FAQ · Geography & Regions 10

Yes, Australia has experienced significant tropical cyclones throughout its history. In 1935, a cyclone struck the Lacepede Islands near Broome. This event resulted in the sinking of 21 pearling luggers. Tragically, 141 lives were lost during this disaster. It remains the second deadliest cyclone in the 20th century for Australia.

When Australia transitioned to metric road signs on 1 July 1974, there were concerns that confusion over speed limits could lead to accidents. To prevent this, the new km/h signs were designed with the speed limit number inside a red circle to distinguish them from the previous black-on-white mph signs. Distance signs also used temporary yellow plates to clearly indicate whether measurements were in miles or kilometres. Despite initial fears, no increase in accidents occurred during this period. Public education and a large publicity campaign were used to ensure driver safety during the changeover.

The strike formally started on Monday, 16 July 1962, and was scheduled to last for six weeks. During this time, 2,000 children from Catholic schools attempted to enrol in government schools in Goulburn. Only about 640 of these children could be accommodated, leaving the remainder unable to attend school at all. While the enrolment process was conducted with mutual courtesy, the strike caused deep divides within the local community. Organisers also faced real threats to their lives during this period.

Australia is a long way from anywhere else in the world, so for most visitors the only practical way of getting into Australia is by air. The major points of entry are the airports in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. There are also limited international services into Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin, and the Gold Coast. Sydney is a 3-hour flight from Auckland, New Zealand, and a 7-11 hour flight from many countries in Asia. It is a 14-hour flight from the west.

Historically, tourism traffic in Australia was conducted mainly by rail and by sea. A considerable fleet of passenger ships provided frequent and popular services that linked all ports around the country. Some services specifically linked Sydney and Melbourne with Tasmanian ports, with some ferry services still operating today. In the past, winter cruises to Queensland ports were common for travelers. These trips were the equivalent of modern drives or flights to the Gold Coast or a Barrier Reef Island.

Falls Creek Alpine Resort is located in the Hume region of northeastern Victoria. You can reach the resort via the Bogong High Plains Road from Mount Beauty, which is accessible all year round. The resort is approximately 350 kilometres by road from Melbourne. Mount Beauty is the nearest town and is about 30 km away from the resort. This area is situated within the Alpine National Park at an elevation between 1,500 and 1,830 m.

Dual markings were generally avoided during the metric conversion process in Australia. An exception to this rule was made for specific types of signage. These exceptions included signs for bridge clearance and flood-depth signs. This ensured that certain critical safety information remained clear to drivers. Most other road signs transitioned fully to the metric system.

All taxis in Western Australia use meters that are operated by distance and time. The meter is connected to a rooftop light that illuminates when a cab is vacant. You can book taxis either by making a phone call or by using the internet. Hailing taxis on the street is also permitted throughout the state. Additionally, taxi ranks are available at airports, shopping centres, railway stations, and popular nightspots.

As of 1 September 2020, there are 102 metro wheelchair accessible vehicles registered in South Australia. This is part of a larger fleet that includes 994 metro taxis and 253 country taxis. Additionally, there are 780 accredited taxi only drivers operating in the region. All vehicles used as taxis must meet specific road safety and basic amenity requirements. These standards are outlined by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regulates the Interstate rail network through an access undertaking given by the Australian Rail Track Corporation. The network is mainline standard-gauge track used for general freight, bulk freight, and long-distance and regional passenger services, and it links Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, Adelaide, Wolseley and Crystal Brook in South Australia, Melbourne and Wodonga in Victoria, Cootamundra, Albury, Macarthur, Moss Vale, Unanderra, Newcastle to the Queensland border and Parkes in New South Wales, and Acacia Ridge in southern Brisbane. The corporation was formed out of a 1997 agreement between the Commonwealth and the states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, and it provides below-rail track infrastructure rather than above-rail haulage. The track it owns or leases runs from Kalgoorlie to Acacia Ridge via South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. The Commission accepted the current undertaking on 6 December 2024, it took effect on 28 December 2024, and this kind of undertaking is described in Part IIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.