Australian Travel Guide
Australian Travel Information
Visas & Travel
There are a number of visas available for people wanting to visit Australia as a tourist. A temporary visa is generally granted for a stay of 3 months or 6 months, (In certain circumstances a stay of 12 months may be granted). For people seeking to visit family in Australia, formal sponsorship by an Australian citizen or permanent resident is required. An electronically stored authority for short-term visits to Australia of up to 3 months is also available to passport holders from 32 countries and regions. Applications must be made from outside Australia. Visit the Department of Immigration & Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs. We also advise you to check with your embassy before traveling.
Australia's capital: Australian Capital Territory
Phone Codes & Handy Numbers
- Australia Country Code
- +61
- State Telephone Codes
- QLD (07), NSW & the ACT (02), VIC & TAS (03), SA, WA & NT (08)
- International Access Code from Australia
- 0011
- Directory Assistance
- 12455
- Emergency
- 000 (for Police, Fire Brigade & Ambulance)
Australian Currency
- Currency
- Australian Dollar ($) - AUD
- Exchange Rate
- For current exchange rates: www.xe.com
- Tax
- A tax of 10% is applied to most goods and services (GST) in Australia. It is included in all advertised prices.
Specifications
- Electricity
- 240 volts AC
- Measurements
- Metric (Liquid - litres, Length - metres)
Driving in Australia
If you hold a valid driver's licence (in English) from your own country, you are permitted to drive throughout all of Australia. If your driver's licence is not in English, a translation may be necessary and you may also require an international licence. See our time & distances table for help while driving around Australia.
Australian Time Zones & Daylight Saving
There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time (EST), includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory; Central Standard Time (CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) - Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST. Daylight savings runs from the last Sunday in October (Tasmania on the first Sunday) to the last Sunday in March in all states except Northern Territory & Queensland.
History of Australia
50,000 years before the arrival of European settlers, groups of Southeast Asians immigrated to the continent. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lived and thrived in Australia's unique and challenging natural environment. Their complex social systems and highly developed traditions reflect a deep connection with the land and environment. Today it is believed the Aboriginals are the world's oldest civilisation.
The first recorded European contact with Australia was in March 1606, when Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon (c.1570 - 1630) charted the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, (Queensland). Later that year, the Spanish explorer Luis Vaez de Torres sailed through the strait separating Australia and Papua New Guinea. However It wasn't until Englishman Captain James Cook arrived in Botany Bay in 1770 that Australia was officially claimed for the British Crown.
In 1779 Britain decided to use its new outpost as a penal colony; the First Fleet of 11 ships carried about 1500 people—half of them convicts. The fleet arrived in Sydney Harbour on 26 January 1788, and it is on this day every year that Australia Day is celebrated. In all, about 160 000 men and women were brought to Australia as convicts from 1788 to 1868. The convicts were joined by free immigrants from the early 1790s.
Australia became a federated nation on 1 January 1901. Bound by one parliament, one constitution and one flag, Australia celebrated its Centenary of Federation in 2001. Today Australia is home to people from more than 200 countries.
Australia's defence force has a long and proud tradition dating back to the original ANZACS (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). Australian soldiers fought in both World Wars and numerous allied conflicts. All Australian troops are remembered each year on Anzac Day, 25 April, the anniversary of the first landing of Australian 'Diggers' at Gallipoli Turkey, in 1915, during the First World War.
The First World War had a devastating impact on Australia. In 1914 the male population of Australia was less than 3 million. As many as 60,000 died and tens of thousands more were wounded. The period between the two world wars was marked by instability. Social and economic divisions widened during the Depression years when many Australian financial institutions failed. During the Second World War Australian forces made a significant contribution to the Allied victory in Europe and in Asia and the Pacific.
After the war Australia entered a boom period. Millions of refugees and migrants arrived in Australia. The economy developed strongly in the 1950s. Melbourne hosted the Olympic Games of 1956, shining the international spotlight on Australia.
Today Australia is one of the most cosmopolitan and dynamic societies in the world. The nation has thriving ethnic media, an international business reputation, an innovative artistic community, diverse religious and cultural activities and variety in foods, restaurants, fashion and architecture.
Events
- Australia Day
- 26 January
- Anzac Day
- 25 April
- Australia’s National Anthem
- Advanced Australia Fair
The Australian People & Culture
- Language
- English
- Government
- Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy (since 26 Jan 1901), bound by one Federal Parliament, one constitution and one flag.
- National Anthem
- Advance Australia Fair
Australians enjoy a high standard of living on par with that of most major cities of Europe and the U.S. An informal and pioneering spirit strikes some people as being somewhat like the Americans while our social and economic preoccupations and attitude seem more like the British.
Popular Listings
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Readers Choice 2018 - Asian
Fu Manchu Oriental Kitchen
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room81
On the ground floor of the Sofitel Broadbeach is room81, a refined and exclusive venue where dining finesse enchants. An intriguing food journey encompasses an array of mouth...
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Readers Choice 2018 - Thai
The Spirit House Restaurant
Lush palm fronds and tinkling wind chimes take you from the Hinterland haven of Yandina into the wondrous world of The Spirit House Restaurant. New dishes f...
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The Long Apron
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Mercato @ Daylesford
Mercato is one of Daylesford's iconic restaurants, showcasing an eclectic Modern Australian menu, created for sophisticated tastes by Mercato's talented team. L...
25 Dec
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Maximilian's Restaurant and Sidewood Cellar Door
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Readers Choice 2018 - Turkish
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Tasting is believing at Tulum Restaurant where Turkish cuisine is given a fine dining makeover thanks to the revival of classical Ottoman dishes. Homed on Carlisle S...
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An appetising menu and warm service makes Domani’s Café Restaurant & Bar on Tedder Avenue much more than just a loved local. This Main Beach stalwart ...
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The French Pan Tree
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22 to 23 Sep
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Walter's Lounge
Venture down the southern end of Airlie Beach to Walter’s Lounge for a unique experience just a stone’s throw from the main street, at the Port of Airlie Marina. C...
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Readers Choice 2018 - Modern Australian
Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard
An all-encompassing destination for wine tastings, functions, mouth-watering local cuisine and an enviable view, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard has fast warranted i...
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Shompen Dining Room
Perched along the bustling street of Rathdowne in Melbourne’s bohemian suburb of Fitzroy, you’ll find Shompen Dining Room. Enter from the tree lined street curb to ...
27 Jul to 30 Sep
50% Off Normal Price $89 - Eight Course Degustation Menu -
Readers Choice 2018 - Regional
Zev's Bistro
Enjoy special occasions over an ambiant evening at Zev’s Bistro, a Toowoomba establishment with a trendy style. Cosy and welcoming inside, this restaurant on Ruthven Str...
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Katers Restaurant
A harmonious blend of intimacy and grandeur, Katers Restaurant at Peppers Manor House in Sutton Forest offers a truly world class experience. The magnificent co...
11 Sep to 11 Oct
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Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita
Brainchild of multi-talented Chef Peter Kuruvita, Noosa Beach House is a recent addition to the suave, coastal dining hub of Noosa Heads’ Hastings ...
11 Sep 18 to 31 Jan 19
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Readers Choice 2018 - Modern Australian
JAM
Effortlessly combining style with innovation, JAM continues to make its mark on Townsville's dynamic restaurant scene. A well-loved riverfront crowd pleaser, this versatile venu...
26 Jun to 23 Dec
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Readers Choice 2018 - Fine Dining
The Boat House
Surrounded by private parkland overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House is the ideal place to relax and enjoy award-winning dining. Escape from the city life of Ca...
17 Sep to 31 Oct
Perfect Venue Dream Wedding -
Readers Choice 2018 - Modern Australian
Harvest
Located in Newrybar in the pristine Byron Bay hinterland is the award-winning Harvest. Equal parts historic country charm and urban sophistication, Harvest truly offers an id...
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Homage Restaurant
For the ultimate fine dining experience in Grandchester, visit Homage at Spicers Hidden Vale. White linen tables, dark wood trimmings and a roaring fireplace tie...
16 Sep to 4 Oct
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Table 426
A hidden culinary gem in Corrimal, Table 426 is dedicated to offering a dining experience that reflects just how passionate they are about fresh food. The Chef Hat awarded a...
12 Sep to 31 Oct
$45 Offer Midweek Set Menu -
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Kept under wraps by the locals of Broadbeach Waters, find Nero Dining nestled away from the hustle and bustle on the corner of Sunshine Boulevard and T.E. Peters Drive, ...
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Readers Choice 2018 - Regional
The Monkey Bar
Bringing mouth-watering American-style burgers and craft beer to Dubbo, The Monkey Bar is fast becoming a local favourite. This trendy venue on Lower Wingewarra Street has...
19 to 22 Sep
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Readers Choice 2018 - Fine Dining
Eschalot
A striking heritage-listed sandstone cottage is home to Eschalot restaurant, an award-winning eatery on Old Hume Highway in Berrima. A popular Southern Highlands dining destin...
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Readers Choice 2018 - Fine Dining
Bacchus
South Brisbane Restaurants QLD
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the God of food, wine and indulgence himself lounging at Bacchus Restaurant, his South Brisbane namesake. Located on the podium level of...
22 Sep
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Edinburgh Hotel and Cellars
A beautiful, heritage-listed Victorian building houses the Edinburgh Hotel and Cellars, a contemporary restaurant in the heart of Mitcham and a popular dest...
5 Sep to 4 Oct
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Clove Lane
Neighbourhood eatery with a fine dining mentality, Clove Lane on Clovelly Road in Randwick ticks all the boxes. Step into a light and airy world of polished floors, worn br...
22 Sep
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Miss Moneypenny's
Miss Moneypenny’s on Hastings Street is sure to entice, holding the promise of stylish dining in Noosa Heads’ iconic eating precinct. See and be seen lounging at ...
6 Nov
Special Event Melbourne Cup Luncheon
TYPE
STATE
- Queensland[9962]
- Northern Territory[490]
- Australian Capital Territory[780]
- New South Wales[15466]
- South Australia[3239]
- Western Australia[4452]
- Victoria[12948]
- Tasmania[1670]
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Tasmania
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