Print
Email
Bookmark & shareEndless sunbaked horizons, dense tropical rainforests, chilly southern beaches.
Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. The landscape varies from endless sunbaked horizons to dense tropical rainforest to chilly southern beaches. Scattered along the coasts, its cities blend a European enthusiasm for art and food with a laid-back love of sport and the outdoors.
Visitors expecting to see an opera in Sydney one night and meet Crocodile Dundee the next will have to re-think their grasp of geography in this huge country. It is this sheer vastness that gives Australia - and its diverse population - much of its character.
Travel Warning: Carry-on Baggage Requirements
As of March 31, 2007 all passengers flying to and from Australia on international flights will only be permitted to carry small quantities of liquids, gels or aerosols in their cabin or carry-on luggage. Small containers of 100 mls (3.5 fl oz) are permitted and must be sealed in a transparent plastic bag. Details of the new security measures can be found at the Department of Transport website.
Domestic travel is not affected by these regulations.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
Commonwealth of Australia
Population
21,215,250
Currency
Name: Australian Dollar
Code: AUD
Symbol: A$
Electrical Plugs
220-240V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: English
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +10 (Eastern Standard Time)
GMT/UTC +9.5 (Central Time)
GMT/UTC +8 (Western Time)
Country Dialing Code
+61
Weights & Measures
Metric
Related Travel Stories
-
Ashes to Ashes
podcast by David Garrido, December 2006
Battle lines are drawn and the Barmy Army are ready to charge in this clash of the cricket titans. Read the full article ›
-
No River? No Problem: Audio Slideshow
interactive by Emma Haskin, December 2007
In the Australian outback, you don't need water to have a boat race. Meet the Henley-on-Todd regatta. Read the full article ›
-
Indigenous Australia
article by Lonely Planet Authors, February 2008
Art, cuisine, history, dance - Australia's Aboriginal culture is the world's oldest, and still one of its richest. Read the full article ›
BLUELISTS blu,list to recommend a travel experience
-
Places that make you change, knowingly or not.
— 01 Jan 08 -
aussie experences
— 14 Dec 07 -
Traveling for the soul
— 13 Dec 07 -
Best of the West Aussie coastline
— 16 Nov 07 -
Around the globe
— 15 Nov 07
Advertisement
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
