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.
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.
Power
A.C. electrical power is 220-240V at 50Hz. Plugs in Australia 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.
NSW Public Holidays - Most Australia Public Holidays Coincide
New Years Day
Tuesday, 1 January 2019
Wednesday, 1 January 2020
Australia Day
Monday, 28 January 2019
Monday, 27 January 2020
Good Friday
Friday, 19 April 2019
Friday, 10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
Sunday, 21 April 2019
Sunday, 12 April 2020
Easter Monday
Monday, 22 April 2019
Monday, 13 April 2020
Anzac Day
Thursday, 25 April 2019
Saturday, 25 April 2020
Queen’s Birthday
Monday, 10 June 2019
Monday, 8 June 2020
Bank Holiday
Monday, 5 August 2019
Monday, 3 August 2020
NSW Labour Day
Monday, 7 October 2019
Monday, 5 October 2020
Christmas Day
Wednesday, 25 December 2019
Friday, 25 December 2020
Boxing Day
Thursday, 26 December 2019
Saturday, 26 December 2020
Monday, 28 December 2020*
* Additional, ** Not State Wide. Extensive information about Australia Public Holidays in other states can be found here:
Term 1 (eastern division) – Monday 29 January to Friday 13 April 2018
Term 1 (western division) – Monday 5 February to Friday 13 April 2018
Term 2 – Monday 30 April to Friday 6 July 2018
Term 3 – Monday 23 July to Friday 28 September 2018
Term 4 – Monday 15 October to Friday 21 December 2018
Note: Seasons are reversed in Australia from the Northern Hemisphere.
Other Australian states may vary somewhat from these dates. Public and Private Schools may also vary and some individual schools may also have their own time tables. More information about Australia Public Holidays and School Vacation Days can be found here:
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
- Changes in government policy has made it easier to get work visas for the skilled and backpackers.
Australia's Capital - Canberra
Next: Road Conditions
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:
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.
Power
A.C. electrical power is 220-240V at 50Hz. Plugs in Australia have 3 flat prongs that form a triangular Y shape configuration.
Metropolitan Banking Hours
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
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.
NSW Public Holidays - Most Australia Public Holidays Coincide
Wednesday, 1 January 2020
Monday, 27 January 2020
Friday, 10 April 2020
Sunday, 12 April 2020
Monday, 13 April 2020
Saturday, 25 April 2020
Monday, 8 June 2020
Monday, 3 August 2020
Monday, 5 October 2020
Friday, 25 December 2020
Saturday, 26 December 2020
Monday, 28 December 2020*
* Additional, ** Not State Wide. Extensive information about Australia Public Holidays in other states can be found here:
Australia Public Holidays
NSW School Vacation Days
Note: Seasons are reversed in Australia from the Northern Hemisphere.
Other Australian states may vary somewhat from these dates. Public and Private Schools may also vary and some individual schools may also have their own time tables. More information about Australia Public Holidays and School Vacation Days can be found here:
Australia Public Holidays.
Wheelchair Access
For maps of city facilities with wheelchair access:
Sydney City Council
Road Safety for Overseas Travellers
Driving Safely in NSW - Road Rules
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
- Changes in government policy has made it easier to get work visas for the skilled and backpackers.
Finding Sydney Jobs
Australian Currency
See current exchange rate for the Australian Dollar AUD:
Currency Exchange Rates
Sydney Business Information
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.
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!
Australia Tourist Guide
More information about Australia - see the:
Australia Tourist Guide
Previous: Driving in Australia
Topic: Travelling to Australia
Australia Tourist Guide