MAIL

Post Offices are generally open from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Monday to Friday. Some are open on Saturday morning. Stamps are often available from newsagents or hotels.

A postcard to Japan costs 1 dollar. A letter to Japan with minimum weight costs $1.10 and a lettergram 85 cents. ( Note: Stamps are different from for International and for Domain.)

TELEPHONE

A local telephone call in Australia will cost 40 cents for an unlimited time. Some phones will take the phone card facility. Phone cards are available from newsagents, general stores, etc.

THE INTERNET

The internet is available in most public libraries but you must book to use it. There are many internet cafes located throughout Australia and some homes do have the internet. Many homestay families are still a little scared of the new technology and may not know anything about it. Many homes have computers and the numbers are dramatically increasing over time of course as people learn.

Mobile phones are also readily available in Australia and are safe cheap and convenient.

THE COUNTRY

Australia's size, isolation, positioning across the tropical and temperate climate zones, small population, vast areas of unspoiled environments, cities, intriguing animals and plants, cosmopolitan population and distance from world conflicts all making for one of the world's most attractive tourist destinations.

Australia has 6 states and 2 territories

New South Wales is Australia's oldest, heavily industrialised and most populous state and is the birth place of European settlement in Australia. New South Wales is the only state which possesses the extent of diversity and beauty that Australia has to offer.

Sydney is regarded as the hub of the South Pacific. Especially now that it is hosting the 2000 Olympics. It is one of the worlds most beautiful cities and, situated on a natural harbour, it is the Capital of N.S.W. and the gate way to Australia. Sydney is now spectacular in preparation for the games. There is excitement and friendliness everywhere amid the beautiful buildings and parkland.

LAND, WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Australia is the largest island and the flattest and driest inhabited continent in the world. Almost 40% is north of the Tropic of Capricorn. On the western coast is the Indian Ocean and on the east the Coral and Tasman seas of the Pacific Ocean. Australia has a land area of 7682300 km2 and its coastline is 36735 km. long.

The majority of the population live on the fertile, well watered East coast. In Sydney, most of the rain falls in the winter season. Snow only falls in the Great Australian Alps and Tasmania between late autumn and early spring. Skiing is very popular then. Australia also experiences such problems as drought, floods and in the north, cyclones and bush fires. Sydney however rarely experiences these climate extremes.

Australia has a very moderate climate. Clear skies and low rainfall are characteristic of most of the continent. Temperatures are not as low as other continents because of the lack of extensive mountain ranges and the expanse of southern ocean. The hottest temperatures occur in December, January and February (summer). In Sydney the range is from 15 ℃ to 35 ℃,

however it is pleasant and not very humid. The coldest months are June, July and August (winter), however, the temperature is still mild ranging from 10 ℃ to 15 ℃.So be sure to bring some warm clothes if you come in winter.

email: Clotilda

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