Travel Tips

Alcohol

Of course the minimum legal drinking age is 18 years old. Everyone, especially young people, should carry identification to prove they are at least 18 years of age when going to bars and clubs. Should a young person not show ID then they will not be allowed to enter the bar/club. No one may buy liquor from anywhere unless they are 18 years of age. Buying liquor or alcohol for a 'minor' is illegal. There are strict rules for giving or providing alcohol to a minor. If you are over the legal age then the clubs and bars are open for you to enjoy. The nightlife is great in Australia, the cities are alive with the many bars and clubs and disco's and alcohol is plentiful, but be warned abuse this alcohol and Australia's laws and you will be fined.

Climate

The climate in the amazing north Queensland is an average year round temperature of about 29 degrees Celsius or 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The variation in temperature between the seasons is much less than you would expect in other places around the world.

Average daytime temperature in months:

Southern Queensland has some of the most amazing bright, sunny days and some balmy nights as is expected in a tropical area. Seasons in Australia are the reverse of North America and Europe. Summer is December to February; autumn is March to May, winter June to August, and spring September to November.

Currency

The Australian dollar is made up of 100 cents. Although one and two cents are no longer in circulation in Australia, many shops have prices such as $39.97 however law dictates that in the total it is to be rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cents. Coins come as 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. Notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. All nots are now made of plastic will survive water.

Driving Information

Australians drive on the left side of the road not the right like some countries. Speed limits are expressed kilometres per hour and vary from 50km/h in residential areas to 110 km/h on the freeway. A very serious offence in Australia is drink driving. Drivers can be stopped anywhere at random and subjected to a breath analysis test. Offenders are arrested and fingerprinted, so it can be an unhappy end to a fine evening. The legal limit is .05%.

Medical Services and Prescriptions

Australian health care professionals are highly trained and medical services are among the best in the entire world. Visitors from U.K and U.S.A, as well as a few other select countries, are entitled to a free medical and hospital care under the agreement with the Medicare organisation. Other visitors should seek out Travel Insurance. Major hotels have a doctor on-call.

Visitors who have a medical condition requiring treatment should ensure they carry a letter outlining the condition and the treatment. Most medication is available in Australia, but only on a doctor's prescription. Prescription drugs are dispensed by qualified pharmacist at `pharmacies' or `chemist' shops.

Traveller's cheques

Traveller's cheques, especially in foreign currencies, are generally NOT accepted. Those that do display a "traveller's cheques welcome" sign. Cash your cheques at a bank or Bureau de Change to ensure you have enough spending money. The same holds true for foreign currency, which is not accepted by Australian businesses and shops.

Tipping

Finally a bit on Tipping. No service charge applies in Australia. Tipping is not mandatory but a 10% tip in restaurants and hotel bars is normal for good service.