Does anybody know anything about....AUSTRALIA??

[K8-EEE]

I'm helping to get my 16 y/o ready for a trip to Australia next month. She will be travelling around the whole country for about a month as part of a student exchange type of thang....

How cold does it get in July/Aug?? They say "mild winters" but are they as mild as here (L.A.?) Do people go around wearing jeans all the time like here or is it more/or less dressed up? They will be going to government buildings and stuff so I assume that is business clothes/jacket and skirt type thing?

Also how is the money exchange and what is the best way to get some cash for her to bring before the trip. She is taking mostly pre-paid cred card type of thing but needs a bit of cash as well. Is there some benefit exchange-wise using cash or credit there?

I don't know how you fit a month's worth of clothes into one suitcase, and still have room to bring stuff home, but that's the challenge, anyhow!!

Anyhow any words of advice from experienced travellers (or Aussies!) would be appreciated.

[emmajane67]

1. Here you go...

The winters will be fairly mild, but temps will vary depending on the location (it's a big place).

Attire is generally pretty casual. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, skirts etc. Sandals or sneakers are fine too. Even in the Government buildings, if they are just visiting I don't think anyone will care what she is wearing.

Credit cards should be fine, you just take you luck with the exchange rate on each day you need cash. It can work for or against but generally, unless the exchange rate is spectacular right this second don't bother changing money now, just get it out as needed.

A months travelling doesn't need a whole suitcase. Pack what you think she'll need, then take half of it out! I normally only travel with a small rucksack/daypack and that is enough, and then, you can always buy a cheap candy-stipped bag to put the stuff you buy into and still be under the luggage allowance going home.

[MonkeyFunk]

2. How fun for her!

Australia is a fantastic place. Some of the funniest, nicest people on Earth.

Winters are pretty mild - 40s to 60s.

I don't think bringing a lot of cash is wise. ATM cards can be used there. Traveller's Checks are probably safer to use.

Unfortunately, the exchange rate is nowhere near as good as it was a few years ago - when I was there, things were crazy-cheap. Now the AU Dollar = 84 cents. I think it was about 50 cents when i visited.

As to clothes, don't try to pack a month's worth of clothes. She can spend two hours at a laundromat once or twice during the trip.

As for general advice, just remember to look RIGHT first when crossing the street. They drive all funny down there.

She'll have a great time.

[Deep13]

3. It's a post-apocalyptic world...

...with marauding gangs of motorcycling outlaws. Make sure you steer clear of that Thunderdome place.

[commander bunnypants]

4. Have your baby stay away from Dingoes.

CB

[K8-EEE]

5. Thanks everybody we are having a challenging time with underpacking

I know you're right....I'm going to start scratching stuff off the packing list ASAP! The worst thing is when you pack too much and have to deal with CLOSING YOUR SUITCASE again on the road....however she wants to bring everything in the closet!!

[bikebloke]

6. Been there

Because it's the southern winter, it will be cooler in the south and warmer in the north. Some pubs have a dress code, requiring long trousers (and no trainers) on blokes. I biked up the east coast, so I didn't visit too many flash establishments.

They do have laundry there, if you want to cut back on gear to haul.

I opened a local bank account, then hit cash machines along the way.

It helps to know the words to Skippy the Kangaroo :wink:

[One_Life_To_Give]

7. Kind of like asking how cold does the US get

The North is tropical so would be fairly mild in winter. The mountains around Sydney egt snow in the winter, or so I was told. And when a bloke says G'day Love he is not being fresh.
;)