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Useful Facts & Information
Everything you need to know about visiting the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia, courtesy of Destination Gold Coast https://www.destinationgoldcoast.com/
What currency does Australia use?
Australia uses the Australian dollar (symbol: $). Credit cards, including Contactless, are in general use and widely accepted. Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. Australia has a goods and services tax on purchases (10%) but you may claim this and the Wine Equalisation Tax when departing our shores.
What is the climate on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast averages 245 days of fine and sunny weather each year, and those rainy-day exceptions typically fall in the summer period (December – February).
Spring (September – November) on the Gold Coast offers sunny days followed by mild tropical evenings. September can sometimes be windy, making it great for sports such as kite-surfing, kite-boarding, windsurfing and sailing. The temperatures fall between 15-25°C (59-77°F).
Some quick tips from the locals:
- You can get sunburnt even on cloudy days. Wear sun protection all year round, a broad brimmed hat, shirt with collar and sleeves and maximum sun screen to exposed skin.
- While casual is the Gold Coast norm, some golf courses have dress codes so check when booking.
- Gentlemen may need a jacket when fine dining, or enjoying a sophisticated evening at a club or restaurant.
- Hinterland areas may be cooler and wetter. Take a jacket and a heavier coat in winter.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes in national parks and farms.
- Pack swimwear all year round – winter offers pleasant warm weather during the day.
Surf Safety: Take advantage of our many beaches but always remember to follow basic surf and water safety. Always swim or surf at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags which mark the safest area for swimming. For further information on swimming and surf safety, as well as detailed information about all of the beaches on the Gold Coast, visit the BeachSafe website.
Emergencies: The standard emergency number in Australia is 000 which will direct you to an operator tasked with coordinating police, ambulance and firefighter services.
Insurance: All travellers to Australia should consider health insurance. Have a look at the Australian Medicare site (www.medicareaustralia.gov.au) to see if we have a reciprocal health care agreement with your country.
Australia’s Gold Coast is Very Accessible.
Here’s a guide for international visitors to make your visit as easy as possible.
Passports and Visas: All visitors to Australia need a valid passport and an Australian visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
Visa types depend on length of stay and the visit’s purpose. Lodge online applications for ETAs or acquire forms from more than 300,000 travel agents, 75 airlines and Australian diplomatic offices worldwide. If you do not hold a passport approved for ETA, get a ‘label’ visa from Australian embassies, high commission offices or consulates. The Immigration Department’s website offers an Event Co-ordinators’ Network to help event managers. View Immigration website. www.immi.gov.au
Duty Free and Quarantine:
Australia has a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Travellers may be eligible for a GST refund on departure. Incoming visitors may bring in limited quantities of duty free products. Business travellers need permits for carrying commercial goods through Customs. If you enter Australia with doctor’s prescriptions or medicines, get a permit. View Customs. www.customs.gov.au
Smoking: Queensland has strict tobacco laws with new legislation being phased in. There is no smoking in indoor public places and no sales to children under 18 years. www.health.qld.gov.au
Telephones: Australian international code 61. Public telephones, international dial cards available.
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT + 10 hours. There is no daylight saving in Queensland.
Are we required to tip in restaurants?
At a restaurant check your bill to see if the service is included. It usually is. If not and you are satisfied with your service, pay 10-15 percent as a tip.