A massive country, the Commonwealth of Australia is half the size of continental Europe. Given the small number of citizens, its density is only about 2 people per square kilometre. It is advisable to allow for at least a one-month stay to truly appreciate most of the sites and activities available to you.
There are an incredible 140 nationalities and 226 languages present in this wide-open country, and the aboriginal people have been present for at least 100,000 years. Westerners arrived much later and, indeed, it is convicts that first populated Brisbane at the beginning of the 1820s. In any case, British colonization has left its mark on the architecture of the largest Australian cities. In effect, in both Brisbane and Melbourne, Victorian architecture is evident (stations, city hall, and other buildings).
The Australian continent can be traveled by car (taking about a week all the way around), by train (more than 5,000 kilometres from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, taking three days), and by plane (more than ten days using private companies).
Incredible sights and sounds abound
Sights to see:
• The water geyser Kiama Sydney
• The natural red stone of Ayers Rock
• The dinosaur tracks at Cable Beach
Cultural sites:
• The Australian National Museum of Canberra
• The Australian Sports Institute at Canberra
• The Museum of Sydney (MOS)
Important Monuments:
• The Sydney Opera House
• Harbour Bridge of Sydney
• St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane
• Flinder Street Station in Melbourne
If Australia is known for its kangaroos, koalas, emus and more, it’s because nature has been quite generous. The national parks are abound with interesting animals, and tourism based on wildlife exploration has been built on this principle. Just on the southern coast, there are 30 wildlife parks, and in Cairns, for example, there are 800 different tours in Northern Queensland, just for exploration.
Another important domain of this bush country is sport. Water sports include surfing on the beaches of-course and one must not forget rugby, with its Springbok team, and tennis, with the Grand Slam hosted in Melbourne.
Budget for a week: Around 1,800€
Taxes and Gratuity: Leaving a tip is an uncommon practice.
Currency: Australian dollar
Official and/or Spoken Language: English
Telephone Code: 61
Population: more than 21 million
Capital: Canberra
Area: 7,741,000 Km2
Motto: Advance Australia Fair
Electricity: 240V / 50Hz
- Type I (Australian style with 2 or 3 flat prongs in a V)
AS 3112 up to 10 or 15 amperes with ground and sometimes an interrupter.
Visas: For travelers from France, Belgium, Canada and Switzerland, an e-visa is required (up to 3 months). You must bring a valid passport.
Medical recommendations: Administratively, a Yellow Fever vaccination is required for visitors coming from affected regions. Tap water is drinkable in Australia. Recommended vaccinations: among others, Hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
Main Cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
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