Travel Tips
Travel Tips
Travel Tips

Climate and Clothing
Average Daily temperatures in Celsius:
Winter temperatures in Adelaide are maximum 15.9, Minimum 8.
Summer temperatures in Adelaide: Max 28.3 Min 16.5 (but it can soar past 30º.)
Autumn temperatures in Adelaide: Max 22.4 Min 12.5
Spring temperatures in Adelaide: Max 21.7 Min 11.6

Coastal South Australia has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm dry summers.  Most rain
falls in June, July and August. Very hot days and cool nights can occur in summer. In the north,
temperatures can get really hot, particularly in the summer months (that's why you'll find some people living
underground in places like Coober Pedy). Summer temperatures in the outback regularly reach 40º
Celsius.

For comprehensive weather information, please visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website.

Sun protection is a serious matter in Australia, as the UV is very high at all times of the year. To avoid
skin burn, never go outside without a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and a hat, and drink
plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Australian clothing and shoe sizes are different from those in North America, Europe and Japan, so it's
wise to try clothes before you buy. Generally, women's clothing sizes are: 8,10, 12, 14 and 16 and men's
clothing sizes are: 37, 38, 39 and 41. South Australians are a casual bunch, so pretty much anything goes.
But it pays to be well covered from the sun in summer (always wear a hat, shirt, sunglasses and SPF30
sunscreen).

Customs regulations and taxes
Some goods brought into Australia may require payment of customs duty and sales tax. However, you are
allowed to bring in a number of goods tax-free as hand luggage. Amounts of $A10,000 or more (or the
equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared on arrival and departure. Certain foods, plants, weapons,
firearms and drugs are subject to controls or prohibition.

The Tourist Refund Scheme allows overseas travellers to receive a refund on the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) for goods bought in Australia. Travellers can claim the refund
from customs officers at Tourist Refund Scheme booths at international airports or cruise terminals when
departing Australia. For further information visit the Australian Customs Service website.

Electricity
Australia's electricity voltage is 240 volts AC. Some large hotels have power outlets at 110 volts AC, but if
you're bringing 110-volt appliances into South Australia, it's advisable to bring a small 110-volt transformer
and a plug conversion kit.

Emergency Telephone Numbers
Call 000 for emergency fire, police and ambulance assistance throughout Australia or if a crime is in
progress.  From mobile phones it's 112. For non-emergency police attendance call 131 444.

Language
The official language in Australia is English, although many immigrants also speak in their native tongue
(and there's more than 150 nationalities in Adelaide alone). Need an interpreter? The telecommunications
provider Telstra offers a 24 hour translation and interpreter service. Dial 13 14 50. The local white pages
telephone book will provide more information.

Medical and Emergency
Call 000 for fire, police and ambulance assistance throughout Australia. From mobile phones call 112. For
non-emergency police attendance call 131 444.

Australia's public health care system is called Medicare. Eligibility for benefits is generally restricted to
permanents residents of Australia.  While Australia does have reciprocal healthcare agreements with
several countries, it is best to check before you leave home and to always have appropriate travel
insurance.

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or
zone within six days before entering Australia. No other health certificate is needed.

Visas, Customs and Immigration
Non-Australian citizens (except our Kiwi cousins from New Zealand) need a valid visa to enter and spend
time in Australia. The length of stay and purpose of your visit will determine the type of visa you are
required to hold before you arrive. For short-term tourist entry to Australia, an Electronic Travel Authority
(ETA) is the recommended option, as there is no need for the traveller to then complete an application
form for a visa. All applications must be made from outside Australia. For full details, please see the
Department of Immigration website.

Customs regulations and taxes
Some goods brought into Australia may require payment of customs duty and sales tax. However, you are
allowed to bring in a number of goods tax-free as hand luggage. Amounts of $A10,000 or more (or the
equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared on arrival and departure. Certain foods, plants, weapons,
firearms and drugs are subject to controls or prohibition.
The Tourist Refund Scheme allows overseas travellers to receive a refund on the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) for goods bought in Australia. Travellers can claim the refund
from customs officers at Tourist Refund Scheme booths at international airports or cruise terminals when
departing Australia. For further information. visit the
Australian Customs Service website.

Air Travel - Hand Luggage
Travellers flying to and from Australia may only take small quantities of liquids in their hand (cabin)
baggage or on their person. These measures are consistent with similar steps being taken by the United
States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Canada to minimise risk to travellers. Read more at
the Department of Transport website. And you can read more air travel safety guidelines at the
Civil
Aviation Authority's safety web pages.
Austalian Photography Adventure
Australian Photography Adventures