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Travel
Information For Australia
TRAVEL LIGHT
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Plan your wardrobe
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- Select clothes that will coordinate around one or two colours.
- Don't take several pairs of shoes.
- Keeping a list in your suitcase will make your packing easier the next time around and
will be beneficial if your items are lost or stolen.
- Know the weather conditions of your
destination and bring the appropriate clothing.
- Take old clothes and throw them out during your trip, freeing up space to bring back
purchases and gifts
- Think of travel activities ahead of time--business engagements, sports plans, the
length of your stay, and how often you will need to change clothes.
- Remember when you travel you probably will not be
in the same town 3 days in a row. So who cares if you are wearing the same pants two days
in a row.
Keep It Small
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- Have a leak proof bag filled with your favourite toiletries stored in small
plastic bottles.
- Don't fill your bottles to the top and use zip lock bags so they won't leak when
the liquid expands in high altitudes.
- Cotton swabs and balls may be transferred into plastic bags for easy storage.
- Use empty plastic film canisters to store your shampoo,
lotion or other toiletries in and throw them away as you go.
Pack tight
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- To get more space and less wrinkles roll your T-shirts and other casual
items.
- Plastic dry cleaner bags
also help reduce wrinkles for any garment you pack.
- Put socks and underwear in
your shoes to free up space and reduce crushing.
- Do not over pack. This will
cause considerable wear on your bag and zippers.
- The best way to avoid wrinkling
suits is to roll them up carefully, then put them in a plastic bag.
- Use Zip-Lock Bags, one each for
toiletries, underwear, socks, and so
on.
- Pack heavier items on the
bottom of your suitcase.
- Place items that you might need right away -- like pyjamas and a toothbrush -- on the top.
- Too small a suitcase will cause crowding and crushing of clothes.
- Too large a suitcase your clothes will
slide around and crumple.
- Hanging your wrinkled clothing in a steamy bathroom, helps to "iron out"
the wrinkles.
- If you are having trouble fitting everything in, look for ways to use nooks
and crannies.
- Fill the area around books with socks. Put your modem cables inside your
shoes.
- Pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle.
- Shoes can be packed in an old pair of socks to protect other clothes
from being soiled.
- Stuff your shoes with underwear and socks so that
they won't be crushed during your flight.
- Suits, dresses, shirts and blouses should be packed in plastic dry cleaner bags to limit
wrinkling.
- You may want to consider the "interweaving method" of packing for your next
trip. Drape longer garments such as dresses and pants across the suitcase with the ends
hanging over the sides. Then fold shorter items such as jackets, shirts and blouses around
the longer garments so that the clothes cushion each other. Placing a piece of tissue
paper between each layer of clothing will also discourage wrinkling.
- Pack all your clothing in large plastic zip-lock bags, expelling as much air
as possible. This prevents them from creasing and absorbing moisture - especially helpful
if travelling to a humid location or if something leaks in luggage during travel.
- Remember, if carrying a backpack, the SAFEST weight is a third of your own body weight.
- If you are travelling with someone, pack half your clothes in their bag, and carry half
theirs in your luggage. Then if one bag gets lost, you at least have half your things.
Always Carry-on.
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- Always carry any valuables, jewellery, cameras, medication, money,
traveller's checks,
keys, travel documents, and a change of clothes with your carry on luggage in case your
checked bags are damaged, lost, or stolen.
- Wear your jacket on the plane instead of putting it in your suitcase. ( airplanes
are frequently cold.)
- Airlines in Australia have much stricter carry-on policies than in the US - and
the policies are enforced.
- Most of the carry-on baggage restrictions do not apply to purses, coats, diaper bags, or
camera equipment.
- It's best to plan to carry your most important items in a small briefcase and be
prepared to check everything else.
Identify
your luggage
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- Clearly label all luggage, including carry-ons, with your name, address, and phone
number.
- Use a business address or P.O. Box, so as not to lead possible thieves to your home.
- Put copy of your itinerary with your business address in an outside pocket of your
suitcase with the note "itinerary in outside pocket" emblazoned near your name
on your luggage tags. This information will help minimize any delay in retrieving lost
luggage.
- A colourful ribbon or sticker will help you distinguish your bags from similar ones.
- You should have at least 2-3 luggage tags on each piece.
- Remove any old claim checks to avoid confusion for baggage handlers.
Travel Insurance
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- Travel insurance can be the difference between an interesting adventure and a disaster.
- Travel insurance gives you peace of mind.
- Insure any valuables not covered normally by the airlines or common carrier.
- All participants should have their baggage insured.
- Simple insurance plans are available at banks and travel agencies.
- Travel
Insurance and medical Information for Americans Travelling Abroad
Lock your luggage
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- This prevents accidental opening and detours theft.
- There are luggage locks or you can us ZIP TIES from the
hardware store.
- Using a luggage strap is highly recommended for larger pieces (26" and larger).
This will also prevent accidental opening, detour theft, and help identify your
luggage at baggage claim.
- If you are travelling internationally, you should pack your own gear, then either lock
it or keep it close to you at all times.
- If you are travelling with anything breakable, surround it with soft items.
- Put your CD player inside a plastic bag, then put it inside a plastic bag filled with
your socks. .
- Put your breakable item inside a cardboard box stuffed with foam or packing
"peanuts", then putting that box inside your suitcase.
- The best way to avoid breakage is to take the item as carry-on, if possible.
Choosing Luggage
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Restrictions apply to baggage on all airlines in Australia. If you have
baggage which is in excess of the free allowance, you will be liable for charges.
Cabin baggage should be kept as light as possible - at some airports
there are considerable distances to walk upon arrival or departure. For the comfort and
safety of all passengers it is necessary to limit the size and weight of your cabin
baggage.
Your free checked and cabin baggage allowances on Qantas international and domestic
services are detailed below.
International
Checked Baggage. The free baggage allowance is based on weight or number of pieces,
depending on your route. Under the piece system, the two pieces of baggage are subject to
size restrictions and a maximum weight per bag of 32kg (70lbs). Qantas or your travel
agent has further details on baggage entitlements.
|
Economy Class |
Business Class |
First Class |
| Weight |
20 kg
(44 lbs) |
30 kg
(66 lbs) |
40 kg
(88 lbs) |
| OR |
|
|
|
| Pieces |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Cabin Baggage. International allowances vary by class. Economy Class passenger are
allowed 1 cabin bag, weighing 5 kg (11 lbs) or less, with maximum linear measurements (the
sum of the length, breadth and depth) of 100 cm (39 inches). Business and First Class
passengers are allowed 2 cabin bags with maximum linear measurements of 115 cm (45 inches)
and the total weight of both pieces no more than 7 kg (15 lbs).
Additional allowances are available for Gold, Silver and Blue
Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members.
Domestic
Checked Baggage. The free allowance for registered baggage is 3 bags for Business Class
ticket holders and 1 bag for passengers travelling in Economy Class. The total linear
dimension of each piece should not exceed 140 cm (54 inches) or weigh more than 32 kg (70
lbs).
Cabin Baggage. In both classes 2 cabin bags are allowed per person, each with a maximum
linear dimension of 105 cm (41 inches). The total weight of all bags should not exceed 4
kg (9 lbs).
Again, if you are a Gold, Silver or Blue Frequent Flyer or a Qantas
Club member, additional allowances are available.
A Final Note On Baggage
For both international and domestic travel no single item of baggage should exceed 32
kg (70 lbs) in weight.
Under no circumstances should you carry luggage for other people and make sure that you
pack your own bags. Unwary travellers have been duped into carrying and checking in bags
and parcels containing drugs or prohibited items. It is wise to lock your own baggage.
Information on restricted imports and exports can be obtained from the consulate of the
countries you intend to visit
240 volt Adaptor
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- It is advisable to take along an electrical adapter kit for your battery charger, hair
dryer, shaver or travel iron.
- Australia runs on 240 volts rather than 110 and your electrical adapter kit will not
only convert the electric current, but also accommodate Australian plug designs.
- Hair dryers are supplied with most accommodation. If not, they are cheap to purchase.
- A small nylon daypack is great for carrying your sweater, camera, literature, and picnic
goodies while you leave your large bag at the hotel or train station.
- Fanny packs ( warning the word "fanny" has different meaning in Australia) are
a popular alternative but should not be used as money belts.
- Packing a extra empty lightweight bag might come in handy if you plan to bring home more
than you take.
Weather
conditions
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The average temperatures for Cairns are:
Summer: 24 to 32 degrees Celsius (75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit)
Winter: 16 to 25 degrees Celsius (61 to 77 degrees
Fahrenheit)
Temperatures are always cooler on the Atherton Tableland.
 
Weather Conditions
The Lake Eacham Rainforest
Atherton Tableland, Via Cairns
Tropical North Queensland, Australia
Distance From Cairns: 69km (44 miles) Height Above Sea Level: 760 metres ( 2533 feet)
| Average For Past 30 years |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temperature Celsius |
MAX MIN |
28 16 |
27 17 |
26 16 |
25 14 |
23 12 |
22 9 |
21 8 |
23 9 |
25 9 |
27 11 |
28 14 |
29 15 |
| Temperature Fahrenheit |
MAX MIN |
82 61 |
81 63 |
79 61 |
77 57 |
73 54 |
72 48 |
70 46 |
73 48 |
77 48 |
81 52 |
82 57 |
84 59 |
| Rainfall |
Millimetres Inches |
269 11 |
309 12 |
300 12 |
138 6 |
89 4 |
56 2 |
40 2 |
35 2 |
28 1 |
36 1 |
40 2 |
132 5 |
LOST LUGGAGE
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Check your luggage in early to ensure that your bags not only make your originating
flight but your connecting flight as well.
Make a list of things you take with you on your trip. This list will also
come in handy if your luggage is lost or stolen while you are away.
Report Lost Luggage Immediately before you leave the airport. Make sure you give a
complete list of the contents of your bags as well as a detailed description of the
luggage.
Video Cameras
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- To avoid theft video cameras must be carried with you everywhere you go.
- To avoid the worry and inconvenience of looking after a video camera many
people would rather remember the trip through still photos.
Cameras
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- Put a new battery in your camera before you go.
- Bring a protective and polarizing lens.
- Midrange zoom lens.
- Cleaning tissue.
- A trip's worth of film.
- Store everything in a low-profile nylon stuff bag, not an expensive-looking camera bag.
- Take the film out of the box and plastic canister and keep
it in small ziplock baggies.
MONEY
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- Australian currency is in Dollars and cents
- A Money belt is essential for the peace of mind it brings. You could lose everything
except your money belt, and the trip could still go on. Lightweight and low-profile beige
is best.
- Carry your preferred mix of traveller's checks, credit cards, a few personal checks,
Australian dollars as well as passport, airline ticket, railpass or car rental voucher,
driver's license, student I.D., hostel card, and so on in your money belt.
- Australian businesses prefer to do transactions in Australian Dollars.
- Use the Universal Currency Converter
to check on exchange rates.
PHOTOCOPY
DOCUMENTS
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- IN your luggage keep a photocopy of your passport, airline ticket, railpass or car
rental voucher, driver's license, student I.D., hostel card, and so on.
- Photocopies can help you get replacements if the originals are lost or stolen.
- Before leaving home photocopy all your credit cards, ID, and travel documents and leave
a copy with someone reliable.
- Keep a record of your Travellers Cheque numbers.
- Photocopy the pages of travel books relevant to the area you are visiting rather than
take entire books, to cut down on weight.
- Photocopy all your travel arrangements and leave them with a friend or relative so that
they can reach you at any point along your journey in case of an emergency.
Tipping
in Australia
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You may tip if you wish but it is not the normal custom in Australia.
You will receive excellent service without tipping.
Tourism staff are guaranteed award wages by law and do not rely on tips
for their income.
People in tourism appreciate being complimented for doing
good work.
If tipping is your way of showing appreciation by all
means offer a tip.
Avoiding
Jet Lag
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Jet lag can be prevented by:
-
The progressive modification of your sleep cycle
before departure.
You can gradually modify your sleep habits the week before you travel by
sleeping later before taking a flight to the west, or getting up earlier
before a flight to the east.
-
Changing your diet a few days before departure.
Three days before leaving, you can start alternating your diet: eat
protein-rich foods one day and the next day eat light meals, such as salad,
soup and fruit.
-
Exposure to artificial light.
Strong artificial light can contribute to adapting your internal clock to a
new rhythm.
Clothing
To Bring
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- The bulk of your luggage is clothing. Minimize by bringing less and washing more often.
- SHIRTS. Bring up to five short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts in a cotton/polyester
blend.
- SWEATER. Warm and dark is best for layering and dressing up. It never looks wrinkled
and is always dark, no matter how dirty it is.
- PANTS. Bring two pairs: one lightweight cotton and another super-lightweight for hot
and muggy big cities, and churches with modest dress codes. Jeans can be too hot for
summer travel. Linen is great.
- SHORTS. Take a pair with plenty of pockets--doubles as a swimsuit for men.
- SWIMSUIT. Especially for women.
- UNDERWEAR AND SOCKS. Bring five sets (lighter dries quicker).
- ONE PAIR OF SHOES. Take a well-used, light and cool pair of shoes with good traction.
- Normal shoes are suitable for most rainforest walking track surfaces.
- Lightweight boots can be handy if you intend to do extensive rainforest walks or
overnight rainforest wilderness treks.
- JACKET. Bring a light, water-resistant windbreaker.
- RAINGEAR: Inexpensive raingear is easy to purchase locally if required
- A TIE OR SCARF. For instant respectability, bring anything lightweight that can break
the monotony and make you look snazzy.
Extra
Travel Ideas
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- FRIENDLY BACTERIA Eat yoghurt two weeks before you leave - this builds up a "friendly" bacteria
in your system so you can then tolerate more things.
- PERSONAL PAPERS Make sure your will and personal papers are all in order. If something were to happen to
you while travelling, it's good for your family and heirs to know where your will is, where
your insurance papers are kept, where the safe deposit box keys are, etc.
- DEPARTURE TAXES Determine departure taxes and put the necessary funds in an envelope with your airline
tickets to avoid the last minute hassle of getting the correct amount ready.
- MONEY BELT You'll feel safer and be
safer if your money, passport and other valuables are strapped to your body and not in a
purse or bag, especially when in a crowd.
- PAPER TOWELS A roll of disposable paper towelling can be handy for spills,
wiping your hands, face etc.
- POSTCARDS If you plan to send postcards, bring pre-addressed labels; much lighter than an address
book.
- MEDICINE. Keep in original containers, if possible, with legible prescriptions.
It is advisable to bring adequate supplies of any prescription medicines you rely
on.
- SEWING KIT. Your flight attendant may have a
freebie for you. Add a few safety pins.
TRAVEL INFORMATION (MINIMAL). Photocopy appropriate chapters from
guidebooks, staple them together, and store in a zip-lock baggie. Print out what
information you require from this page
and what maps and directions you require from: http://rainforest-australia.com/direct.htm
Detailed Maps :
Hire Car Companies In Tropical
North Queensland:
Cairns
Autorent
Email: cnscity@cairnsautorent.com.au
Ph: 07 4051 6077 International: 61 7 4051 6077
Fax: 07 4052 1318 International: 61 7 4052 1318
Free call within Australia: 1800 640 404
Late model Hatches, Sedans & Station Wagons.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meteor
Car & Truck Rentals
Email: cnsstaff@meteorrentals.com.au
Ph: 07 4035 2505 International: 61 7 4035 2505
Fax: 07 4035 2811 International: 61 7 4035 2811
Freecall within Australia: 1800 800 109
Buses ( 8 to 28 seaters ), Trucks, Utilities, 4WDs & Trailers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sugarland
Car Rentals
Email: sales@sugarland.com.au
Ph: 07 4052 1300 International: 61 7 4052 1300
Fax: 07 4051 7154 International: 61 7 4051 7154
Current
U.S. State Department
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Travel Information
For Australia
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Australia is a highly developed stable democracy with a
federal-state system. Tourist facilities are widely available.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Valid U.S. passport required. Electronic Travel Authority
(ETA) required prior to departure date for tourist or business stays up to 90 days,
available from travel agencies and airline reservation desks. Minors not accompanied by a
parent need notarised written parental consent from both parents (or one parent if sole
custody applies). Information about entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of
Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202)
797-3000, via the Australian Embassy home page on the Internet at http://www.austemb.org or from the Australian Consulate
General in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Honolulu, Boston or Houston.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Good medical care is available. Doctors and hospitals often
expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not
provide payment of medical services outside the United States. U.S. medical insurance is
not always valid outside the United States. Travellers have found that, in some cases,
supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for
medical evacuation, has proven to be useful. Useful information on medical emergencies
abroad is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs' brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad available via our home page and autofax service. Information on
vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's international travellers hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747), via the CDC autofax service at 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by
visiting the CDC Internet homepage at http://www.cdc.gov.
INFORMATION ON CRIME: Australia's crime rate is low. However, foreign visitors
from the U.S. or elsewhere are targets for pickpockets, purse snatchers and petty thieves.
Automobile burglaries and theft of personal belongings also occur. The loss or theft
abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, and the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting
personal security while travelling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad, which
is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington D.C., 20402 or via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to
that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in
the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under
U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than for similar offences
in
the United States. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested
or imprisoned. Criminal penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are
strict, and convicted offenders can expect severe jail sentences and fines.
ROAD SAFETY: All traffic operates on the left side of the road, and all vehicles
use right-hand drive. Visitors should use caution when crossing streets and when driving.
When crossing roads, pedestrians are reminded to look carefully in all directions. Seat
belts are mandatory. Speed limits and laws regarding driving while intoxicated are
rigorously enforced. Roads and streets are frequently more narrow and less graded than
U.S. highways. Outside the major metropolitan areas, most highways are two-lane roads with
significant distances between destinations.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic.
When driving in rural areas, particularly in the Northern Territory where there are no
speed limits, drivers should be cautious of free-roaming animals and
"road-trains" (several semi-truck trailers hooked together). It is dangerous to
pass road-trains, and it is advisable to pull over and allow oncoming road-trains to pass
to avoid being sideswiped. A number of fatalities have occurred in the Northern Territory
when vehicles, driven at high rates of speed, have skidded and overturned after hitting
the loose gravel shoulder of the road. U.S. drivers, especially those inexperienced with
4-wheel-drive vehicles, should exercise commonsense judgment when driving in outback
Australia.
REGISTRATION/U.S. EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: U.S. citizens living in or
visiting Australia are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or at the nearest U.S.
Consulate and obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. The
U.S. Embassy in Canberra is on Moonah Place, Yarralumla, A.C.T. 2600, tel. (61)(2)
6214-5600, fax (61)(2) 6273-3191, home page http://www.usis-australia.gov/embassy.html.
The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney is on Level 59, MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Place,
Sydney NSW 2000, tel. (61)(2) 9373-9200, fax (61)(2) 9373-9184, home page http://www.usconsydney.org.
The U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne is at 553 St. Kilda Road, P.O. Box 6722,
Melbourne, Victoria 3004, tel. (61)(3) 9526-5900, fax (61)(3) 9525-0769, home page http://www.usis-australia.gov/melbourne.
The U.S. Consulate General in Perth is on Level 13, 16 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA
6000, tel. (61)(8) 9231-9400, fax (61)(8) 9231-9444, home page http://www.usis-australia.gov/perth.
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