About Australia
Language
The common language spoken within Australia is English.
Currency
Currency used within Australia is the Australian Dollar ($).
Visas
Australia welcomes many millions of overseas visitors. However, anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter and spend time in Australia.
There are different visas for tourists, business people, sports people, students and others. All visas must be obtained before travelling. The only exception is for New Zealanders, who are granted an electronic visa on arrival in Australia.
Visitors can apply for Australian visas at Australian government missions overseas or electronically through travel agents and airlines in many parts of the world. People can also now apply for certain visas via the Internet. For further information visit www.dfat.gov.au
Electricity
- 220 – 240 volt electricity
Seasons
- Spring 1 September - 30 November
- Summer 1 December - 28 February
- Autumn 1 March - 30 May
- Winter 1 June - 31 August
Time Zones
There are three time zones within Australia spanning 2.5 hours from the east coast to the west. The Australian states and territories (with the exception of Queensland) practice daylight saving and in the month of November the eastern states will be on Eastern Summer Time. Canberra is in the eastern states time zone.
Population & Size
Australia consists of two land masses: mainland Australia and Tasmania. Australia population is 20.1 million and area covers 7 682 300 square kilometres. (Approx size of the mainland states of USA – excluding Alaska or approx 24 times the size of British Isles).
Anthem
‘Advance Australia Fair’ is Australia’s national anthem, however, ‘God Save The Queen’ is used in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen or a member of the royal family.
Flag
The Australian Blue Ensign is the national flag of Australia and shows the Union Jack in the upper hoist quarter, with the seven-pointed Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist. The fly contains a representation of the constellation of the Southern Cross. The Australian Red Ensign is for use by merchant ships registered in Australia only.
Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms of Australia is a shield composed of six parts and supported by two Australian animals, the Kangaroo and the Emu. These animals perch on ornamental rests and are surrounded by Wattle, the Australian floral national emblem. Green and gold are the national colours of Australia and are used on all appropriate occasions.
About Canberra, Australia's National Capital
Canberra is the national capital of Australia. Located on the lands of the Indigenous Ngunnawal people, Canberra’s name is thought to mean ‘meeting place’, derived from the Aboriginal word Kamberra.
Located between Sydney (North 300km) and Melbourne (South 800km), Canberra is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Australian bush. Canberra’s size and location provide the technical sophistication of a capital city without the congestion and chaos of most large cities.
Canberra houses many of Australia’s domestic treasures – the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Archives. The Australian Federal Government is based at Parliament House in Canberra.
Expected temperatures in Canberra in November
Mean Daily Max – 22.4C (76F)
Mean Daily Min – 8.6C (49F)
