GeoStats:
Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of Canada and the U.S. need passports and an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which substitutes for a visa.
Capital: Canberra
Population: 21,262,641
Languages: English and Aboriginal languages
Time Zone: 8-10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Saving Time is observed in some states from the last Saturday in October to the last Saturday in March.
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts
Phone Codes: 61, country code
What to Buy
Opals
Australia’s famous opals make a great, authentic souvenir, especially the rare black fire opals. You’ll find them for sale everywhere from market stalls to upscale jewelers. If you don’t know your opals and are concerned about ending up with a low-quality stone, visit one of the high-end jewelers in downtown Sydney. You’ll get the best prices close to the source, in Coober Pedy – ask your guide to advise you on which stones to buy.
Aboriginal Art
Australian Aboriginal art is the world’s longest continuing art tradition, dating back some 40,000 years. Ranging from paintings and prints to carvings, weavings and jewelry, the pieces have distinct regional styles, making them lovely and unique souvenirs. This art is important to the Aboriginals economically, culturally and politically, so it’s important to make sure the artwork you buy is authentic. All pieces should come with a certificate, tag or label of authenticity, including the name of the artist, the title of the work, when and where it was made, and any appropriate cultural information.
Didgeridoos
The traditional wind instruments of the northern Aboriginal tribes, these hollow hardwood pipes make a distinctive twanging sound that’s pure Australia. Often beautifully decorated, they’re great mementos even if you don’t plan to play them. Be sure to check for hairline cracks, and make sure the wood is sealed on the inside and has several coats of varnish on the outside. A well-made instrument will also have slight bevels on the inside and outside edges.
Boomerangs
Throw one of these curved pieces of wood correctly, and it will fly right back to you. Aboriginal tribes have been using throw sticks for hunting and warfare for 10,000 years – the returning type of boomerang probably evolved from those weapons. Craft markets will often sell both fighting and returning boomerangs, usually painted with tribal motifs.