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Travelers Information

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I visited during the peak season, which is December to January. During late November and early December, the guide books will tell you about “schoolies week” where thousands of final year high school students, descend from around the country to party and celebrate leaving school.

Do not come at this time (unless you are one of these school leavers). All the guidebooks warn you about this event, and advise you to keep away. It is well documented that school leavers from all around Australia flock to the high rise apartments on the Gold Coast and drink and party. The local council have recently been more organized, by ensuring events are patrolled by police. Nevertheless, each year, there are “toolies” (the derogatory term for older folk who like to party with the kids, even though they are too old) and schoolies which get arrested for drunk and disorderly behavior.

At this time, the beaches are packed, there is a strong demand for hotels and serviced apartments, thus making the prices soar, similar to peak public holiday prices.

Summer all year round

With 300 days of sunshine a year, on average, its summer all year round, there are only times to avoid, when there might be storms and cyclones (also known as hurricanes and typhoons, depending on where you live) which develop due to the variable tropical north weather. Cyclones often occur during mid February to early March. In 2006, there was a devastating cyclone which flooded and Cairns and destroyed much of the infrastructure. These are definitely times to avoid, however cyclones are often unpredictable, thus please keep abreast of weather developments here.

Mid spring, around early November is the best time to visit, before schoolies. This is when things are gearing up for the summer and the temperatures aren’t as hot as summer. It’s also when many of the hotels and other accommodation is discounted as there are fewer visitors.

Passports and Visa

For information on Passports and Visa’s, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as they will have the most updated information about your requirements.

The Gold Coast has a number of money exchange outlets. They are competitively priced with banks, thus there is no need to get all your travel funds at the bank. Shop around for the best rate, as they can vary from banks to money exchange every day.

Transport

Air, motor, coach, sea, rail. Theses are the possible ways you can travel through Queensland. Depending on your budget and the time available, you can spend 6 months traveling down the coast in your own car, or fly to your destination. A popular way of traveling is to driving down the coast. Please check here if you have the necessary documents and information before you begin driving. For more information on these forms of transport, please see here.

Also, useful things to note

• Legal alcohol consumption age is 18 years and older. Bring photo identification to prove your age. Alcohol can only be purchased in liquor outlets and hotels (not in supermarkets).
• Electricity is 240/250 volts AC 50Hz Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) standard in hotels, apartments, motels.
• In an emergency, dial 000 from a fixed line or 112 from a mobile phone for police, ambulance or fire.
• Australia uses the metric system for measurement (information)
• Australia Post offices are generally open 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 12pm Saturdays (more information).
• Driving is left hand side. In residential areas, 50km/hr and open highways 100-110 km/hr. Seat belts are mandatory. Strict drink driving laws apply, and are different in each state. Bring your current driver’s license if you want to hire a vehicle.
• No smoking in indoor public places and no sales to children under 18 years old.
• Always swim between the red and yellow flags in a patrolled beach and acknowledge the life guards’ advice. Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by professional life guards and volunteers (on weekends).
• Nude bathing in Queensland is not permitted.
• Australian international code is 61, with international dialing cards available in most convenience stores.
• Time zone is Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT + 10 hours. There is no daylight savings in Queensland.