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Practical Information

Do you need a visa? Are there dangers out there? It's important to know such practical information prior to, and during, travels to Australia or New Zealand.

Arriving in Sydney: From the Airport to the City

Here's what to do on arriving in Sydney and how best to get to your hotel.

Australia Travel Planner

Your first trip to Australia? Here are a few pointers on getting organised for your trip - with links to resources, too.

Australia Travel Planner: Going Interstate

Here's your guide to traveling away from Sydney and into Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

Australia Travel Planner: The Australians

Here's your short guide to knowing what Australians are like and some of the Aussie words and phrases they use.

Australian Money: Banknotes and Coins

Australian money consists of plastic banknotes and gold and silver coins. Know how they look and feel to avoid confusion.

Australian Postcodes

For those used to the American postal system, Australian postcodes are the equivalent of American zip codes.

Australian Tropical Cyclones: How They Are Rated

Australian tropical cyclones are rated in five categories according to their strongest wind speed.

Australian Visa Centres

Here are some Australian visa centres where you could get a visa to visit Australia.

Australian Weather and Climate

Know what the Australian weather is like and what clothes you should wear.

Beach Safety - Australia

There have been a number of beach deaths in Australia which could have easily been prevented or reduced through the taking of simple precautions. Here are some basic rules to follow.

Best Time to Visit Sydney - Autumn

The best time to visit Sydney could be in the Australian autumn.

Best Time to Visit Sydney - Spring

In the spring (September 1 to November 30), the weather's great, it is a time of regrowth and, yes, romance is in the air.

Best Time to Visit Sydney - Summer

The Australian summer is a time of great cultural activity -- outstanding theatre, street performances, art exhibitions -- as well as a time of pilgrimage to the beach.

Best Time to Visit Sydney - Winter

The best time to visit Sydney could be in the Australian winter.

Car Hire

When renting or hiring a car in Australia and New Zealand, watch out for possible problems in order to have hassle-free travel.

Distances from Melbourne by Road

Have an idea of distances from Melbourne, Victoria, if you're traveling around Australia by road.

Distances from Sydney by Road

Have an idea of distances if you're traveling around Australia from Sydney by road.

Do You Need an Australian Visa?

Here's visa and travel information on what you need to visit Australia.

Driving in Australia

Here are a few things to remember when driving on the left-hand side of the road.

Emergency Help

When in Australia, know the number to call when you need emergency help.

First Aid Kits for Travel

Being on the road means taking your first aid supplies with you. The complexity of the first aid kit depends on where you're going. Look at your needs when making decisions about what to take on the road. The further you get from civilisation, the more supplies you will need to take.

Getting a New Zealand Visa

Here's what you need to know to visit the country and discover its many attractions.

Getting to Yarra Valley

If you plan driving to the Yarra Valley wine region, get on the Eastern Freeway and follow it to Nunawading where you can then take Maroondah Highway all the way to Yarra Valley.

Hook Turn - Doing the Melbourne Hook

If you plan to drive in Melbourne, watch out for the "hook turn" signs - and be prepared to turn right from the leftmost lane.

If You Get Lost in Sydney

As part of this Sydney travel guide, here's information on what to do if you get lost in the city.

Irukandji Jellyfish Warning

In early 2002, two tourists visiting Queensland died as a result of being stung by the Irukandji jellyfish, a tiny, virtually transparent killer. Knowing where and when this danger exists means safety precautions can thus be taken.

New Zealand Visas: Visa Waiver and Length of Stay

Passport holders of certain countries can get a visa waiver for a New Zealand visit.

New Zealand Visas: Who Don't Need One?

Here's a list of countries whose passport holders do not require visas to enter New Zealand if staying for three months or less.

Outback Survival Guide: Don't Die in the Australian Outback

Newspaper headlines and radio and television bulletins regularly report of massive searches in bushland or in remote Outback regions for one or more people who have been lost or stranded. Most of the time, these searches end in success. Sometimes they don't.

Personal Medical Information

Travelers frequently forget to take important medical information with them. Trying to remember vital information during an emergency is hard enough; doing it with a language barrier is nearly impossible. Here are some ways to organise personal medical information. Some of these options even have translation services.

Smoking on Queensland Beaches: Bans Enforced on Patrolled Beaches

Queensland law which started to be enforced on March 31, 2005, bans smoking on patrolled Queensland beaches, with smokers subject to on-the-spot fines.

Smoking on Sydney Beaches: Some Bans Are Now in Place

Aside from the health risks associated with smoking, the pollution of beaches and foreshores with tonnes and tonnes of cigarette butts has moved a number of Sydney local government councils to ban cigarette smoking on their beaches.

Stingrays and Other Dangerous Sea Creatures

Stingrays can prove lethal if a swimmer is stung in or near the heart.

Sydney Travel Guide

Here's your Sydney travel guide. Avoid possible hassles on your Sydney travel.

Sydney's Underground Train System

In Sydney the underground train circuit is called the City Circle. The terms subway, underground, tube and metro are not used in reference to the city railway system.

Tipping in Australia and New Zealand

Tips on tipping in Australia and New Zealand shed light on tipping customs.

Touring the Countryside: Travel Tips

If you're new to Australia, it's best to keep these travel tips in mind when touring the Australian countryside.

Watch Out for Aussie Nasties

While Australia is one of the safest places to visit, there may be dangers just around the corner. Here are some nasties to avoid: crocs, sharks, spiders, jellyfish...

What to Wear in Australia

Except for really formal occasions, casual wear is pretty much the norm in Australia.
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