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Location
South-eastern continent – 27°00’S, 133°00’E. |
Population
21,3 million (2008). |
Time
GMT +10. October to April: GMT +11. |
Languages
English. |
Currency
Australian dollar. |
Major cities
Canberra (capital), Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Perth, Alice Springs, Broome, Melbourne and Sydney. |
Weather
Spring/summer is September to February; and autumn/winter from March to August. Spring and autumn are the best travelling seasons, while the most rain occurs during spring and summer. |
Drive
On the left. |
Water
Good-quality drinking water available. |
Food
There’s more to Australian cuisine than Vegemite sandwiches! Aussie favourites include barramundi (resident river fish), damper (unleavened bread baked on coals), pavlova (meringue, fruit and cream dessert), Tasmanian salmon, Sydney rock oysters, chiko roll (deep-fried roll filled with meat and vegetables) and yabbies (freshwater crayfish). |
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Australia Travel Information
Australia is a vast country, covering 7,69 million square kilometres, which means there’s tons to see and do. Its 10 000-odd beaches are a major attraction, along with the islands and reefs off its coast. Wildlife is another drawcard, and as such Australia boasts more than 500 national parks and nearly 3 000 conservation areas. That’s not to mention the plethora of adventure activities and cultural experiences available. No matter what you’re after, you’ll find it down under.
Visas
South Africans need a visa to visit Australia. Visas cost R750 and can be obtained from the Australian High Commission. Call the Australian visa helpdesk on 083 913 3636 for more information.
Airports
Australia has dozens of domestic airports and nine international airports, including those at Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne, Darwin, Cairns, Hobart and Brisbane. Qantas flies directly between Johannesburg and Sydney, and SAA directly between Johannesburg and Perth.
Safety tips:
- Secure your valuables on you when out and about in crowded areas, like on busy city streets.
- Don’t leave valuables or luggage unattended in the car.
- Don’t display large amounts of money and/or valuables in public.
- Follow the safety precautions offered in national parks and for adventure activities.
- Australia gets hot – make sure you always wear a hat and sunblock when outdoors and keep well-hydrated. Take extra water on long road trips, especially during summer.
- Australia is home to a number of poisonous reptiles, insects and spiders, as well as crocodiles. Take the necessary precautions when out walking, hiking and swimming.
Getting around
If you plan to travel long distances, catch a coach, train or local flight (there are four domestic airlines available). Australia has a well-maintained road network and numerous self-guided tourism routes, making self-drive a popular option. Cars, 4x4s and campervans can be hired at all airports and in all cities. Australia’s capitals have excellent public transport systems, including buses, trains, ferries, trams and monorails.
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