Useful Information
Time Differences
Australia is divided into three time zones.
Queensland is on Eastern Standard Time throughout the year, which is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
It is two hours ahead of Singapore and Malaysia time.
Daylight savings time is not practised in Queensland.
Daylight
Summer average hours of daylight = 13.5
Winter average hours of daylight = 10.5
Phone Services
There are five main mobile phone providers in Australia: Telstra - www.telstra.com.au Optus - www.optus.com.au Vodafone - www.vodafone.com.au Virgin - www.virginmobile.com.au 3 - www.three.com.au
Australia's digital network is compatible with most networks but generally not with the networks used in USA or Japan.
If you a travelling for a short period, it may be beneficial to buy a prepaid mobile phone starter kit.
This includes a SIM card and a prepaid phone card.
The area code for Queensland is 07.
All mobile phones start with the prefix 04.
When calling overseas, you will need to dial the international access code from Australia (0011), then the country code of the country you are calling and the appropriate area code.
The emergency number in Australia is 000.
Electricity
Australia has 220-240 V; 50Hz with plugs that have angled pins.
If the country you are travelling from has the same voltage as Australia, you simply need an adapter for all of your electronic appliances.
Otherwise, you will need a converter to change the voltage from one amount to the other.
This is especially important for visitors from USA and Japan.
Currency
The national currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.
Traveller's cheques are widely accepted in Queensland.
Currency exchange facilities are available at international airports and banks are generally open Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm.
Please note that some banks charge a small fee for cashing travellers cheques.
Major credit cards are also widely accepted with the most common being American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates.
Taxes
There is a 10% tax on all goods purchased in Australia.
You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy.
The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear on the aircraft or ship when you leave the country.
For more information, please see the Tourist Refund Scheme on www.customs.gov.au.
Tipping
Tipping is not common in Australia. When eating out, shopping or taking taxis, the prices are inclusive of GST.
Of course, tipping is appreciated for exceptional service.
Swimming
At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags during patrolled times not outside them. The flags mark the safest place to swim and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.
Blue flags indicate where surfing is allowed.
Many surf beaches in Australia have strong currents, called rips. These are powerful currents of water that can drag you out to sea.
If you find yourself being caught in a rip, do not panic. Stay calm, float with the current and raise your hand, swim parallel to the shore. Do not try to swim against the rip, as you will simply get tired and lose strength.
If you are unsure of the beach surf conditions check with a lifesaver.
Read and obey warning signs on beaches, beach access points and at waterways. Always swim with others.
Children should always be accompanied in the water by an adult who can swim.
Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in darkness.
Never jump or dive into shallow water, a rockpool, creek, lake or river due to immersed rocks and logs.
Know your health limitations when considering diving, snorkelling, swimming or other active pursuits.
Marine Life
Queensland, like any coastal destination, has marine life that can pose threats to humans when proper precautions are not observed.
While these creatures do not pose a major threat, it is important to be aware of their potential danger.
We've listed the creatures below, not to alarm you, but rather to point out some significant facts.
Sharks
While shark attacks are rare, the following precautions help reduce the risk of dangerous incidents:
Always swim at between the flags at patrolled beaches.
Do not swim alone or at night.
Avoid swimming in canals or near the mouth of a river.
Stingers (Jellyfish)
Stingers live in tropical waters all over the world and can be found in Queensland anywhere north of Agnes Water.
Queensland has two jellyfish species that have been classified as dangerous: the Chironex Box Jellyfish and the Irukandji.
Please visit Marine Stingers for more information.
"Stinger Season" is generally from early November to early June.
For your safety, always swim between the red and yellow flags at beaches patrolled by lifeguards or swim in enclosures (where and when available).
If you swim in unprotected waters, wear a "stinger suit" or stockings to protect exposed skin.
If you are stung, wash the affected area with household vinegar as soon as possible and seek medical attention.
Crocodiles
There are both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles in Tropical North Queensland.
They can be found around rivers, freshwater lagoons and coastal beaches.
When fishing, avoid standing at the water's edge or on logs or branches that hang over deep water.
When camping near lakes, rivers and beaches, camp about two metres from the high water mark and at least 50 metres from the edge of the water.
Crocodiles are most active at night.
Read and obey warning signs, they are there for a reason.
Boating Safety
If you are the holder of a boating licence, a skipper’s blood alcohol content cannot exceed 0.05%.
When hiring watercraft ensure that the operator has provided you with all the necessary boating and safety equipment and local hints needed for the areas you are visiting.
Weather forecasts should be obtained when planning any trip on the water, no matter how short.
Weather forecast telephone numbers include:All of Queensland - 1300 360 426Marine warnings - 1300 360 427South East Queensland - 1300 360 428
Snorkelling or SCUBA Diving Safety
You must have completed a training course to go SCUBA diving.
However, to enjoy snorkelling, a competent swimmer can usually master this quickly.
When diving or snorkelling remember to:
- Never go diving or snorkelling alone
- Always let someone know where you’re going and what time you will return
- Advise the dive company of ANY medical condition or medicine you are currently taking.
