Basic Info on Oz Articles
October 27, 2005
Danger Down Under
It's time for the annual "Do you know all the things that can kill, harm or seriously maim you in the beautiful land of Australia????" article. This time, it's courtesy of the BBC. In Danger Down Under the theme, again, is (here's a big surprise) USE COMMON SENSE. You know, things like reading signs, not swimming while intoxicated, etc. The shark pic is a real beaut tho...
May 06, 2004
Oceans and Other Water Sources
Although much of Australia is desert outback, there are a few vital water sources. Many of the large cities were founded due to their proximity to ocean or river sources. This is a detailed map of major Australian rivers. Listed below are a few of the most important rivers and other bodies of water, along with their location.
Pacific Ocean: The ocean off Australia's eastern coast. The Pacific Ocean is the largest, and oldest, ocean in the world. It also contains the deepest trenches north of Australia in the Philipines. A wide variety of fish and other marine life live in the Pacific Ocean.
Indian Ocean: The ocean off Australia's western coast. The Indian Ocean is the third largest (and smallest) ocean. Approximately 40% of the world's offshore oil production comes from the Indian Ocean. Fishing boats usually troll for shrimp and tuna.
Southern Ocean: The ocean off Australia's southern coast. The Southern Ocean was "created" from the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean in 2000. It is now the world's fourth largest ocean. Krill accounts for almost 90% of all catch.
Brisbane River: Brisbane, Queensland straddles this river, which is home to at least 24 different types of fish. Travelers can take in the view from the water on the CityCat, a ferry which has 13 stops on the river. The annual Riverfestival celebrates the river with art, music and fun.
Port River: This river forms the northern boundary of Adelaide, South Australia. Dolphins and pelicans are often spotted by sightseers.
River Murray: South Australia's major river, the longest in Australia. Drains approximately one-seventh of the country. This river is part of the ecologically fragile, yet very profitable, Murray-Darling Basin.
Murray-Darling Basin: This area sweeps across much of New South Wales and Victoria and includes parts of lower Queensland and SE South Australia. The Basin generates about 40 percent of the country's agriculture and grazing income, and contains more than 20 major rivers.
Swan River: Perth, Western Australia sits 12 miles upstream, at a bend in this river. Perth Water is the section of the river the city overlooks, and is almost a mile wide.
Australia's Longest Rivers:
Murray River, NSW/SA, 2520 km
Murrumbidgee River, NSW/ACT, 1575 km
Darling River (from the Murray River to Culgoa River), NSW, 1390 km
Lachlan River, NSW, 1370 km
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Death and Taxes
Just because you're only going to make a few thousand dollars, don't think that the Australian government won't tax you on it! Those on Working Holiday visas are generally hit...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Top Australia Links
Although we know a lot, we don't know everything. Here are a few of the best links to learn more about Australia. Australian Department of Immigration and Cultural and Indigenous...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Travel Warnings and National Security
Travel Warnings There are currently no travel warnings issued by the U.S., E.U., or South Africa that advise against travel to Australia. The most recent Australian travel warnings issued by...Continue reading... | by Court | #
If You Need Government Help
Sometimes, things occur that are out of your control. Your passport gets lost or stolen. You have an incident with the police. Or you just need to discuss your visa...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Quarantine and Duty-Free
Quarantine Australia�s quarantine regulations are among the strictest in the world. As an island continent, there are many diseases (such as rabies) that are not found in the country. You...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Visas
Non-Australian citizens must obtain a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before visiting Australia. New Zealand citizens are issued a visa on arrival (VOA). ETAs are valid for continuous stays...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Safety Basics
General Safety Australia is considered a safe country by Western standards. Strict gun control laws are in place and the violent crime rate is low. There are no regions in...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Money Basics
It is unnecessary to exchange money before you arrive in Australia. Western currencies such as the British Pound, European Euro, and Canadian and American Dollar, are easy to convert. The...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Getting There
Most travelers get to Australia via plane, arriving in Sydney�s Kingsford Smith Airport or Melbourne�s Tullamarine Airport. As Australia�s most populated cities (there are 4 million Sydney-siders and 3.3 million...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Getting Around
Due to its large size, many travelers end up taking at least one domestic flight while in Oz. As the oldest, largest and most comprehensive Australian airline, Qantas has most...Continue reading... | by Court | #
Geography Basics
Although it is the sixth-largest country in the world, Australia has a remarkably consistent landscape. It is the flattest continent, averaging 300m above sea level (less than half of the...Continue reading... | by Court | #
