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Landscape
For overseas visitors Australia’s biggest attraction is its natural beauty and unique and diverse plants and animals. On the east coast the landscape varies from dense tropical rainforests in the north to snowy mountain ranges in the south. West of the Great Dividing Range the landscapes are more arid.
Climate
The seasons are opposite in Australia to the northern hemisphere. In the south of the country summer is from December to February and winter is from June to August. In Melbourne summers are hot and dry (averaging 25C but can get very hot) and winters are cool (average 14C) with regular rainfall. Further north the weather is milder. Sydney’s winters are typically sunny and around 17C, with the wetter months occurring in Autumn (March to May). Further north again, Byron Bay has an idyllic sunny winter with average temperatures of 20C (and average water temperatures of 20C).
In the tropical north there are two seasons - wet season and dry season. The wet season from November to April is accompanied by balmy temperatures (average 31C) and tropical rain. The dry season from May to October has average temperatures of 26C, cool evening breezes and low humidity.
Naturally with such a vast choice of climates, we plan our trips to take advantage of the nicest weather – following mild temperatures and sunshine.
Getting to Australia
Many airline companies fly to Australia including Qantas, Australia’s national airline. International airports are found in all of the capital cities - Melbourne (Victoria), Sydney (New South Wales), Brisbane (Queensland), Darwin (Northern Territory), Perth (Western Australia), Adelaide (South Australia) and Hobart (Tasmania). Cairns (North Queensland) and Gold Coast/Coolangatta (South Queensland) also have international airports.
Travelling within Australia
The distances between major centres are so great that flying is a popular, and often inexpensive, option. There is also an extensive railway and bus network that provides a more scenic alternative.
Flying
Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar are the major domestic airlines in Australia. The latter two, in particular, offer very discounted flights. For good deals it is worthwhile to check their websites regularly. For our trips that start in Byron Bay the closest airports are Gold Coast (one hour shuttle), Ballina/Byron (45 minutes shuttle) and Brisbane (2-3 hours).
Train transport
A major rail network links all of the mainland capital cities and also includes many offshoots to smaller centres. Travel times between each of the major cities - Brisbane-Sydney-Melbourne-Adelaide - is approximately 12 hours. There are also long distance rail journeys across the arid interior between Adelaide and Perth, and Adelaide-Alice Springs-Darwin. Considerable discounts are often given for advance bookings and sleeper cabins are available on all of the major services. Check out the operators in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
Bus transport
Many long distance bus companies operate throughout the country. Greyhound Pioneer Australia is the only nation-wide company.
Visas
All visitors to Australia require a visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). New Zealand passport holders apply for a visa upon arrival, while all other passport holders must obtain a visa or ETA before arriving in Australia.
An ETA is equivalent to a visa, however there is no need to visit an Australian embassy to obtain it. You can apply for an ETA online and it is valid for three months stay.
Customs and quarantine
Australia has strict laws regarding the entry of drugs, weapons, wildlife, food, plant material and animal products. As an island that has evolved in isolation, Australia is very vulnerable to disease and pest plants and animals. If you are unsure about something that you would like to bring into the country look it up on the Australian quarantine website or declare it to Customs upon arrival. Please note that unopened packets of Swiss chocolate are generally permitted!
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have visited a yellow fever infected country within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia.
Departure tax
Australia's Passenger Movement Charge (departure tax) is $38AUD per person and is pre-paid with your international airline ticket.
Tourist Refund Scheme
Departing travellers may be able to claim a refund for GST and WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) paid on goods purchased in Australia. The refund is applicable to goods totalling a minimum of $300AUD that have been purchased no earlier than 30 days before departing Australia. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located at international airports. Enure that you keep receipts for your claim.
Goods and Services Tax
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. Prices in Australia are shown inclusive of GST. The prices of our trips are inclusive of GST.
Currency information
100 Australian cents is one Australian dollar ($AUD). Notes are available in $5, $10, $20, $50, an $100 denominations. Coins are in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50, $1, and $2 denominations - costs are rounded to the nearest 5c. One Australian dollar is approximately 75 US cents, 60 Euro cents or 40 Brish pence. Click here for current exchange rates.
Access to money
It is possible to change foreign cash or travellers cheques at most banks and exchange counters, and Automated Teller Machines and EFTPOS are available in most villages and towns. The most commonly accepted credit cards are Bankcard, MasterCard, Visa and American Express.
Tipping
There are no hard and fast rules about tipping in Australia and it is only common in the hospitality and tourism industries. In restaurants a tip of around 10-15 % is usual and taxi drivers are always grateful if you leave the change.
Tipping of guides on our trips is not at all expected. Although you are welcome to show your gratitude if you believe we have done an exceptional job. A collective tip from the group can allow a tip to be confidential.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended by authorities and is a requirement for foreigners on a Women Overland trip.
Medicare
The public health care system for permanent residents of Australia is Medicare. Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with New Zealand, the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands and Sweden.
Facts and figures
For general interest the following are a few statistics that provide a basic profile of the country:
Full name: Commonwealth of Australia
Area: 7.68 million sq km
Population: 19.5 million
Capital City: Canberra
People: 92% Caucasian, 7% Asian, 1% Aboriginal
Language: English
Religion: 75% Christian, 1% Muslim, 1% Buddhist, 0.5% Jewish
Government: Constitutional Monarchy, Federation and a Parliamentary Democracy
GDP: US$418 billion
GDP per capita: US$22,000
Annual Growth: 4%
Inflation: 2%
Major Industries: Minerals, oil, coal, gold, wool, cereals, meat, tourism
Major Trading Partners: Japan, ASEAN countries, South Korea, China, New Zealand, USA, EU
Further information
If you have any other queries about travelling in Australia please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help out.
This information is correct at time of publication and may be subject to change.
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