Tourist Tips
Emergencies
For serious emergencies requiring, ambulance, police or fire brigade, dial 000.
Food & Restaurants
Australia has excellent restaurants, cafe’s and other eating places. You can find places to suit any type of budget. The quality of fresh food in Australia is very high and easily accessible.
General Safety
Australia is a very safe country in general. However, it is always a good idea to keep personal belongings in a secure place. If you are carrying important personal items, it is a good idea to carry them on you in a place that is secure from any pickpockets. Also, when getting about at night, it is a good idea to stay on main streets and avoid dark off street areas that may look suspicious.
Hitchhiking
This practice is strongly discouraged throughout Australia.
Language
The main language spoken in Australia is English.
Let someone know where you are
It is always a good idea to let someone know where you are and where you intend to be in case something happens and you need to be located. Liquor
Legal drinking age
The legal age to consume alcohol in Australia is 18 and over.
Medications
Visitors are permitted to bring reasonable quantities of prescribed (non-narcotic) medications. All should be clearly labelled. Large quantities should be accompanied by a Doctor’s Certificate. All medication must be carried as hand luggage and declared on arrival.
Sun Protection
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. The sun is very strong and it is recommended that you wear sun protection whenever in the sun.
Surf and water safety
- Many of Australia’s most popular beaches are patrolled by Life Savers or Life Guards. Whenever swimming at these beaches, always swim between the red and yellow flags that are set up as the safest areas for swimming.
- Read and obey warning signs around swimming areas.
- Don’t swim directly after a meal.
- Never run and dive in the water.
- If you have trouble in the water, don’t panic, raise your arm up for help and float and wait for assistance.
- If you get caught in a rip, float with the current (don’t try and swim against it), signal for help and wait for assistance.
- From late October to early May, coastal waters of northern Australia are subjected to venomous box jellyfish. Do not swim in unprotected open beaches during this time. Only swim in protective enclosures.
Telephones
Australia has a very modern telephone system. There are many payphones located throughout the entire country. Local calls are charged at an un-timed amount of 40 cents. Long distance and International calls vary. There are many specials available to travellers through use of phone cards.
Time Zones
There are three time zones in Australia:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST) for News South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
- Central Standard Time (CST) for South Australia and the Northern Territory. This is half an hour behind EST.
- Western Standard Time (WST) for Western Australia. This is two hours behind EST.
New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia have daylight savings, which commences at the end of October and finishes at the end of March. Tasmania’s daylight savings starts from the beginning of October and goes through until the end of March. Note, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia do not have daylight savings.
Tipping
Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, however if you believe the service was very good, tips are certainly appreciated.
Vaccinations
The only vaccination required is if you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country, or zone, within six days prior to arrival into Australia. Check with your local doctor if you are unsure.
Weights & Measures
Australia uses the metric system of weights and measures.
