The Land of The Great Barrier Reef ,

The Wet Tropics Rainforest, Kangaroos & Koala's

Information on Relocating to Australia

• The capital city of Australia is Canberra with about 325.000 thousand people. Australia is a Constitutional Monarchy.

• Languages: The official language is English. Many other languages are retained by minorities, including Italian, German, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese dialects and Aboriginal languages. The TV programs are in their original language and satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about 21.2 million people - 92% are Caucasian, 7% Asian, 1% aboriginal and other.

• Expat areas: Popular areas for Expat are Sydney (Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, Pymble, Roseville, Lindfield, St. Ives, Wahroonga, etc.), Melbourne (Toorak, South Yarra, Hawthorn/Kew) and Brighton.

• Housing: There is good quality housing available for expatriates in the cities and suburbs. Most Expats rent houses instead of buying them. The most common type of accommodation is a detached house (normally single-storey) or bungalow with three or four bedrooms. There are increasingly more apartments available as well.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment. You'll pay anything from  US$ 400 up to US$ 3000 a week. The local currency is Australian dollar (A$).

• Schools: We have the American, the British, the French and the International school, and of course all the local school systems available. Depending on the age we can tell you about waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Comprehensive public transport systems are provided in all the main towns. The State capitals have suburban rail networks, those in Sydney and Melbourne being particularly extensive, and trams run in Melbourne and Adelaide. Meter-operated taxis can be found in all major cities and towns. There is a minimum 'flag fall charge’ and then a charge for the distance traveled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. A small additional payment may be required for luggage and telephone bookings. Some taxis accept payment by credit card.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday - Thursday 9.30 am - 4.00 pm, Friday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm. These hours may vary slightly throughout the country.

• Shopping: Opening hours for most stores in the cities are Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm. Saturday  9.00 am - 5. Late-night shopping is available Friday to 9.00 pm in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin. Late-night shopping is available Thursday at the same times in Sydney, Canberra and Perth. Major stores in some states are open 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Sunday. Corner stores, restaurants and snack bars are open in most cities until well into the night.

• Climate: Australia is in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are opposite to those in Europe and North America.  About 40 percent of the country lies in the tropical zone north of the Tropic of Capricorn. In the Top End around Darwin (the monsoon belt) and near Cairns, there are only two seasons: the Dry (April-November) and the Wet (December-March). In the Dry, there are warm days, clear blue skies and cool nights. The Wet, however, is generally flooded out. On the Great Barrier Reef most rain falls in January and February. In the southern temperate zone seasons are more distinct. The winter temperatures in Sydney are usually a maximum of 12°C (53°F) - while dry summer temperatures can regularly hit 30°C  (86°F) and higher. Snow falls on the southern mountain ranges, but not in the cities.

• Culture: Australia has a rich artistic heritage and a vibrant contemporary art scene. Aboriginal rock carvings and paintings date back at least 30,000 years. Sport is the Australian religion and Aussies are world beaters in cricket, rugby league, rugby union, swimming and cycling. Other popular sports are basketball, yachting, golf, soccer and Aussie Rules - a unique Australian sport, similar to Gaelic football.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; January 26th-Australia Day; March/April-Good Friday, Easter  (dates vary); April 25th-Anzac Day; 2nd Monday in June-Queen's Birthday; October-Labour Day (date varies); December 25th-Christmas Day; December 26th-Boxing Day.