Two and a half times the size of Texas or seven times the size of the United Kingdom, Queensland, more than half of which lies above the Tropic of Capricorn, is known as the 'Sunshine State'. Within its borders are the Great Barrier Reef, numerous resort islands, kilometres of golden sandy beaches, national park forests, vast plains, lush rainforests, forested mountains and extensive wilderness areas.
What To See
Queensland, situated in the northeast corner of Australia, is the country's holiday playground attracting visitors all year round. It is known as the "Sunshine State", and the major attraction is the incredible underwater world provided off its coastline along the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is a World Heritage listed marine park that stretches for more than 1,250 miles along the Queensland coast; it is dotted with idyllic island resorts and contains one of the most diverse animal and plant ecosystems on earth. Further south, beyond Brisbane, the coastline is known as the Gold Coast. Here visitors can swim and surf all year round at 35 patrolled beaches along the 45 miles of coastline. The Gold Coast is also the home to many of Australia's theme parks. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, while Cairns, in the tropical north, is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Food & Drink
There are numerous speciality dishes and foods including barramundi (freshwater fish), tiger prawns, macadamia nuts and yabbies (small freshwater lobsters). Beef is the most popular meat and lamb is also of a high quality. There is a wide variety of excellent fruits and vegetables. Service is European-style and varies from waitress and waiter service to self-service. Bistros, cafes, family-style restaurants and 'pub' lunches at the counter offer good food at reasonable prices. Some restaurants will allow guests to bring their own alcohol and are called 'BYO' restaurants. Australia also offers an enormous variety of cuisines, including Italian, French, Greek, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, Japanese, Indian, African, Lebanese and Korean. Australian wines are good and inexpensive. Beer is served chilled. Licensing hours in public bars are 1000-2200 Mon-Sat, however most pubs are open until 2400; Sunday hours vary. Drinking age is 18 years or over.
Shopping
Special purchases include excellent local wines; wool, clothing, leather and sheepskin products; opal and other precious or semi-precious stones; and modern art sculpture and paintings. Many cities and towns have small shops devoted to the sale of 'Australiana', where Australian souvenirs, ranging from T-shirts to boomerangs, can be bought.
Activities
The range of activity, adventure and special interest holidays is almost limitless. As well as visiting the Great Barrier Reef other options available include bushwalking, self-drive tours, diving, fishing, surfing, golf, skiing, flying and gliding, ballooning, cycling, rafting, pony trekking, bungee jumping, etc.
General Information(A-Z)
Airport
Brisbane International is 8 miles northeast of the city centre (travel time - approximately 35 minutes). Flights are available from Europe, Asia, the Far East, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. Airport buses, taxis and trains operate services to the city. Townsville 3 miles from the city. Cairns is 5 miles from the city. Cairns is an excellent gateway both to the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north. Airport shuttle buses (travel time - 10-15 minutes) and taxis operate services to the city.
Climate
A Christmas eve barbecue around the swimming pool? New Year's day sunning at the beach? A change is as good as a holiday and Brisbane's sub-tropical climate certainly offers you that. The coolest months are July/August with day temperatures around 21º Celsius, nights around 10º Celsius. The hottest season (January/February) has highs around 29º Celsius with evenings around 21º Celsius. So your luggage should be mainly light clothes, cool and casual. No wonder Queenslanders say 'Beautiful one day, perfect the next'. This is the tropics. That means warm all year round almost everywhere, especially around the coastal areas. Daytime temperatures in Cairns range from around 31º Celsius in December to March, to around 26º Celsius in May to August. The lush rainforests surrounding Cairns exist because of the high annual rainfall - but even the rain is warm here!
Clothing
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is advised for much of year although warmer clothing is needed during the chilly evenings. Rainwear is advisable in any season.
Currency
The currency is the Australian Dollar (approx. 2.43A$ to £1).
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. Road signs are international. The speed limit is 60kph (35mph) in cities and towns and 80-110kph (50-68mph) on country roads and highways unless signs indicate otherwise. Seat belts must be worn at all times and driving licences must be in the driver's possession when driving. Distances between towns can be considerable, and apart from ensuring that all vehicles are in peak condition, it is advisable to carry spare water, petrol and equipment.
Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adapter socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels.
Flying Time
Approximately 21½ hours from London.
Getting Around
Meter-operated taxis can be found in all major cities and towns. There is a minimum 'flagfall charge' and then a charge for the distance travelled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. A small additional payment may be required for luggage and telephone bookings. Some taxis accept payment by credit card.
Health
A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days of leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP.
Holidays
Jan 1 2005 New Year's Day. Jan 26 Australia Day. Mar 25-28 Easter. Apr 26 ANZAC Day. Jun 13 Queen's Birthday Celebrations. Oct 3 Labour Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas.
Language
The official language is English. Many other languages are retained by minorities, including Italian, German, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese dialects and Aboriginal languages.
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Time
GMT + 10
Tipping
Not as common as it is in Europe and America nor is a service charge added to the bill in restaurants. Ten per cent for food and drink waiters is usual in top-quality restaurants, but is optional elsewhere. With taxis it is usual not to tip but round up the cost to the next dollar.
Tourist Board
Australian Tourist Commission, Gemini House, 10-18 Putney Hill, London SW15 6AA, UK Tel: (020) 8780 2229 (trade enquiries only) or (0906) 863 3235 (brochure request line; calls cost 60p per minute). Fax: (020) 8780 1496. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730.
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for UK passport holders. For other nationalities please check with the High Commission.
Australian High Commission
Australia House, The Strand, London WC2B 4LA, UK
Tel: (020) 7379 4334 or (09065) 508 900 (24-hour immigration and citizenship
enquiries; calls cost £1 per minute). Fax: (020) 7240 5333 or 7413 0653
(visa section).
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1720 (general); 0900-1100 (visa and immigration); 0930-1530 (passport).
Honorary Consulates in: Edinburgh (tel: (0131) 624 3333) and Manchester (tel: (0161) 237 9440).
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas: The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia that allows people from certain countries including the UK to visit Australia for up to three months for tourism, short-term business or elective study purposes. An ETA is invisible and therefore will not show up in your passport - please call EasyOzTravels for further details
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
