TIPS / FAQ's

Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18 years and older. Bring ID to prove your age. Alcohol can only be purchased in liquor outlets and hotels (not in supermarkets).

Currency Conversion: Up to the moment currency conversion can be found at www.xe.com

Electricity: 240/250 volts AC 50Hz Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) standard in hotels, apartments, motels.

Emergency: Dial 000 from a fixed line or 112 from a mobile phone. Police, ambulance, fire.

Language: English. Translation and multi-lingual tours available. Telstra's Foreign Language Service offers telephone assistance in nine languages.

Measures: Metric system.www.onlineconversion.com

Post Offices: Australia Post offices are generally open 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 12pm Saturdays.www.australiapost.com.au

Religion: Australia is multi-cultural. Discrimination is an offence. Mosques, Temples, Christian Churches and Prayer Rooms are located on the Gold Coast. Specific dietary requirements are available (halal, kosher).

Road Rules: Left hand side driving. A 50kmh speed limit applies in most residential areas. Open highways 100-110kmh. View speed limit signs. Seat belts mandatory. Strict drink driving laws apply. Bring your current driver's licence if you want to hire a vehicle.www.transport.qld.gov.au

Safety: Common sense approach to personal safety encouraged. www.transport.qld.gov.au

Smoking: Queensland has strict tobacco laws with new legislation being phased in. There is no smoking in indoor public places and no sales to children under 18 years.www.health.qld.gov.au

Sun/Surf Safety: Australian beaches are beautiful. Never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean. Always swim between the red and yellow flags in a patrolled beach and heed life guards' advice. Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by professional life guards and volunteers (weekends). www.health.qld.gov.au

Swimmers must accept responsibility for their own safety. Sun protection is vital - always wear a hat, collared shirt with sleeves, maximum sunblock and avoid the heat of the day 10am - 2pm. www.whs.qld.gov.au

Telephones: Australian international code 61. Public telephones, international dial cards available.

Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT + 10 hours. No daylight saving in Queensland.

Why should I visit the Gold Coast?

Where do we start?

• - More than 70km of open coastline with white beaches and rolling Pacific Ocean.
  
• - One of Australia's most ecologically diverse regions with more than 100,000ha of World Heritage Listed rainforest.
  
• - Sophistication and culture with the world's only Versace resort, more than 40 golf courses, hundreds of restaurants and more than 65,000 bed spaces.
  
• - In one day the ability to see genuine Australian rural towns, rich rainforest, beaches, uninhabited islands and finish with a cabaret, show or nightclub visit.

You'll just have to come and see for yourself.

I'm a first-time visitor. What can I expect in the Gold Coast/Queensland/Australia?

Australia is one of the world's most multi-cultural communities. People from all over the world have chosen the Gold Coast as home. There's a sophisticated network of services for the international visitor, a huge choice of cuisine and places of worship. Australians are well travelled and you'll be surprised at the level of sophistication.

Australia has a stable democracy with a buoyant economy with sophisticated telecommunications and infrastructure, high quality medical services, a well-ordered society. Expect the trip of a lifetime.

What is available for children?

Fun isn't just restricted to children. Sure, there's some of the largest and most varied theme parks in the southern hemisphere; hundreds of parks, bikeways, beaches and playgrounds open free year-round; accommodation with children's playgrounds and holiday activities. There's also extensive professional child care facilities - so adults can play.

What do I bring?

Bring plenty of room in your luggage to stock up on shopping - Australia's Gold Coast has major surf labels, authentic Aboriginal art works and modern art, some of the nation's largest duty free store and fashion labels. Bring swimwear, bring a smile and an attitude to enjoy yourself!