Wonderful coastal scenery, fantastic forests and the marvelous Margaret River are just a few of the key features of this remarkable and immense region. The state capital Perth is a vibrant yet laid back spacious city. The coastal pearling town of Broome with its beautiful beaches, Monkey Mia where dolphins frolic and the breathtaking Bungle Bungle mountain range count amongst Western Australia's many different attractions.
What To See
The vast state of Western Australia offers a distinct range of experiences. Perth is renowned for it's warm climate and relaxed lifestyle. Close by are the beaches of Scarborough and the port city of Fremantle. Discover Perth's surrounding attractions such as the amazing Wave Rock and the Pinnacles. North of Perth, visit the dolphins of Monkey Mia. Kimberley is one of the last great rugged wildernesses. Marvel at the beehive - shaped mounds of the Bungle Bungles or visit coastal Broome famed for it's pearling industry. The town of Kununurra is Kimberley's eastern gateway and an ideal point from which to explore the Hidden Valley and Lake Argyle, a man-made lake. Western Australia's southerly regions are ideal for touring from the Margaret River wine region to the historic coastal whaling town of Albany.
Food & Drink
There are numerous specialty dishes and foods including rock oysters, 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 are 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. The major vineyards (wineries) are outside Perth. 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. Exhibitions of bark paintings, boomerangs and other tribal objects are on view and for sale in Perth; many depict stories from the Dreamtime. Many 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. Options available include bushwalking, self-drive tours in the outback, diving, fishing, surfing, golf, skiing, flying and gliding, ballooning, cycling, rafting, pony trekking, gemstone fossicking, bungee jumping, etc.
General Information(A-Z)
Airport
The international airport is Perth International Airport located 7 miles (12km) from the city.
Climate
Western Australia is characterised by hot summers from December to February and mild winters from June to August. Rainfall is heaviest between May and July.
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 18 hours from London
Getting Around
Meter-operated taxis can be found in all major 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. Over 40,000km (24,850 miles) of rail track cover the country.
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 + 7
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.
