Your Questions Answered! Questions about Australia and Australian Snow Fields Firstly Australia What's Australia like? Where can I obtain tourism information about Australia? Where can I find a place to stay while visiting Australia? What's the food like - What do Aussies eat? What is the weather like in Australia? What is Australian Currency like? What credit cards can I use in Australia? Can I obtain an Australian driving licence? What are the power outlets and voltage like? What promotional and advertising opportunities can Aussie Snow offer me or our business?

Australian Snow Questions

What do I need to pack for ski or snowboard holidays in Australia?
What ski gear do I need; Ski's Board Etc?
Lessons - will I need some?
I might drive to the snow will I need snow chains?
Do snowboarders and skiers have a lessons together?
Should I know anything special about driving in snow?
Unfortunately I don't ski and I don't really wish to learn. So what can I do?
Can you tell me what services and facilities are in the Australian Ski Fields?
Is there much accommodation in or around the Ski Fields?
We are all skiers except our youngest what options are there for the children?

What's Australia like?
During the daylight hours there is footy, tennis, cricket, golf, sailing or visit the golden beaches and lay in the warm inviting sun, take a swim while watching the guys and girls play and surf. Go whale watching. Take a bush walk. Travel out to the outback and have a dip in a billabong or climb a mountain, bungi jump, skidive, board a paddle boat and travel the fabolous Murray River, jump on a train or bus and visit the sights or ski the snow fields. Take your friends to the zoo, meet and pet our kangaroos and koalas. Sleep tight at night in a warm bed knowing you are in a safe and comfortable dreaming place in peace and that is only the FIRST DAY!

Australians are a super friendly people and we all enjoy making new friends. Our whole country is full of people from all over the world, so you will not feel left out! Come and spend time make new mates and enjoy a barbie (barbaque), throw on a few lamb chops, sausages, steak and prawns and the sweet alluring smell alone will attract others. Hey don't forget happy hour!

Many Australians enjoy a glass or two of beer or wine, we brew some of the best beers in the world and our wine country, well you just have to go there don't you! Australia produces some of the very best wines in the world today and there are cellar doors open for you to visit on just about any day.

Now if you're not too tired - you can go out at night!

In simple terms Australia is a wonderful place and one you must visit, because all the pictures or stories cannot describe what you will find in our beautiful land. This site is tantamount to that.

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Where can I obtain tourism information about Australia?
Right here! Or you can call the Australian Tourist Commission from where you live or contact the local Australian Embassy or Consulate. Simply take a look at the The Australian Tourist Commission web site at
        www.australia.com

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Where can I find a place to stay while visiting Australia?
Well that depends on the type of accommodation you are looking for and there are a number of sites on the net you can visit.
Here are a few:

        www.australia-hotels.net
        www.wotif.com
        www.stayz.com.au

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What's the food like - What do Aussies eat?
Because of the diversity of the country's population and the different cultures of the peoples you can and will find a great selection of all types of wonderful cuisine. Australians have adopted foods from England, the Americas, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia. When in Australia you should taste Aussie damper - the lamington - a good old custard tart and not forgetting our natonal emblem the kangaroo; the lean kangaroo meat is a delicacy.

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What is the weather like in Australia?
Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are up side down or reversed to that of the northern hemisphere. Our summer starts in December. Australia's climate is just about always generally very pleasant. There are no real 'extreme' climates in Australia; Sydney and Perth, while distance separates them, they both have very enjoyable temperatures all-year-round. The southern capital cities of Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart are a little cooler while Brisbane and Darwin enjoy a northern tropical climate.

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What is Australian Currency like?
Australia was the first country in the world to have a complete system of bank notes based on plastic (polymer). These notes provide much greater security against counterfeiting. They also last four times as long as conventional paper (fibrous) notes. The innovative technology by which the notes are produced, developed entirely in Australia, offers artists brilliant scope for the creation of images that reflect the histories and natural environments of their countries. At the same time the polymer notes are cleaner than paper notes and easily recyclable. Australia's currency consists of coins of five, 10, 20 and 50 cent and one and two dollar denomination; and notes of five, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar denomination.
For more information visit www.dfat.gov.au/facts/currency.html

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What credit cards can I use in Australia?
Most major credit cards are accepted incuding American Express - Mastercard - Visa.

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Can I obtain an Australian driving licence?
Australian driving licenses are administered at state/territory level, and regulations vary as a result. You will normally need to obtain a state license within 3 months of taking up residence in the state - you need to check to see if you can use your overseas license in the meantime. Visit the Australian Embassy or consulate in your country before leaving.

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What are the power outlets and voltage like?
Australia has an electrical current of 220/240 volts and the AC is 50 Hz. It is a very good idea to purchase adaptors to suit Australia before you leave home. It should also be noted that not all electrical goods purchased overseas will operate within Australia.

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What promotional and advertising opportunities can Aussie Snow offer me or our business?

There are a number of opportunities available to you.

AML is not a non-profit organization but it does wish to help promote Australia and Australian products.
We hope this site will become one of the largest directories of Australia on the Internet and we want to make it as accessible as possible to all interested parties.

Non-profit organisations can apply to have their details listed, HOWEVER, as we do not primarily offer ourselves as an open listing website strict rules will apply to anyone wishing to promote their presence on the site.

Commercial businesses and small businesses can also use the site for promoting their business.

Please contact us via email to info@aussiesnow.com.au for a full list of promotional opportunities and costings.

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What do I need to pack for ski or snowboard holidays in Australia?
Keeping in mind that Alpine weather in any country is very unpredictable, so conditions are subject to rapid change.
One should bring clothes that you are able to wear in layers and they should have insulating qualities on the inside and be wind and waterproof on the outer. The ideal in the cold climate would be the wear several thin layers made of wool that have insulation properties.
It is very advisable not to ski jeans or cotton items as these do not provide the appropriate water proofing protection.

Also keep in mind you are able to hire much of the clothing and equipment that you will need and these hire shop or stores are readily available and all are able to advise you of your needs.

Here is a list that you might find helpful.

•  Jacket & long pants - Waterproof & windproof
•  Gloves - Waterproof
•  Footwear with a good grip - Waterproof
•  Warm socks
•  A beanie or warm head covering
•  A warm scarf is good
•  Thermal underwear
•  Clothing that can be warn in layers and is warm
•  Sunglasses with a holding style cord
•  Goggles with adjustable strap
•  Warn sheep skin boots to put on when you come in from the cold
•  Sunscreen; Many don't realise that you can get sever burns form the snow

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What ski gear do I need; Ski's Board Etc?
Depending on your snow skiing or boarding ability or if you decide to do a little cross country skiing or trekking - Many people do have all the gear they need - Just keep in mind everything can be hired.
,br> •  Ski's, Snowboards, Boots Poles and even clothes.

Lessons - will I need some?
If you have never been to the snow to ski - Our advice is get in line and take a few lessons. The snow can be dangerous and you can hurt yourself even worse hurt some one else.
Lessons are a really good way to start - everyone needs to understand the basics, before they are able to learn the more advanced levels of snow skiing or boarding. From the basics you are able to develop the advanced skills from a good platform. Plus you will be skiing a lot quicker.
For those of you that feel you can do it on your own and don't wish to be involved in classes, remember the instructors are very experienced and will ensure you get the best grounding.

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Do I need snow chains for my car?
Absolutely - DOT NOT leave with out them and be sure to check they fit before you leave. See the section on snow chains CLICK HERE!

Do snowboarders and skiers to have a lesson together?
There is different instruction for both Snow Skiing and Snow Boarding, So unfortunately people are unable to lean together.

Unfortunately I don't ski and I don't really wish to learn. So what can I do?
Not everyone wants to ski and not everyone is able to ski! There are heaps of other activities.

•  Just sitting in the lodge with a good book is great.
•  Sit and watch the skiers ski on the mountain is also fun.
•  Try the shopping.
•  Most lodges have open fires, so sit and chat with other non skiers.
•  Try your hand at tobogganing.
•  You could go Snowshoeing.
•  Jump on a lift and go for a ride to the top of the mountain.
•   Like a drink - there is always good company to be found in the Bar.
•  Go tubing.
•  Most resorts have day spas and massage,
•  The movie's
•  Go explore the village.
•  You will find plenty to do.
•  You might check with the resort before you leave to see what is on offer before you make the reservations.

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Should I know anything special about driving in snow?
Knowing how to drive on winding mountain roads, in snow and ice conditions, is an important skill to acquire. Travelling on alpine roads in winter can be dangerous unless special driving techniques are used. Even where snow has been cleared from the road, the surface may still be covered by a film of snow or ice. See the section on driving in the snow CLICK HERE!

Can you tell me what services and facilities are in the Australian Ski Fields?
•  Ski, Board and clothes Hire
•  Ski, Board and clothes retail stores
•  Novelty stores
•  Medical Centre/Doctor
•  Post Office
•  Internet access
•  Chemist - Drug Store
•  Supermarket - Groceries
•  Newsagency
•  Childcare Centres
•  ATM 'S

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Is there much accommodation in or around the Ski Fields?
Of course - While some of the snow fields can be a little off the bitten track there is usually a variety of accommodation in the towns Bed & Breakfast Hotels and motels

•  Bed & Breakfast CLICK HERE!
•   Motels CLICK HERE!
•   Hotels CLICK HERE!
•   Back Packing CLICK HERE!
•   Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds CLICK HERE!
•   Serviced Apartments CLICK HERE!

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We are all skiers except our youngest what options are there for the children?
Australian Ski resorts cater very well for children, you have a number of options there are usually children's programs from the ages 3-12 and some time 14 to 15 years ranging from a few hours to the whole day. Some resorts offer long day care centres for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is always best to contact the resort direct to find check out what they have available.