|
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. 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.
Darwin
and Northern Australia
What
amount of time should I allow in Darwin
? (Information)
Around
one to three days for local attractions.
|
