enter Australia using the ETA app. For more information visit: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

SHOPPING

Canberra has a range of stores, from large department stores to boutiques and pop-up shops. Shopping hours are usually: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.30pm Friday 9am to 9pm Saturday 9am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm The national institutions offer a wide selection of gift purchases, locally and Australian made, perfect for delegate and speaker gifts. Capital Region Farmers Market and Handmade Market sell a wide range of produce and artisanal fare from local makers, farmers, and growers. Supermarkets and large retailers are often open longer hours. Stores may also be open longer in the lead up to special occasions such as Christmas.

CANBERRA AND REGION VISITORS CENTRE

Located at Regatta Point on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre offers assistance with a range of questions and the friendly staff can help you find entertainment, accommodation or restaurant options. If you have time for shopping, don’t miss the unique Canberra region food, wine and gifts stocked at the centre. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and weekends and public holidays 9am to 4pm.

NATIONAL CAPITAL EXHIBITION

Co-located with the Canberra Region Visitors Centre, the National Capital Exhibition tells the Story of Canberra as the capital city of Australia. The exhibition shares the town planning vision of Walter and Marion Griffin, who created a city unique in design, combining seamlessly the city’s infrastructure with the surrounding natural landscapes. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and weekends 10am to 4pm, closed Christmas day and Boxing Day.