Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere * Spring is September - November * Summer is December - February * Fall is March - May * Winter is June – August.

Australia's climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperature. Broadly, there are two climatic zones in Australia. About 40% of Australia is in the Tropical Zone - that is north, above the Tropic of Capricorn. The cities of Cairns and Darwin lie in this zone. The remaining areas of Australia lie in the Temperate Zone, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth.

Due to Australia's vast size, there are variations within these two zones. The Temperate Zone has all four seasons, while those in the Tropical Zone have two - summer is 'wet' and winter is 'dry'

At the time of your balance payment, we will request your cell phone details so that we may contact whilst traveling if necessary. We recommend you contact your cell plan provider prior to departure to discuss international calling/texts/data plans. Once in Australia for any data usage check for wifi connections at your accommdation. We highly recommend you switch off your data roaming option at all times except when you deem it necessary to download data when not connected to wifi.

Food, plant material and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world’s most serious pests and diseases into Australia, devastating the valuable agriculture and tourism industries and unique environment. You must declare for inspection all food, plant material and animal products on arrival in Australia to ensure they are free of pests and diseases

The east coast of Australia is 15 hours ahead of the east coast of the US, and 18 hours ahead of the west coast of the US.

Both countries operate daylight savings time during their summer months, from April to October eastern Australia is 14 hours ahead of the east coast of the US, and 17 hours ahead of the west cost of the US.

From October to March, Australia is 16 hours ahead of the east coast of the US, and 19 hours ahead of the west coast of the US.

Not all Australian states observe daylight saving, so times in the country can vary by one hour.

The Australian currency ($A) is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations. Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c denominations.

All major credit cards and touchless methods of payment are widely accepted.

Tipping is optional. However, the recommended amounts are:

Restaurants: 10% for good service is standard

Porters: $A1-2 per bag

Tour Guides: optional

230/240 volts, 50 Hz, 3 pin plugs. The power supply is 220/240 volts AC. Sockets accept three-flat-pin plugs so an adaptor is needed. 110v appliances will need a voltage converter.

Before your visit you should arrange sufficient medical and travel insurance. Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home. We offer travel insurance policies – ask your Aspire Down Under consultant for more details.

It is safe to drink tap water anywhere in Australia. Bottled mineral water is available throughout the country.

The sun in Australia is extremely strong, especially in summer (December – February). Wear a hat to protect your face and sunglasses to protect your eyes and a minimum SPF30+ to prevent sunburn.

From late October to early May, venomous box jellyfish, also known as ‘stingers’, appear in the coastal waters of Northern Australia. These jellyfish do not exist in the waters surrounding most of the Islands in Queensland and are very rarely found on the Outer Barrier Reef, allowing visitors to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef year-round.

In the Northern Territory, stingers are present at all beaches, whilst in Western Australia, they affect the Kimberley coastline. Where beaches are affected by stingers there are clearly marked warning signs for visitors

Many beaches affected by stingers have protective enclosures, and visitors should restrict their swimming to these areas during Stinger season.

Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km/h (35 mph) and on country roads and highways, 100 km/h (62mph) to 110km/h (68 mph) unless signs indicate otherwise. Strict drink-driving laws apply. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times.

Visitors may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver’s license for the same class of vehicle. Licenses must be carried when driving.

If the driver's license is not in the English language, the visitor must carry a translation with the permit. An International Drivers Permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid drivers permit.

Petrol (Gasoline) in Australia comes in super leaded, unleaded regular and premium unleaded grades and is sold by the liter. Prices are usually higher in country areas. Petrol stations are plentiful. Trading hours vary although many service stations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Don't bring medicines or medical devices into Australia for anyone other than yourself or an immediate family member.

For prescription medicines, bring the prescription with you or have a letter from your doctor that outlines what you are taking and how much you are bringing with you.

Keep the original packaging for your medicines and medical devices intact so they can be easily identified.

Do not bring more than a 3 month supply with you.

Check what medicines need to be declared at the border at the Department of Home Affairs website. You must declare any medicines which may be subject to abuse or misuse. This includes steroids, strong pain medicines, cannabis and other restricted medicines.

We will provide a listing with your departure documents.

We will provide a checklist with your departure documents.