Australia - Passports and Visas, Currency, Electrical, Airports and City guide

Before You Go

Australian Entry Requirements for US Citizens: Passport, Visa & return or onward-passage ticket or evidence of enough funds for period of intended stay may be required. On arrival, produce completed incoming passenger cards (distributed aboard aircraft & ships), passports and visas. Contact: Embassy of Australia, 1601 Massachusetts Av, and NW. Washington, DC. 20036. (202) 797-3000 or consulates in LAX, SFO, Honolulu, NYC or Atlanta. Visitors cannot undertake employment or formal studies & are expected to leave end of authorised stay. If stay beyond 3 months, $30 fee for processing application.

Australian Entry Requirements for UK and EU Citizens. Passports are required for all travellers entering Australia and should be valid for three months longer than the intended stay.

Visas or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) are also required for all visitors (bar New Zealand citizens).

Visas available from any Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate and generally issued within 48hrs. If applying by mail allow 21 working days.

ETAs are available to UK visitors immediately through travel agents, requires no application form and no fee if your visit is less than 3 months. ETAs are electronically verified on arrival. Travellers from other countries should check for availability.

British Consulate General

1 Macquarie Place

Circular Quay

Australia

Tel:  +61 92-477521

Fax:  +61 92-331826

See below for list of Australian Embassies worldwide

Passport, Visa & return or onward-passage ticket or evidence of enough funds for period of intended stay may be required. On arrival, produce completed incoming passenger cards (distributed aboard aircraft & ships), passports and visas.

Health: Medical facilities good. Doctors & hospitals often expect immediate cash payment. US medical insurance usually not valid outside USA.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, recommended. Visitors can bring reasonable quantities of prescribed medications. All should be clearly labelled & identifiable. For large quantities, bring doctor's certificate to produce to Customs if necessary. Chemists (Pharmacists) can fill most prescriptions but some may need to be reissued by Australian registered doctor. In event of illness, hotel will call doctor or refer you.  US & Canadian visitors not covered by Australia's national health insurance scheme.

Crime& Security: Crime rate low. However, foreign visitors targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers & petty thieves. Car burglaries & theft of personal belongings occur.

Money: Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents. Notes of A$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins of A$2 and 1, 2 and 50, 20, 10 & 5 cents. Exchange facilities available for all incoming & outgoing flights at all international airports. International-class hotels exchange major currencies. Change money at airport or at city banks. Visa, Diners, MasterCard, Carte Blanche & Amex accepted. Use restricted in small towns & Outback areas. Traveller’s checks accepted at banks or large hotels. Some banks may charge small fee. Banks open 9:30am-4pm Mon-Thu; 9:30am 5pm Fri. In some states selected banking facilities available on Saturday morning. ATM cards used at both ATMs & at participating retail locations, so long as they have been enabled for international access. ATM card must carry CIRRUS, PLUS or STAR international ATM mark or Interlink or Maestro POS mark.

Weather: Southern hemisphere seasons opposite to Europe & USA. 2 climatic zones: tropical zone (in north above Tropic of Capricorn) & temperate zone.

Tropical zone (40% of Australia) has 2 seasons, summer  & winter while temperate zone has all 4 seasons. Nov/March (spring-summer): Warm or hot everywhere, tropical in north & warm to hot with mild nights in south Apr/Sept (autumn-winter): Northern & central Australia have clear warm days, cool nights; south has cool days with occasional rain but still plenty of sun. Snow confined to mountainous regions of southeast. Queensland subject to monsoon rains in summer, particularly in far north. If travelling by road always check with RACQ (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland) on current road conditions & get advice on areas you intend to visit. 

Advice & Tips for Australia:

Tax & Customs: There are very strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, reproduction weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. All animals, animal products, foodstuffs, plants and plant products are subject to quarantine control, and must be declared on arrival. The penalties for breaking these laws are severe. All airports have prominent notices indicating what you can and cannot import or export. If you are uncertain about anything in your baggage, declare it and bring it to the attention of a customs officer. Even if you are travelling inter state certain restrictions apply particularly in the movement of foodstuffs. Since the Bali bombing of October 2002 customs searches have become more frequent and thorough, expect a serious interrogation for contravening any of the above rules.
Currency. Currently there is no limit on the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, amounts of more than $A10,000, or equivalent in foreign currency, must be reported on arrival and departure. Failure to do so is an offence under the law. Currency for the purpose of import and export refers to notes and coins of legal tender but does not include travellers' cheques or other monetary instruments. Forms for reporting currency transfers are available from customs officers at ports or airports.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Gifts. Travellers over the age of 18 years may bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. Duty/tax-free allowances of $A400 per person aged 18 or over and $A200 per person under 18 are granted for other goods intended as gifts. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes. In addition to these concessions, tourists visiting Australia for a limited period may bring most articles into the country duty/tax free, provided Customs is satisfied that they are for their personal use and that they will be taken out of Australia on departure. On certain electrical, photographic and audio equipment you may need to show a receipt of purchase.

Departing international travellers may be able to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that they paid on goods bought in Australia after 1 July 2000. The refund on goods, costing $A300 or more, only applies to items carried as hand luggage. Tourist Refund Scheme booths are located in the departure areas of international terminals behind passport control, where travellers must show their passport, international boarding pass, tax invoice from the retailer and the goods. Customs officers process cash refunds and assist in completing non-cash payment options.

Taxation/Refunds for visitors: Since 1 July 2000, you may be able to get a refund of the GST on the goods you have bought in Australia and are taking out with you. Conditions apply. Look for the information brochures when you arrive or contact the Australian Customs Service on phone + 61 2 6275 6666 (from outside Australia) or 1300 363 263 (within Australia).

Quarantine: Australia's unique ecosystem is fiercely protected from many pests and diseases found elsewhere in the world. One needs only to look at the import of rabbits and cane toads during the 20th century to see the devastating effect these foreign interlopers have had on the countries delicately balanced natural state. It is vital you declare anything that could harm Australia's wildlife, agricultural industries and plants, including fresh and packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, animals, plants and items made from plants or wood. Amnesty bins are available for unwanted items as you leave your aircraft on arrival in Australia. These rules also apply to domestic inter states travellers.

If you've declared any food, plant or animal items on your Incoming Passenger Card make sure you use the red channel exits from the baggage halls where you'll be directed to a quarantine officer to have your items inspected. Many items will be allowed in after inspection or treatment; for banned items, you may be given an option to re-export them.
Quarantine officers use detector dog teams, X-ray machines and random baggage checks to detect undeclared quarantine items. If you conceal items or quarantine concern, you may receive an on-the-spot fine or you could be prosecuted.

Electricity & Voltage: 240/250 volts AC, 50 Hz. 3-pin plugs in use, however, sockets different from those found in most countries & adapter socket needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances found in most hotels.

Advance notice & details of disability will ensure best possible assistance from airlines, hotels or transport offices. Many cinemas & restaurants happy to assist although not all can cater for people with severe disabilities or wheelchairs. Most new buildings provide wheelchair access.  Guides to facilities available from National Information Communication Awareness Network (NICAN) P.O. Box 407, Curtin, ACT 2605. Tel: 011 61 (6) 285-3713 Fax: 011 61 (6) 285-3714.

Time Zones: 3 time zones - Eastern Standard Time (EST) operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania & Queens land; Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia & Northern Territory; & Western Standard Time (WST) in Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is 2 hours behind EST.  Australian States except Northern Territory, Western Australia & Queensland have daylight saving during summer months.

Airports

Location: 10 km east of central business district in foothills of Darling Ranges. Adjoins Shires of Kalamunda & Swan & City of Belmont.

By Taxi: meet all arriving flights; at east end of terminal.

By Bus: shuttle service between City & Domestic Terminal. Every arrival & on request.

Info Tel #:  (08) 9478 8888

Terminals: Modern aeronautical facilities include both international & domestic terminal & 3-runway system.

Lounges: Locally food & wines.

Aromas Bar & Cafe Coffee, cakes & alcoholic beverages.

Food: Wings Bar &restaurant - snacks to buffet style meals. Alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks.

Duty Free: Choose from wide range of perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, cameras & golf equipment.

Duty Free allowance: 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or cigars; 1 litre of any alcoholic liquor; other goods to value of A$400; A$200 if under 18. Strict regulations against import of non-prescribed drugs, weapons, firearms & certain foodstuffs & other potential sources of disease and pestilence.

Sydney Airport 

Sydney Airport 9 km from City Centre. Allow 30 mins if travelling to City or Kings Cross by taxi & about 1 hr by bus.

By Taxi: To City Centre with baggage costs about A$16 - A$20. Waiting time A$0.50 per minute, travelling A$1.07 per km & phone booking fee A$1.00. Pay bridge or road toll charges. Plenty of taxis at stand on Arrivals (Ground) Level.

By Bus: right green & gold Airport Express provides fast connection between both domestic & international terminals, & City & Kings Cross.

Hotel Buses: Kingsford Smith Bus Service & Sydney Airporter to selected hotels in City, Kings Cross, Glebe, Double Bay & Darling Harbour. A $6.00 adult, A$4.00 children. Every 30 mins.

Info Tel #: Call Your Airline.

International Terminal:
Domestic Terminal:  QANTAS

Check-in:  See below

Inter-Terminal: For transfers to Qantas Domestic Terminals, free Shuttle Bus every 30 mins from Intl Terminal. Qantas operate shuttle every 15 mins to domestic terminal: fare A$3.00 (Adult) or A$1.50 (Child) is payable.

Internet - email & WWW at Airport Bar. Charges  A$2.00 per 10 mins.

Lounges: Catalina Bar -snacks, pastries, sandwiches & licensed bar. Airport Bar -snack foods, pastries & fully licensed bar. Spirit of Flight - (Arrivals Level) Snack foods & licensed bar.

Showers, toilets, ramps & lowered phones throughout terminal.

Baggage Carts available from trolley bays on Arrivals & Departures levels at cost of A$2.00. If, however, you are coming into country, available free of charge from customs/baggage collection hall.

Lockers on Arrivals (Ground) level, opposite information desk, & on Departures (Top) Level behind store.A $4.00/day.

Smoking?  NO SMOKING zone.

Food: purchased from Food Hall in centre of Departures (Top) Level.

Melbourne Airport

By Taxi: Ride time downtown approx. 30 mins. Fare approx. A$25.

By SkyBus: 24 hrs a day approx. every 30 mins between airport & City centre. Fare A$9 each way. Drop off points throughout city convenient to hotels etc.,

Bus Service within Victoria: Bookings necessary. Check Airport web site.

Info Tel #: Call Your Airline.

Arrival Formalities: Complete Travellers' Statement & Incoming Passenger Card forms.

Terminal: Single Main Terminal. Domestic & International areas links by 1-minute travelator. New (1996) international terminal flanked on either side by domestic terminal operated by Qantas.

Amenities: Thos Cook Currency Exchange, Post Office, Public Showers on Departure Level, 

Wheelchairs & facilities for disabled & medical centre. Arrivals & departures levels linked by travelators & elevators. All toilets within Airport include facilities for disabled. For special assistance, contact airline directly.

Baggage Carts: available free from terminals, short & long term car parks.

Central Melbourne Airport Hotel only 400 ms from terminal.  Gabrielle's Restaurant, Reggies Bar, swimming pool, gymnasium & on site parking. Rooms soundproofed with a/c & video movies, mini bar, ironing facilities, hairdryer & tea/coffee making equipment. 24-hr courtesy shuttle. Phone: (61 3) 9338 2322

Darwin International Airport

12.5 kms from town centre. 

Taxis & taxi phone available - approx. fare A$15. 

Regular shuttle bus service - cost one way A$8, round trip, A$12, pensioner A$6, children under 8 free. Private hire cars - approx. A$15 one-way to city.

Baggage trolleys, vehicle rental, bar, bistro, cafe, Golden Wing Lounge, Qantas Club Lounge, gift shop, Tourist Information and booking desk, Japan desk, public phones, coffee shop, Thomas Cook money exchange, Aboriginal Arts & Crafts, and a Jewellery Shop.

Disabled persons facilities.

Alice Springs Airport 14 ms from town centre. 

Taxis & taxi phone available - approx. fare is A$18 - A$20. 

Regular shuttle bus service - cost one way A$9, round trip A$15. Private hire cars - approx.  A$25 one-way to town.

Baggage trolleys, vehicle rental, bar bistro, Golden Wing Lounge, Qantas Club Lounge, gift shops, newsagency, Travellex money exchange. Tourist Information desk, hotel & tour desks, public phones, coffee shop & disabled persons facilities.

Ayers Rock Resort’s Connellan Airport and other Outback Airports

6 kms from Resort.

All scheduled flights met by free shuttle service to Ayers Rock Resort.

Taxi service available. Gift shop, small kiosk, public phone & toilets.

Sightseeing in Australia

New South Wales has both beaches & skiing. Pacific coastline famous for many great surf beaches, challenging sailing & bays flanked by fishing villages. State divided by Great Dividing Range approx. 100 kms from coast. Western plateau offers great holidays & spectacular scenery. Driving around NSW great way to visit. 

Sydney, state capital, is largest city in Australia. Inland. A major attraction is Darling Harbour, a new complex, housing Maritime Museum, with "Australia II", winner of Americas Cup. Also houses Sydney Aquarium where submerged tunnels allow you to view Great Whites Sharks at close range. Powerhouse Museum and Harbour side, a shopping complex and restaurant Mecca. All surrounded by 5 star international hotels. The Rocks, birthplace of Sydney, lying across Circular Quay from Opera House. Sydney Harbour & Harbour Bridge, known to locals as "The Coathanger" right in front. With Olympics being held in Sydney in 2000, city is on major clean up.

Inland from Sydney are Blue Mountains, a great escape from city. Historic guesthouses, ideal place for romantic getaway. Many walks & national parks.

South of Newcastle known as Central Coast - Gosford - Terrigal. Locals use for weekend getaways. Just 2 hrs drive north of Sydney.
 
Canberra, the capital (ACT-Australia Capital Territory) was planned city. Many parks & gardens for 30,000 residents. Sites include: Parliament House, National Gallery, Questacon, War Memorial, Old Parliament House & National Mint.

2 hrs south of Canberra, Bombala & neighbouring, Delegate, set amidst stunning natural scenery, abundant wildlife & rolling pastures with feeling that nothing really changed since pioneering days. Few towns in Australia can boast platypus in town centre, yet quiet evening stroll along Bombala riverbank will often reward visitors with sighting of these extremely shy & unique creatures. Features mixture of environments within close proximity. Treeless plains of Monaro, rainforests of Errinundra Plateau & dense native forests combine to create peaceful atmosphere - overriding ambience of district.

Victoria, smallest mainland state - 'Garden State'. In southeast of continent. Most densely populated & highly urbanized of all states. Mountains in northeast, rugged southern coastline & semi desert areas in northwest. Northwest of capital is historic gold rush area & Grampian Mountains.  Southwest has rich grazing land, & rugged coastline famous for giant limestone formations shaped by seas of Bass Strait. Northeast, wine districts of Yarra Valley & Rutherglen, & further north high country region, great for summer horse riding or winter skiing. 

Melbourne, capital  & 2nd largest metropolis famous for Melbourne Cup horse race. Stylish Victorian architecture, trams, fashion, food, theatres, art galleries & gardens. The Grampians region is major wheat & wool districts with charming towns such as Stawell, Halls Gap & Great Western. Melbourne Zoo - more than 350 kinds of animals & thousands of plant species. Coast more rugged than the north, offering great family vacations & spectacular road trips. 

Fishing villages like Bermagui and Ulladulla will take you back in time & locals will spoil you with great fresh seafood. Beach resorts like Batemans Bay offer both beach & river activities, making perfect holiday for family. Tours such as dolphin cruises are alternative to beaches.

Over 400km north of Perth, Geraldton, favourite resort. Year- round sunny climate, pristine beaches, pleasure harbours, excellent fishing & central position for touring coast or further inland.
 
Northern Territory best known for "outback" - vast regions of red-gold desert contrasting with green rain forest plants, spectacular waterfalls & extraordinary rock formations - Ayers Rock/ Uluru. 
 
Darwin offers range of activities & attractions.

Central Australia:  the real outback is rugged, raw & wide open spaces.  Alice Springs at its heart. Several parks & museums, even camel back tours. 

Katherine: centre of cattle country, farmland & national parks.  Nitmiluk National Park area's major attraction: magnificent gorges, explore park on foot using walking trails, or rent canoe; explore on own, or with guided tour.  Edith Falls on Nitmiluk National Park for a swim. Tennant Creek created overnight during Australian gold rush of 1930's.  Explore only gold ore crushing plant of its kind in Australia.
 
Tasmania, smallest state, lying southeast of continent. Mountainous, peppered with lakes, waterfalls, also soft pastoral beauty & rugged wilderness. Colourful history as penal settlement:  Famous for wild brown trout filled lakes & streams & fresh produce - cheese, berry fruit, apples, honey, prime beef & good wines. Floral emblem is Southern blue gum. Tasmania should be measured less by distance & more by time; by experiences immensely varied, yet always close at hand. With less than 1% of land surface of Australia & nowhere more than 115 kms from sea, varied landscape unrestrained by size. Southwest corner untamed & unyielding; northwest, fertile & cultivated & despite moody reputation, west coast has peaceful moments. To cruise on clear, still days or walk in vibrant under storey of primeval rainforests is to glimpse depth & magic of natural world. Towards centre, sharp ridges of western ranges recede to form  'Land of a Thousand Lakes' - Mecca for anglers. Central plateau falls away to valleys, plains & country villages in quiet repose. Tasmania's midlands, legacy of British colonial heritage & green belt of history stretching from north to south. Unchanged since early settlement, sandstone cottages & grand country homes nudge verge of Heritage Highway. East coast swathed by white beaches, secluded, and sheltered bays & headlands. Tasmania's sun coast, edged by crystal blue waters & clusters of holiday homes that have tied generations of families to annual bouts of rest & recreation.

Hobart, 2nd oldest city in country, sparkling, feisty city with spirited & colourful history.

Queensland: Brisbane is capital & 3rd largest city. Lively yet relaxed city with wealth of attractions. 

Cairns, most northerly city is one of world’s most attractive vacation destinations.  Between Trinity Bay & mountains, combines relaxed atmosphere of tropical hot spot with excitement of bustling metropolis. Explore Great Barrier Reef, rain forest & outback. 

Home to around 125,000 Townsville is largest tropical city.

South Australia:

Adelaide - where every 2 years they devote 3 weeks to one of world's most dazzling arts festivals, just one of many. North Terrace is boulevard of galleries & museums winding up at botanic gardens. Rundle Street lined with cafes, bars & restaurants.

Western Australia:
 
Perth - city of wide open spaces in the West. Because of separation from rest of Australia, has developed unique & friendly atmosphere. Pleasant Mediterranean style climate, land one of happiest & most relaxed lifestyles in world.

South Bank Parklands in Brisbane, formerly site of Expo '88, redeveloped & now one of city's liveliest areas. Covering 16 hectares, restaurants & cafes, parklands & bike paths, rainforest sanctuary & butterfly house, market stalls & sandy swimming beach. Gondwana Rainforest Sanctuary - recreation of rainforest environment. Set inside & around massive synthetic rock, populated by native birds, mammals & reptiles including crocodiles, koalas, lorikeets & snakes. Elevated boardwalk thru sanctuary.
 
The Outback no longer too remote or uncomfortable to experience at first-hand. Sweeping vistas, rugged hills, spectacular sunsets now easily accessible by road. Legendary hospitality of station people includes accommodation  - from tents, to shearers' quarters, to comfortable old homesteads. In picturesque turn-of-century towns, hotel, motel & caravan parks generally available.

Between Snowy Mountains & beautiful Sapphire Coast is hidden rural treasure that is ideal for quiet weekends away or short holiday. 

Alice Springs (pop. 20,000) pleasant modern town, smack in middle of Australia, on banks of usually dry Todd River. At first appearance it's so civilised that it can be real disappointment to those expecting saloons on every corner & colourful bush characters, but stick around & explore area & you'll begin to appreciate flavour of this desert community. Town founded as staging point for overland telegraph line in 1870, although growth occurred only in last 30 years. Road south to Adelaide was only fully paved in 1987.

Sydney: Theatres scattered around edge of CBD, Opera House on edge of Circular Quay, mainstream cinema complexes on neon strip of George St. Best nightlife cantered on Oxford St & Kings Cross. Rocks can be fun, but area is aimed at tourists.

Melbourne: Focus slowly shifting to south bank of Yarra, which has seen large scale construction. Southgate complex of shops, wine bars, snack stalls & restaurants line Yarra's bank. Crown Casino entertainment complex nearby.

Melbourne Suburbs. Carlton, Fitzroy and Richmond - recommended for architecture, restaurants & atmosphere. Carlton is Italian centre, full of pasta & spaghetti bars, muscle cars & slick Italian clothing stores. Victoria St in Richmond is vibrant Vietnamese centre, chock full of budget restaurants, & focus of Lunar New Year celebrations in Jan-Feb. Fitzroy now magnet for urban cool, cafe dwellers & property renovators, but once working class heart of city. St Kilda  - day trip in itself. For years Melbourne's sex & sin centre - drunks, drugs, girls, shady deals & characters abounded - but suburb slowly being rejuvenated. Fitzroy Street retains few traces of former tarnished character.

Canberra:  Nightlife somewhat more lively than reputation suggests & licensing hours liberal.  Canberra Theatre Centre has several theatres hosting range of events from rock bands & drama to ballet & opera. Also casino. Live music heard at ANU union & at several city bars and hotels. Jazz particularly popular.

Adelaide: Tandanya, Aboriginal cultural institute containing galleries, arts & crafts workshops, performance spaces, cafe & gift shop. On Friday nights, performances of plays & traditional music in cafe.

Eating Out in Australia

Tipping not obligatory & service charges not charged at hotels & restaurants. For special service, tip of 10% acceptable for waiters. Taxi drivers do not expect tip, but will appreciate small gratuity. At any time, tipping is your choice.

Sydney: Many good restaurants in Darlinghurst, Kings Cross, Paddington and Glebe, & a few around Circular Quay. For cafés, try Oxford & Victoria Sts in Darlinghurst, Stanley St in East Sydney, King St in Newtown or Norton St in Leichhardt.
Hard Rock Cafe

Melbourne's excellent eating opportunities welcome feature in last decades. From Chinatown in city & Richmond's Victoria St (`Little Saigon') to Italian fare of Carlton's Lygon St. & numerous cuisines available in Southgate, Fitzroy's Brunswick St, Prahran's Chapel St, & Fitzroy & Acland Sts in St Kilda.

Perth: known for excellent seafood restaurants, but Asian food halls very popular. Laid-back staff at King Street Cafe but food shows firm focus in kitchen. King Street Plate offers savoury delicacies. Wine list expensive. Loose Box, Mundaring  - 40 mins from Perth in Darling Ranges, WA's finest French restaurant. Chef Alain Fabreques has won many awards. Subi is next suburb out from West Perth, 5 min drive from city. Comfortable art-deco furnishings & relaxed atmosphere of Subi Hotel eat inside or out from continental style menu complimented by interesting wine list. End with famous sticky pudding. Hung Long Coffee House, 344 William St, Northbridge. Clean oriental version of UK chipper puts fish & soy sauces in ketchup bottles. Range of Asian dishes, many served up as form of delicious, fragrant stew.

Brisbane: Restaurant & cafe scene blossomed in recent years with many good eateries. Good climate for outdoors eating. Away from city centre, clusters of restaurants in Paddington, Fortitude Valley & New Farm, on South Bank & West End.

Shopping in Australia

Melbourne: City centre is about 3km inland, on north bank of Yarra River. Main north-south artery, Swanston St, mostly pedestrian mall, while Bourke (also mall for part) and Collins Sts, which cross it, are city's other 2 main shopping streets.

Brisbane: Popular South Bank markets - craft & clothing stalls, open every Fri evening, Sat & Sun. Every Sun, carnival-style Riverside Centre and Eagle St Pier markets have 150 stalls featuring glass blowing, weaving & other crafts. Fortitude Valley market, held on Sats in Brunswick St Mall, has junk, crafts & clothes.

Adelaide: East End Market is place for alternative clothes & jewellery. Orange Lane Market is answer to Petticoat Lane, with Indian fabrics, 2nd-hand clothes, tarot readings, & antiques.

AUSTRALIAN DIALLING CODES

The international dialling code for Australia is 61.

Area codes

Sydney: 02

Melbourne: 03

Brisbane: 07

Adelaide: 08

Hobart: 03

Perth: 08

To make local calls simply dial the eight-digit phone number

To make long distance calls in Australia dial the area code followed by the eight-digit phone number.

To make an international call dial 011 followed by the country code of the place you’re calling, followed by the area code, followed by the home/business phone number.

New Year's Day: January 1

Australia Day: Monday closest to January 26

Good Friday: Friday before Easter

Easter Sunday: March or April

Easter Monday: Monday after Easter

Anzac Day: April 25

Queen's Birthday: Second Monday in June

Bank Holiday: First Monday in August

Labour Day: First Monday in October

Christmas: December 25

Boxing Day: December 26

Australia top highlights and attractions

• Ayers Rock
• Great Barrier Reef
• Kakadu
• Passports and Visas, Currency, Electrical, Airports and City guide
• Sydney Harbour
• The Outback