A cosmopolitan attraction

Sheri Mercier
Published: November 30, 2008

Have you seen the new movie now playing in theaters starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, called “Australia”? The movie is receiving great reviews and Australia may be a vacation area that you had not considered before.

This could be a dream vacation.

The months of June to September are winter season in Australia; December to March is their summer season.

Most tourists will arrive in Sydney, the largest city of Australia. It will take about 14 hours from the West Coast, so plan for some jet lag. Your bags will be scanned once you have arrived in the country as Australia has some very strict rules. No animal or vegetable-derived products are allowed in the country.

Manufactured packaged food — such as chocolates and cookies — are considered acceptable and are usually OK to bring. The thing to remember is that you must declare all items for customs and then you won’t have any problems. If you get caught the penalties can be very expensive.

You will need a passport and a tourist visa to enter Australia. Your travel agent should be able to help you with the visa. If purchasing your air tickets with your travel agent, there are usually no fees to process the visa.

Australia is huge. You will either need to rent a car or take a commuter plane from one area to another. Melbourne to Sydney will take you 9-10 hours or Brisbane to Sydney will take 12-13 hours by car. The most popular commute is by plane which most flights will leave about every 15 minutes between the major cities. When driving you will need to follow the British format and drive on the left. Australia does offer a train service but it is much slower then some countries’ rail, but it is a great way to see more of their scenic countryside.

Tourism is one of the most important industries in Australia, along with education and financial services. You will find many pubs, cafes, bakeries, fast-food restaurants; even McDonald’s and food courts. Barbecue is a popular pastime with selections of chops, steaks, chicken, kebabs and fish. Kangaroo steak can even be found in supermarkets along with crocodile meat. A fact you probably didn’t know is that Macadamia nuts are the only native plant to Australia that is grown for commercial markets.

There is plenty to do other then tour the beautiful countryside. You can find sandy beaches, diving, golf, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, sky diving and casino’s to keep you busy.

Consider this beautiful country as your once-in-your lifetime vacation spot and by planning a year in advance it can become a reality.

Sheri Mercier is the Owner of Accent Travel in Culpeper. She can be reached at 727-8871 or