Tips & Tricks

Australia is a long way from anywhere so it's nice to have a few local tips.  The people in the world's most isolated inhabited continent are generally a friendly bunch.   The first thing you'll notice as you step off the plane is our sunshine, so make sure you have your sunglasses within easy reach.


For Sale Gosford
2BR air conditioned apartment, one hour train commute to Sydney CBD.

Weather or not


The wide range of climates in a country as vast as Australia means that whatever time of the year, some part can be seen at its best.

Generally, high summer is when most people head to the beach or some cool watering hole.  The exodus from the suburbs starts around mid morning. Slip on sunscreen, slap on a hat, slide into your thongs, wrap on your sunnies, pack up the BBQ (barbie) and an esky full of ice and cold drinks, snags, steak and salad. 

The best time to tour the Northern Territory's Top End, North Coast Western Australia (WA) and Tropical Queensland (Qld) is in our Winter (June, July,  August)  - warm days, cloudless skies,  low humidity and avoids the cyclones that torment the northern coasts from November to April. 

If wildflowers are your thing then head to south-west  Western Australia in the Spring (September, October, November).

Touring the southern states is best done from September to April.

To check out the weather at any time of year visit the Bureau of Meterology website (it's updated 4 times a day)

. 


Sun Safety
The SunSmart UV Alert is reported daily in newspaper weather forecasts across Australia. The alert is used to raise public awareness of the risk of exposure to UV radiation and to encourage people to adopt appropriate sun protection measures. For best protection from the sun, a combination of sun protection measures is recommended, including:
  • Seeking shade
  • Wearing protective clothing that cover the arms and legs as well as the body
  • Wearing a hat that shades the face and neck
  • Wearing wrap around sunglasses
  • Using SPF30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen which is reapplied every 2 hours.


Swim between the flags
For nearly one hundred years, Australia’s trained surf lifesavers have been keeping our beaches safe. In that time, they have rescued more than 500,000 people and provided first aid to a million others. Of SLSA’s 113,000+ members, more than 34,000 actively patrol our beaches.

Surf Life Saving Australia
Bike riding
Teah
Cycling around Australia:

Bicycle Victoria
a self-funded community organisation, dedicated to getting more people cycling more often

Bicycle Institute of SA
founded in 1974, is a voluntary, not-for profit association that exists to advocate for a safe and pleasant cycling environment in South Australia.

Avoid unauthorised blood donations!

Beware of mozzies, they can spread diseases such as Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest virus.

What is Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus?

These illnesses are similar and are passed to humans from infected mosquitoes; they are not spread from person to person. Symptoms include flu like symptoms, such as fever, headache and aches and pains in muscles and joints. Sometimes a rash appears on the body arms and legs. The symptoms usually develop about 1 week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Complete recovery usually occurs within a couple of weeks but on rare occasions symptoms can persist for months. Infection results in immunity to further episodes of infection.

The best method of avoiding infection is to avoid mozzies bites

Mozzies are particularly active at dawn and dusk so you should take particular care at these times during the day to protect yourself from mozzies bites

  • Use an effective repellent on exposed skin areas
  • Cover up as much as possible with loose fitting clothing, mossies can bite through tight fitting clothes
  • Use mosquito coils or vaporising mats
  • Ensure screens on windows and doors are kept closed and are in good condition
  • If camping use a mozzie net and ensure your tent is screened
  • Use a knockdown insecticide in bedrooms half an hour before going to bed
Remember when using insecticides and repellents follow the instruction provided by the manufacturer.