Welcome to Canberra, Australia
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These pages contain information and website references that may be of use to recently arrived Diplomatic families.
The navigation buttons on the left provide details for major cities in Australia.
Below is more general information for Australia.
Welcome to Australia, and in particular, to Canberra - Australia's national capital.
Australians are informal and free-spirited people. We see ourselves as living in the "lucky country". Our continent offers great cultural experiences and endless holiday experiences. Explore the colours of the outback, the excitement of the cities and a range of natural wonders you won't find anywhere else. Australia will surprise and excite you.
The distances in Australia are vast and you have the opportunity to visit as much of it as you can:-
| Canberra to: | By rail | By air | By road |
| Sydney | 327 Km | 30 mins | 306 Km |
| Melbourne | 842 Km | 50 mins | 655 Km |
| Adelaide | 1,619 Km | 100 mins | 1,212 Km |
| Brisbane | 1,313 Km | 100 mins | 1,316 Km |
| Hobart | - | 120 mins | - |
| Perth | 4,228 Km | 5 hours | 3,953 Km |
| Darwin | - | 5 hours | 3,561 Km |
Sight-seeing and tourism
The Australian Tourism Commission has an extensive website with separate sections on each State and Territory of Australia. Materials are available on relaxation, sight-seeing, ecotourism, adventure, driving holidays, walking tracks, island holidays, and Aboriginal culture: www.australia.com
Unique Australian Animals
Airtravel
Qantas is Australia's full-service national and international carrier. www.qantas.com.au
Jetstar is Qantas' new low-cost discount airline www.jetstar.com.au
Virgin Blue is a low-cost discount airline www.virginblue.com.au
Rex (Regional Express) is a low-cost discount airline covering regional south east of Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia) www.rex.com.au
All of these airlines have a very good website where you can search routes, timetables, fares and book online.
Accommodation
Most accommodation venues offer "Government rates" to diplomatic families. You should ask for the "Government rate" at the time of booking to obtain a substantial discount on the cost of your accommodation. Many accommodation venues also upgrade diplomats at no extra cost.
Wotif gives details of discounts on accommodation that is available for the next 28 days. Substantial discounts are usually available and you can book on-line www.wotif.com.au
Last Minute offers discounts for hotels, flights, car hire and holiday packages www.lastminute.com.au
Rates to Go offers discounts on hotels and is available in the following 8 languages www.ratestogo.com
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Dawsons provides details on a wide range of accommodation - for business, holidays and conferences - in hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, apartments and guesthouses. www.dawsons.com.au
Take A Break offers holiday accommodation across Australia. Types of accommodation include: hotel, motel, bed & breakfast, cabin, camping ground, caravan park, holiday unit, tourist park. www.takeabreak.com.au
Quick Beds offers bargain accommodation for last minute purchase across Australia www.quickbeds.com
Inn House directory of bed a breakfast home stay accommodation, with links to directories for other States http://www.innhouse.com.au/
Eco homestay offers information on New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria www.eco.com.au
Motels are a form of accommodation that is somewhat peculiar to Australia. The name comes from a "motor hotel" - a hotel room that you can drive your car to the door and carry your own bags inside. Typically, there is a row of rooms, each with a dedicated car park right outside. Motels are extensively available in Australia.
B&B - or Bed and Breakfast. Usually elegant country houses, that have been converted into stylish accommodation for a small number of couples. Usually owner operated, and often a life-style choice by the owner. Most are excellent quality and great home-cooked food - but you need to select carefully to ensure you obtain the appropriate standard.
Information for Diplomats
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) maintains a database of diplomats and contact details at www.dfat.gov.au/protocol/DiplomaticList
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Protocol Guidelines are at:-
www.dfat.gov.au/protocol/Protocol_Guidelines/index.html
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) maintains extensive information on Australia at www.dfat.gov.au/geo/australia/index.html
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) maintains extensive data on trade at http://www.austrade.gov.au
Electrical Appliances
The electricity supply in Australia is 240 volts, 50 cycles. Transformers are required for appliances designed for other voltages.
Search
Google Australia website search engine www.google.com.au
We would appreciate your comments on other information you would like to see on this website. Please email us at mail@oakhill.com.au
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