8/16/2019 About AUSTRALIA.pdf

1/6

 

AUSTRALIA

Geography

Covering a total area of 7.69 million square kilometres,mainland Australia is the world’s largest island - but

smallest continent. In distance, the continent stretches

about 3700 kilometres from north to south and 4000

kilometres from east to west, making it the sixth-

largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United

States and Brazil.

Australia is also the only continent that is governed as a single country. It is sometimes informally

referred to as an 'island' continent, surrounded by oceans.

Our ocean territory is also the third-largest in the world, spanning three oceans and covering around 12

million square kilometres. We also have one of the most urbanised and coast-dwelling populations in

the world, with more than 80 per cent of residents living within 100 kilometres of the coastline. 

Australia currently has a population of almost 23 million people.

Australian Government

Australia has three levels of government – the federal Australian Government, the governments of the

six states and two territories, and around 700 local government authorities. Australia has been a nation

with a single national government since 1 January 1901. Although it is divided into states and territories

which have their own state governments, we are all united as one nation.

Australia is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom as its head of state,

which is why Australia's national flag comprises the Union Jack (along with the Commonwealth Star and

the Southern Cross).

The Queen appoints the Governor-General of Australia as her representative on the advice of the

elected Australian Government. The Governor-General appoints ministers on the advice of the Prime

Minister. Australia’s system of government is based on the liberal democratic tradition, which includes

religious tolerance and freedom of speech and association.

The Australian Constitution sets out the functions of the Australian Government, such as foreign

relations and trade, defence and immigration. States and territories are responsible for matters not

assigned to the federal government.

There are two major political groups that usually form government, federally and in the states: the

Australian Labor Party, and the Coalition which is a formal grouping of the Liberal Party and its minor

partner, the National Party.

http://www.australia.com/about/australias-landscapes/coastal.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/about/australias-landscapes/coastal.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/about/australias-landscapes/coastal.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/about/key-facts/weather/sydney-weather.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/about/australias-landscapes/coastal.aspx

8/16/2019 About AUSTRALIA.pdf

2/6

Multicultural Australia

Australian society is made up of people from a rich variety of

cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds, and this

is a defining feature of modern Australian society. Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander people have inhabited Australia for

tens of thousands of years. Most Australians are immigrants

or the descendants of immigrants who arrived during the

past two hundred years from more than 200 countries. The

most commonly spoken language in Australia is English, and

the most commonly practiced religion is Christianity,

although foreign languages and other religions are also common.

Cities, states and territories

Australia is divided into six states and two territories.

Canberra is the national capital and the centre of government. It is located approximately 290

kilometres south of Sydney in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Canberra lies on the ancient lands

of the Indigenous Ngunnawal people, and its name is thought to mean ‘meeting place’, from theAboriginal word ‘Kamberra’. It is home to important national institutions, including the Australian

Parliament and the High Court of Australia.

New South Wales is Australia’s oldest and most populated state. It was originally settled as a penal

colony on the shores of Port Jackson where the bustling capital city of  Sydney now stands. More than a

third of Australians live in New South Wales, and Sydney is the nation’s largest city. 

Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states in size but the second most populated. Melbourne is the

capital and is Australia’s second most populated city. During the gold rush of the 1850s, it became one

of the world's largest and wealthiest cities. Melbourne is sometimes referred to as the "cultural capital

of Australia" and is the birthplace of Australian film, television, art, dance and music. Victorians’enthusiasm for sport is also legendary and this is where Australian Rules football began.

Queensland is Australia’s second-largest state in size. The state capital is Brisbane, the third most

populated city in Australia. Queenslanders enjoy more winter sunshine and warmth than most other

Australian states and it’s perfect for all types of outdoor activities and water sports. Queensland is also

home to the world famous Great Barrier Reef  as well as five World Heritage listed areas.

South Australia is a state in the southern central part of the country which covers some of the most arid

parts of the continent. It is the fourth largest of Australia's states and shares its borders with all of the

mainland states and the Northern Territory. The state capital is Adelaide, the fifth-largest city in

Australia. South Australia has a thriving arts scene and is sometimes known as the ‘Festival State’, with

more than 500 festivals taking place there every year.

At the top end of Australia lies the Northern Territory. Darwin, on the northern coast, is the capital, and

Alice Springs the principal inland town. Alice Springs is the physical heart of Australia, almost exactly at

the nation's geographical centre. The Northern Territory is home to the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata

Tjuta (the Olgas) and Kakadu National Park. 

http://www.australia.com/explore/cities/canberra.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/canberra.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/act.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/act.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/act.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/nsw.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/nsw.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/sydney.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/sydney.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/sydney.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/vic.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/vic.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/melbourne.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/melbourne.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/melbourne.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/australian-events/sporting-events.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/australian-events/sporting-events.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/australian-events/sporting-events.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/qld.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/qld.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/brisbane.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/brisbane.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/brisbane.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/gold-coast/qld-surfing.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/gold-coast/qld-surfing.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/gold-coast/qld-surfing.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/great-barrier-reef.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/great-barrier-reef.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/great-barrier-reef.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/sa.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/sa.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/adelaide.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/adelaide.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/adelaide.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/events/sa-adelaide-events.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/events/sa-adelaide-events.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/events/sa-adelaide-events.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/nt.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/nt.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/nt.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/darwin.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/darwin.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/darwin.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/alice-springs.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/alice-springs.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/campaigns/nothinglike/au/uluru.htmhttp://www.australia.com/campaigns/nothinglike/au/uluru.htmhttp://www.australia.com/campaigns/nothinglike/au/uluru.htmhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/kakadu.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/kakadu.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/kakadu.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/about/key-facts/weather/brisbane-weather.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/kakadu.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/campaigns/nothinglike/au/uluru.htmhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/alice-springs.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/darwin.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/nt.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/events/sa-adelaide-events.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/adelaide.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/sa.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/great-barrier-reef.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/gold-coast/qld-surfing.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/brisbane.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/qld.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/australian-events/sporting-events.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/melbourne.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/vic.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/sydney.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/nsw.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/act.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/canberra.aspx

8/16/2019 About AUSTRALIA.pdf

3/6

 

Western Australia is Australia’s largest state by area. About three-quarters of the state’s population live

in the capital Perth, which is the fourth most populated city in Australia. The east of the state is mostly

desert while to the west the state is bound by almost 13000 kilometres of pristine coastline. In the

1890s gold was discovered and mining is still one of the state’s biggest industries. 

Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by Bass Strait and is the smallest state in Australia. The

capital, Hobart, was founded in 1804 as a penal colony, and is Australia's second oldest capital city after

Sydney. One-fifth of Tasmania is covered by national parks and wilderness areas. It is one of the world's

most mountainous islands whose geology reflects Australia’s connection millions of years ago with

Antarctica.

Australia also administers Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, the Cocos (or Keeling) Islands,

the Coral Sea Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island and the Australian Antarctic Territory

(covering 42 per cent of the Antarctic continent) as external territories.

Weather in Australia

Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year but the climate can vary due to the size ofour continent. The northern states typically experience warm weather much of the time, with the

southern states experiencing cooler winters. Australia is also one of the driest continents on earth with

an average annual rainfall of less than 600 millimetres. Like all countries in the southern hemisphere,

Australia's seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. December to February is summer;

March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring. 

Useful Tips

Prepare for your Australian trip with our practical tips. Learn about our currency, how to call home, keep

safe, shop responsibly and travel with a disability. Then you’re ready to go.

Money

Australia’s currency is Australian Dollars (AUD) and currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and

international airports. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard,

Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB and their affiliates. Try this handy currency converter.

Goods and Services Tax

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent. You may be able to claim a refund of the

GST paid on goods bought here if you have spent AUD$300 or more in one store, no more than 30 days

before departing Australia. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in the departure area of

international terminals. For more detailed information see Australian government information on the

Tourist Refund Scheme. 

Shopping

You’ll find large department stores, arcades, malls, gift and souvenir shops across Australia. Trading

hours vary across the country but shops in tourist and city areas are generally open until 6pm, with the

exception of late night shopping on either Thursdays or Fridays in different states. In Australia you are

covered by Australia's consumer protection laws which require businesses to treat you fairly.

http://www.australia.com/explore/states/wa.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/wa.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/perth.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/perth.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/perth.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/tas.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/tas.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/hobart.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/hobart.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/hobart.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/tas-wilderness.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/tas-wilderness.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/tas-wilderness.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/about/key-facts/weather/brisbane-weather.aspxhttp://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4643.asphttp://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4643.asphttp://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/shopping/australian-souvenirs.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/shopping/australian-souvenirs.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/shopping/australian-souvenirs.aspxhttp://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/Tourism/Tourism%20Policy/China%20Approved%20Desitnation%20Scheme/0997%20Consumer%20rights%20v3.pdfhttp://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/Tourism/Tourism%20Policy/China%20Approved%20Desitnation%20Scheme/0997%20Consumer%20rights%20v3.pdfhttp://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/Tourism/Tourism%20Policy/China%20Approved%20Desitnation%20Scheme/0997%20Consumer%20rights%20v3.pdfhttp://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/Documents/Tourism/Tourism%20Policy/China%20Approved%20Desitnation%20Scheme/0997%20Consumer%20rights%20v3.pdfhttp://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/shopping/australian-souvenirs.aspxhttp://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4643.asphttp://www.australia.com/about/key-facts/weather/brisbane-weather.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/tas-wilderness.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/hobart.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/tas.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/cities/perth.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/states/wa.aspx

8/16/2019 About AUSTRALIA.pdf

4/6

 Tipping and bargaining

Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill. In up market restaurants, it is usual to tip

waiters up to ten per cent of the bill for good service. However, tipping is always your choice. It is not

custom to bargain in Australia.

Emergency assistance

The emergency number for police, ambulance and or fire brigade is 000.

Surf and water safety

Australia’s popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer lifesavers from October to April and red

and yellow flags mark the safest area for swimming. For information about marine stingers and

crocodile safety read the Queensland Government website.

Language

Australia’s official language is English. However, being a multicultural nation with a significant migrant

population, we also enjoy a tremendous diversity of languages and cultures.

Electrical power points

Our electrical current is 220 – 240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from

some other countries, so you may need an adaptor.

Communication

Australia’s country code is 61. Local calls from public pay phones are untimed and charged at AUD$.050.

Mobile, long distance and overseas calls are usually timed.Mobile phone network coverage is available

across Australia, however coverage may be limited in some remote areas. Internet access is widely

available at internet cafes, accommodation and libraries.

Postal services

Post offices are usually open 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some city post offices open on

Saturday morning. Travellers can arrange to collect mail at post offices throughout Australia.

Accessible Travel

If you have a disability and are planning to explore Australia, there is a host of services and special deals

to meet your needs. Thorough preparation is essential to a successful trip, so speak to your travel agent

about your specific requirements. For more information on accessible tourism in Australia go to NICAN 

or the AustraliaForAll  websites.

Australia’s Travel Tips / Hazards 

Australia’s stable political system, well-maintained roads, low crime rate and high standard of health

care make it a safe and relatively easy country to explore. However it’s important to be aware of

potential environmental hazards, such as bushfires, rough surf and extreme desert heat. You’ll need to

be thoroughly prepared for outback journeys and long bushwalks or hikes, and take sensible precautions

in regards to sharks, crocodiles and poisonous animals. With the following common-sense tips, you can

safely enjoy Australia’s unique landscapes – from the vast outback to wild ocean beaches and pristine

wilderness tracts.

http://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/dangerous-marine.htmlhttp://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/dangerous-marine.htmlhttp://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/dangerous-marine.htmlhttp://www.nican.com.au/http://www.nican.com.au/http://www.nican.com.au/http://www.australiaforall.com/http://www.australiaforall.com/http://www.australiaforall.com/http://www.australiaforall.com/http://www.nican.com.au/http://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/dangerous-marine.html

8/16/2019 About AUSTRALIA.pdf

5/6

Personal Security

Australia has a stable political system and low crime rate on a world scale and so Australians experience

a safe lifestyle. It is generally a safe destination with tourists enjoying unhindered travel experiences in

terms of their personal safety and security. However, as with all travel at home or away, you should

observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions.

Sun protection

The Australian sun is very strong. Always wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion,

even on cloudy days. If spending the whole day outdoors, reapply sunscreen regularly. Stay out of the

sun during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid

dehydration.

Bushfires – fires in general

Australians live with the risk of bushfires. The danger period is from late spring to summer and during

this time observe some simple safety precautions. Before setting out on a journey, inform yourself of

bushfire risks through TV, radio and newspapers reports. When camping, use designated fireplaces and

comply with road warning signs and total fire bans. If you must light a fire, always extinguish it

completely with water.

Swimming between the flags

Australia’s beautiful beaches can hold hidden dangers in the form of strong currents called rips. Avoid

them by always swimming between the red and yellow flags - they mark the safest place to swim on the

beach. Lifesavers wearing red and yellow uniforms generally patrol beaches during the warmer months

of October to April, but some of the most popular beaches are patrolled all-year round. Never swim

alone, at night, under the influence of alcohol or directly after a meal. Always check water depth before

diving in and never run and dive into the water from the beach.

Sharks and crocodiles

Shark attacks in Australia are very rare, however may be fatal. Shark netting on Australian beaches deter

sharks, but you can further reduce your risk by always swimming between the flags on patrolled

beaches and not swimming at dusk or evening. Avoid swimming alone, a long way offshore, at river

mouths or along drop-offs to deeper water.

Crocodiles live in rivers and coastal estuaries across northern Australia, often changing habitat via sea.

When travelling near crocodile habitats, observe safety signs and don’t swim in rivers, estuaries, tidal

rivers, deep pools or mangrove shores. Also seek expert advice about crocodiles before camping, fishing

or boating.

The poisonous animals – snakes, spiders, marine stingers

Marine stingers are present in tropical waters from November to April. During this time you can only

swim within stinger-resistant enclosures, which are set up on the most popular beaches. You will also

need to wear protective clothing when swimming, snorkeling or diving on the outer Great Barrier Reef . Always observe warning signs.

When bushwalking or hiking, you can avoid snake and spider bites by wearing protective footwear and

using your common sense. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention. Deaths from snake bites are

extremely rare and there have been few deaths from spider bites since anti venoms were made

available in 1981.

http://www.australia.com/about/australias-landscapes/australian-beaches.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/about/australias-landscapes/australian-beaches.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/australian-adventure/nat-diving.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/australian-adventure/nat-diving.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/australian-adventure/nat-diving.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/great-barrier-reef.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/great-barrier-reef.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/great-barrier-reef.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/icons/great-barrier-reef.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/explore/things-to-do/australian-adventure/nat-diving.aspxhttp://www.australia.com/about/australias-landscapes/australian-beaches.aspx

8/16/2019 About AUSTRALIA.pdf

6/6