Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Post
Australia Post
( 03-8847 9045, 13 76 78;
www.auspost.com.au
) divides international destinations into two zones:
Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world. Airmail letters cost $1.85 and $2.60, respectively. Postage for postcards ($2.60) is
the same to any country. Stamps can be purchased at post offices, newsagents and some small grocery or general stores.
Public Holidays
Victoria observes the following nine public holidays:
New Year's Day
1 January
Australia Day
26 January
Labour Day
First or second Monday in March
Easter
Good Friday and Easter Monday in March/April
Anzac Day
25 April
Queen's Birthday
Second Monday in June
Melbourne Cup Day
First Tuesday in November
Christmas Day
25 December
Boxing Day
26 December
Safe Travel
Australia is a relatively safe place to travel by world standards (crime- and war-wise at any rate) but natural disasters
have been wreaking havoc of late. Bushfires, floods and cyclones regularly decimate parts of most states and territories,
but if you pay attention to warnings from local authorities and don't venture into affected areas, you should be fine.
Animal Bites & Stings
FLIES & MOSQUITOES
For four to six months of the year, you'll have to cope with those two banes of the Australian outdoors: the fly and the
mosquito ('mozzie'). Flies aren't too bad in the city but they start getting out of hand in the country, and the further out
you go, the more numerous and persistent they seem to be. Widely available repellents such as Aerogard and Rid may
also help to deter the little bastards, but don't count on it.
Mozzies are a problem in summer, particularly for campers near water. Try to keep your arms and legs covered as
soon as the sun goes down and use insect repellent liberally.
SNAKES & SPIDERS
Bushwalkers should be aware that snakes and spiders, some venomous, are quite common in the Victoria bush, but the
risk of getting bitten is very low. Snakes are usually quite timid in nature, and in most instances will move away if dis-
turbed. Wear boots and socks to cover the ankles when walking in summer.
