The Basics
Country: Australia
Where is it?: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean
Why do people go here?: Work, play, travel and why don’t independent backpackers head down under? With one of the most extensive backpacker networks in the world outside of western Europe, Australia draws ‘em for the coast, the nightlife and the opportunity to work abroad, especially for those on Commonwealth passports. Chase kangaroos and then eat one for dinner at a swanky restaurant, looking at the Sydney Opera House in all its nighttime glory. Chill out up north with a surfboard and not a care in the world. Head down to Tassie and get where most tourists don’t. Whatever the reason, Australia is a popular place to be.
What are the main entry points?: A majority of travelers arrive in Sydney or Melbourne, either from London, Los Angeles, Bangkok or New Zealand. Although it IS possible to take a boat from Asia, is it relatively uncommon, and hard to arrange.
Currency used: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Country Code: 61
Area codes for Major Cities: Sydney 02, Melbourne 04
Religion: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%, non-Christian 11%, other 12.6%
Population: 22 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%
Government: Federal Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy
Languages: English, native languages
Travel Information
Major Cities: Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Attractions: Sydney, Outback, Kangaroos
Accommodations: Australia Hotels, Australia Hostels
Tourism Office locations and links: Australian Tourism Industry Assn. P.O. Box E328 Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia +61-6-2731000;; FAX +61-6-2734999; http://tourism.gov.au/other_tourism.html, www.aussie.net.au/
Health Issues: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age entering Australia within 6 days of having stayed overnight or longer in an infected country, as listed in the Weekly epidemiological record.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: The weather can be great year-round down under, if you know where to look.
Specific Events/Holidays: Australia Day, 26 January (1788)
Getting Around: Qantas, Greyhound Pioneer and a rail system connecting major cities will get you most places, but buying a car is a good investment if you’re going to be around for awhile.
Cheapest airport to fly into: There are four main airports in Australia namely: Melbourne Airport, Sydney Airport, Perth Airport, Adelaide Airport and Cairns International Airport. Thus, getting cheaper flights depends on which city you would like to go in Australia.
Need more information?: Check out the Australia travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
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