| The predominant language spoken in Australia, is | | | | Auturm: March – May |
| English. While there are many individuals from around | | | | Winter: June – August |
| the world who have each brought with them their own | | | | Spring: September - November |
| native tongues, English remains as the language | | | | If you are from the Northern Hemisphere you may find |
| spoken in most schools, universities, businesses, and | | | | it strange at first, spending your Christmas day under |
| throughout government circles. | | | | the hot Australian sun or spending your mid-year break |
| Climate | | | | skiing in the Snowy Mountains, but this makes for |
| Australia’s size means that it encompasses | | | | endless opportunities of recreational fun. |
| several climatic zones. The more southerly regions | | | | Living cost |
| have a temperate, Mediterranean climate with hot, dry | | | | Many temporary and permanent residents in Australia |
| summers and mild, wet winters. The areas nearer the | | | | are pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive it is to live |
| equator are sub tropical and tropical, while the centre | | | | in Australia compared to their home countries. |
| of the continent which is mainly desert climate can | | | | The cost of living in Australia is considerably lower than |
| receive high temperatures in fierce summers, down to | | | | in Europe, the US, Japan and especially the UK. Prices |
| below freezing on a winters night. | | | | for essentials such as food, drink and clothes are |
| The temperature varies considerably from region to | | | | relatively low, with manufactured goods being generally |
| region. For example, the average maximum summer | | | | a little more expensive because many are imported. |
| temperature in Brisbane is 30°c and in Hobart it is | | | | However property and renting is also generally |
| 21.5°c. The tropical zone has two main seasons - the | | | | cheaper. |
| hot wet season from November to April and the | | | | A ‘livability survey’ conducted by the UK’s |
| warm dry season from May to October. | | | | Economist in October 2005 ranked the following four |
| The temperate zone’s four seasons are as | | | | Australian cities, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and |
| followed: | | | | Sydney, amongst the world's top 10 desirable cities to |
| Summer: December – February | | | | live in. |