General Information
Area: 7,617,930 km2
Language: The official language is English.
Population: 22,666,235
Capital City: Canberra
Religion: Australia has no state religion, and section 116 of the Australian Constitution prohibits the federal government from making any law to establish any religion, impose any religious observance, or prohibit the free exercise of any religion
Government: Australia is a constitutional monarchy with a federal division of powers
Currency: The Australian dollar
Electricity: The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 240v you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.
Arrival & Customs
On Arrival: Your yacht will be ready at 12:00 pm for boarding, but we recommend you call the base prior to arrival as your yacht may be available to board earlier. All boats are prepared as per the booking for boarding time. Everyone will receive an individual yacht and chart briefing. This will take up to 2 hours so they need to allow plenty of time. It is not permitted to leave without adequate briefing.
These are carried out individually for each yacht and are mandatory. The chart brief describes the cruising area and any potential hazards. A one week chart briefing takes about 30 minutes and a two week briefing about 45 minutes to one hour so allow plenty of time. The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht and its systems and rigging. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.
Customs & Immigration: Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs. A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. Airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles, e.g. food, which may also be confiscated by Customs.
Departure tax out of Australia is AUD$30 plus AUD$3.20 Noise Tax per person, payable at the airport.
Provisions & Beverages
A fantastic range of Food and Drinks packages which can be pre-ordered and will be on your boat when you arrive. Provisioning is available in this location.
Climate
Australia's size gives it a wide variety of landscapes, with subtropical rain forests in the north-east, mountain ranges in the south-east, south-west and east areas, and a dry desert in its centre. It is the flattest continent, with the oldest and least fertile soils; desert or semi-arid land commonly known as the outback makes up by far the largest portion of land. The driest inhabited continent, only its south-east and south-west corners have a temperate climate. The population density, 2.8 inhabitants per square kilometre, is among the lowest in the world, although a large proportion of the population lives along the temperate south-eastern coastline.
Money
There is a bank and post office located at Hamilton Island Marina. Traveler’s checks, especially in foreign currencies, are generally NOT accepted except by hotels and big stores and tourist shops. These display a 'traveler’s checks welcome' sign. Cash your checks at a bank or Bureau de Change to ensure you have enough spending money. The same holds true for foreign currency, which is not generally accepted by Australian businesses and shops. All major credit cards are widely accepted and there is currently no purchase tax.
Marina Facilities
Facilities adjacent to the base include: Overnight accommodation, Restaurants, Bars, Selection of shops, Bank, Post Office, Laundry, Showers, Toilets, Electricity.
