General Information A-Z

ALCOHOL
Legal drinking age is 18 years and older. Bring ID to prove your age. Alcohol can only be purchased in liquor outlets and hotels (not in supermarkets).

CLIMATE
Queensland’s climate is not as variable as the cooler climates of Australia’s southern states and experiences some of the most sublime winter weather you’ll ever experience. The days are invariably mild, fine and sunny.
Spring: September to November 15-25C (59-77F)
Summer: December to February 20-28C (68-83F)
Autumn: March to May 16-26C (61-77F)
Winter: June to August 11-21C (52-70F)

CLOTHING
The Gold Coast is located in the sub-tropics, this means our summers are extremely humid and our winters are very mild. Generally, from December to March clothing for very warm temperatures is only needed although it’s always a good idea to bring a few warm items in case of an unseasonably cool day or two. Our cooler months are generally fairly mild and light long-sleeved clothing is normally required although we always recommend to guests that they should bring a few heavy items in case of extreme weather conditions. Our clothing style on the Gold Coast is generally referred to as Gold Coast Casual. shorts, comfortable shoes, sundresses and light, comfortable clothing is recommended. And don’t forget your hat and sunscreen. the Queensland sun can be very extreme!
Pack swim wear year round - winter offers pleasant warm weather during the day.

EMERGENCY
Dial 000 from a fixed line or 112 from a mobile phone. Police, ambulance, fire.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Electricity is supplied at 240/250V, 50 Hz AC. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries so you may need an adaptor. Adaptors are readily available from travel and electrical retail outlets.
LANGUAGE
English. Translation and multi-lingual tours available. Telstra’s Foreign Language Service offers telephone assistance in nine languages. www.telstra.com
MEASURES
Australia uses the Metric system of measurement.

MEDICATIONS
Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival. It is advisable to have a letter or prescription from your doctor describing your medical condition and the medication.

MONEY & BANKS
Australia’s currency is the dollar ($). 100c = $A1. Note denominations: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5.
Coin denominations: $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c.
Travellers’ cheques can be cashed at banks and major hotels.
ATMs widely available 24 hours a day.
Major credit cards accepted at shops, hotels, restaurants. Common credit cards include American Express, Bankcard, Diner’s Club, Mastercard, Visa.
Bank hours: 9am to 4pm (Monday to Thursday), 9.30am to 5pm (Friday).
Bureau de change offer more flexible hours.
Australia has a Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all goods and services. Travellers may be eligible for a GST refund on departure through Customs. www.customs.gov.au
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia. Some restaurants charge surcharges on public holidays.
Travellers must declare substantial amounts of foreign currency (valued at $A10,000 or more) through Customs.
All shoppers in Australia are protected by consumer legislation. Some heritage items may be protected against export.

POST OFFICES
Australia Post offices are generally open 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 12pm Saturdays.
www.australiapost.com.au

ROAD RULES
Left hand side driving. A 50kmh speed limit applies in most residential areas. Open highways 100-110kmh. View speed limit signs. Seat belts mandatory. Strict drink driving laws apply. Bring your current driver’s licence if you want to hire a vehicle. www.transport.qld.gov.au

RELIGION
Australia is multi-cultural. Discrimination is an offence. Mosques, temples, Christian churches and prayer rooms are located on the Gold Coast.
SMOKING
Queensland has strict tobacco laws with new legislation being phased in. There is no smoking in indoor public places and no sales to children under 18 years.
www.health.qld.gov.au

SUN/SURF SAFETY
Australian beaches are beautiful. Never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean. Always swim between the red and yellow flags in a patrolled beach and heed life guards’ advice. Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by professional life guards and volunteers (weekends). www.health.qld.gov.au
Swimmers must accept responsibility for their own safety. Sun protection is vital – always wear a hat, collared shirt with sleeves, maximum sunblock and avoid the heat of the day 10am – 2pm.

TELEPHONES
Australian international code 61. Public telephones, international dial cards available.
TIME ZONE

Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT + 10 hours. No daylight saving in Queensland.
VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations are not necessarily required unless you have come from, or visited, a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival.

Australians Speak English – with a twist
Here’s your guide to some common words of slang … av-a-go-yer-mug (we are encouraging you to have a go).

Arvo - afternoon
Aussie - an Australian
Bangers - sausages
Bloke - a man
Champers - champagne
Chook - a chicken
Full of it - a person who is liar
Grog or booze - alcohol
Mate - while usually a friend, anyone can be a ‘mate’
Open slather - anything goes
Prawn - shrimp
Roo - short for kangaroo
Servo - petrol or gas station
Shout - pay for a round of drinks in a ‘pub’
Spit the dummy - get upset
Ta - thanks
True blue - genuine
Ute - small truck, short for utility truck
Wally - someone who makes mistakes
Yarn - a story
Yobbo - a lout, a surly youth

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