Welcome to Australia 😊

G'day mate! Let me tell you about the land down under - Australia! It's a beautiful country filled with friendly people, unique wildlife, and diverse landscapes.

Starting with the cities, you have the bustling and cosmopolitan Sydney with its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Melbourne is known for its art scene, hidden laneways, and delicious coffee. Brisbane is a sunny and relaxed city with access to beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Perth, located on the west coast, is a laid-back city with an abundance of parks and beaches.

And let's not forget about the great outdoors! Australia is home to some of the world's most stunning natural wonders such as the red rock formations of Uluru, the ancient rainforest of Daintree, and the pink-hued Lake Hillier. The wildlife is also incredible with kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies roaming freely in many parts of the country.

Australia is also renowned for its food, from fresh seafood to classic meat pies and lamingtons. And of course, there's the wine - Australia is one of the world's top wine producers.

So pack your bags, put on your sunscreen, and come see what this amazing country has to offer!

Quick Facts About Australia

Currency: Australian dollar
Population: 25 million
Languages: English

Money and Finances

The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 dollar coins. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

ATM Network

ATMs are widespread in Australia, particularly in urban areas and tourist locations. They can be found in banks, shopping malls, airports, and other public locations.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Australia, and Visa and Mastercard are especially prevalent. AMEX is less commonly accepted, but still used in some places. It is important to note, however, that some smaller merchants may not accept credit cards, so it is always a good idea to have cash on hand.

Internet and Phones

Australia has good internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 37 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Australia are Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around AUD $50-60 per month. Most phones are compatible with Australian sim cards, but some older models may not be.

Dialling to Australia

To call Australia from another country, dial +61, followed by the area code and phone number. Within Australia, landline numbers have 8 digits including the area code, while mobile numbers have 10 digits with the prefix 04.

Transport Around Australia

Air Travel

Australia has several major airports, including Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane Airport, Perth Airport, and Adelaide Airport, among others.

Train Travel

Australia has an extensive inter-city train network called the 'Great Southern Rail' with journeys like 'The Indian Pacific' that travels from Sydney to Perth, The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin and The Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide. Ticket prices vary depending on the journey and class, but can start from around $100 AUD with journey times ranging from a few hours to a few days.

Metro / Local Trains

Australia has local trains in several major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The Sydney and Brisbane metros are fully automated while Melbourne has a mix of metro train lines and regular trains.

Buses

Australia has an extensive bus network with several major companies like Greyhound Australia. Prices vary depending on the journey and can range from $20-150 AUD. Travel times can also vary depending on the journey, but typically range from a few hours to a full day.

Rideshare

Popular rideshare companies in Australia include Uber and DiDi, with prices varying depending on the distance travelled and the time of day. Average prices for a 10 km ride range from $20-30 AUD.

Driving by Car

Driving in Australia is relatively easy with well-maintained roads and clear signage. The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on highways and some rural roads, and 110 km/h on certain highways and motorways. Australia drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Australia, tipping is not a common practice and is generally only done for exceptional service. Locals greet each other with a handshake or a wave, but hugs or kisses are reserved for close friends and family. Australians value direct communication and can be quite informal, using first names even in business settings. It is common for men and women to address each other by their first names. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to introduce yourself and make small talk before getting down to business.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Australia has a public healthcare system called Medicare, which provides free or low-cost medical treatment to citizens and permanent residents. However, visitors to Australia are not covered by Medicare and may need to pay for medical treatment out of pocket or purchase travel insurance. The approximate cost for a visit to a doctor is around $70 to $100 AUD.

COVID Situation

Australia implemented strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including travel restrictions, social distancing, and mandatory quarantine for international arrivals. As a result, Australia has had a relatively low number of coronavirus cases and deaths compared to other countries. However, there have been occasional outbreaks in some cities.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Australia include sunburn and heat stroke, particularly during the summer months. There is also a risk of contracting diseases like dengue fever or Ross River virus from mosquitoes in some areas. Visitors to rural areas may need to take precautions against diseases like Lyme disease or Q fever. It is also important to be cautious when swimming in the ocean, as there are dangerous marine animals like box jellyfish and sharks in some areas.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 and there are strict laws around the sale and consumption of alcohol, including the restriction of alcohol sales after a certain time of night. Alcohol is banned in some indigenous communities in remote parts of the country.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Australia and penalties for possession and supply can be severe. Cannabis is illegal at the federal level and in most states, although some states have decriminalized small amounts for personal use.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no laws in Australia criminalizing pre-marital relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Australia has legalized same-sex marriage and recognizes same-sex relationships in various forms. However, there is still discrimination and hostility towards the LGBTQ community in some parts of the country.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is tightly regulated in Australia following a mass shooting in 1996. There are strict requirements for obtaining a gun license and owning a gun. Automatic and semi-automatic firearms are banned.