| Quick Guide to Australia |
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| Geography Australia is the smallest continent but sixth-largest country. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific Ocean, the Tasman Sea (separating it from New Zealand), and the Coral Sea. Australia is highly urbanised with most of the population heavily concentrated along the eastern and south-eastern coasts. Most of the inland areas of the country are semi-arid. The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef, lies a short distance off the north-east coast and extends for over 2,000 kilometres (1,240 mi). The Great Dividing Range runs down most of the east coast. The world's largest rock is not Uluru (Ayres Rock) but Mt Augustus in Western Australia. Climate Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate, with the reverse seasons of the northern hemisphere. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, being 70% of the total possible hours. In Darwin the temperature is in the 30's all year round, whilst south of Sydney has distinct seasons with great temperature variations. Manners and Customs Since 1788, the primary basis of Australian culture has been Anglo-Celtic Western culture. Distinctive cultural features have also arisen from Australia's natural environment and Indigenous cultures. Australians are friendly and generally informal. A first name is used very quickly and with meaning. Extending your middle finger is very rude. Australians follow rules and expect everyone to do so. Tipping is not expected in Australia. However due to the large number of visitors tipping does occur and like most places in the world is appreciated. If service in restaurants has been outstanding you might wish to leave 10% but if not then do not feel obliged to tip and if you just want to be generous round up the bill. Food and Drink Australia's food traditions have been largely shaped by its inhabitants. For most of Australian history, the cuisine was based on traditional Indigenous bushfood using native berries, fruit, fish, kangaroo and even insects such as the witchetty grub. Later, British food was introduced by the first European settlers; the Sunday roast has become an enduring tradition for many Australians. In the 19th and especially the 20th century, food was increasingly influenced by Mediterranean and Asian cultures of immigrants of the period. Australia's cleanliness standards are high. Restaurants are required to observe strict food preparation standards and food poisoning is no more common than it is in other first world nations. Australia is rapidly gaining international recognition as a wine producer, well-known varieties include those from the Hunter Valley in NSW, Barossa Valley in SA or Coonawarra Valley in Victoria. Public Facilities In general you will not need to pay to use a public toilet. Most restaurants have toilets available to their paying patrons. Money Matters The currency used is the Australian Dollar. Australian bills are $100 (green), $50 (olive), $20 (red), $10 (blue) and $5 (purple). The notes are all made of plastic, a field in which Australia has been a pioneer. Banks and ATM machines are everywhere. Banking hours are 9.30 – 4 on Monday to Thursday and until 5pm on Friday. Best Buys Australia has a many natural resources and products like pearls from WA, opal jewellery from SA and leather and sheepskin products from NSW are popular tourist momentos. Queensland, with the Great Barrier Reef offers shells and coral, including red coral jewellery. Diamonds are mined in NT and WA and offer good value. Art work is innovative and original, and aboriginal art work is unique to this country. Postal Information Every town and suburb has a central post office which is open daily from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Shipping to overseas countries is relatively inexpensive. Telephone The country code is +61 (dialling in) and international access 0011 (dialling out). Australian telephone numbers have an an area code which can be omitted if dialing in the local region. |