GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT AUSTRALIA:

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 -

Australian seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere's:

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:

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.

Alice Springs

What is there to do in Alice Springs and how long do I need there?

Alice Springs is often called the gateway to the real outback and to Ayers Rock. We suggest at least one to two full days for touring Alice Springs. In Alice Springs there is the Flying Doctor Musuem and the Schoolof the air, just outside of town there is the world renowned Desert Park to the Camel and Reptile farms.

Where should I start my trip from?

You may start and Alice Springs and end back in Alice Springs, though it is possible to fly into or out of the Rock and for the companies to arrange to pick up you from the Yuluru resort or airport to join the tour. One way rentals will oncur an extra charge in Ayer's Rock (Uluru)

How long do I need for touring?

Touring Ayers Rock, the Olgas and Kings Canyon is quite a long trip around 1500km so we would recommend a 3 day trip though if your budget is limited and time short there are some 2 day trips that do the three points of interest though not as extensively.

How far is Ayers Rock from Alice Springs?

452km and the highway is sealed all the way with roadhouses and petrol stops every 100 to 150 kilometres.

How hot does it get?

From April to August the temperature is around 20-30 degrees Centigrade and the evenings get rather cold around May to July. From November to March the temperature rises above 38 degrees Centigrade and the evenings and very mild and refreshing.

When is peak season?

Usually every second year, i.e., 2006 for two to three weeks in October and also from June to August.

Are there dangerous animals in the area?

There are reptiles that can be considered dangerous though they tend to avoid human contact.

Is it worth spending time in Alice Springs or going to the Ayers Rock direct?

Alice Springs is the gateway to the true outback of Australia and a wonderful place to see native Australians and our laidback outback folk (see Ooraminna Cattle station in our central Australian touring section).

What amount off time do I need in Alice Springs?

One to two full days as there are many attractions around Alice Springsthat are fasinating.

Where can I buy camping equipment in Alice Springs?

Kmart has a selection near Todd Street.

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Can I climb Ayers Rock?

The traditional owners are concerned for your safety in case you hurt and would feel responsible, though they won't stop you.

Where can I go to meet Aboriginals?

There are guided tours into aboriginal culture in Alice Springs, Katherine, Darwin and other areas. Tours are from half day to two days.

Do I need a permit to enter Aboriginal Land?

The desert road called mereenie loop that links Alice Springs to Kings Canyon via the Western MacDonnell ranges is unsealed and a permit is available from three outlets one in Alice Springs.

How far is Kings Canyon and Yuluru from Ayers Rock?

Kings Canyon resort is 7km from the canyon. Yuluru Resort is app 20km from Ayers Rock. Yuluru resort is app 50 km from the Olgas.

What is Kings Canyon?

Kings Canyon referred to as Australia's grand canyon is a wonderful sandstone chasm plunging over 300 feet to the bottom hidden within the George Gill Ranges

What are The Olgas?

The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) is 36 great rock domes dominating the landscape with valley's nestling within.

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.

Darwin and Northern Australia

What amount of time should I allow in Darwin ? (Information)

Around one to three days for local attractions.