The only place in the world that is an island, a country and a continent all rolled into one, Australia offers an amazing variety of landscapes, climates and experiences. Here are a few basics you may need to know when travelling down under.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

All visitors except New Zealand passport-holders need a visa to enter Australia. Tourist visas are valid for three months, but you can apply to stay longer. Applications can be made at www.immi.gov.au/visitors.

CURRENCY

1 Singapore dollar = 0.88 Australia dollar

WHEN TO GO

Summer (December to February) is great for beach holidays, but it gets very wet in the north. Winter (June to August) is the season for skiing in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant.

MAIN LANGUAGE SPOKEN
English is the official language.

RELIGION

Christianity is the predominant religion.

ELECTRICITY

220-240V; 50Hz

TIME DIFFERENCE

The east coast of Australia is two hours ahead of Singapore, and the central region is 90 minutes ahead. There is no time difference between Singapore and Australia’s west coast.

FLIGHT TIME

Four to seven hours depending on the destination. The main international airports are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, followed by Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Cairns.