Australia Queensland - Laid back & Sunkissed

Airport
Brisbane International (BNE) airport is 13 km (8 miles) northeast of the city centre. Buses and taxis operate services to the city (travel time, 35 minutes).

Banks
Banks are open Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m.–4 p.m., until 5 p.m. on Fridays. The exchange facilities of some major banks may open earlier and close later.

Climate
ub-tropical, with an average of 7.5 hours of sun each day. December to February are the hottest months, with very high humidity.

Clothing
Lightweight clothing is sufficient; you'll need a sunhat.

Credit cards
International credit cards are widely accepted at popular tourist locations. If carrying travellers cheques, buy them in Australian dollars to avoid commission and fluctuating exchange rates. They are easily exchangeable at most banks.

Currency
The Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes come in denominations from $5 to $100, and coins range from 5 cents to $2.

Customs allowance
Visitors over 18 may import 250 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco or cigars, 1125 ml wine or spirits and other goods up to a value of $400. There are very strict regulations against potential sources of disease and pestilence, which apply to some foodstuffs. All plants and animal products will be confiscated at customs.

Driving
You have to be 21 to hire a car, and some companies impose a minimum age limit of 25. If you intend to drive in remote country areas (the Outback), make sure your insurance covers you for all eventualities, including hitting kangaroos.
The Australians drive on the left, and the roads outside the cities are relatively uncrowded. The Bruce Highway runs down the east coast from Cairns to Brisbane and down into New South Wales. To explore the inland areas you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as many of the roads are unsealed.

Electricity
240/250 volt, 50 Hz. Three-pin plugs are used, but as these are different from the ones in the UK, an adapter will be necessary. Many hotels also have outlets for small 110-volt appliances.

Health
No vaccinations are required for entry unless you have visited an infected country 14 days before arriving in Australia (aircraft refuelling stops do not count). There is a Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK for emergencies, but it is wise to take out personal insurance to cover other eventualities.
Visitors from cooler climates need to take great care to protect themselves against the sun. You can be burnt to a crisp even on overcast days, so always wear a high-factor sun cream, sunhat and sunglasses when outside.
Other health problems may be presented by Australia's wildlife. When swimming, always check that the beaches are clear of jellyfish—the sting of some of these can be fatal. Also take heed of shark warnings and beware of crocodiles. Poisonous spiders may be lurking in the most innocent of places, so be careful where you put your hands; poisonous snakes are also common in the countryside.

Holidays
January 1: New Year's Day
January: Australia Day (Monday closest to January 26)
April 25: Anzac Day
May: Labour Day (first Monday)
June: Queen's Official Birthday (second Monday)
December 25: Christmas Day
August: People's Day at Brisbane Royal Show (during second week)
Moveable: Good Friday, Easter Monday

Language
"Strine", as the Australian equivalent of English is known, can be rather difficult to understand the first time round as it is peppered with words that are only relevant to a particular state. Once a sentence is repeated, however, you'll normally catch the meaning.

Media
The main daily newspapers are The Australian and the Australian Financial Review. The weekly newspapers with the largest circulation are The Bulletin, the Sunday Telegraph and the Sunday Mail. Newspapers have a generally high circulation throughout the continent.

Passport
Kuoni can advise passport and visa requirements only for British and Irish passport holders at the time of booking. For non-British passport holders and for British passports endorsed in any way, requirements should be checked with the nearest relevant embassy.

Post office
Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Stamps and aerogrammes can also be bought in many newsagents, supermarkets and hotels.

Safety
As in most countries, it is wise to take precautions against theft, especially in the big cities. Keep valuables such as expensive jewellery in the hotel safety deposit box, beware of pickpockets in crowded places and always lock car doors.

Shops
City shops open Monday to Friday 8 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Shops in Brisbane and along the Gold Coast also open Sundays.

Telephone
International direct dialling and reverse-charge phone calls can be made from practically all public phone boxes except red ones, which are reserved for local calls. The newer phone boxes are gold and blue and feature digital displays. The less streamlined green phone boxes are older but can still be used for long-distance calls. There are two phone companies, Telstra and Optus.
Phone cards are available from newsagents, chemists and supermarkets in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20. Credit-card phones are available in most airports, city centres and many hotels. Larger hotels may also offer fax services.

Time
Australia spans three time zones. Brisbane is in the Northeast/Southeast zone: GMT + 10, all year round.

Geography
More of a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. Queensland is dominated by the coast and includes the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, national parks and endless fields of sugar cane. The Tablelands are big grain growing areas, with tea plantations as well. The vast inland areas are basically desert, miles of quiet dusty roads and small towns. The far north is tough territory with hundreds of dry riverbeds. This area is often inaccessible in the rainy season.

Tipping
Gratuities are not expected, even by taxi drivers. However, in the hotels and restaurants that have regular foreign guests, waiting staff and porters have come to expect tips. Restaurants normally only have a service charge on Saturdays, when it may be added to the bill.

Tourist information
Australia High Commission, Australia House, The Strand, London WC2B 4LC; tel. 020 7379 4334; fax 020 7240 5333.

Australian Tourist Commission, 1st Floor, Gemini House, 10–18 Putney Hill, London SW15 6AA; tel. 0891 633 235 to order brochures, or fax 020 7940 5221.

Queensland Tourist & Travel Corporation, Queensland House, 392/393 The Strand, London WC2R 0LZ; tel. 020 7240 0525; fax 020 7836 5881.

www.australia.com

Transport
Brisbane's electrified rail system is the best way to get around town and across the river. There are also ferries and a comprehensive bus network (tickets can be bought at newsagents).

Water
Bottled water is recommended.

Source: Kuoni - click here