summary of our "Tips for traveling in Aussie Land"
Australia is a country with many different faces. In the vastness of the continent, this is not surprising. Switzerland had its modest size, with at least 189 times within Australia's place! There are all sorts of note to carefree this wonderful country and to travel without undue problems. Below we have tried to summarize the main points that should be considered when planning the trip and during the trip.
Seasonal Travel
To the different sites, vegetation and natural beauty to enjoy too, one must often travel enormous distances. As in the diary already mentioned, should be responsible for travel planning necessarily the seasons with different climatic conditions, like rain and dry seasons are included. Otherwise it may happen that you can not pass major roads and even entire national park and its attractions are not accessible.
We have "around Trip Down Under again and again on our experienced travelers who have not followed this principle and therefore omitting beautiful areas and had to drive around. In the worst case it can happen even that one is stuck in one place and wait for days or weeks needs to move forward with the car.
Not insignificantly, but not essential, is the observance of the holidays The Australian, such as the Christmas holidays, Easter holidays, etc. Then the campsites booked up even slightly, so that during these times, preferably pre-booked a place by telephone. However, this requires a detailed travel plan, which is not always in the sense of a carefree time free travel. According to experience camping near the city center occupies quite strong. We therefore recommend anyone to make in advance to stay in big cities, thoughts and call to reserve a place. This applies especially to the cities "Sydney", "Brisbane", "Melbourne", "Adelaide" and "Perth".
Thanks to our excellent trip planning, we barely had such problems :-) Only in "Melbourne" we had to escape for a night to a bungalow because all plots were already occupied.
Even with the seasons, or Regen-/Trockenzeiten we went perfectly. Maybe next time we would go into a week later to "Northern Territory", as in "Kakadu National Park" even in the second week of May, some 4WD routes to the "Gorges" were closed. Certainly one can never be, however, since this depends crucially on the length and violence of the "Wet Season" from.
The best months for the "North West Australia and Northern Territory are in any case, the May and June, as the rivers still have enough water and the many waterfalls are more spectacular view. Moreover, in these regions as of May normally stable Beautiful weather and pleasant temperatures for us Europeans.
"Nobody is perfect", or there is nothing that can not be improved. We have traveled the route "Brisbane" to "Sydney" in July. Since that time there is winter, it was sometimes very cold. Perhaps it would be been better if we had our six-month tour begun at the beginning of January in "Brisbane", traveled in a clockwise direction and the end of June in "Brisbane" again complete. However, we have been involved with this advantage, a significant disadvantage in that we end in January in the main holiday season of the Australians and the campsites would have been quite busy at this time. So our decision was not so bad :-)
weather conditions
The overall impression of a landscape / city while traveling had a decisive influence on the weather. So get the current weather situation, as far as the available Time permits, to include in the detailed planning always. As well as the weather forecasts in the Australian television / radio is also the possibility to obtain via the Internet to every city / region information on the weather conditions. We can recommend the following to two weather links:
www.weather.com.au
www.weatherzone.com.au
maps
For Travel Planning Australia is a good map is essential to lose track of the huge country is not. We used a folding card 1:1.4 million. For the detailed planning and travel even this Scale and detail of clearly too small. There is in most rental vehicles a 140-page "Australia Road and 4WD Atlas" with scales between 1:100 000 and 1:800 000, which with helpful hints for camping sites, gas stations, roadhouses, places of interest have many more.
In addition, we have at the "Visitor Information Centers" caught up to date information and supporting documents and maps for trips, etc. concerned. "Visitor Information Centers in Australia, there are many places (in the navigation system included as a POI). These usually have local and city maps with all the important information for tourists and travelers. They often provide information on good campsites similar services.
navigation device
addition to conventional maps, we strongly recommend to travel a modern navigation equipment need to. For only A $ 200 to get for example a "TomTom XL with full Australia map. This navigation device has us in the search for campgrounds, "Kea depot", "Shopping Center", done "Visitor Information Centers, gas stations, post offices, ATMs and public car parks a valuable service. We have some Reusable, saves time and stress. Especially in the cities it was a great help to go gentle on the nerves to straight without consuming detours to our goal.
sunscreen
In Australia, the sun very strong, especially in the tropical and subtropical areas. A 30 + sunscreen or higher is recommended. Wearing sunglasses with sufficient UV protection (at least class 3) is of course in Australia. Equally important is wearing a cowboy hat, which protects the neck and ears from the harsh sun rays. Normal "caps" (Dächlikappe) as often in our be worn to protect, not enough. For sun protection while snorkeling and swimming are also longer and lycra shirts with UV protection is recommended.
mosquitoes and mosquito
For the tropical and subtropical areas are insect sprays and roll-ons "in tropical extra strong design (tropical Strength) is an absolute must. These are available in supermarkets, camping and outdoor stores or Pharmacies. The brand "Aerogard" should be particularly effective against mosquitoes that can transmit so different non-dangerous diseases, such as dengue and Ross River fever. "Malaria" is to our knowledge Australia does not exist. For flies, we have achieved with the combination of cream "Ultra Protect (30 + sunscreen with insect repellent) good successes against mosquitoes with the" Bushman "combination spray," Heavy-duty design.
Important The mosquito sprays contain chemicals, plastic and other synthetic materials to attack, ie, they soften and become sticky this. Prior is on the cans in the comments also warned urgent. The sprays are therefore used with caution.
In particular, with the flies and mosquitoes to protect against head, there are also simple mosquito nets, which are also in camp- and outdoor stores for a few dollars is. The food and drink with the networks, however, is very limited, or almost impossible, because the insects then reach under the net, not a very pleasant feeling :-(
Digital Camera
Although the memory cards for digital cameras nowadays considerable storage have, the card, especially on long trips, at some time in full. Either you have a second memory card on hand or you are forced, the card for new photos to this title. Nevertheless, the precious photo files saved elsewhere.
As a backup medium, offers the " DVD " at. Such may in photo shop with the machines of "Fuji Film" or in most Internet cafes in the memory card directly burned to DVD. A DVD is however not a 100%-owned storage medium. Heat, scratches or the disc can be covered only once, and already, the data may be lost irretrievably.
Another cheap and easy to use storage media is provided by the " USB stick 'to. To an 8 GB flash drive is brought forward to it twice the amount of a DVD. The data transmission can be directly via USB cable from the camera to the "stick" or done via PC. The safety of this storage medium is already much higher and the stick is kept simple, as a DVD or hard disk.
The same procedure applies if you want to carry instead of the USB stick a " external USB hard disk . The advantage of this solution is the more times the storage capacity of this storage medium compared to a "USB stick", the disadvantage is the relatively high impact and shock sensitivity.
If you are out on the road, as we are, is carrying a small laptop, the backup of the photos on this PC: This so-called " Netbooks ," a new generation of "Notebooks" are often less than a kilograms and specialized to communicate via the Internet. We use our "Eee netbook from ASUS" in addition to information via the Internet (for example, travel information, news and weather), email, internet banking and Skype-phone.
Important For all media that they are not considered a hundred percent sure. We therefore recommend a combination of backup to perform, either an analog or better on a different type of media (eg DVD and USB stick)
Driving in Australia
in Australia drive on the left, as in England. The control in the car is positioned so on the right. The Gears and usually the hand brake are thus at the left side of the steering wheel. The controls, like turn signals, wipers and Auf-/Abblendlichtumschaltung are unfortunately not uniformly arranged. The routine operation of the vehicle, therefore, requires a certain amount of time getting used to.
particular focus should be when driving away after parking at intersections, and in Autobahnein / out privileges. Overall, the habit is driving on the left but surprisingly fast.
We the Australians as a disciplined, considerate and courteous drivers have come to know. Cut corners to overtake in dangerous locations, Glue the back of the bumper, aggressive driving, all typical bad habits of European drivers are rarely to be found here.
tire pressure measurement in Australia
In Australia, the tire pressure in PSI is measured. The air fuel pumps operate automatically and are very comfortable. First, they are put in the column, the desired air pressure in PSI. Then disconnected the hose to the valve of the tire. The pump will start automatically if the air pressure is not already set matches. Once the tire has reached the desired pressure, you will hear a beep and you can attach the hose to the next tire air pressure with the same target . Connect
Important The desired air pressure must be set prior to connecting to the valve! be changed at different air pressure in the front towards the rear tire air pressure must be set so once (both front first, then check both rear tires).
behavior when overtaking "Road Trains"
At this point a few important rules of conduct for caravans and motorhomes in contact with "Road Trains", removed and loosely translated from a brochure of the "Perth Caravan & Camping Show ", written by a" road train experts. "
"road trains" are "Trucks" with one or more trailers. problem: Most of the caravan traveling with about 80 to 90 km / h and the "Road Trains" is, however, with 95 to 100 km / This means that the caravan are often overtaken by trucks. "Trucks" typically have 18 or more gears. A slowdown or acceleration of the train requires frequent switching. Rapid change in velocity, as in the PWK, are hardly possible.
When the caravan will see in the mirror a "Truck" in more detail, it should maintain its current speed as possible, ie, accelerate or still slow and kept to the left side of the road (applies to Australia). If the "Truck" attaches to overtake the caravan is to facilitate the "road train" the overtaking maneuver, temporarily reduce its speed a little until the passing maneuver is complete.
behavior when crossed with "Road Trains" with a width
Now and then you cross a Lastenzug with extra width. These are usually front and rear escort vehicles with warning lights. As it says on the roadside stop outside as much as possible (possibly outside of the road on the road verge) and wait until all vehicles passed are.
Warning: can follow several trucks with over-width at irregular intervals, therefore, prefer to wait a bit before continuing the trip.
night driving
sooner you leave Australia in a town you end up back in the bush. Especially in the evening and morning twilight and at night may appear surprising wildlife on the road, so you have no chance to avoid or slow down. Therefore, so-called "bull bars" high with the Australians in the course. A collision with a kangaroo, or even a cow is not a pleasure to own. We recommend Therefore, in general, of journeys during these critical times since. If you do not have enough attention while driving is, can one have this happen during the day.
saving tips for Australia travelers
If, like us, some time over long distances on the road is, considerations are to save quite appropriate. For example, we have during the six months of our journey around the continent with a "Ford Transit Campervan" least 20'800 km behind us, a huge range of European conditions. We have on an average consumption of 10.5 liters per 100 km total consumes 2,140 liters of diesel . This was only possible because we have consciously designed to fuel-efficient driving and drove himself to a freeway and highway rarely more than 90 mph. These considerable mileage is worthwhile in any case, think about possible savings in the diesel.
But in other areas, such as in campgrounds, national parks, the Internet or telephone access is available savings potential. Following summary of the various areas where savings can be a relatively simple way good money collected,:
first Save the gasoline / diesel refuel
general, it is worthwhile to compare the gas station prices, and possibly advance to check, because the differences are sometimes significant.
There are also cheaper to fill up the following options:
Several supermarkets are working with petrol station chains. With the rebates offered can be saved from 4 to 8 cents per liter.
- " Coles supermarkets " Working with coupons that are attached to the receipt. The minimum purchase for this discount amounts to A $ 30.00. Coles vouchers can be designated specifically for "Shell Coles Express service stations are redeemed. The term of the coupon is only a month.
- " Woolworths " and "Safeway " to work with a common loyalty card (for free), available at the box office. This must necessarily be registered via the Internet prior to use! Discounts are then obtained in all "Caltex Woolworths' petrol stations. Anyone wishing to use any customer card can your receipt when shopping for a minimum of A $ 30.00, as retain "Coles". These are also valid for one month only.
- " IGA" works well with coupons to the slips. These can be redeemed at which, on the coupon designated filling stations, mainly BP, which are often in the same place.
second Save on camping
important for Europeans to the CCI, "Camping Card International, there are generally no discounts in Australia. They know not at this card.
The prices vary considerably depending on the season, as in Europe. It pays about this when planning a trip to Australia to take into account and the journey possible to lay outside the main holiday periods.
Who with "Kea Campers hires receive general information on all camps of "tourist park" 10% discount. Other RV providers have similar savings products. The "BIG4" campsites, there is a two-year membership card for A Buy to $ 40.00. In order to get at all "BIG4" 10% discount. There is also therefore discount on AVIS car rental, Britz and Maui Campervans.
Who is a long time staying at a campsite, you should ask for long-term discounts. Asking costs nothing :-)
third save with National Park Holiday Pass
Several National Parks in Western Australia have joined forces to offer so-called "Holiday Pass Card". In Western Australia does a passport card, for example, A $ 35.00 per vehicle. The associated Admission is free then for 27 national parks. Unfortunately, the pass is only valid for a month and sleep is not included.
In "Northern Territory and Queensland, however, are all national parks for free access, in New South Wales have to pay part of it.
4th Save on Internet Access
" Global Gossip " provides its Internet services throughout Australia. Its well-equipped Internet-Rooms, all with large flat screens and headphones are provided, in the major cities all over "Australia" and "New Zealand" distributed. Global Gossip "has currently over 150 locations with high speed internet, 21 of them alone in" Sydney ". An hour currently costs A $ 6.00. However, it is billed quarterly by the hour. Logon / logoff at any time. The necessary pre-paid card can be purchased at any Global Gossip "site and there also recharged as required. When charging, pay attention to temporary discounts. Now and then there are actions that are being given two or more additional hours.
" NET4 "offers its Internet services primarily on BIG4 campgrounds. Is billed by the minute via the Internet, ie access time can always be added purchased over the Internet via credit card. An hour currently A costs $ 4:00 to 10:00, depending on how much time credit is buying in the same time. Logon / logoff at any time.
" NomadNet is a provider that transmits its Internet services via satellite and on camping sites with wireless access offered, are for the DSL transmission too far away from villages. noted these, the However, users very little, because the performance is generally excellent. prepaid cards can usually be purchased on the proper camping in various sizes (1 h, 5 h, 10 h). An hour currently costs A $ 5.00. Billing is by the minute, logon / logoff at any time möglich.lohnt itself. The greater the competition, the lower are usually the prices.
Many campgrounds on so-called "Internet kiosks " of " pienet " or other providers with fixed PC stations. The credit for the Internet access can be purchased at the vending machines by inserting coins. The prices are somewhat higher than in the other WLAN vendors.
" Internet Rooms" equipped with PCs and headsets, there is in Australia practically in every village. A comparison of the hourly prices for Internet access is worth it. The sellers include the "libraries" that are to be found even in smaller towns. The
" McDonald's Family Restaurants in Australia usually have about" Free WiFi "(free wireless internet access) with max. 50 MB per session. The access speed is, however minimal, so that the performance of massive breaks in the presence of many guests. For the processing of email messages and occasional queries on the internet it is always enough.
addition to "McDonald's" exist in most towns Internet cafes often with WLANs, which can be freely used for consumption as well.
is generally 's internet service in Australia compared with Europe than average. This offer density increases the competition that keeps prices relatively low and facilitates the search for a suitable internet café. With your own "laptop" can save a lot of Internet time as email, data transfer, internet searches, etc. "offline" can be prepared and thereby the effective access time can be short. Each must ultimately decide for himself which is for him the best of the many possibilities.
5th Save on the phone
phone calls over the 'phone "is today still the most expensive. Also ready from a public telephone booth of the provider "Telstra" must be from a handful of coins. Above all phone calls from Australia to Europe can be quite expensive.
Fortunately, there are alternatives. One possibility is the purchase of " prepaid cards" that are sold by different vendors. With a special dial-in telephone prefix is then transferred this provider much cheaper. Only the long dialing procedure is somewhat cumbersome.
Our favorite version is " Skype Phone ", a telephone service that accesses the Internet via the public telephone network. The only thing you need is an Internet access (see 4 Save on Internet Access). For A $ 4:00 to 6:00 per hour you're there. The telephone call via "Skype" costs from Australia to Europe, only CHF 0.026 (= A $ 0.03) per minute, ie one can for A $ 1.45 for about 15 minutes and for A $ 5.80 per hour call to Europe.
The required "Skype software is on most Internet-PCs, such as" Global Gossip "is already installed. If you look at "Skype" on the first time, you have to set for the use of their own "Skype name and password. Furthermore you need an email account and a credit card to purchase Skype Credit. In this way can then be purchased later as needed another Skype Credit. Skype is available in all languages and provides various services, including its own phone book, video picture transmission during the conversation, chat window, SMS forwarding, conference call with multiple participants, status of other participants, free phone calls between two Skype users, and much more
" Global Gossip " itself a provider of Internet telephony to similar sites reasonable prices. It is tied to these specific locations. If anyone wants to call in Internet cafes or similar venues, is up to you. Running a discreet conversation is in any case almost impossible. We draw from the above, the variant with its own netbook wlan.
6th Save while paying
Despite the credit card you need on the road every now and then cash. With a normal credit card "at ATMs or bank counters to withdraw cash is horrendously expensive. A cheaper option is the " Maestro card " which is accepted by most ATMs. It is even cheaper if you have subscribed to the Swiss Post Finance a " Plus Package . Then you pay for the lift-off with the "post-card " from his own private account Postfinance anything. The settlement or conversion will still take place on the foreign exchange rate.
recommended for the emergency, the modern version of "traveler's checks," the " Travel Cash Card . Here, you pay 0.5 to 1.0% of the elevated amount. This is the card insured losses and to get the world within a reasonable time a replacement card delivered.
if you will, as we step through several Country travels, it's worth, the remaining notes and coins at the " Exchange counter at the airport " respectively in the next needed to exchange currency. The courses there are fair and even small change is usually accepted. With this procedure, you carry unnecessary cash around with you, which you may go home do not go back.
Our "Tips for traveling in the Aussie country" does not purport to be complete. They arose from the practice of our six-month trip around Australia and will help to supplement the information of a travel organizer and other travel documents, a trip to Australia with success and without undue Problems to plan and ultimately to enjoy with joy.
Anita and Heinz
(the traveling webmasters)
Submitted in August 2009
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