Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
The emergency breakdown assistance
telephone number for every Australian
auto club is
&
13 11 11
from any-
where in Australia. It is billed as a local
call. If you are not a member of an
auto club at home that has a reciprocal
agreement with the Australian clubs,
you'll have to join the Australian club
on the spot before they will tow/repair
your car. This usually costs only
around A$80 (US$52), not a big price
to pay when you're stranded (although
in the Outback, the charge may be
considerably higher). Most car-rental
companies also have emergency assis-
tance numbers.
TIPS FOR FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVERS
Always keep to the four-wheel-drive
track, as going off-road causes soil ero-
sion, a significant environmental
problem in Australia. Leave gates as
you found them. Obtain permission
from the owners before venturing
onto private station (ranch) roads. On
an extended trip or in remote areas,
carry 5 liters (1.3 gal.) of drinking
water per person per day (dehydration
occurs fast in the Australian heat);
enough food to last 3 or 4 days more
than you think you will need; a first-
aid kit; spare fuel; a jack and two spare
tires; spare fan belts, radiator hoses,
and air-conditioner hoses; a tow rope;
and a good map that marks all gas sta-
tions. In seriously remote areas outside
the scope of this topic, carry a high-
frequency and CB radio. (A cellphone
may not work in the Outback.) Advise
a friend, your hotel manager, the local
tourist bureau, or a police station of
your route and your expected time of
return or arrival at your destination.
16 Tips on Accommodations
Accommodations properties in Aus-
tralia are given a star rating by AAA
Tourism, which has been awarding
ratings since the 1950s. This inde-
pendent assessment is based on facili-
ties, amenities, maintenance, and
cleanliness, and awards between one
and five stars. Stars are featured in
AAA Tourism guides, and recent
research shows 70% of travelers use
the star ratings when choosing their
accommodations (these star ratings
are noted below using asterisks). The
rating scheme covers over 18,000
accommodations throughout every
state and territory.
* Offers a basic standard of
accommodations, simply fur-
nished, with a resident manager.
** Similar standard to one star but
offers more comfort and value with
additional features. These are well-
maintained properties offering an
average standard of accommoda-
tions with average furnishings, bed-
ding, and floor coverings.
*** Well appointed, with a com-
fortable standard of accommoda-
tions, above average furnishings
and floor coverings.
**** Exceptionally well-appointed
establishments with high quality
furnishings, a high degree of com-
fort, high standard of presentation,
and guest services.
***** International standard
establishments offering superior
appointments, furnishings, and
decor, with an extensive range of
first class guest services. Recep-
tion, room service, and house-
keeping available 18 hours a day
with restaurant/bistro facilities
available 7 nights a week. A num-
ber and variety of room styles
and/or suites are available. Choice
of dining facilities, 24-hour room
service, housekeeping, and valet
parking. Porter and concierge
service available as well as a dedi-
cated business center and confer-
ence facilities.
