Public holidays
- New Year’s Day – 1 January
- Australia Day – 26 January
- Good Friday / Easter Monday – over a weekend in March / April
- Labour Day (VIC) 11 March
- ANZAC Day – 25 April
- King’s Birthday – second Monday in June
- Labour Day – first Monday in October
- Melbourne Cup (VIC) – 5 November
- Christmas Day – 25 December
- Boxing Day – 26 December
Visit NSW Public Holidays for more details
Visit VIC Public Holidays for more details
Useful mobile apps
The following apps will help you in getting set up and settled in Australia. It is advised that you download these apps on your phone before you depart your home country in case you don’t have access to WiFi when you land.
- Public Transport NSW – Pre-plan your whole journey and make sure you aren’t late for class with this transport app.
- Public Transport VIC (PTV) app
- Uber – A cheaper alternative to a taxi. Just use your phone to book!
- Weatherzone – A popular free weather app.
- Google Maps – An essential map tool for getting around.
- Skype – Stay in touch with international friends and family for free.
- LinkedIn – Your online business card. It’s common for new business associates and/or classmates to say, “Find me on LinkedIn”.
- Google Translate – Few translation apps compare to Google Translate. It can quickly translate text or spoken words in more than 70 languages, and it works even when you’re offline.
- Dictionary.com – Regardless of your field of study, you will see words you do not know or have never seen before. This app gives you access to a full dictionary and thesaurus. It also works offline.
- Student Edge – Browse discounts near you with this handy app.
- SafeZone – Always have security on hand.
- Zoom / Teams – One of the most frequently used meeting and collaboarting technologies – useful for interviews.
Tip: It’s also handy to download the app from the bank that you decide to open an account with, so you can quickly check your balances and transactions.
Australian laws
Important information regarding Australian laws
- It is illegal to smoke or buy cigarettes under the age of 18 years. It is also illegal to smoke in buildings and workplaces.
- It is illegal to drink alcohol under the age of 18 years. Photo ID is required for 18-year-olds to go into licensed premises that sell alcohol.
- Other drugs that are not sold through a pharmacy or genuine retail outlet are probably illegal – if in doubt, ask first! people to learn about the laws.
- You must wear a seatbelt while in a car.
- You must hold a valid license for the vehicle class, and number of passangers you are carrying in your car.
- You must not drive while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.
Important contact numbers
Emergency (Police, Fire & Ambulance) 000
Police assistance (for non-urgent police assistance) 131 444
