STUDY AND LIVE IN AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA AT A GLANCE

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, but it has one of the lowest population densities with approximately 3.5 people per square kilometre. The total population of Australia is approximately 26 million people.

Australia’s biggest attraction is its natural beauty. The landscape varies from endless sunbaked horizons to dense tropical rainforest to chilly southern beaches. Australia boasts nearly 10,000 beaches—more than any other nation.

Australia is made up of six states (Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania) and two territories (Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory). Each state and territory have its own parliament, flag and floral emblem. On 1 January 1901 Australia became a federated nation after the six colonies were bound by one parliament, one constitution and one flag. The capital city of Australia is Canberra.

NEW SOUTH WALES AND SYDNEY

In 1770 Captain James Cook sailed into what is now called Botany Bay. The colony of New South Wales was founded in 1788 and originally comprised much of the Australian mainland, as well as Lord Howe Island, New Zealand, Norfolk Island and Van Diemen’s Land. There are many reminders of the original inhabitants of NSW, the Aborigines, around Sydney with more than 2,000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites. Many of Sydney’s suburbs have aboriginal names such as Woolloomooloo, Parramatta, Woollahra, Toongabbie and Yagoona.

NSW is the home of Australia’s highest mountain peak, Mount Kosciusko, which towers 2,228 metres above sea level. It is surrounded by the snow-capped ski fields of the Southern Alps of NSW while Australia’s longest river, the Darling River, flows 2,740km from northern NSW to join with the Murray River near the Victorian border in the state’s south-west.

NSW is the most populated state in Australia and has a population of 7.29 million people (in June,2012), with over 60% of that population based in Sydney.

Sydney is the largest and oldest city in Australia. With sandy beaches to the east, National Parks to the north and south, and mountain ranges, plateaus, upland areas and escarpments to the west, there is a huge variety of things to do and see.

Sydney is a sophisticated multicultural city full of choices —whether you want entertainment, shopping, sightseeing or relaxation. Situated on the magnificent Sydney Harbour, spanned by the landmark Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s waters are constantly criss-crossed by busy ferries and colourful sailing yachts and cruisers. Overlooking the Harbour are the Botanic Gardens leading down to the Sydney Opera House.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Most areas in Australia are 2-3 hours ahead of Asia, 4-5 hours ahead of the Indian subcontinent, 9-10 hours ahead of Europe and 16-20 hours ahead of the Americas. Daylight saving (Summer time) operates in most Australian states from late October to late March.

TRANSPORT

Public transport is very easy in Sydney and is also fairly cheap. The institute is located a few minutes walking distance to Sydney Central trains and buses.
Transport Info line 131 500 or check the trip planner at www.transportnsw.info or You can also use the bus route finder at http://mysydney.nsw.gov.au/bus.
An Opal Card will make travelling on buses, trains and ferries convenient and will include any discounts you may be entitled to.
Taxis are a fairly expensive mode of transport and the use of a private car to the institute is not recommended due to the difficulty of parking in Sydney.

BANKING

Australia’s major banks are:

Commonwealth Bank of Australia. commbank.com.au
Westpac Banking Corporation. westpac.com.au
National Australia Bank. nab.com.au/
Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ). anz.com.au
Most banks will charge you for having an account with them. If you make a withdrawal from another banks ATM you will pay up to $2.50 per transaction. Have a look at www.infochoice.com.au

HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE

The nearest medical and dental clinics are located at:

Dr George O’Young, Centennial Plaza, Shop 2, 290-300 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, 02 9212 2108
Dr Gloria Xu Medical Practice Shop QG 1, Prince Centre, 8 Quay St Haymarket, 02 9212 2839
Healthpac Medical Centre – Sydney LG, 59 Goulburn Street Sydney, 02 9282 9725
Macquarie Street Medical Centre – Level 4, 195 Macquarie Street Sydney 02 9238 0800 or Macquarie Street Medical Practice 02 9221 1933
Dentist: 580 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Telephone: 9267 7569
Also see http://www.oshcworldcare.com.au/member_student/medical_providers.aspx

Overseas Student Health Cover is a compulsory requirement of DHA– all student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover.

SAFETY

Australia is considered to be one of the world’s safest countries. However, like all countries and major cities, undue risks should not be taken in Sydney so:

Personal security

Avoid poorly lit park areas after hours – walk with purpose and confidence
Do not provoke undue attention to yourself with loud behaviour
Take care of your valuables and belongings at all times
If you are going out on the town to bars and clubs keep a careful watch over your drinks/or have a designated person to watch over everyone.
Do not Hitchhike (do not get into a car with someone you do not know)
If you are in a major accident or you feel your life is in danger use your cell phone and contact police, fire or ambulance 000.

Beaches:

You must swim inside the flags, swimming outside these flags can be dangerous and the lifeguards maybe not to be able to see you if you need help. Wave towards the beach or at a lifeguard if you need help.
In summer the UV can be extreme. Remember: Slip on a shirt, Slop on some Sunscreen (maximum strength), Slap on a hat.
Drink plenty of water and sports drinks to replace salt if playing sport in the sun.

Bush walking or Camping

Don’t leave your shoes outside where spiders can crawl into them.
Shake them upside down before putting them on. Ph: 13 11 26 Poisons line
Never put any part of your body anywhere you can’t see what’s there beforehand, don’t go walking barefoot, keep to paths
If you see a snake, don’t approach it or harass it.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN SYDNEY

There are many fun things to do in Sydney a lot of them can be free! Have a beach party or Picnic in the large parks around the city and suburbs; attend the free music festivals, such as opera or rock in the park at the Domain in the centre of the city, there are often free festivals on at Darling Harbour. Or see free shows such as Vivid where Sydney puts art and light shows on buildings or do some great walks around the beach fronts, see sculpture by the sea which is one festival that happens every year. Most all art galleries and Museums are free.

There are websites such as meet up where you choose something you would like to do and join a group of bush walkers, diners or theatre goers.

Choose where and what you would like to join: www.meetup.com/cities/au/sydney
Tours and things to do: www.viator.com/sydney
Free things to do in Sydney: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/sydney/travel-tips-and-articles/77780
Social Events: www.sydney.com/event
In Sydney: http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city

EMERGENCY SERVICES (24 HOURS)

Familiarise yourself with the Emergency services numbers: Useful phone numbers are:

Emergency Services – POLICE. FIRE. AMBULANCE. (free call) 000
Police - Level 3, SPC, 151-241 Goulburn Street DARLINGHURST 2010, 02 9265 4144
Fire Station 113 George St, Redfern 2016 02 9698 1161
Hospital St Vincent’s, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 02 8382 1111
Dentist Sydney Dental Hospital, 2 Chalmers St, Surry Hills 02 9293 3333
Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26

INTERPRETER SERVICES

The Head of Operations / Counsellor will help you with any interpreter assistance. We have access to an interpreter twenty-four (24) hours a day.
Be aware of Telstra’s twenty-four (24) hour interpreter service.
Telephone 131 450 – if anytime you are having difficulty communicating in English.

USEFUL LINKS