Australia

The longest direct flight in Australia is Perth to Cairns which is 5 hours. Other flights such as Brisbane to Sydney or Sydney to Melbourne are only 1hr 30mins. So it is very easy to fly around the country visiting lots of destinations during your vacation.

Spending Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange but Australia’s seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere – summer officially starts in December and winter in June. But even in winter you’ll enjoy blue skies and warm, bright days. Australia’s climate and the fact that it is the driest continent on earth makes it a fabulous holiday destination all year round, whatever you’re planning to do. In the Australian winter you can ski in the southern states one day and be diving in the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next. Such temperate conditions make al fresco dining, sublime days on the beach or the water, outdoor barbeques, and a huge variety of sports a way of life here. No wonder Aussies believe life is for living!

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia.

Tipping in Australia is not expected. However, tipping for great service is at your discretion.

All goods and services are subject to a 10 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST). This is included in the displayed price of most items.

There are many animals in Australia who can be harmful. To name a few, sea animals such as jelly fish, sharks, stone fish or crocodiles, snakes and spiders. Venomous snakes, including the tiger snake, copperhead snake and red-bellied black snake are mostly found in bushland but they can also live in built-up areas. Poisonous spiders, such as the redback spider and the white-tailed spider, are commonly found in houses, sheds and garages. The danger posed by snakes or spiders is, however, extremely low. There are no lions, tigers, or bears in Australia.

Australia is a vast country that has a range of temperate climates. In the Australian winter you can ski in the southern states one day and be diving in the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next. Such temperate conditions make al fresco dining, days on the beach or the water, and a huge variety of sports a way of life here. Keep clothing light, layered and comfortable to cater for whatever you want to do. Protect yourself against the sun – don’t forget to pack sunhat, sunglasses and suntan lotion. For special occasions like business meetings, theatres and formal dining, men may need a jacket and tie or suit and women a more formal dress.

Australia has 11 international gateways served by major international airlines. Major international airports are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, followed by Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Cairns.