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1 Australian immigration clearance, customs/ quarantine
1.1 Which items should you declare at customs?
1.2 Understand the incoming passenger card
1.3 The penalties for failing to declare ‘restricted’ goods
1.4 What happens if you fail to declare something at customs?
1.5 Where can you get more information?
1.6 Duty/tax free goods
1.7 Unaccompanied effects
2 Living in Australia
2.1 Some basic information
2.2 Accommodation options
2.2.1 Hostels and guest houses
2.2.2 Share accommodation
2.2.3 Rental accommodation
3 Getting around – Public transport & driving in Australia
3.1 Public transport
3.2 Driving in Australia
3.2.1 Driving in Australia: General information
3.2.2 Renting a car
3.2.3 Buying a car
4 Australian weather
5 Fun things to do in Australia
5.1 Places to go: The seven great wonders of Australia
5.1.1 Sydney Harbor (bridge & opera house)
5.1.2 The Great Barrier Reef
5.1.3 Uluru (Ayers Rock)
5.1.4 The Great Ocean Road
5.1.5 Surfers Paradise (The Gold Coast)
5.1.6 The Barossa Valley (South Australia)
5.1.7 Kakadu National Park
5.2 Swim with the dolphins
5.3 Go Bush and see the Outback
5.4 Get friendly with a Whale Shark
5.5 Experience the Unique Aboriginal Culture
5.6 Get your fix of the Sand and Surf
5.7 Attractions and nightlife in the cities
5.7.1 Sydney
5.7.1.1 Sydney Attractions
5.7.1.2 Sydney Nightlife
5.7.1.3 Accommodation in Sydney
5.7.2 Melbourne
5.7.2.1 Melbourne Attractions
5.7.2.2 Melbourne Nightlife
5.7.2.3 Accommodation in Melbourne
5.7.3 Brisbane
5.7.3.1 Brisbane Attractions
5.7.3.2 Brisbane Nightlife
5.7.3.3 Accommodation in Brisbane
5.7.4 Hobart
5.7.4.1 Hobart Attractions
5.7.4.2 Hobart Nightlife
5.7.4.3 Accommodation in Hobart
5.7.5 Adelaide
5.7.5.1 Adelaide Attractions
5.7.5.2 Adelaide Nightlife
5.7.5.3 Accommodation in Adelaide
5.7.6 Perth
5.7.6.1 Perth Attractions
5.7.6.2 Perth Nightlife
5.7.6.3 Accommodation in Perth
6 Other useful information
6.1 Emergency & useful contact information
6.2 Electricity
6.3 The telephone system
1 Australian immigration clearance, customs/ quarantine
1.1 Which items should you declare at customs?
The most common items carried by visitors that need to be declared are:
■ Food e.g. seeds, nuts, dried fish, meat, mushrooms and dairy products; ■ Plant material e.g. flowers, straw and wooden artifacts; ■ Wildlife products e.g. shells, American ginseng, feathers, animal skins and furs; ■ Herbal and other medicines e.g. dietary, nutritional medicines and tiger balm; ■ Pirated software e.g. pirated CDs and games (prohibited under trademark and copyright laws); ■ Local or foreign currency amounting to more than A$10,000 or its equivalent (there are no limits on the amount
of cash you can bring into Australia but you must fill in a Customs form if you are carrying more than $10,000).
You should declare these items on your incoming passenger card, which will be given to you during your flight to Australia. Then you should proceed through the Red Channel which is marked ‘Goods to Declare’.
1.2 Understand the incoming passenger card
The incoming passenger card is available in most languages. However, if you are having difficulty, do not fill in the card but ask a Customs Officer for help when you land at the airport. If in doubt, do NOT ask someone else to fill it in.
Australia’s strict border controls mean your footwear, clothing, baggage and any food you are carrying will be inspected on arrival. Any goods you send separately (unaccompanied effects) including by mail will have to be cleared through Customs when they arrive.
1.3 The penalties for failing to declare ‘restricted’ goods
Australia has increased its border controls against the possible introduction of exotic pests and diseases such as foot and mouth disease. These improved border controls mean all arriving air passengers are being screened. Customs and Quarantine are doing everything possible to ensure travellers experience minimum delay, but some disruption at airports cannot be avoided.
Your footwear or clothing may be inspected for soil, straw or material that may harbour pests or diseases. If these items need cleaning, a Quarantine Officer will take care of this before you leave the airport. It will greatly assist if items are readily accessible in your luggage.
You must declare if you are carrying food or any items of plant and/or animal origin, including meat, dairy products, straw packaging, or equipment used with animals. The penalties for failing to declare ‘restricted’ goods are a monetary fine or prosecution.
1.4 What happens if you fail to declare something at customs?
If in doubt, always declare something. If you fail to declare ‘restricted’ goods at Customs, you may face a monetary fine or prosecution. Never try to hide something in your bags or on your person.
1.5 Where can you get more information?
We suggest that you visit the Australian Customs web site at www.customs.gov.au (international travel section) to find out more information.
There is a comprehensive checklist of what you can and cannot bring into Australia on www.immi.gov.au/visitors/q_ref.htm this checklist is broken down into four categories: food, plant material, animal material and other material. The guide will show you which goods need to be inspected, which need treatment and
which are prohibited.
If you are having trouble understanding the sites and would prefer to read in a different language, go to the ‘Alternativeversions’ on the Customs website and the ‘Visiting Australia’ page on www.immi.gov.au/visitors and select your preferred language.
If you need to ask a specific question, or want further clarification, you can send an email to the Customs Information Centre on [email protected] or you can telephone on +61 2 6275 6666.
1.6 Duty/tax free goods
You have a duty/tax free allowance of A$400 (A$200 for people under 18). This means you can bring $400 worth of goods, such as perfume, jewellery, electronic items etc duty/tax free into Australia. Note that items intended as gifts are included in the $400 allowance.
You are also allowed to bring 1125 ml of alcohol and 250 cigarettes (or 250 grams of tobacco) duty/tax free into Australia.
1.7 Unaccompanied effects
You may decide to send some of your personal effects to Australia by sea or air, using a freight forwarder or courier company.
Note that the same rules apply to unaccompanied effects for sending food, plant and animal materials etc to Australia. If any of these items are contained in your luggage, you must declare them. We do not recommend that you send a laptop or other ‘new’ goods in your unaccompanied luggage, as you may be liable to pay tax on them.
Once your effects arrive in Australia, you will be asked to ‘clear’ them at the nearest Customs office. You can nominate a Customs broker or freight forwarder to ‘clear’ your items for you, but this may be expensive. If you are going to ‘clear’ your goods yourself, you will need to take the following items with you to the Customs office:
A completed Unaccompanied Effects Statement (B534) which you can download from the Customs website on www.customs.gov.au (select the option Customs Forms) A valid passport A packing list (a list of all the items you packed in your luggage).
Whether or not you have any goods to declare, a Customs or Quarantine officer may examine your luggage. If you do have any ‘new’ items in your luggage, be ready to produce your receipts to the officer.
Note: Duty and tax free concessions do NOT apply to unaccompanied effects.
For more information, refer to the unaccompanied effects brochure and unaccompanied effects statement available at Australian diplomatic posts overseas.
If you have any questions about Australian Customs, be sure to find out the answers before you depart for Australia.
Tel: +61 2 6275 6666
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.customs.gov.au
2 Living in Australia
2.1 Some basic information
Time: There are three time zones: Eastern Standard Time is UTC plus 10 hours; Central Time is UTC plus 9.5 hours; and Western Time UTC plus 8 hours.
Electricity: 220-240V
Weights & measures: metric
2.2 Accommodation options
When you first arrive in Australia you may wish to stay in a youth hostel, hotel or serviced apartment while investigating ongoing accommodation.
There are a number of accommodation options for you in Australia.
2.2.1 Hostels and guest houses
Approximate cost: AUD$80 - AUD$135 per week
Hostels can be privately owned or run by organisations such as the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) and the Young Men’sChristian Association (YMCA). Students staying in hostels will share bathroom and kitchen facilities.
2.2.2 Share accommodation
Approximate cost: AUD$70 - AUD$200 per week
Many young Australians live in share accommodation. That is, they share a house or apartment with friends or strangers. Daily papers often have share accommodation sections in their weekend edition, detailing location and price. You should call to arrange for an interview with the existing occupants and inspect the property. Share accommodation may also be sourced via friends or other students. In most cases you will be required to supply your own furniture.
2.2.3 Rental accommodation
Approximate cost: AUD$100 - AUD$350 per week
Real Estate Agents in Australia have lists of properties (including houses and apartments) that they manage for owners. Usually you will be required to sign a lease, which is commitment to rent the property for a set period of time. The most common length of a lease is 12 months, although you can occasionally arrange a 6 month lease.
To find available rental properties you can check daily papers (usually Wednesday and Saturday) or visit real estate agents and ask for a list of their available rental properties. You can then visit various properties and if you find one you like, you can request an inspection before you make an application to rent. Your application will be assessed on your income and perceived ability to pay rent. A personal reference may be helpful. If successful, you will have to pay one month rental as a BOND, which is to ensure you look after the property. This will to be returned once you move out if the property is left in good condition. You will also be required to pay one month’s rental in advance.
Monthly rental rates vary greatly based on position (the closer you are to the centre of a city, the more expensive they tend to be) and the type of property. As a guide, an inner city one bedroom apartment will average USD$100 -$USD200 (or approximately AUD$200 - AUD$400) per week.
Average flat/unit/town house prices and weekly rents for June quarter 2000*
City Average price AUD$ Average 2 bedroom weekly rents (AUD$)
It will be more expensive to live in a capital city than it will be to live in a regional area. Sydney is the most expensive city in relation to living expenses, followed by Melbourne. Sydney’s living costs are around 30% higher than Melbourne.
There are also Australian Real Estate sites on the Internet, which may be of assistance to you in seeking suitable rental accommodation. Some of these allow property owners to place information about their property directly onto the site. Others will give you a list of properties managed by agents for the owners. Many Real Estate sites focus on selling properties only. Jay, you may like to try the following sites:
www.property.com.auwww.movinghome.com.auwww.rentalhotline.com.auwww.realestate.com.au
Sydney 275,000 275
Melbourne 210,000 185
Adelaide 90,000 130
Perth 124,000 150
Canberra 145,000 200
Hobart 110,000 130
Darwin 175,000 210
3 Getting around – Public transport & driving in Australia
3.1 Public transport
Australia offers a modern and extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, trams, ferries, two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines. Metropolitan areas are divided into zones and your ticket type and cost depends on which zone you are going to travel in and for how long. Tickets can be bought at train stations, on buses and trams and at newsagencies.
Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. You can pre-book taxis from your point of departure for convenience, otherwise taxi ranks exist at transport terminals, main hotels, shopping centres or you can hail taxis in the street. A light and sign on the roof indicates if a cab is vacant. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometre travelled. All taxi drivers carry identification badges and do not have to be tipped.
3.2 Driving in Australia
3.2.1 Driving in Australia: General information
An international visitor may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver's licence for the same class of vehicle. Make sure you carry your licence when driving. If your licence is not in English, you must carry a translation. An international driver's permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid driver's licence.
If you do not have a valid licence, you will need to obtain the appropriate Australian driver's licence if you wish to drive on the roads. To do this, you usually need to pass a knowledge test, a practical test, and an eyesight test.
You should be aware that there are strict traffic laws in Australia and breaking them can result in substantial fines, the loss of your driver's licence or even imprisonment.
In all states the laws are strict regarding speed limits and driving after drinking alcohol.
Seatbelts and child restraints are compulsory in Australia.
Motor vehicles in Australia are right-hand drive and therefore travel on the left-hand side of the road.
All motor vehicles must be registered annually. Included in the annual registration is a third party insurance premium, which provides cover to other parties who may be injured as a result of an accident.
Comprehensive insurance is recommended to cover you in the event of an accident. You should bring evidence of your insurance history to Australia as this may be considered when you purchase insurance. Evidence of your past insurance history can provide a substantial cost saving.
3.2.2 Renting a car
Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads and highways. In Australia, you can explore some of the most beautiful road touring in the world. Rent anything from a sports car or four-wheel drive vehicle to a luxury motor-home.
Rental cars are available at major airports, central city locations, suburbs and resorts in Australia and a range of rental companies offer competitive rates.
Personal injury or damage to the vehicle or property of a third party is generally covered by compulsory insurance. In the event of an accident, an ‘excess’ payment may apply. Personal accident insurance is also available. The minimum age is 21 years and a surcharge may be imposed for drivers under 25 years. Please check with the rental company for full details.
3.2.3 Buying a car
If you wish to buy a car instead of rent during your stay, you can buy a used (‘second-hand’) car for as little as AUD$2,000. The following websites will give you a good idea of the price range for used cars, through both private sales and car dealer ships.
www.buyguide.com.auwww.drive.com.auwww.melbourne.citysearch.com.auhttp://pages.ebay.com.au/motors-index.html
You can also check the classifieds in daily newspapers. Also look for trading and specialty automobile newspapers and magazines.
4 Australian weather
Australian weather is can vary greatly from one end of the country to the other. Whilst the top end of Australia is usually warm and mild all year round, it can experience wet spells with tropical rain storms and high humidity.
The southern end of Australia has very distinct seasons. The average summer temperature is between 25-30 degrees Celsius but it can experience long hot spells with the temperature in excess of 30 degrees Celsius.
During winter the average temperature in southern Australia can range between 14- 20 degrees Celsius with snow falls in the Alpine region.
http://www.bom.gov.au/
5 Fun things to do in Australia
5.1 Places to go: The seven great wonders of Australia
5.1.1 Sydney Harbor (bridge & opera house)
The world-renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge, a symbol of Australia and the white-sailed Sydney Opera House both sit on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. The harbour and surrounds have much to offer the tourist: the city’shistoric enclaves, excellent restaurants and cafes, Olympic venues, white sandy beaches (including the famous Bondi Beach), museums and art galleries, and the national parks and wildlife both within the city itself and on its fringes.
For more information please visit; http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/
5.1.2 The Great Barrier Reef
As big as the total combined area of the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Great Barrier Reef remains Australia’s most famous natural wonder. The beauty of the multi-coloured reefs awe all who visit. It contains more than 1,000 islands, from sandy cays to rainforest isles. You can scuba dive with the tropical fish or snorkel for the underwater views.
For more information please visit; http://www.reef.crc.org.au/http://www.great-barrier-reef.com/
5.1.3 Uluru (Ayers Rock)
An awesome sight particularly at both sunrise and sunset is Australia’s largest monolith, Uluru. Originally named 'Ayers Rock' by the British settlers, the rock is now formally known by its original aboriginal name ‘Uluru’. This stunning rock formation rises 348 metres from the flat sandy surface of middle Australia – it measures some 9.4 km in circumference and is a keen challenge for bushwalkers and climbers alike.
The beginnings of Uluru are the subject of much scientific disagreement, the most widely held theory is that Uluru is part of a remnant of a vast sedimentary bed which was laid down some 600 million years ago. The bed was spectacularly tilted so that Uluru now protrudes at an angle of up to 85°. The rock is actually grey but is covered with a distinctive red iron oxide coating. No one is sure when the first Aborigines moved into the area but the best evidence suggests that it was at least 10000 years ago.
Uluru has accommodation ranging from campsites to luxury resort stays. You can tour the base of the rock with Aboriginal tour guides and you can choose to walk around the rock, ride a camel or fly around on the back of a Harley Davidson.
For more information please visit: http://www.ea.gov.au/parks/uluru/index.html
5.1.4 The Great Ocean Road
One of the world's most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road winds past quiet bays and beaches, rainforests, and historic shipwreck sites. It stretches for over 300 kilometers, from Torquay, just south of Geelong, to Warrnambool. For most of the distance the road hugs the coastline.
Torquay is a popular surfing spot and the Road leads past a collection of surfing and swimming beaches. Between Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay the road features the beautiful contrast of the ocean beaches on one side and the forests and mountains of the Otway Ranges on the other. The Otway Ranges stretch from Anglesea to Cape Otway and offer beautiful hills, waterfalls, excellent walking tracks and picnic spots. At Apollo Bay the Great Ocean Road leaves the coast and winds through the rainforest of Cape Otway and on to Port Campbell National Park. Along this stretch of the drive you will see an amazing collection of rock sculptures such as 'The Twelve Apostles' huge stone pillars looming out of the surf.
Along the Great Ocean Road it is usually not difficult to find accommodation, whether you wish to camp, stay at a backpacker’s or live it up in a nice hotel. During the summer months (Dec-Feb) however, the Road can be full of holiday makers, so we advise you call ahead to ensure you have a place to stay at night.
For more information please visit: http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au/
5.1.5 Surfers Paradise (The Gold Coast)
With the warm Pacific Ocean on one side, the deep blue Nerang River on the other, and more shops, high rise resorts and attractions squeezed in between than probably any other peninsula in earth Surfers Paradise Gold Coast is indisputably one of the tourist capitals of Australia.
The Gold Coast Surfers Paradise is home to many attractions, including everything from bungee jumping and mini ice skating, to the Honda Indy 300. There are also countless restaurants, night clubs and bars to party away the nights.
Given its name, it is not surprising the main draw card is the 150m wide stretch of sand that extends for almost 10km in each direction. The clear blue water has excellent waves for surfing and the beach is patrolled year round, so it's safe to swim.
Accommodation venues range from 3 to 5 stars and you will be able to find the right place to suit your budget.
5.1.6 The Barossa Valley (South Australia)
The Barossa Valley in South Australia has become one of the world's great wine-producing areas. Its 500 grape growers and 50 wineries produce about one quarter of Australian wines. It started in the 1840s with the arrival of hard-working German peasant farmers and middle class English settlers with a dream of a 'country gentleman's lifestyle'.
There is much to do besides sample the wine in the Barossa, there are galleries and craft shops delicatessens, bakeries and cafes brewing freshly ground coffee to visit.
If your stay is a short one, you can take the Wine Train or a special tour from Adelaide for a day. Alternatively, you can stay in one of the beautifully maintained stately homes, cottages, farmhouses, hotels, motels or a bush hideaway with sites for caravans and tents.
5.1.7 Kakadu National Park
This World Heritage listed area is a natural wonderland, where crocodiles dwell alongside brightly hued bird life and waterfalls plunge to sparkling pools.
Kakadu has magnificent scenery and many wonderful examples of Aboriginal rock paintings that can be seen in impressive galleries like Nourlangie and Ubirr. An early morning cruise on Yellow Waters Lagoon at Cooinda is unforgettable, with its profusion of birdlife and crocodiles on the shore. Some tracks, like the one to Jim Jim and Twin Falls, are only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle and only in the Dry season; in the Wet (rainy) season the only way to see the falls is by helicopter. But the falls at Gunlom, where a scene from the movie ‘Crocodile Dundee’ was shot, can be reached by normal car- a fantastic spot with great swimming and beautiful views from the top.
Accommodation is available within the park ranges from rustic camping areas to hotels.
For more information please visit: http://www.ea.gov.au/parks/kakadu/seeanddo/index.html
5.2 Swim with the dolphins
Australia is one of extremely few places in the world offering an opportunity to swim with wild dolphins. This is a truly unique experience that always makes a lasting impression.
Although numerous places in Australia offer this attraction, including Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, the best place to do this is in the beautiful world heritage listed Shark Bay in Western Australia. This is an amazing place with many bays, inlets and islands supporting a profusion of aquatic life. You can see not only dolphins here, but also whales, turtles and a unique mix of tropical and temperate fish. This area in fact has the largest number of species ever recorded in one place in the world.
Shark Bay allows visitors to mingle freely with wild bottle-nosed dolphins. Under the careful supervision of National Park Ranger, you are allowed to swim and play with the dolphins as well as give them a snack. Although feeding the dolphins is a popular activity, great care is also taken to ensure that they are not fed too much so that they continue to preserve their hunting instincts.
5.3 Go Bush and see the Outback
Australia's outback seems like the most never-ending place on earth, hence its other knick name of “Never Never”.Seeing the Outback for the first time is an amazing experience. Driving down a road that stretches in a straight line all the way to the horizon and seeing hundreds or often thousands to kilometers of nothing but untouched wilderness, is truly unforgettable. It is no wonder that both travelers and Aussies take on the Outback every year looking for an adventure or for peace of mind in the vast and untouched wilderness.
There are numerous places to see in the Australian Outback. Queensland's outback mining towns and New South Wales' town of Broken Hill offer a good start as they lie on the fringe of the Outback. The town of Coober Pedy in South Australia is also a popular destination, playfully affirming the Down Under mindset as residents live in underground homes, dug under the dessert to escape the scorching temperatures. Other interesting places include the Kimberley which is accessible during the Dry Season and of course Australia's Red Centre, with the imposing Uluru also known as the Ayers Rock, offering magnificent views of the Outback.
As the Outback is a wild and isolated place it is extremely important to be well prepared before venturing there. You need to have a clear plan of where you are going, have good supplies of water and petrol, and a reliable vehicle. You can ask the locals about what’s required before traveling and plan your own adventure, but it is much safer to book one of the numerous tours operating in this area.
5.4 Get friendly with a Whale Shark
Whale Sharks are the world's largest fish. They are on average 15 meters long and weigh well over 10 tons. Some can even grow over 18 meters in length with mouths that are over a meter wide. They are however completely harmless as they live on tiny krill, just like whales and so despite their imposing size pose no threat. They are very distinctive in appearance, covered in a contrast of light dots over a darker body.
From about March to May each year, over a hundred Whales Sharks can be found along the Western Australian coast on the Ningaloo Reef, in Western Australia. The town of Exmouth is located near the reef and each year celebrates the arrival of the “Gentle Giants of the Ningaloo” with a festival in the second week of April.
The Ningaloo Reef is the only place in the world that the Whale Sharks return to at the same time every year. As a result there are numerous tours run from the town of Exmouth offering an opportunity to swim the Whale Sharks. Often it is even possible to swim alongside them without scuba gear as they come very close to the surface.
5.5 Experience the Unique Aboriginal Culture
The ancient culture of Australia’s indigenous people is a very rich and unique one. While the Aboriginal culture is rich and complex, the traditional owners had no written language. Their history and legends are therefore recorded in paintings, the meaning of which has been passed down the generations.
Some of the Aboriginal paintings are at least 5000 years old and are the oldest, publicly accessible artworks in the world. You can see some of these paintings deep inside the Kakadu National Park at place called Ubirr. There you can also read stories about what the paintings represent.
The Aboriginal culture traditionally sees a very strong connection between the earth and all of its inhabitants and has a deep respect for the land. Their traditional beliefs tell that during the "Dreaming" spirits carved all the feature of the
landscape and came to life as plants and animals. Tjapukai near Cairns, Brambuk Living Cultural Centre in Grampians National Park, and Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Kakadu National Park are some of the places that attempt to present accurate representations of the "Dreaming" stories to the European visitors.
Modern Aboriginal art can also be found in small galleries in larger cities, but the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra has the continent's best collection.
5.6 Get your fix of the Sand and Surf
Being an island continent, Australia is surrounded by fantastic beaches and these are a must to experience for any traveler. They range from glamorous touristy spots to untouched wilderness where you can often encounter wild sea lions. Bondi and Coogee beaches in Sydney are the main tourist attractions. The perfect white sand beach of Whitehaven in the Whitsunday Islands looks like a piece of paradise. The ocean off Queensland's Fraser Island also offers pristine beauty while the rolling green hills at Broome's Cable Beach tumble softly into the ocean. The beaches around Lake Entrance in Victoria offer kilometers of sand often with not a soul to be seen.
Surfing is also an Australian national pastime and is a popular option on tourists’ “to do” lists. In New South Wales, Byron Bay and Newcastle are among the country's most popular spots, whereas Lennox Head is home to one of the longest right-hand breaks in the world. The waves at Surfers Paradise are often perfect, as the name suggests, and are a great place for beginners. A little farther south, Coolangatta is the place for pros. Duranbah, Kirra and Snapper Rocks are also great spots. There also a number of Surfing Carnivals to see including the popular Rip Curl Classic at Victoria's Bell's Beach in Torquay, the Bruny Island's Cloudy Bay in Tasmania and the Yallingup in Western Australia.
5.7 Attractions and nightlife in the cities
5.7.1 Sydney
Sydney is the oldest settlement in Australia and the largest city with a population of over 4,250,000. It is a vibrant city bursting with energy. Its multicultural population and large numbers of visitors give it a unique flavour, and the spectacular setting of Port Jackson shores makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
5.7.1.1 Sydney Attractions
One must-see destination is Circular Quay in the hub of Sydney Harbour. It offers spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on one side and the famous Sydney Opera House on the other. For a unique Sydney experience you can catch one of the ferries that leave every few minutes to different parts of the harbour, including Manly and Mosman with their famous beaches and the Taronga Park Zoo. You can also get a great view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from some of the ferries.
A walk along the southern side of Circular Quay will take you to the Sydney Opera House and the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens. The Opera House is most definitely worth seeing up close. It is an extraordinary structure that has become one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. The iconic building is a great sight both during the day and night. The interior is also worth seeing and popular guided tours are offered in a rage of languages. The tours cover the extraordinary history and architecture of the building and give an overview of the Australian performing arts scene, including details of the current Sydney Opera House performances.
A short stroll in the northern direction from Circular Quay, through lovely landscaped walkways, takes you to the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Those not afraid of heights can climb the bridge with a special 3 and a ½ hour tour that ventures through over 1,500 meters of steel, across catwalks, ladders and arches to the top of this modern wonder. As well as the thrill of the climb, you will also experience spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the city. Day, twilight and night tours are offered.
Going a bit further in the northern direction will take you to The Rocks, one of the oldest parts of Sydney. The Rocks
are another major attraction and one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. Being the oldest preserved colonial district in Australia, this area has enormous historical significance, often being described as "Sydney's outdoors museum". It offers a lot of Old World charm with the carefully preserved historic buildings, but at the same time also has a vibrant pocket of cafes and restaurants and interesting shops and stalls. The best place to start exploring The Rocks is the Sydney Visitor Centre, at 106 George Street.
You must also go and see Australia’s famous Bondi Beach. This is one of the world's most well known beaches, serving as a symbol of Australia’s legendary sand, surf and sun. The beach is roughly a kilometre long and is patrolled by the iconic Aussie lifesavers. There are activities to see here all year round, from surfing competitions to kite flying displays. There are also interesting art galleries and markets.
Sydney’s Darling Harbour is also worth having a look at and is becoming another major tourist site. A good way to get there is with a monorail service that makes stops at points around the harbour. Some good restaurants can be found here including the Cockle Wharf as well as a complex of trendy cafes.
5.7.1.2 Sydney Nightlife
As far as night-life is concerned Sydney has it all, whether you're looking for an all-night party, a romantic interlude, a pub with character, or the lights of a theatre show. Each of the city's nightlife districts has its own character, from the pubs at The Rocks in Sydney Harbour to the beachside bars of Bondi.
Most parts of the city offer great nightclubs, pubs, jazz haunts and rock venues. The best night life areas include; Darling Harbour, Kings Cross, Oxford Street and The Rocks. One of the better known venues is The Establishment in the city centre. It features various bars and restaurants and is host to the Tank Nightclub. It is known for great music and has two levels with three bars and a great dance floor. If you want to have a nice dinner and listen to some great live music, you should head to The Basement at Circular Quay. This club has been operating since 1970 and is one of the landmarks of the Australian music scene. It features great live acts and is always filled to capacity. If you come to Sydney in March you can also have a look at the famous annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which always draws huge crowds of spectators with over half a million people coming to watch the show every year.
To find our more about what Sydney’s nightlife has to offer have a look at the numerous free publications that outline what's happening in Sydney’s pubs and clubs, and what bands, theatre, opera, and free events are on. Sydney taxi drivers can also usually match a personality with a place so are worth talking to.
5.7.1.3 Accommodation in Sydney
Sydney, like all other cities in Australia offers a wide range of accommodation options. Backpacker hostels are an extremely popular option due to their affordability. Unfortunately other accommodation in Sydney is expensive by Australian standards as this is the city with the highest cost of living in the country.
City Central Backpackers on George Street are one of the better options. Located a short walk form Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, and close to the best nightlife spots. Sydney Backpackers is also a good choice, located in the city centre. A very wide range of other options is also available with prices starting as low as $20 per night for a weekly rate. A good way to find a place in the location you are interested in is to do a search on the Sydney City Life website at http://www.bcl.com.au/sydney/sydneybackpackers.htm or do a search for backpacker or other accommodation on the Australian Yellow Pages at: http://www.yellowpages.com.au.
For more information about Sydney please visit:http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
5.7.2 Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its more European-centric atmosphere and multicultural feel. It is full of great architecture and beautiful gardens and is also renowned as Australia's city for the arts, being home to world class galleries, museums, and theatres which regularly host national and international features.
5.7.2.1 Melbourne Attractions
Melbourne is home to the famous Victorian Arts Centre, one of the most technically advanced opera and theatre complexes in the world. The centre houses world-class theatres, a large concert hall and a performing arts museum, as well as the National Gallery of Victoria with the largest art collection in the southern hemisphere. The gallery receives strong support from a lively and cultured public and holds a number of important exhibitions each year, so there is bound to be something interesting on when you visit.
The city also hosts a range of festivals, including the world-acclaimed Melbourne International Arts Festival - an
annual performance extravaganza, the Comedy Festival, Moomba Festival, the International Film Festival, Fringe Festival and Interact Festival Week, all worth having a look at.
Being a great example of Australia’s multiculturalism Melbourne is home to a people from all over the world and so has interesting ethnic precincts all over the city. The suburb of St Kilda, a beautiful beach-side area close to the city centre, is rich in Jewish culture. It offers great restaurants, cafés and shops, and has a large population of artists with a numerous galleries and shops selling art, jewelry and unique fashion. Melbourne’s iconic Luna Park, with its striking entrance through a big open mouth, and its large roller coaster is also located here. Entry to the park is free and it makes a great sight at night with colourful twinkling lights all around.
Melbourne also has a great Chinatown in the city’s Little Bourke Street, which has a range of very good Chinese restaurants for all budgets as well as a lot of Asian shops. There is also a Greek precinct in Lonsdale Street, which is home to a lot of good restaurants and cafés. Then, there is Lygon Street, in Carlton, which has an Italian flavour and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy with both offering fantastic coffee. A lot of Melbournians hang out at the cafés here following a tradition handed down by the post- World War II Italian immigrants. Victoria Street in Richmond is also worth having a look at as it is home to a lot of very good Vietnamese restaurants and a great range of shops selling Asian antiques.
Melbourne is also likely to impress you with its greenery and its European-inspired Botanical Gardens. These are hailed as the finest in Australia, are a popular place for picnics and in summer home to an outdoor cinema and numerous outdoor theatre productions and concerts. With the state of Victoria known as the “Garden State”,Melbourne’s parks leave visitors spell-bound and don’t take long to get to. An hour north of Melbourne there are fern-filled rain forests and another hour further there are large mountain ranges where you can go horse riding. You could also go bush walking or fishing or visit the old gold mining town of Ballarat with its replica of a colonial gold rush town and a stream where you can still use a pan to search for gold. You could also unwind on a winery tour in the Yarra
Valley wine region only a couple of hours away, or you could simply lose yourself for hours along one of Victoria’s wild and untouched beaches.
The other important thing about Melbourne is its range of sporting events. Sport is very popular in Australia and Melbourne hosts a range of sporting events each year. There is the famous Australian Open tennis grand slam event, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, the Melbourne Cup horse race, the International Cricket Tour and of course the Australian Rules Football Grand Final. This is a must-see event is you want to get a taste for this Australian games which is a bit of a national obsession. Known as “Footy” it is a uniquely Australian game and is regarded as part of the Australian culture. It inspirers great passion in its supporters which makes being at a game a really fun experience.
5.7.2.2 Melbourne Nightlife
The great range of art and sporting attractions that Melbourne has on offer, contributes to city’s lively nightlife. For the evenings, Melbourne happens to have the best bar and pub scene in the country, ranging from the elegance of big city cocktail bars with cool jazz in the background, to student pubs that throb to a very different beat. You can party your way from inner city Melbourne and student-oriented Carlton to the hip hangouts around South Yarra and St Kilda.
The Metro nightclub in the city centre is very well known. It is a large club offering a variety of music from techno to indie rock depending on the theme for the night. If something a bit smaller and a bit different is your taste, the funky Honkytonks club is also located in the city. The interesting décor means that stepping into this club is like going back to the 1920's. The club plays a range of music from electro to deep disco and has a great atmosphere.
Just outside the city centre is another very popular venue, Seven, in South Melbourne. This club is at the forefront of Melbourne's underground dance club scene. Traveling a bit further south will take you to One Six One, a smaller club filled with retro glam including a flashing dance floor. It is known for great music and a fantastic atmosphere although can also be a bit difficult to get into as it is always filled to capacity.
Once you have partied well into the night, Revolver in Parham is a great recovery place. It plays host to top DJs, has a great dance floor and also offers meals and snacks. On the weekends the party here continues in full swing well into daylight hours, with most of the crowd staying well after midday.
As Melbournians are know for being a very friendly crowd it is worthwhile to talk to the locals. They would be your best source of information on other best places to party and eat. You can also find more information about Melbourne clubs and pubs at http://www.melbournepubs.com.
5.7.2.3 Accommodation in Melbourne
Accommodation in Melbourne is a bit cheaper than in Sydney with a number of backpacker hostels starting at around $20 a night.
Friendly Backpackers, on King Street in the city centre are one good option close to the coach terminal and the rail station. Flinders Station Hotel and Backpackers, on Elizabeth Street in the city is also right in the city centre and close to transport. Chapel Street Backpackers are also a good budget option located in the centre of Melbourne’s main shopping and nightlife strip. You can search the Australian Yellow Pages at: http://www.yellowpages.com.au to find more accommodation options.
For more information about Melbourne please visit:www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
5.7.3 Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital city of the sunshine state of Queensland. It has a very pleasant, subtropical climate and is home to Australia’s most popular beaches. The greater Brisbane area includes the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and is one of Australia's biggest tourist attractions and most beautiful regions. The city also provides easy access to some of Australia's most beautiful natural features.
5.7.3.1 Brisbane Attractions
The city lies on the banks of the serpentine Brisbane River which is a colourful waterway filled with ferries and boats. A good start to seeing the city is a Brisbane River Cruise. Because of its subtropical climate - the temperatures range from 18-33C in summer and 9-22C in winter - Brisbane enjoys an outdoor lifestyle throughout the year and so many sporting activities also take place along the river and at the numerous beaches, including rowing, sailing, water-skiing,swimming, surfing and fishing. There are also over 1000 parks and gardens, and many kilometres of bikeways and walking paths.
Being the capital of Queensland, Brisbane also has a dozens of theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and museums. As well as having a cultural scene the city does have another side with the large numbers of tourists and tourist attractions and the large Conrad Casino in the heart of the city lending it the local knick-name of “Bris Vegas”.Despite being a bit of a “touristy town”, Brisbane does have a busy cultural calendar as well as offering a wide range of entertainment options. There are a lot of nightclubs and bars and then there are the theme parks.
The city is home to a large number of Australia’s favourite theme parks. These include the extremely popular Dreamworld which spans thirty hectares and is filled with a variety of rides, shows and attractions. There is also the Wet 'n' Wild Water World which has the world's latest water slides and leisure pools and a shaded twenty acre sub-tropical garden. Sea World also offers rides as well as amazing marine life displays and shows. There is also the Movie World Movie with a kaleidoscope of behind-the-scenes action, comedy stunts, rides and shows.
The South Bank is one of the city's liveliest areas and home to the arts, entertainment and leisure precinct across the river from the city's central business district. It is filled with restaurants and cafes, parklands and bike paths, market stalls and even has a sandy swimming beach. The complex is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum, the State Library and the Performing Arts Complex. The museum has a dinosaur garden and a worthwhile exhibition on whales. The art gallery has an impressive permanent Australian collection, and the Eagle St Pier markets offer interesting demonstrations of glass-blowing, weaving and other crafts.
If you want to get a great view of the city and its surroundings the lookout on Mt Coot-tha, 8km from the city centre is worth a climb. There are also some good walks around Mt Coot-tha. Botanic Gardens are at the foot of the mountain, and The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, the largest in Australia, is also located here offering fantastic views of the clear Australian sky.
You could also go and play with koalas at The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary just a half-hour bus ride south from the city centre. Around 130 koalas are the star attraction here but there is also a variety of other Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, possums, wombats, emus and lyrebirds. Visitors are allowed to embrace a koala and pat and feed kangaroos.
Once you have visited the famous beaches of Gold and Sunshine Coasts and enjoyed all the other attractions the city has to offer, you might want to make your way further to the tropical north Queensland towards the city of Cairns. In this area you will find the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage listed tropical rainforests, some tropical islands just off the coast, as well as a number of mainland National Parks.
5.7.3.2 Brisbane Nightlife
As for the nightlife in Brisbane, the large Conrad Casino in the heart of the city is a good start providing entertainment from gaming to a wide selection of restaurants and bars. There are also a lot of good restaurants in the South Bank area and the city and beach areas offer a wide selection of nightlife both indoors and out.
The Fridays complex located in Brisbane’s Riverside Centre is a very popular place with something to suit everyone. It has a nightclub, an indoor and outdoor bar and a restaurant overlooking the Brisbane River. It offers a wide range of music including latest R&B, soul, acid jazz, dance, funk and urban groove and often includes live bands. Zenbar located in the city centre also plays a range of music from '70s underground jazz to modern funk house. The bar offers a great selection of wine and there is also a restaurant. The Brisbane Jazz Club, located on the riverfront under the Story Bridge, is also a good place for a dance.
Brisbane also has a good live music scene, being home to some of Australia’s most popular bands including Powderfinger, Savage Garden and Regurgitator. The city also has a range of good pubs, with a number of these located at the South Brisbane riverbank. The Brisbane City Search website is a good source of information on what’s on in the city and can be found at: http://brisbane.citysearch.com.au.
5.7.3.3 Accommodation in Brisbane
As a very popular tourist destination Brisbane has a very wide range of holiday accommodation available. On the more affordable side, the Palace Backpackers located in the city centre is a good option with rates starting at around $20 per night. The “You” website offers a good listing of backpacker accommodation available in Brisbane at: http://www.you.com.au/backpackers/brisbane.html.
For more information about Brisbane please visit:http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/
5.7.4 Hobart
Hobart is the capital city of the island of Tasmania, around 600 km from the Australian mainland. It is a beautiful, scenic city nestled onto a curve of the Derwent River in Tasmania at the foot of Mt Wellington. It is Australia’s second oldest capital city, having been established in 1804. It has one of the world's finest deep water harbours and although colder than the other capital cities, is no less friendly and inviting.
5.7.4.1 Hobart Attractions
Being one of Australia’s oldest cities, Hobart is full of classic Australian colonial sandstone architecture. Salamanca
Place on the harbourfront has some great examples of this including some beautiful sandstone warehouses that have been developed to house art galleries, restaurants, nightspots and a range of shops. There is also a large open-airmarket where you can sample some of the fresh produce that Tasmania is famous for. This is a good place to visit for a bit of shopping and something good to eat.
The old port section of Battery Point is also worth having a look at. In colonial times this sea side area was home to fishermen, sailors and merchants and it is the site of the oldest military establishment in Australia, the Anglesea Barracks. The barracks were built in 1811, and today house an interesting free museum. The Van Diemen's Land Folk Museum, is also located here and has an interesting collection of relics from Tasmania's early pioneering days.
Being in the country that is home to keen beer drinkers you also need to sample some to Australia’s beers. A visit to the Cascade Brewery, the oldest brewery in Australia is a great opportunity to do this, especially as Tasmanian ales and lagers regularly win international awards. The brewery is located behind a magnificent sandstone facade, tucked away in a fold of the Mt Wellington foothills. It runs tours that give an insight into the brewing process and provide free samples of some of the finest beer in the country. The beautiful gardens surrounding the brewery are worth a look at the end of a tour.
A harbour cruise is also in order when visiting Hobart. It will allow you to have a look at the historic waterfront and the city from the water. A wide range of cruises are offered, providing an opportunity to pass under the Tasman Bridge, see the Government House, the Royal Botanical Gardens and great views of Wrest Point Casino and Battery Point.
Another main attraction in Hobart is the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, where Australia’s most popular chocolate is made. The factory was established in 1824 and is one of very few in the world open to the public. It regularly runs tours providing a behind the scenes view of chocolate production, with tour guides explaining the entire process of chocolate making. The tour includes sampling of the chocolates made by the factory and there is also a wholesale chocolate shop that offers great prices. The tours are very popular so it is better to book in advance.
The main reason people got to Hobart however is to access the beautiful unspoiled wilderness of Tasmania. This island, which is approximately the size of Ireland, is home to pristine wilderness areas, breathtaking landscapes, ancient plants and unique wildlife not found anywhere else in the world. Places worth visiting include; the Cradle Mountain, the Southwest National Park, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, the St Clair National Park, and the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. These wilderness areas are home to the Tasmanian Devil, a bad tempered little creature with big wide teeth, unique to Tasmania. Large areas of Tasmania remain untouched by civilisation providing opportunities to trek for days without bumping into another person. Tasmania is also Australia’s gateway to Antarctica. Macquarie Island, a Tasmanian dependency on the way to Antarctica is open to visitors during summer and is home to millions of penguins and thousands of elephant seals.
5.7.4.2 Hobart Nightlife
Hobart is home to some good restaurants providing an opportunity to taste Tasmanian seafood and natural produce. The Mures restaurant on Victoria Dock has a very good reputation. Operating since 1974 it has a menu ranging from gourmet fish and chips to a la carte dining. As well as high standards of food and service, the restaurant also has beautiful views of the waterfront.
There are also some good pubs in Hobart. The Hope & Anchor in the waterfront area is Australia's oldest pub and has an interesting licensed museum as well as a nice bar upstairs and an excellent dining room with an extensive wine list. The popular Irish Murphy's pub is also located in this area. Pub crawls are run regularly in Hobart, some in the form of proper tours with guides that tell stories about Hobart’s early days of colourful characters and rum smuggling.
Hobart is also home to the Wrest Point Casino, the oldest casino in Australia. Much of the Hobart’s after dark action occurs at the casino complex. You can find both cabaret and comedy shows here as well as many bars and restaurants.
5.7.4.3 Accommodation in Hobart
Accommodation is very affordable in Hobart, at some hostels single room accommodation will cost you as little as $35. The Montgomery's Hobart Hotel is one of the favourites. The Pickled Frog and the Central City Backpackers are also good options, both centrally located, close to shops, pubs and restaurants.
For more information please visit:http://www.hobartcity.com.au/.
5.7.5 Adelaide
Adelaide is a very picturesque city with gorgeous beaches on one side and a mountain range on the other. It is home to just over a million people, and has a very relaxed feel, with no rush, no traffic jams and everything within an easy traveling distance. It is also knows as the “city of churches” with a lot of historical buildings in and around the very well designed city centre.
5.7.5.1 Adelaide Attractions
The city centre is very well laid out, making everything easy to find. There are lovely gardens surrounding the city on all sides, including the Adelaide Botanical Gardens which are worth a visit. Next to the Botanical Gardens you will find the National Wine Centre of Australia where you can learn about every aspect of winemaking and the wine industry. The centre offers an exhibition gallery, a store where wines from all regions of Australia can be sampled and purchased, tourism information on Australia's wine regions and a range of wine appreciation courses.
A visit to the Wine Centre is a good start if you are interested in exploring one of the most famous wine producing areas in Australia’s, the Barossa Valley, which is an easy one hour drive from the city. You can also have a look at the smaller but also interesting McLaren Valley, a wine growing region an hour drive in the opposite direction from Adelaide. You can get some great deals on Australia’s best wines and sample some fantastic food as both areas are full of very good restaurants. You can also see a lot of German heritage from the days when German farmers established the region.
Adelaide also has a very good selection of food to complement the great wine. There are some great restaurants
located in the city and in North Adelaide, which is a 5 minute drive from the city centre. The most famous one is The Grange, home of one of Australia’s best known chefs.
There are also a lot of good restaurants along Adelaide’s beautiful beaches of Glenelg and Henley Beach. Glenelg is worth a visit, it has a lot of cafés overlooking the beach, a nice jetty and a couple of good nightclubs. Henley Beach is less busy and sometimes, especially early in the mornings you can have a whole beach to yourself. Here you will also find a number of restaurants with great views overlooking the beach.
The Adelaide Hills are also worth a visit. Only an hour's drive from the city, they offer great views of Adelaide stretching all the way to the ocean. There are a number of lookouts here and a lot of good hiking trails. A good range of affordable bed and breakfast accommodation is available in this area in very scenic surroundings. The historical town of Handoff is also located here. The town was established by German migrants and is home to numerous German restaurants, art galleries and craft shops and is a very pretty place. The Adelaide Hills are also home to anther very good restaurant The Windy Point which, as well as offering great food, provides spectacular views of Adelaide down below, especially at night.
5.7.5.2 Adelaide Nightlife
Adelaide, like Melbourne, also has a lively café and bar scene. You can find the young and trendy in Rundle Street, home to a range of cafés, pubs, bars and nightclubs. Some of the better pubs include The Botanical, which is always packed on Friday nights and The Stag which has a good nightclub upstairs. Tucked away in an alley off Rundle Street is the Belgian Beer Bar, a very popular hang out offering a fantastic selection of Australian and imported beers and often playing live music.
You could also have a look at Hindley Street, which has a number of good nightclubs like the Cargo Club and Tapas and bars like Supermild and The Apothecary. Melbourne Street and O’Connell Street in North Adelaide are also a good place if pubs are bars are more your taste. The Rising Sun Pub in the suburb of Kensington is also worth a visit for its excellent food and service and to have a look at what old traditional Australian pubs look like.
Adelaide is also well known around Australia for its excellent food. Some of the better restaurants include The House of Chow in the city, if you like Chinese Food and the Shiki restaurant, if Japanese is more your taste. The Elephant Walk Café is also worth a visit. It is a very charming little place in North Adelaide offering great coffee and deserts and providing a cozy atmosphere.
5.7.5.3 Accommodation in Adelaide
You are in luck in Adelaide as it has the most affordable accommodation in the country. You can get very good prices on 4 and 5 star hotels as well as excellent deals on bed and breakfast accommodation in the picturesque Adelaide Hills and the popular wine regions of Barrossa and McLaren Valley.
The best places to stay in central Adelaide are the city centre, North Adelaide and the beachside suburb of Glenelg. There are a lot of hotels, motels and backpacker hostels here with prices starting as low as $10 per night. The Blue Galah Backpackers Hostel in the city is a popular option providing a good standard of accommodation and easy access to the main shopping and nightlife districts. To find more accommodation options in Adelaide you can search the Australian Yellow Pages at: http://www.yellowpages.com.au.
5.7.6 Perth
The sunny city of Perth is the capital of Western Australia. It is located close to the south western tip of the country, between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Ranges and is one of the most isolated capital cities in the world. It is a modern and vibrant city with a population of just over a million. It has a pleasant Mediterranean climate and long, white, sandy beaches which rank among the world's best.
5.7.6.1 Perth Attractions
Kings Park is a very pretty area that rises at the western end of Perth. It offers great views of the city and the Swan River. It consists of beautifully landscaped gardens and unspoiled Australian bushland spread out over 17-hectares. In spring, the park has a cultivated display of Western Australia's famed wild flowers. There are many paths and trails through the park and free walking tours are offered. During the evenings there is a most spectacular view of the Perth skyline, with sunset reflecting off the glass skyscrapers and the park’s gum trees illuminated with coloured lights also creating a beautiful effect.
The pristine white sand beaches are also unforgettable. Scarborough is great for experienced surfers and sailboarders and is well known around Australia for its beachside cafés. The calm bay beaches on the Swan River at Crawley and Peppermint Grove are also very beautiful and there is a string of surf beaches on the Indian Ocean coast, including Perth's very popular nude beach at Swanbourne. The best beach of all however lies on the secluded Carnac Island, it is generally completely empty, frequented only by some sea lions.
The Berndt Museum of Anthropology is worth a visit if you are interested in finding out more about the Aboriginal culture. It has one of Australia’s finest collections of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art and artefacts. It combines material from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory with artefacts from the southwest, desert and Kimberley regions of WA. The Museum of Western Australia also has an excellent Indigenous Art gallery, with Perth being the ideal place to purchase authentic Aboriginal art.
Perth is also a good place to shop for other Australian souvenirs, especially Western Australian wine and sheepskin and crocodile leather products. The central shopping district includes Hay Street and Murray Street malls and the Forrest Chase complex. There are many jewellery stores in these precincts selling Australian gemstones, such as Argyle diamonds, Broome pearls and the famous Australian opals. Perth also has an abundance of markets including the Subiaco Pavilion Markets and the Galleria Art & Craft Markets, both selling jewellery, pottery, giftware, clothing and art.
If you want to pat a shark and play with stingrays, the Aquarium of Western Australia offers a great way to spend an afternoon. The main area is a 98m tunnel aquarium which allows you to see colourful fish, sharks and stingrays swimming above and around you. Qualified divers can also get into one of the pools for a face-to-face shark experience. Western Australia also offers a range of other opportunities to get close to marine life. There are a number of tours running near Perth providing daily opportunities to swim with wild dolphins. At some times of the year it is also possible to swim with the huge Whale Sharks, the biggest fish in the world, or watch whales migrating along the Western Australian. Humpback Whale cruises operate seasonally from September to November, proving an opportunity to see the awesome beauty and wonder of these creatures up close.
5.7.6.2 Perth Nightlife
Once you have enjoyed the fun of the day time activities it is time to get a taste of the Perth nightlife. There are a number of locations in the city which jump to life at night, especially on the weekends. Fremantle, south of Perth is full of nightclubs and bars. A crawl of Fremantle pubs, such as The Bog, on High Street, and Benny’s on South Terrace, is in order in this part of town. You will also find a range of nightclubs, pubs, cafes and restaurants in Northbridge, just outside the city centre. Subiaco is also home to some of the larger dance clubs. The Monkey Bar in the city is a good place for a dance, especially on their Latin nights. Varga Lounge in Northbridge is a good place if R & B is more your taste.
Lounge bars have taken off in Perth and there are a number of hip venues such as The Jazz Room, at Mount Lawley and Varga Lounge in Northbridge, for the more sophisticated drinkers. The Moon & Sixpence British Pub on Murray Street, is a bit more of a kitsch place but it is a very popular hangout serving a wide range of Australian and international beers. The Duxton Bar on St George’s Terrace, is a good place for a quiet cocktail. Perth is also home to a very healthy Indie Rock scene.
5.7.6.3 Accommodation in Perth
Like all the other Australian cities, Perth offers a lot of affordable accommodation including a range of youth hostels and backpacker options. Two of the better ones in the city centre include Exclusive Backpackers and the Hay Street Backpackers. Northbridge also offers good affordable accommodation at the Coolibah Lodge and the Billabong Resort where prices start at only $18.00 per night including breakfast.
6 Other useful information
6.1 Emergency & useful contact information
(Please print and keep the following page for easy reference)
6.2 Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles. The Australian three-pin plug is extremely safe. Adaptors are usually required for most foreign appliances. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas that operates on a different voltage.
6.3 The telephone system
Australia has a modern telephone system operating through two major service providers – Telstra and Optus. Many private households now also have Internet access.
Public pay telephones are available at all post offices, shopping centres and are often situated on street corners. Public
EMERGENCYAmbulance, Fire & Police
000Available nationally. Ask the Operator for the service you need. Wait to be connected.This is a FREE CALL
Alcohol & Drugs1300 368 186
24 hour confidential alcohol & drug telephone counseling, information & referral service.
Accident Towing Service 13 1176
Crisis Pregnancy1800 777 690
(Available nationally)
Gamblers' Help 1800 156 789(Available nationally)This is a FREE CALL
Interpreting Service 13 14 50
Lifeline (Counselling) 13 11 14
Sexual Assault (03) 9344 2210 Melbourne
(02) 9819 6565 Sydney
(02) 6247 2525 ACT
1800 199 888 Western Australia
1800 242 526 Queensland
(03) 6231 1811 Tasmania
1800 817 421 South Australia
(08) 8945 0155 Northern Territory
Traffic Hazards 13 11 70
Poisons Information 13 11 26
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC
13 18 81
travelvisaaustralia.com (03) 9320 5944
pay phones accept a variety of coins and phonecards. Phonecards are pre-paid for use in public pay phones and can be bought at a large number of retail outlets in denominations of A$5, A$10, A$20 and A$50. Credit phones take most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners International and can be found at international and domestic airports, central city locations and hotels.
Mobile phones are very popular and can be purchased from a number of retailers, and can be operated through a variety of competing carriers.
