Travel Guide to New Zealand

Location
 
Australia is in the southern hemisphere almost at the extreme opposite to the UK. It is a large island covering several time zones.
 
Shopping
 
All the main cities have great shopping with all the main international brands. It is a good place to but the fashionable Australian and pacific brands. Many smaller towns also have good shopping facilities and many gift and craft shops.

Geography
 
Australia has incredible geography with incredible lush tropical vegetation in the northern and eastern regions, barren central plains, spectacular rock formations especially at the iconic Uluru as well as the Great Barrier Reef.

History
 
The Aborigines were the first settlers and their culture dates back to the last ice age.

Europeans started to take an interest in the area in the 16th century, but it would be some time before any permanent settlements were established.

In 1770 Captain James Cook sailed the entire length of the east coast stopping off at Botany Bay. He claimed the region for the British and named it New South Wales.

1788 saw the first British fleet land at Botany Bay with a cargo of prisoners from the overflowing British prisons.

In the 1850s the discovery of gold saw a huge influx of migrants giving the territory a cultural mix.

In 1901 Australia became a nation federating all of the colonies, but retaining very close links with Britain.
 
Climate
 
The country is so vast and its climates so varied, it would be misleading to publish any weather charts for the country as a whole. However, being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are apposite so the best weather is in our winter.

Basic Information
 
Language
English is the official language.

Currency
Australian Dollar (A$) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely used.

Electricity
220/240 volts AC 50 Hz.

Banks
Opening hours Mon-Fri 9:30am - 4pm

Driving
Driving is on the left. Main roads are excellent and well signed, but there are many unpaved roads are hazardous. You have to be 21 to be able to hire a car.

Time difference
GMT +8 hours west coast and +10 hours east coast.

Tipping and local customs
Is not expected but is welcomed at 10%.

Water
The quality of water is fairly good, but bottled water recommended.

Tourist Board information
www.australia.com

Visas
Visas are required, and an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) must be processed before you leave the UK to allow you entrance. We can provide this service for you and will need your full passport details. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Six months valid passport is required.
 
What makes it so special?
The diverse nature of the country with iconic tourist sites. The wealth of flying options and great variety of stopover destinations. The friendly nature of the Australians.