Regional Information
Australia
At a Glance
Currency: Australian Dollar (AU$, AUD)
Language: English
Local Time: Irish and UK time +11 hours. Day Light Savings (start first Sunday in October and end first Sunday in April) Irish and UK time +9 hours.
Voltage: 220 - 240V, 50 Hz. Adaptors purchased in Ireland or the UK can be used.
Flight Duration: 11 hours to Hong Kong, 8 hours Hong Kong to Sydney, 19 hours total
Airport: Sydney Airport is located approximately 16 km (10 miles) north east of Sydney city centre. The journey into the city centre takes about 18 minutes
Climate: The southern states have great beach weather during the summer (December to February). Up north summer is the wet season, and it is very, very humid. On the upside, the Top End is beautifully green and free of tourists at this time. From June until August things in the north have cooled down a little and dried up a lot. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) have the most temperate weather; it is reasonably mild wherever you are. Spring brings out the wildflowers in the outback, while autumn is particularly beautiful around Canberra and in the Victorian Alps.
Overview
New South Wales is the oldest of the five states, and also the most densely populated. It has a third of the country’s population with six and a quarter million residents. The state has an impressive more than a thousand kilometres of Pacific coastline. With a consistently mild climate and many beaches this coastline attracts a constant stream of visitors. During the summer thousands of Australians come to this coast to enjoy the surf and Oceanside attractions. The city of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory makes an excellent base to explore the region's natural wonders, of which the most famous, Uluru – or Ayers Rock – is 450km to the southwest. This region was one of the last places in Australia to be explored by Europeans; as a result it is now the best place to learn about Aborigines of the Western Desert. Cairns in Queensland is the perfect place to stop if you want to explore the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics and Riversleigh Fossil Fields.
Highlights
Blue Mountains - Blue Mountain National park is only 120km from Sydney and boasts some amazing walking trails which pass by streams, waterfalls, sheer cliffs and descend into gorges. You can also find the well known rock formation The Three Sisters here, a trio of pinnacles best viewed from the mountain town Katoomba.
Sydney Opera House - One of the most recognised buildings in the world was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973. Situated at Bennelong Point, it is surrounded by lush gardens and the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour.
Pier Marketplace, Cairns - The modern Pier Marketplace has fine views of Trinity Bay and a wide choice of shops. This is where most excursion boats to the Great Barrier Reef depart from.
Great Barrier Reef - The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef. It is roughly parallel to the coast of Queensland, Australia, and stretches for almost 2,000 km. More than two million people visit the reef every year, which is not surprising as the Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the natural world. It is an unforgettable sight for anyone lucky enough to see it.
Ayers Rock - Also called Uluru - This world's second largest monolith (after Mount Augustus, also in Australia) and an Aboriginal sacred site is Australia's most famous natural landmark. The time of day and the atmospheric conditions can dramatically change the colour of Ayers Rock, anything from blue to violet to glowing red.
Getting Around
With distances between cities so great, flying is the most favoured and speedy option, although buses and trains provide a more scenic lengthy alternative. Within the major cities, you will find thorough and convenient rail and bus systems.
Health/Security
Sensible precautions against pickpockets and scammers are recommended. Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any major city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended.
Passport/Visa
Irish / UK citizens are required to carry an Australian ETA visa for travellers who are entering Australia for tourism for trips no longer than 3 months. The Australian visa is digitally assigned to your passport number supplied at the time of application, removing the need for labels and stamps previously issued by the Australian High Commissions. All Australian Visas have to be obtained prior to departure. You will not be able to board your aircraft without a valid visa/ETA and passports/travel documents.
Useful Contacts
Irish Consulate: Level 26, 1 Market Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: + 61 2 9264 9635, Fax: + 61 2 9264 9740
Web: www.irishconsulatesydney.net
British Consulate: The Gateway, Level 16, 1 Macquarie Place,
Sydney NSW, 2000
Tel: + 61 2 9247 7521, Fax: + 61 2 9252 0924
Email: bcgsyd1@britaus.net
Web: www.ukinaustralia.fco.gov.uk/en
Local Emergency Services: 000
Calling Australia from ROI/UK: 00 + 61 + area code + the number
Calling Ireland from Australia: 00 + 353 + area code + the number
Calling the UK from Australia: 00 + 44 + area code + the number
Local Tourist Office: Darling Park, Tower 2, Level 18, 201 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: + 61 2 9360 1111, Fax: + 61 2 9331 6469
Email: corpaffairs@tourism.australia.com
Web: www.tourism.australia.com
Useful Websites
www.australia.com