Question 1

What time does the sun rise and set in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The Sunrise and Sunset times in Australia vary dramatically across the seasons and from north to south. Click here for a table of sunrise and sunset times .

Question 2

When are the school holidays in Australia?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 main periods when Australians have school holidays, roughly every 10 weeks there is a 2 week break. Although the holiday times vary slightly from state to state, the following are the times during which there is an extended school holiday: Summer Holidays: 15 December - 2 February Autumn Holidays: 7 April - 29 April Winter Holidays: 23 June - 22 July Spring Holidays: 22 September - 13 October

Question 3

How many time zones are there in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Australia has three time zones: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), and Australian Western Standard Time (AWST). AEST is equal to GMT + 10 hours ACST is equal to GMT + 9.5 hours AWST is equal to GMT + 8 hours

Question 4

When are the wet and dry seasons in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The wet and dry seasons primarily affect the tropical north of Australia. The dry season generally lasts about 6 months, from April to October, with temperatures generally lower (around 20 degrees celsius) and clear skies. If you’re looking to visit this part of the country, this is the best time to come. The wet season generally falls between November and March and is marked by temperatures often over 30 degrees celsius with high humidity, and quite a bit of rainfall.

Question 5

Can I drink the tap water in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Although some variation in the quality of drinking water will occur because of the different sources of water used and different forms of treatment, tap water in towns and cities (unless stated otherwise) is considered safe to drink.

Question 6

What sort of food is available in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Australian food is internationally renowned. From farm-to-plate restaurants to some of the world's most modern fine dining, there are some fantastic foods on offer and flavours to experience. A wide range of cuisine and styles are available to suit every budget. Dining out in the larger cities you will have a plethora of options while in the smaller towns you may only have one or two choices. Major cities and centres are dynamic hubs with a number of different cuisines and dining options. You can find everything from fine dining and Michelin-star restaurants to hidden alleyways of Asian and fusion cuisine at great value prices. If you're in need of a quick fix, Australia has an abundance of fast food options. 'Take-away’ or ‘fast food’ goes beyond the general ‘burgers and fries’ - Indian, Thai, Japanese, fish and chips, pizza, and of course, meat pies are all available!

Question 7

What is the minimum drinking age in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The minimum drinking age to consume or purchase alcohol in Australia is 18.

Question 8

What is the capital of Australia?

Accepted Answer

Although many might guess that Sydney is the capital, given that it is Australia’s largest city, they would be incorrect. It is in fact, Canberra, located in Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Canberra’s name is derived from the aboriginal term meaning ‘meeting place’ and became the capital in 1927, when the federal parliament was shifted from Melbourne.

Question 9

How many people live in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Australia has approximately 25.6 million people, with the majority of people living in metropolitan centres, including Sydney (its largest city), Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Question 10

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Accepted Answer

This truly depends on where in Australia you would like to visit, as there are so many different climates in Australia and regional differences in seasonal temperatures. While the southern states tend to experience 4 seasons, the northern half of the country really only experiences two: the wet (November to April) and the dry (May to October) seasons. If you are keen to explore the outback, you should consider visiting during the cooler months (May through August) and if you are wanting to spend some time in Tasmania, you may want to visit between October and March due to its colder climate than the mainland. The best place to start is to think about where you want to visit in Australia and then we can let you know when the best time to travel would be based on your interests!

Question 11

What are the styles of accommodation available in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Motels The motels we recommend are of a very high standard and many have facilities on-par with hotels. All motels offer self-contained facilities including cooking utensils, a hot plate and microwave, kettle, crockery and cutlery. Some also offer facilities such as hot-tubs, swimming pools and saunas. Motes usually have bedrooms separate to the living area, making them ideal for families. Three-star hotels In Australia, the star rating of a hotel applies to the facilities and services on offer, and not necessarily the value or quality of these services. Throughout the country there are many three star hotels that offer exceptional service and accommodations. All the three star hotels that we book offer restaurant and room service facilities. Four-star hotels Four star hotels are prevalent in Australia and are generally very high quality. Most have a range or room types including standard, deluxe, superior or lake/mountain view suites etc. Many also have two and three bedroom suites which are great when travelling in a large group or with family. Most have swimming pools, gyms, a choice of restaurants and room service and most will occupy premium positions within a town network. Luxury lodges and hotels Australia is internationally renowned for its luxury lodges and upmarket hotels. From cool cosmopolitan properties to premium lodges in scenic locations these accommodations are five star and provide just about anything you can ask for including private in-house chefs, helicopter tours, fishing and hunting guides and spa treatments.

Question 12

What are the cost of things in Australia?

Accepted Answer

In Australia the cost of things will vary according to the location. In more remote places you should factor in paying a lot more for everyday items such as groceries and petrol. If you have children, tourist attractions usually offer a family rate which will give you the best value for money. To give you an indication of what things will cost in Australia here is general price guide: Cup of coffee (flat white) AUD$4.5 to AUD$6 Glass of beer or wine AUD$7 to AUD$15 2 Litres of Milk AUD$4 to AUD$5 30 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight AUD$400 per adult

Question 13

What can I expect to pay for food in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants As a guide, you can expect to pay between AUD$30 and AUD$45 for a main dinner course at most restaurants. However, at a high-end restaurant, you can expect to pay between AUD$60 - AUD$120 for a main dinner course. For lunch, prices range between AUD$20-AUD$35 at most cafes. Tipping is not required in Australia. Hospitality staff are paid (at the very least) a living wage and are not reliant on tips. Take-away/ fast food A take-away dinner for two people costs anywhere between AUD$25-AUD$45, and a breakfast is anywhere between AUD$20- $AUD30 per person depending on the style and location. Self catering When travelling in Australia, the most cost-effective way to dine is to self-cater - particularly if you are staying in motel or apartment style accommodations that contain a kitchenette or kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. Most towns will have a main supermarket or a general grocery store. Australia grows much of its own produce - and local farmers markets are a great source of fresh fruit, vegetables, honey and eggs.

Question 14

What seasons does Australia have?

Accepted Answer

Given Australia’s size, it goes without saying that it has a number of different climates depending on where you are. There are 6 main climate zones in the country: Desert, Grassland, Tropical, Subtropical and Temperate. The desert makes up the majority of the centre of the country and In the summertime, they can reach highs of over 40 degrees celsius and lows of 24 degrees, whilst in the winter temperatures generally range from 16-24 degrees celsius during the daytime and can drop down to 0 degrees celsius at night. The grassland regions surround the arid and semi-arid desert and are made up of the Red Centre (Uluru, Alice Springs), Flinders Ranges and Northwest Cape around Exmouth and Ningaloo. Summer runs from December to March; Autumn from March to May; Winter from June to August; and Spring from September to November. The tropical region of the country is made up of the Top End of the Northern Territory including Kakadu and Arnhem Land and the subtropical areas are comprised of eastern and coastal Queensland. The dry season here generally lasts about 6 months, from April to October, with temperatures generally lower and clear skies. If you’re looking to visit this part of the country, this is the best time to come. The wet season generally falls between November and March and is marked by temperatures often over 30 degrees celsius with high humidity, and quite a bit of rainfall. Lastly, the coastal regions of New South Wales and Victoria, as well as all of Tasmania and most of Southern Australia feature a temperate climate that experiences 4 seasons. Summer: December to February (Average Temperature: Minimum 16°C and Maximum 26°C) Autumn: March to May (Average Temperature: Minimum 11°C and Maximum 20°C) Winter: June to August (Average Temperature: Minimum 6°C and Maximum 14°C) Spring: September to November (Average Temperature: Minimum 10°C and Maximum 20°C)

Question 15

What are road conditions like in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Australia is pretty varied in terms of its road conditions, well-signed, paved and sealed roads in the major centres to dirt roads across more remote parts of the country. Once you leave the major cities, traffic is generally fairly light. If you are doing a self-drive holiday, you will likely have at least a few journeys that are quite long, so make sure you have adequate food and water or are prepared to make lots of stops along the way. We recommend the latter as it is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. A few things to remember: They drive on the left hand side of the road. When you arrive at a roundabout, you must give way to the traffic on your right. Speed Limits are strongly enforced Always park on the left - it is illegal to park facing oncoming traffic. When you reach a railway crossing in a country area, you will need to stop before crossing. Pedestrians always have the right of way.

Question 16

What sort of driving license do I need to drive in Australia?

Accepted Answer

You can drive in Australia if you have a current, full and valid overseas license that has been valid for a minimum of 12 consecutive months written in English, or accompanied by an accurate translation or International Drivers Permit. If the license is not written in the roman alphabet, an International Driver's Permit must be provided in addition to their drivers license.

Question 17

What is the speed limit in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Open road speed limits in Australia are 100kph and it will be clearly signposted where this limit applies. In urban areas the limit is usually 50kph and again this will be clearly signposted. Speed cameras are common around Australia and can be either mounted at specific locations or within mobile camera units and within police cars. If you speed there is a pretty good chance you will be caught.

Question 18

Which side of the road do you drive on in Australia?

Accepted Answer

In Australia they drive on the left hand side of the road - the opposite to most of Europe, USA, Canada etc. If you have not driven on the left hand side before there are a variety of helpful videos to prepare you and your consultant can advise. The best advice though is to take it easy at first and have your passenger as a co-driver to remind and help you become accustomed to driving this way. You always give way to people on your right.

Question 19

What is included in my rental car in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Our tour packages include: the rental costs for your car for the duration of your tour; with many operators our hire also covers the cost of additional drivers - there are a few exceptions to the rule so please check with your travel specialist at the time of booking if you would like to have multiple drivers; insurance & GST (Australian Goods & Services tax) Tour costs quoted on our site automatically include full collision and damage waiver fees limiting your maximum liability, but we can arrange your tour with the level of insurance cover your prefer. Note: you may be offered additional insurance to cover windscreens and tyre and other additional costs on collection of your vehicle.

Question 20

What does fuel cost in Australia and how much should I budget for my tour?

Accepted Answer

Petrol in Australia costs around AUD$1.88 per litre (around AUD$7.52 per US Gallon). The tours listed on our sites and any itineraries we create for you will give you an indication of the fuel cost for your tour based on the specific car selected.

Question 21

Are there many e-vehicle charging stations in Australia?

Accepted Answer

You can find e-vehicle charging stations across Australia, from Perth to Hobart to northern Queensland and places in between. You can find all of these locations here .

Question 22

What is included in my rental car in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Packages include rental cost for the tour duration; many operators include additional drivers (with exceptions); and insurance + GST. Quotes include collision/damage waiver limiting maximum liability, and you may be offered additional cover (windscreens/tyres) at pickup.

Question 23

Is breakdown cover included with my rental car?

Accepted Answer

Most of the rental cars we arrange for you include full roadside assistance (breakdown cover). So if the car develops a problem help is just a phone call away. If your problem cannot be resolved at the roadside then contact us or the rental car company and a solution for a replacement vehicle will be organised as soon as practically possible. Check with your agent today to see if you are covered. We use only the most reliable car rental companies and have worked with them for many years. We know their fleets are well maintained and regularly serviced so you are safe behind the wheel.

Question 24

What sort of food is available in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Australia has a wide range of cuisine and dining styles, from farm-to-plate restaurants to modern fine dining. Larger cities have extensive choice; smaller towns may have fewer options.

Question 25

Is Halal food readily available in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Halal food is readily available across Australia, but particularly in Sydney and Melbourne where there are a multitude of options from dining out to supermarkets. For two fantastic dining experiences that are Halal certified, head to Gazi in Melbourne, specialising in Greek street food, or Efendy in Sydney, serving some delicious Turkish flavours.

Question 26

What can I expect to pay for food in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Main dinner courses are often AUD $30–$45; high-end mains can be AUD $60–$120. Typical café lunches AUD $20–$35. Tipping isn’t required. Takeaway for two AUD $25–$45. Self-catering is highlighted as cost-effective, with most towns having a supermarket/grocery store and local markets.

Question 27

I need to change the date of my tour. Is this possible?

Accepted Answer

Changing the date of your booked tour is possible. However, bear in mind that changing the date may mean some of your previous arrangements are not possible, or costs may vary from those first quoted. If you do need to change your travel dates, the earlier you can let us know, the better. After carefully selecting the various accommodations and inclusions in your itinerary, the last thing we would want is for them to be unavailable when your dates change. Your personal travel specialist will of course give you the best advice at the time to help you with your decision.

Question 28

What happens if I have to cancel my booked tour?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your tour at any time for any reason however please be aware that cancellation fees may apply. No one books a tour thinking they're going to have to cancel it, but we understand that sometimes life has other plans for us! Our full terms and conditions can be viewed here. We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance that will cover you for any cancellation or interruption costs. See below for our recommendation! Travel Insurance with Allianz Partners Whether you are on a well-deserved holiday with friends or with family, it takes only a second for your trip to take an unexpected turn for the worse. Travel insurance can help with unforeseen incidents and expenses if things go wrong whilst you are away. Allianz offers two international plan options: The Essentials plan: Restricted benefits and lower policy limits The Comprehensive plan: Higher limits and extended benefits International policies offer the following standard policy features: Selected cover* for epidemic and pandemic diseases such as Covid-19 Cover for medical and repatriation expenses Emergency assistance provided 24 hours/7 days a week Replacement cover for baggage items less than two years old Dependent Children under 21 years covered at no additional charge Rental vehicle excess cover You can also ask us for the following: Increased cover for specified high-value items (Comprehensive only) Cover for pre-existing medical conditions (Comprehensive only) Your request will be subject to assessment, and if accepted, an additional premium may be payable. *There is no cover for claims directly or indirectly arising from or caused by You commencing Your travel against the New Zealand Government's advice or against local government advice at Your overseas destination. *There is no cover for lockdowns, changes in government alert levels, quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population. As with any travel insurance, disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind is not covered. You should consider the full Policy Wording(s) before making any decisions about this travel insurance policy. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits, and exclusions apply, and these are set out in the Policy Wording(s). It is your responsibility to read and understand the Policy Wording prior to buying your insurance with us. Click here to view the International Policy Wording. The Policy Wording(s) detail the benefits, terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions available under each plan option. The New Zealand Government recommends that all travellers obtain comprehensive travel insurance. Click here for further details. ENQUIRE NOW

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