Geography

Australia is the world's largest island, and the smallest of the five continents. It covers an enormous area, and a variety of landscapes and climates. Coastal regions are generally fertile and green, while the interior - our “red heart” – is an amazing scene of desert and scorched landscapes.

Total land area is roughly the same size as mainland USA, but population density is the worlds lowest – about 2 people per square kilometre.

The nation is divided into seven states (six on the mainland plus the island state of Tasmania) and two territories – the vast Northern Territory (home to Darwin, Uluru and Kakadu National Park) and the Australian Capital Territory which is home to the Federal Government.

Maps and geographical information are available at http://www.embassyworld.com/maps/Maps_Of_Australia.html

Logistics

Australia has an excellent communications and transport infrastructure. International airlines fly directly to Sydney, Melbourne and other major cities, and many international transport/travel companies have bases here. All major international hotels and car rental agencies operate from Sydney, Melbourne, and many other cities.

Currency

The Australian dollar fluctuates between 50 – 60 US¢ / .5 - .6 Euro. This means that an Australian tour is a highly cost effective choice for many overseas visitors.

For the latest exchange rates check the currency converter at http://www.iccfx.com (international currency converter)

Climate

Our seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere’s. Christmas is in the middle of summer, and July is mid-winter. Even in winter, however, clear blue skies and mild temperatures are common.

The South-East is temperate, with mild winters of 6-19°C (43-67F) and warm, often humid summers of 19-32°C (67-91F). Coastal South Australia and Southern Western Australia enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and cool wet winters.
The North and North-East coastal regions are tropical. April-November is warm and dry, while December – March is the hot and very humid monsoonal “wet season”.

Population

Australia’s population was just over 19 million people at the last Census (January 2000). The vast majority of the population live in the coastal areas and the eight State/Territory capital cities.

Health

There are no major health risks for visitors. No immunisations are required. Tap water is safe and mostly pleasant to drink (except in the most remote Outback towns which rely on bore water), and restaurants and cafes are legally required to maintain high standards.

Capital cities are clean, and pollution is not a problem compared to major cites such as London, L.A., Hong Kong and Bangkok.
The sun can burn quickly, particularly people with fair skin. Sun block (factor 30+) should ALWAYS be applied and hats worn to protect skin.

Time Zones

Australia has three time zones: the Eastern States, (Eastern Time) South Australia/ Northern Territory (Central Time), and Western Australia (Western Time).

From October to March (this varies between states) clocks in all sates except Queensland and WA are put forward for Daylight Saving.

As a guide (based on 24 hour clock & Australian Daylight Saving Time), time differences in Australia’s mid spring – early autumn are:

London (GMT)12:00 Monday
Los Angeles day
Sydney (New South Wales)23:00Monday(Eastern Summer Time)
Adelaide (South Australia)22:30Monday(Central Summer Time)
Perth (Western Australia) 20.00Monday(Australia West)

There is a time zone converter at http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc

Distance, Weights, and Measures

Australia uses the internationally standard metric system of weights and measures - kilometres not miles, kilograms rather than pounds, Celsius instead of Fahrenheit.

There is an online converter at http://www.onlineconversion.com/