|
| Adelaide |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1542 km |
Alice
Springs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3415
km |
3012
km |
Brisbane |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 5100
km |
2745
km |
4670
km |
Broome |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3143
km |
2324
km |
1717
km |
4095
km |
Cairns |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3053
km |
1511
km |
3415
km |
1885
km |
2727
km |
Darwin |
|
|
|
|
|
| 728
km |
2270
km |
1674
km |
5835
km |
3054
km |
3781
km |
Melbourne |
|
|
|
|
| 2724
km |
3626
km |
4384
km |
2388
km |
5954
km |
4045
km |
3452
km |
Perth |
|
|
|
| 1420
km |
2644
km |
995
km |
5630
km |
2546
km |
3053
km |
868
km |
4144
km |
Sydney |
|
|
| 3122
km |
2065
km |
1371
km |
3750
km |
346
km |
2381
km |
2765
km |
5600
km |
2337
km |
Townsville |
|
| 2441
km |
2302
km |
1132
km |
3554
km |
635
km |
2736
km |
2438
km |
4722
km |
1845
km |
290
km |
Airlie_Beach
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Australia
is a big country covering 800 million hectares, an area
equal to the size of Eastern and Western Europe plus
Scandinavia and is about the same size as Mainland USA
yet we only have the population of the California coast,
Holland or one large European industrial area - 17 million.
Imagine it!
We
are an underdeveloped and underpopulated country. The
sheer vastness and the diverse landscapes of Australia
are difficult to describe - desert, snow, tropical rainforests
to mention just a few. Australia is one of the most
astonishing and beautiful continents in the world.
Australians
are, generally, very friendly people, easy going and
unregimented or, as we say, "laid back". We hope this
is something you will like about us!
Our
diverse multi-cultural society is reflected in all aspects
of our every day life - food, festivals, art etc. We
are a mono-lingual culture with an Australian version
of English. Ask us to talk slower - even North Americans
and the English have trouble with our Aussie English!
Come
see and experience the real Australia
MAIL:
Mail
can be received en route at the towns throughout Australia.
Remember if receiving mail via a Post Office that they
are only open on weekdays from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm being
closed on weekends and public holidays.
All
Mail should be addressed as follows -
Mr
& Mrs, Ms. (Your name)
c/- (TOWN) Post Office
TOWN
State. Postcode. Australia.
CLIMATE:
Australian
seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere's:
Spring
- September to November
Summer - December to February
Autumn - March to May
Winter - June to August
April
to September in northern and central Australia - clear
warm days, with cool to cold nights. At the same time
in the south - cool with occasional rain but still some
sunshine.
November
to March is warm to hot everywhere; high humidity and
often heavy tropical rain in the north (Darwin &
Cairns areas) and temperatures over 40 C will be encountered
and on some days temperatures could reach 50 C.; warm
to hot with mild nights in the south.
If
travelling in north Queensland or Darwin and the Top
End in January, February or March be prepared for lots
of rain.
Other
useful information:
Banks:
Banking
Hours: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm from Monday to Thursday
9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Friday.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Automatic
Banking/Cashpoints/Hole in the Wall/ATM facilities are
available in most towns.
Credit
Cards:
The
most widely recognised and accepted Credit Cards in
Australia are Mastercard (including Eurocard) Visa,
American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted
in most major tourist centres. Other overseas cards
may present difficulties.
Travellers
Cheques:
Travellers
cheques are safe, convenient and can be cashed at all
banks and many of the larger hotels/motels. Australian
Travellers Cheques and larger denominations are recommended.
Tipping:
is optional and is not generally expected in Australia.
For exceptional service a gratuity is appreciated. (Hotel
and restaurant accounts do not include service charges).
Laundry/Dry
Cleaning:
Caravan
parks ant hotels/motels at major centres will have laundry
and ironing facilities available.
Electrical
Appliances:
220-250
volt and 50 cycles AC 3 pin plug.
INSURANCE:
Many
Travel Insurance Policies are available and we cannot
recommend too strongly that you ask your arrange this
before you leave.
Airlie
Beach and The Whitsunday Island's
Where
are the Whitsundays?
The
Whitsunday Island's consist of 74 islands. Airlie Beach
is 640km south of Cairn's. The Whitsunday's is the gateway
to premium sailing trips in Queensland.
Cairn's
and The Great Barrier Reef.
Where
is Cairns?
Cairn's
has a population of 85000 people. Cairn's is the gateway
to the great barrier reef and premium diving and snorkelling.
What
is the Great Barrier Reef?
The
Great Barrier Reef is nearly 2000km long. The are four
types of reef Fringe, Ribbon, Patch and Coral Sea Reef.
Can
I dive without a lincense?
Yes.
It's called resort diving and cost's a little extra
and a questionare re your medical history is required.
Fraser
Island
Where
is Fraser Island?
The
largest sand island in the world_120km long and 15km
wide, there is the 75 mile beach, rainforest, 200 inland
lakes and 25km of coloured sand cliff's. There are selfdrive
share trips, guided tours and hike around yourself.
Where
can I go Whale Watching?
There
are whale watching trips from Harvey Bay the gateway
to Fraser Island.
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