Australia by Exotik

Australia, the sixth-largest country on this lonely planet, is dazzlingly diverse: a sing-along medley of mountains, deserts, reefs, forests, beaches and multicultural meltingpot cities. Most Australians live along the coast, and most of these folks live in cities. In fact, Australia is the 18th-most urbanized country in the world: it follows that cities here are a lot of fun! Sydney is a glamorous collusion of beaches, boutiques and bars. Melbourne is all arts, alleyways and Australian Rules football. Brisbane is a subtropical town on the way up; Adelaide has festive grace and pubby poise. Boomtown Perth breathes west-coast optimism; Canberra transcends political agendas. And the tropical northern frontier town of Darwin and chilly southern sandstone city of Hobart couldn’t be more different.

Cities

Sydney

National parks ring the city and penetrate right into its heart. Large chunks of the harbor are still edged with bush, while parks cut their way through the skyscrapers and suburbs. There’s always a new restaurant to try, undercover bar to hunt down, hip band to check out, sports team to shout at, show to see or crazy party to attend. The city’s pretensions to glamour are well balanced by a casualness that means a cool T-shirt and a tidy pair of jeans will get you in most places. But if you want to dress up and show off, there’s plenty of opportunity for that among the sparkling lights of the harbor. Book a window seat for your flight to Sydney: day or night, this city sure is good-looking. Scratch the surface and it only gets better.

Canberra

Designed by visionary American architect Walter Burley Griffin, who was assisted by his wife Marion Mahony Griffin, Canberra features expansive open spaces, aesthetics influenced by the 19th-century Arts and Crafts Movement and a seemless alignment of built and natural elements. Though it seems big on architectural symbolism and low on spontaneity, there is a fair bit going on behind the slightly sterile exterior. The cultural institutions have lively visitor and social programmes, there’s a limited but often excellent choice of restaurants and cafes and there’s also a lively bar scene that is fuelled by the city’s university students.

Language

English (Slang)

Electricity

The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three pin power outlet is different from that in some countries so you will need an adaptor.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 61 Concerning national calls made in Australia, it is not necessary to dial the 61 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 61 and finally the local phone number in Australia.