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Photo: Australian Parliament Building, Canberra.
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Visitors Info for Travelling to Australia
Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, is where the seat of the Australian government resides. Sydney is the largest city in the country with a population over 4 million and is the capital of the state of New South Wales. Melbourne has been voted the number 1 place to live in the world for a number of years.
The State Capitals of Australia are as follows:
| New South Wales: | Sydney |
| Northern Territory: | Darwin |
| South Australia: | Adelaide |
| Queensland: | Brisbane |
| Tasmania: | Hobart |
| Victoria : | Melbourne |
| Western Australia: | Perth |
Driving in Australia
Driving Info for Travellers in Australia
Language
English is official language of Australia. Only a few words vary in pronunciation and usage throughout the country. The accent is called ’Aussie’.
Religion
Australia is very much a cosmopolitan country. All the major religions and many sects are represented here.
The Disability Information Resource
Power
- A.C. electrical power is 220-240V at 50Hz. Plugs have 3 flat prongs that form a triangular Y shape configuration.
Metropolitan Banking Hours
- 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday.
- 9 am to 5 pm Fridays.
- Some have extended hours, including Saturday mornings.
Most Banks will exchange most foreign currencies, and foreign currency exchanges can be found at Sydney Airport and popular tourist spots such as Martin Place, CentrePoint, and Circular Quay.
Post Offices
- Open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Fridays, except public holidays (see below).
Daylight Savings (Summer Time)
Recent changes by state and territory governments have changed the length of time Daylight saving will run. They have been extended from the 1st Sunday in October to the 1st Sunday in April, beginning in the Australian summer of 2008. This includes New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and South Australia.
Future Australia Public Holidays Dates
New Years Day
- Monday, 1 January 2024
- Wednesday 1 January 2025
- Thursday 1 January 2026
- Friday 1 January 2027
- Saturday 1 January 2028
- Monday 1 January 2029
- Tuesday 1 January 2030
Australia Day
Note: The Australia Day dates may be changed.
- Friday, 26 January 2024
- Sunday 26 January 2025
- Monday 26 January 2026
- Tuesday 26 January 2027
- Wednesday 26 January 2028
- Friday 26 January 2029
- Saturday 26 January 2030
Good Friday
- March 29, 2024 Good Friday 2024
- April 18, 2025 Good Friday 2025
- April 03, 2026 Good Friday 2026
- March 26, 2027 Good Friday 2027
- April 14, 2028 Good Friday 2028
- March 30, 2029 Good Friday 2029
- April 19, 2030 Good Friday 2030
Easter Sunday
- March 31, March April Easter Sunday 2024
- April 21, 2025 Easter Sunday 2025
- April 05, 2026 Easter Sunday 2026
- March 29, 2027 Easter Sunday 2027
- April 17, 2028 Easter Sunday 2028
- April 02, 2029 Easter Sunday 2029
- April 22, 2030 Easter Sunday 2030
Easter Monday
- April 01 Easter Monday 2024
- April 22, 2025 Easter Monday 2025
- April 06, 2026 Easter Monday 2026
- March 30, 2027 Easter Monday 2027
- April 18, 2028 Easter Monday 2028
- April 03, 2029 Easter Monday 2029
- April 23, 2030 Easter Monday 2030
Anzac Day
- Thursday, 25 April 2024
- Friday, 25 April 2025
- Saturday, 25 April 2026
- Sunday, 25 April 2027
- Tuesday, 25 April 2028
- Wednesday, 25 April 2029
- Thursday, 25 April 2030
King’s Birthday Holiday
Edward VII, who reigned from 1901-1910, moved the date to June. Better weather in the UK.
King Charles was born on November 14, 1948.
Note: Varies between states and territories.
- NSW
- Queensland
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
- Tasmania
Australia Labour Day
Note: Varies between states and territories.
Note: Northern Territory calls it May Day.
- 1st Monday in October - Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and South Australia
- 1st Monday in March - Western Australia
- 2nd Monday in March - Victoria and Tasmania
- 1st Monday in May - Queensland and the Northern Territory
- 4th Monday of March - Territory of Christmas Island
Christmas Day
- Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Thursday 25 December 2025
- Friday 25 December 2026
- Saturday 25 December 2027
- Monday 25 December 2028
- Tuesday 25 December 2029
- Wednesday 25 December 2030
Boxing Day
- Thursday 26 December 2024
- Friday 26 December 2025
- Saturday 26 December 2026
- Sunday 26 December 2027
- Tuesday 26 December 2028
- Wednesday 26 December 2029
- Thursday 26 December 2030
Note: Seasons are reversed in Australia from the Northern Hemisphere.
Wheelchair Access
For maps of city facilities with wheelchair access Sydney City Council.
Phone Directory Assistance
Australian White Pages - www.whitepages.com.au.
Road Safety for Overseas Travellers.
Visa and Immigration Information
Visa and Immigration Information.
Tourist Refund Scheme
You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia. This applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on to the aircraft or ship when you leave Australia.
Work in Australia - Jobs Information
Finding Sydney Jobs - Changes in government policy has made it easier to get work visas for the skilled and backpackers.
Australian Currency
- Australia uses decimal currency - 100 cents = $1.00
- Notes presently in use are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills.
- Coins are 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1.00 and $2.00.
See current exchange rate for the AUD Currency Exchange Rates.
Sydney Business Information
Police - Ambulance - Fire Emergency
Emergency Contact Number
000
Note: The Sydney travel information provided here is a guide only - call the relevant organisation(s) direct to ensure accuracy.
Beach Notes
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NOTE: Swim at beaches with lifeguards. Swimming at Australian beaches involves Swimming Between The Flags! |
Ask a lifeguard about the conditions for the day. Be considerate of them, they are there for you and your children!
We wish you a safe and enjoyable stay.
Previous Page: Sydney Info
- Climate and Daily Weather
- Sydney Public Transport
- Beach Safety Notes
- Location of Sydney
- Sydney Airport
- Getting to Bondi Beach
Driving in Australia
International Driving Licences
Weather and Driving in Australia
Australia Tourist Guide
More information about Australia - see the Australia Tourist Guide.
Main Photo: Australian Parliament Building, Canberra.
Photo: Sydney Cove and the Opera House