Australia Country Guide
Index:
- Basic Information
- Economy
- Start a Business
- Transport System
- Famous Places
- Costs
Guide:
- Basic Information:
Name: Australia
Official Name: Commonwealth of Australia
Capital: Canberra
Climate: Generally arid to semi-arid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north
Race: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%.
Language: English, native languages
Official Language: English
Religion: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%, non-Christian 11%
Government: Democratic, federal-state system recognising the British monarch as sovereign
Population (in mil): 18.9
Literacy Rate: 99.5%
Visas: Every nationality except New Zealanders need visas.
Tourists visas cost US$22 and are generally valid for six months.
Visas for less than three months are free.
Immunisations: Sunburn, spider bites, snake bites.
Time: There are three time zones: Eastern Standard Time is UTC plus 10 hours, Central Time is UTC plus 9.5 hours and Western Time UTC plus eight hours.
Electricity: 220-240V
Currency: Australian dollar
Travellers Cheque: Travellers cheques generally get a better rate than cash.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted.
ATMs all over the country accept credit and Cirrus cards.
Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory
- Economy:
Economic: Prosperous Western-style capitalist economy. Economy has expanded at a reasonably steady rate in recent years. In addition to high unemployment, short-term economic problems include a balancing of output growth and inflationary pressures and the stimulation of exports to offset rising imports, especially given the Asian economic crisis.
Industries: Major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals and fossil fuels
Infrastructure: Excellent domestic and international telephone service
- Start a Business:
Business Attire: Suits are necessary in Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane business people may wear shirts, ties and shorts; visiting business people should wear lightweight suits for the initial meeting. Prior appointments necessary. Punctuality is important.
Business Practices: Attention should be paid on advance planning, promptness, punctuality, and follow through. Australians are personally gracious, yet informal and direct in their business dealings. Very soon after meeting, Australians do business on a first name basis. Business cards are exchanged for information purposes, but without any special ceremony. A great deal of business is conducted over drinks. Luncheon meetings are common, but Australians do not usually schedule business functions during the evening or on week-ends, which are dedicated to family and friends.
Gifts: Token gift exchange is not common.
Greetings: A largely informal atmosphere prevails; shaking hands is the customary greeting.
Office Hours: 0900-1700 Monday to Friday. Best months for business travel are March to November.
- Transport System:
By Air: Australia is easily accessible by major international airlines.
Australia’s major international airports are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, followed by Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Cairns.
Departure tax on international flights is US$19
Domestic Airlines: Qantas and Ansett.
Bus: Long distance buses such as Greyhound Pioneer Australia
Train: Rail network linking all major cities except Darwin.
- Famous Places:
5.1 The Great Barrier Reef
Location: Stretches from Bundaberg to beyond Cape York, Queensland
Description: It is the most extensive coral reef system in the world. It is also the largest World Heritage area, and the largest structure made completely by living organisms. Great for sailing, snorkelling, diving or swimming.
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5.2 Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Operating Hours: Varies depending on the month. Around 5.00am to 7.30pm
Description: World's most famous monolith. At sunset, Uluru puts on a spectacular light show that changes its colors from red to orange to lilac in a matter of
minutes.
5.3 Warner Bros Movie World
Location: Oxenford, Queensland
Operating Hours: 10am to 5pm daily except Christmas Day. 1pm to 6pm Anzac Day (25th April)
Description: Transports the Lights, Camera and Action of Hollywood and movies to the Gold Coast. It is the only movie-related theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere. A$41 Adult, A$26 Child.
5.4 Queen Victoria Market
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Operating Hours: Sundays 9am to 4pm
Description: Experience the color and excitement of Australia's largest market with nearly 1,000 traders in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. Free to public.
5.5 Shopping at Sydney
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Operating Hours: 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, late night shopping on Friday until 9pm, 9am to 5pm on Saturday. Extended trading hours apply in the period prior to Christmas.
Description: The focus of inner city shopping is Pitt Street Mall. Syle centres are located at Elizabeth and Castlereagh Streets, where many designer brands can be found. Other places to check out are Oxford Steet, Darling Harbour and The Rocks.
- Costs:
Budget Meal: $3-15
Moderate Restaurant: $7-15
TopEnd Restaurant: $17 and up
Moderate Hotel: $20-60
TopEnd Hotel: $70 and above
