GENERAL INFORMATION

Time Zone

There are three time zones in Australia:

EST ( Eastern Standard Time )

New South Wales, Australian Captial Territory, Queensland, Victoria & Tasmania

(GMT+ 10 – Winter, GMT+11 – Summer)

CST ( Central Standard Time )

South Australia & Northern Territory

(GMT+ 9 ½ – Winter, GMT+10 1/2 – Summer)

WST ( Western Standard Time )

Western Australia

(GMT+ 8 – Winter, GMT +9 – Summer )

Daylight Savings is observed in every state except Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Population

Approximately 24 million

Public Holidays

01 Jan – New Year’s Day

26 Jan – Australia Day

7 Apr – Good Friday

9 Apr – Easter Sunday

10 Apr – Easter Monday

25 Apr – ANZAC Day

12 June – King's Birthday (select states)

25 Dec– Christmas

26 Dec – Boxing Day

Australian School Holidays

Primary, Intermediate & Secondary School

1 April – 23 April

24 June – 17 July

16 Sept – 8 Oct

9 Dec – 21 Jan

(Guideline only – each state will vary)

Entry Requirements

All visitors to Australia will require a valid passport. Some nationalities will qualify for visa-free entry however please check www.immi.gov.au for full details or talk to your agent for advice.

Electricity

Australia’s electricity supply runs at 220-240 volts. We suggest an adaptor just in case.

GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST)

GST is currently at 10%. The Tourism Refund Scheme allows Australians and overseas visitors to claim a refund, (subject to certain conditions), of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax paid on goods bought in Australia and then taken out of Australia in checked luggage or carry-on bags. For more detailed information please visit www.border.gov.au.

CASH & FOREIGN CURRENCY

If you bring in or take out of Australia more than $10,000 cash or equivalent in foreign currency you must declare it to customs.

Climate

Australia is so vast that the temperatures can vary from one state to another. Ask your agent for advice about the best time of the year to travel.

Driving

A full Australian, English language or international license is required to hire most vehicles. Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road & operate right-hand drive vehicles. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory. Speed limits are generally 100kph (60mph) on open roads & 50kph (30mph) through towns unless otherwise stated. We urge you to read your rental contracts fully before signing as conditions can vary.

Important

We highly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance to cover yourselves in case of any emergencies or incidents. Note: This does not cover any vehicle hire insurance.