Climate

Hobart has a maritime temperate climate with four distinct seasons, free of extremes with an average rainfall of 52mm per month.

• Summer (December to February) is mild and pleasant with warm afternoons and long twilight evenings. Average temp 21°C.
• Autumn (March to May) is calm, sunny and cool. Average temp 17°C.
• Winter (June to August) is brisk and bracing. Average temp 12°C.
• Spring (September to November) is cool, fresh and green. Average temp 17°C.

Clothing

Summers are mild and pleasant with many warm days, therefore, lightweight clothes are the most suitable. Nights may be cool though. For the winter, warmer clothes such as sweaters, jackets or light coat are advisable. Dress code is casual and informal. Dining at certain restaurants may require formal dressing (our reception will be pleased to assist you with enquiries about an establishment's dress code).

Currency

Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equal one dollar). Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. Changing of foreign currency or travellers' cheques can be done at most banks.

Customs

Flora & Fauna
Items to be declared on arrival are animals, animal products, foodstuffs, plants and plant products.

Currency
There is no limit to the amount of Australian or foreign cash to be brought in or taken out of Australia but amounts more than A$10,000, or equivalent in foreign currency must be reported on arrival and departure. This does not include travellers' cheques or other monetary instruments.

National Heritage Items
Items important to Australia's natural heritage cannot be taken out of Australia without a permit. If you have any doubts about an item, our reception will gladly contact the Heritage Protection Section of the Department of Communication and Arts for advice.

Electricity

The electrical current in Australia is 220 – 240 volts, AC 50Hz.

Emergency Call Numbers

For ambulance, fire and police emergency telephone calls, dial 000.

Health

Standards of hygiene and health care in Australia are relatively high. Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well-equipped. It is recommended that visitors take up health insurance to cover the duration of stay in Australia.

Local Area Information

Tasmania is the Island State of Australia with an area of 68,000 sq km (approximately the size of Ireland). Hobart located in the south of the island is the capital and international gateway to Tasmania, the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Situated on the Derwent river, it has one of the world's finest deep-water harbours with majestic Mt Wellington in the background. It has world-class infrastructure and natural resources to support a wide range of industries and offers a quality of lifestyle second to none. The population of the Hobart metropolitan area is about 203,600.

Public Phones

Local calls made at Telstra public payphones are charged at a minimum charge of $0.40. Public payphones accept all Australian coins and Telstra Smart phonecards that can be purchased at most newsagents and retail outlets. Credit cards are also acceptable for credit phones that can be found at international and domestic airports, central city locations and hotels.

Shopping & Business Hours

Shopping hours are generally from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturdays. Some stores have extended hours until 9:00 p.m. Fridays.

• Banks: Open from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.
• Offices : General office hours, including Post Offices, are open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes

A Goods and Services Tax of 10% is imposed. However, tourists can claim a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods purchased in Australia. Terms and conditions apply.

Time Zone

Tasmania operates under Australian Eastern Standard time. Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours. Daylight Savings – first Sunday of October to the last Sunday in March.

Daylight hours:

• Winter: 9 hours, 32 minutes (June 21).
• Summer: 14 hours, 47 minutes in summer (December 22).

Tipping

Tipping is customary, but not mandatory in Australia as service charge is not added in hotels and restaurants. Australians believe in rewarding good service, so it will be appreciative if one can tip service staff for good service.

Visa

Anyone entering Australia must carry a valid passport or similar certificate of identification and everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia.