Australia’s seasons: Spring is September-November, Summer is December-February, Autumn (Fall) is March-May, Winter is June-August.

Australia also features a diverse range of climatic zones from the tropical regions of the north, the arid expanses of the interior and the temperate regions of the south. It's worth noting that the temperate regions have all four seasons, while those in the tropical zone have only two (summer 'wet' and winter 'dry').

Language: While it's common knowledge that Australians speak English, Australia also has a unique colloquial language that can confuse visitors when they first hear it. From 'fair dinkum' to 'cobber', our colloquial language is common throughout the land. Don't worry, you'll pick it up!

Currency: Australian dollars - AUD

Standard Time Zone: There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory; Central Standard Time (CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) - Western Australia. CST is Coordinated Universal Time/GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) +9:30 hours.

Entry Requirements: Travellers to Australia need a valid passport. Everyone, except travellers with Australian or New Zealand passports, requires a visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to enter Australia.

An ETA is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport and there is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application. If you are eligible, the ETA is issued electronically by a computer system operated for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) of Australia. To make things easy for you the Australian Government has made it possible to arrange an ETA via the Internet - no application forms and no contact with an Australian visa office is necessary.

Customs Regulations: There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

For more information, contact:
The Australian Tourist Commission
2049 Century Park East, Suite 1920
Los Angeles CA 90067

Telephone: 310 229 4870
Website: www.australia.com