The Commonwealth of Australia, known simply as Australia, is situated in the southern hemisphere, and is the world's smallest continent. The country encompasses the entire continent of Australia as well as several islands in the southern Indian and Pacific oceans.
• Language: English
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Climate - Almost a third of the country is situated in the tropical zone, with the remainder enjoying a temperate climate. The coldest regions are in the southeast of the country and the island of Tasmania Seasons - Summer (December - February),
Autumn (March - May)
Winter (June - August),
Spring (September - November). Time Zone - Owing to its size, Australia has three time zones. Daylight saving time is also used in some parts of the country during the summer months.
- Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST):
Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria (GMT -10)
- Central Standard Time (CST):
South Australia, Northern Territory (AEST minus 30 minutes)
- Western Standard Time (WST):
Western Australia (AEST minus 2 hours)
- Australian Daylight Saving Time (ADST), from October to March in:
Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria (AEST plus 1 hour)
Here's a list of "must-do" while you are in Australia: There are lots of activities to do when holidaying, studying or travelling on business to Australia. Here are just a few.
| Major Festivals and Events | Renowned Museums |
| - Sydney Festival - Australia's Big Day Out - Manly Jazz Festival - A Day on The Green - Adelaide Festival of Arts - Canberra Floriade - Darwin Festival - Melbourne International Film Festival - Perth Festival - Reef & Rainforest Carnival - Royal Adelaide Show - Sydney Royal Easter Show - Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras - Woodford Folk Festival |
- Museum of Contemporary Art - National Museum of Australia - Australian War Memorial - National Sports Museum - Shrine of Remembrance - Powerhouse Museum - Oceanworld Manly - National Maritime Museum - Hyde Park Barrack Museum - North Fort - Sydney Observatory |
| Top SightSeeing | |
- Sydney Harbour (Sydney) |
- Byron Bay (Sydney) - Blue Montain (Sydney) - Victorian Arts (Melbourne) - Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park (Tasmania) - Botanical Gardens (Adelaide) - Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Institute (Adelaide) - Central Market (Adelaide) - Art Gallery of South Australia (Adelaide) - Kangaroo Island (Adelaide) - Rottnest Island (Perth) - Nambung National Park (Perth) |
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| Bus Inter-city buses are managed by Greyhound Australia, with a greater choice of destinations than you have when travelling by plane or train. Buses are air-conditioned, and are equipped with reclining seats, toilets, and video. Tram Melbourne is the only city with a tram network. Melbourne's trams cover all parts of the city. Taxi Taxis are metered, and can be ordered by phone for an additional charge. There is a further charge when ordering a taxi to the airport. |
Train The main lines connect Perth to Sydney via Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra, and extend northwards to Brisbane and Cairns. There is also a line from Adelaide north to Alice Springs, Darwin and the north coast. Trains are extremely comfortable, featuring air-conditioned sleeping cabins with large windows. First-class ticket holders can even enjoy the luxury of an on-board shower! Driving All car-hire companies accept overseas drivers' licenses, but these should be accompanied by an international drivers' license. Australians drive on the left. Information on traffic conditions is clearly displayed along the roads |
