Australia is a highly urbanised nation, with the majority of the population squeezed into a few cities clinging to the coast. Inside lies the Australian outback, the largest desert outside of the Sahara, where you can walk for hundreds of miles through haunting landscapes of red, yellow and ochre without encountering so much as a telephone box. At the centre of it all stands Uluru, a sacred sentinel rising majestically out of the desert, dominating horizons for miles and attracting half a million visitors each year.
Back in the cities, business negotiations are surprisingly laid back, while modesty and substance will go much further than show and pomp. With a wealth of sun, sand and surf, as well as some surprisingly sophisticated bars, restaurants, theatres and museums, it’s easy to forget why you’re there. The national obsession may be sport, but there’s plenty to do besides discussing the cricket. Check out the music scene in Melbourne and catch up on the latest fashion, or drool over Sydney Harbour before enjoying the vibrant open air night life.
When you’ve tired of all that you can grab an eyeful of some more classical natural beauty; hire a car and take a drive along the gorgeous coastline of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, or take a dive out at the Great Barrier Reef.
Getting there
Australia has seven international airports – Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney – and plenty of connecting routes. There are currently no passenger liners operating to or from Australia.
Getting around
Public bus networks and taxis are fine for getting around inside cities but the most practical method of intercity travel is by car. Buying can be more cost effective than renting for long stays. Buses and train routes are available but these are tedious and often uncomfortable.
Local information
Language: English
Time: UTC + 8 to UTC + 10.5
Climate: Tropical, temperate, semi-arid, depending on region. Temperature (Sydney): Max 27°C (January), Min 7°C (July). Rainfall: Max 123mm (June), Min 62mm (September)
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Business etiquette: Suits are usually worn and appointments necessary. Australians are relatively informal and direct. Long-standing relationships are not required before doing business and negotiations can be quite relaxed. Avoid hype or exaggeration as Australians distrust pretention as a rule.
Tipping: Tipping is not widely practiced.
Duty free: 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or cigars; 2.25l alcoholic liquor; other goods below A$900.
Safety: Crime in Australia is relatively low and the greatest threats to safety come from natural hazards. The ozone layer has been severely depleted here so sun-block is essential, while there are a number of dangerous and/or venomous creatures that travellers need to be wary of.
Laws: Tough prison sentences followed by deportation are incurred for drug crimes.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus required. The UK has a reciprocal health agreement allowing UK citizens to receive free healthcare in emergencies only. Travellers are recommended to take out ongoing health insurance.
Socket type: Type I
