As with travelling to any destination there are some basics which you may find helpful.   Some of these are for your own personal information and others are for peace of mind.

Banking Hours Medical Services Currency Postal Information Transport Electrical Appliances Swimming Things you can & cannot bring Weather Information & Brochures

 Banking Hours

Normal banking hours are Monday - Thursday 9:30am-4:00pm and Fridays 9:30-5:00pm, excluding public holidays.  24 Hour Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found throughout the City and Shopping Centres. There are four major banks in Australia which offer a full range of banking services including currency conversions and sales of travellers cheques.

Major Banks Commonwealth Bank Westpac Bank ANZ Bank National Australia Bank

back to top

Currency

Australian currency is comprised of notes and coins and are of decimal currency.   Australian notes are made from durable plastic and the coins metallic.

In view of the currency, you may occasionally see prices such as $2.98, this figure is rounded up to the nearest five cents, in this case $3.00. 

Money exchanges can be found all around the city and most major tourist destinations. Banks also offering money exchanging services and cashing of travellers cheques.

back to top

Transport

Buses Bus services run regularly from the City Place to all over Cairns including the Northern Beaches.	Bus Time Tables Sunbus Timetable
Taxis Taxis are available from the main taxi rank in the City Place or along The Esplanade outside of McDonalds or outside the Reef Casino.	Taxi's Black & White Taxi's
Hire Cars To hire a car some companies insist that the drivers be at least 25 years of age.  Other companies require a minimum age of 21.  An International licence is all you will need to drive on Australian roads.	Hire Cars Cruising Car Rentals Mini Car Rentals
Motor Cycles & Scooters Scooters or a motor bike under 50cc can also be hired with only a drivers licence.  There is no need for a separate licence.  Most of these bikes are limited somewhat in speed and are ideal for City driving but not highly reccommended to be taken on open highways.	Motor Cycle Hire
Bicycles Bicycles can be hired from car rental agencies as well,   bicycle lanes are clearly marked on city roads.  Bicycle riders are all required by law to wear a safety helmet.	Bicycle Hire
Domestic Airlines Some travellers prefer to book connecting flights once they are in Australia or just compare prices to see if it cheaper to book from the country of origin or locally.	Domestic Airlines QANTAS Airlines Virgin Blue Airlines Australian Airlines

back to top

Swimming

Swimming is generally safe in most places.  A few things to remember are:

	When swimming at a beach, always swim in the enclosed patrolled area.  This area is to protect swimmers from Jellyfish (or commonly known as stingers).
	When swimming in creeks, rivers and streams be cautious of branches and logs beneath the waters surface.  Look out for crocodile warning signs.
	When swimming at waterfalls, stay away from the base of the falls as there is a strong undercurrent.
	It is a good idea to wear a water resistant sun cream, as the sun can be very harsh on fairer skins.

back to top

Weather

Click here for the latest forecast on the Cairns Weather.

back to top

Medical Services

A 24 hour medical service is available to all the major hotels and there is also a 24 hour medical surgery at the Corner of Florence and Grafton Street, beneath the Cairns Day Surgery building.  It is advisable that all visitors have adequate Health Insurance.

Chemists and Pharmacies are usually open to 9pm at night and they are located in the City Place and along Abbott Street.

back to top

Postal Service

Post Offices are open from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through to Friday, to send a standard letter anywhere in Australia is 45cents.

For more information regarding the Postal Service in Australia visit Australia Post . From here you can calculate how much it would cost to send parcels or letters back home and the estimated time it would take.

back to top

Electrical Appliances

Australia uses 240V mains electricity and use three point power sockets. Universal adapters are available from most gift stores and electrical shops around the city.

back to top

Things you cannot bring into Australia

Australia has very strict importation laws and like most countries we place great emphasis on protecting our native fauna and flora from infectious diseases and other hazardous substances. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) provides quarantine inspection services for the arrival of international passengers, cargo, mail, animals and plants or their products into Australia, and inspection and certification for a range of animal and plant products exported from Australia. For more information regarding specifically what you are able to bring into Australia visit the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website.

back to top

Information & Brochures

For more information regarding tours and places to visit, please take a brochure from the Morgan Freeman Promotions board.  These are located in the reception of your hotel or motel. There are over 250 outlets all around Cairns and regions including: Car Rental Agencies Accommodation Houses (All types) Tour Booking Offices Cruise & Dive Companies Major tourism operators

back to top