• Australia 4

Australia

• What are the main annual events in Australia?

  26th January is Australia Day festivities usually start the evening before. Events normally include Australian of the Year Awards, Australia Day Race Day, Flag-raising, citizenship ceremonies, flyovers and 21 gun salute, family festivals and concludes with fireworks.

  The Saltwater Freshwater Festival is an Aboriginal Cultural event held annually on 26th January (Australia Day). It is the largest regional event of its kind and is a nomadic event that moves to a different location in the region each year.

  Boardies Day The Surf Life Saving Foundation is an on-the-pulse organisation that works tirelessly to make surfing both fun and safe. To help raise funds, Boardies Day is returning for one national day only so, whichever state you live in, make sure you remember that Boardies Day is on 22nd February.

  The Australian Open is one of the world’s top four Grand Slam tennis tournaments that are held annually. The tennis matches are played in Melbourne Park from the beginning of January through to Australia Day (26th January) and are a must for any sporting fan.

• What are the common crimes in Australia?

  Areas to take extra precaution are; railway stations or side streets at night, opportunist with favour these areas looking for vulnerable people for muggings or robbery.

  As in all countries be careful of pickpockets in crowded areas like airports, city centers and train stations. These opportunists are professionals and sometimes work in teams, be aware of your belongings at all times.

  Be careful when driving or hiring a vehicle in Australia as the Australian Police conduct fairly regular breath tests, drug checks and speed checks of all motorists, so do not take risks.

  In public places, parks or toilets, be careful of disposed syringes, broken glass and bottles. These can transmit diseases, if your skin is pierced go straight to the nearest hospital or medical centre.

• What are the top safety tips for Australia?

  Always check luggage weight allowances and what is prohibited in hand luggage. Australia is very strict at customs, so do not forget to dispose of any fruit, animal products, and they are obviously very keen on doing drug searches, so expect to have sniffer dogs sometimes checking around your luggage. Do not exceed duty-free allowances.

  Always keep hydrated and do not get sunburned. You will be surprised how pale most Australians are, they generally do not “sunbath”. If you plan a day in the sun apply high factor sun scream and make sure you take time out in the shade. Signs of heat stoke can be feeling light headed and headaches.

  Be aware of bush fire warnings, which are regularly signed in the hinterland areas (e.g high or low alert). Always adhere to warnings and only use designated areas for camp fires. Ensure that they are completely extinguished before you leave an area. Never throw cigarette butts into the bush land, but dispose of properly. Always ensure someone is aware of your whereabouts and intended route if you venture on a bush walk, or trek.

  Avoid poorly lit areas and parks at night. Buses and trams are generally safe even at night but keep alert and aware at all times, trains maybe a little dangerous at night as most stations are not staffed after working hours, if you miss your stop there is a long wait until the next train.

• What is the best time to visit Australia?

  Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year but the climate can vary due to the size of the continent. The northern states experience warm weather much of the time, with the southern states experiencing cooler winters. It is possible to follow the warmer temperatures around the country.

  Spring 22

  Summer 30

  Autumn 26

  Winter 18