The predominant language spoken in Australia, is English. While there are many individuals from around the world who have each brought with them their own native tongues, English remains as the language spoken in most schools, universities, businesses, and throughout government circles.

Climate

Australia’s size means that it encompasses several climatic zones. The more southerly regions have a temperate, Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The areas nearer the equator are sub tropical and tropical, while the centre of the continent which is mainly desert climate can receive high temperatures in fierce summers, down to below freezing on a winters night.

The temperature varies considerably from region to region. For example, the average maximum summer temperature in Brisbane is 30°c and in Hobart it is 21.5°c. The tropical zone has two main seasons - the hot wet season from November to April and the warm dry season from May to October.

The temperate zone’s four seasons are as followed:

Summer: December – February

Auturm: March – May

Winter: June – August

Spring: September - November

If you are from the Northern Hemisphere you may find it strange at first, spending your Christmas day under the hot Australian sun or spending your mid-year break skiing in the Snowy Mountains, but this makes for endless opportunities of recreational fun. Living cost

Many temporary and permanent residents in Australia are pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive it is to live in Australia compared to their home countries.

The cost of living in Australia is considerably lower than in Europe, the US, Japan and especially the UK. Prices for essentials such as food, drink and clothes are relatively low, with manufactured goods being generally a little more expensive because many are imported. However property and renting is also generally cheaper.

A ‘livability survey’ conducted by the UK’s Economist in October 2005 ranked the following four Australian cities, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney, amongst the world's top 10 desirable cities to live in.

Some commonly used item / service prices:

Lunch at cafe or bistro - $8 - $25+

Dinner at an upper-class restaurant pp - $50-$200

Commuter full day rail/tram/bus ticket in all zones of Melbourne - $20

Movie ticket - $9 - $40

Opera or Ballet ticket - $60 - $250

Entrance to museum/art gallery - $0 - $25

Ticket to a sporting event - $50 - $200