Travel Guides: All Countries / South America / Venezuela
 |  | Fact File : Queensland |
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| | | Queensland | | Did you know?
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living organism.
Language
English
Visas
British citizens staying less than three months need an electronic travel authority (ETA) scanned into their passport - obtainable through an IATA registered travel agent.
Getting there
You can fly direct to Cairns or Brisbane from the UK.
Flying time from London
22 hours
Getting around
Renting a car is a good idea if you want to travel around. Take your UK driving licence rather than an international drivers' permit. There are buses or if you book excursions in Cairns, a minibus will pick you up from your hotel. A great rail journey is from Brisbane to Cairns (you sleep on board).
Currency
Australian dollar
Costs
As a rough guide: litre of petrol 30p; pint of beer £1; moderate restaurant meal £10; roll of film £1.50; short taxi ride £4.
Weather
Queensland has a subtropical climate which warms up to tropical in the north (Cairns upwards). Max summer (Dec-Feb) temperature 29C (84F) around Brisbane and a few degrees higher in Cairns. Water temperatures 25C (77F) in summer (slightly higher in the north). Winters (Jun-Aug) are mild (min temperature 19C (50F), max 22C (71F). January-April is the rainy season.
Time difference
Ten hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 61
Voltage
220-240V AC, 50Hz. The three-pin power outlet is different from ours so you'll need an adaptor for UK appliances.
Opening hours
Shops generally open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat (though some shops close early Saturday). Larger stores open on Sundays from 10am-4pm. Banks usually open 9.30am-4pm. Post offices open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; Post Shops also open on Saturday mornings.
Health - Before you go
No jabs needed. The UK has reciprocal health arrangements with Australia via Medicare but you have to enrol for this and it doesn't cover all costs, so make sure you have sufficient travel insurance.
Health - When you are there
Beware heat exhaustion and sunburn - cover up, slap on the sunblock, and drink plenty of fluids.
Warnings
If walking in the rainforest, avoid brushing up against the gympie-gympie plant, which has large, heart-shaped hairy leaves, as it can sting badly and cause long-lasting pain. Steer clear of the lawyer vine, which trails down from rainforest ferns and hooks into your skin.
Emergency
Police, dial 000. British Consulate General, Level 26, Waterfront Place, Brisbane, QL 400. Tel. (61 7) 3236 2575.
Customs
Long lunches - in the 'Sunshine State' everyone takes their time.
Pets
Australia is part of PETS travel scheme under long-haul regulations. However, this is a long and complicated procedure requiring vaccinations, medical check-ups and route planning; it is not as simple as walking on and off a plane with your pet. Therefore the scheme is more suited to those returning from a long stay abroad, rather than the two-week holidaymaker. It takes several months to set up the relevant documentation; see your vet for further details.
Tipping
Tipping is still fairly new Down Under, but leave around 10% for good service in a restaurant.
Tourist office
Australian Tourist Commission, 1st Floor, Gemini House, 10-18 Putney Hill, London, SW15 6AA. Brochure line: 0906 8633235 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Venezuela |
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| |  | | Trinity Tropical Oasis
Very private luxury villa with mountain views, 11 jet spa bath and pool in lush tropical gardens only 1 street to Trinity Beach, Cairns.
|  | | Absolute Beachfront
Beachfront in paradise. This immaculately presented, fully furnished top floor one bedroom apartment has some of the most breath taking views of the Coral Sea.
|  | | Paradise Island 117
Luxury apartment 41/2 star resort Gold Coast Australia
|  | | Paradise Island 221
Centrally located in Surfers Paradise with water frontage,close to beach,Shopping,Restaurants and main night life precinct of the Gold Coast.
|  | | Paradise Island Resort 409
Luxury 1BR apartment 41/2 star resort Gold Coast Australia
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Holiday Rentals in Venezuela |
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