An A-Z of information to assist your planning
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18 years and older. Bring ID to prove your age. Alcohol can only be purchased in liquor outlets and hotels (not in supermarkets).
Electricity: 240/250 volts AC 50Hz Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) standard in hotels, apartments, motels.
Emergency: Dial 000 from a fixed line or 112 from a mobile phone. Police, ambulance, fire.
Language: English. Translation and multi-lingual tours available. Telstra’s Foreign Language Service offers telephone assistance in nine languages.
Measures: Metric system. www.onlineconversion.com
Post Offices: Australia Post offices are generally open 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 12pm Saturdays. www.australiapost.com.au
Religion: Australia is multi-cultural. Discrimination is an offence. Mosques, temples, Christian churches and prayer rooms are located on the Gold Coast. Specific dietary requirements are available (halal, kosher).
Road Rules: Left hand side driving. A 50kmh speed limit applies in most residential areas. Open highways 100-110kmh. View speed limit signs. Seat belts mandatory. Strict drink driving laws apply. Bring your current driver’s licence if you want to hire a vehicle. www.transport.qld.gov.au
Safety: Common sense approach to personal safety encouraged. www.transport.qld.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
Sun/Surf Safety: Australian beaches are beautiful. Never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean. Always swim between the red and yellow flags in a patrolled beach and heed life guards’ advice. Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by professional life guards and volunteers (weekends). http://www.health.qld.gov.au
Swimmers must accept responsibility for their own safety. Sun protection is vital – always wear a hat, collared shirt with sleeves, maximum sunblock and avoid the heat of the day 10am – 2pm. www.whs.qld.gov.au
Swimming: There is no nude bathing permitted in Queensland.
Telephones: Australian international code 61. Public telephones, international dial cards available.
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT + 10 hours. No daylight saving in Queensland.