Travel Information
Discover South Australia
Area: 984 377 square kilometres (380,070 square miles)
Adelaide population: 1 203 200 in September 2010
Coastline: 4800 kilometres (2983 miles) (with 100 islands)
State population: 1 647 800 in September 2010
Language: English
South Australia’s climate is warm and mild, and the perfect place to escape the winter chill. It has mild winters and warm, dry summers. Read this page to discover useful travel information about the state of South Australia.
Public health care
Australia's public health care system is called Medicare. Eligibility for benefits is generally restricted to residents of Australia. While Australia does have reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries, it is best to check before you leave home and to always have appropriate travel insurance.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before entering Australia. No other health certificate is needed.
In case of emergency
In an emergency, call triple zero (000) for ambulance, fire or police assistance throughout Australia. From mobile phones, call 112. For non-emergency police attendance, call 131 444.
Drinking water
The tap water throughout Australia is of a standard suitable for drinking.
Water preservation
While you're on holiday in South Australia, we need you to help us preserve our precious water. You can do this by keeping your showers short (less than five minutes) and washing boats or vehicles with a bucket instead of a hose. Adhere to any water restrictions that may apply during your holiday. For more information, please visit the Watercare website.
Sun sense
Sun protection is really important in Australia. The Ultra Violet (UV) rating is very high at most times of the year. To avoid skin burn, apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30+ and wear a hat. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Quarantine laws
South Australia has a unique and protected environment. Make sure you look at the Quarantine Laws’ page to avoid fines.
Fires
A fire danger period exists between November and April each year in South Australia. This can be extended, depending on the seasonal weather conditions. During fire danger periods there are fire restrictions that apply, including total fire ban days. For more information about fire safety, visit our Travel Safety information page.
Public holidays 2012
Offices and some businesses close for the day on the following dates:
New Year's Day - held on Monday 2 January
Australia Day - Thursday 26 January
Adelaide Cup - Monday 12 March
Good Friday - Friday 6 April
Day after Good Friday - Saturday 7 April
Easter Monday - held on Monday 9 April
Anzac Day - Wednesday 25 April
Queen's Birthday/Volunteer's Day - Monday 11 June
Labour Day - Monday 1 October
Christmas Day - held on Tuesday 25 December
Proclamation Day - held on Wednesday 26 December
You can find a full list of public holidays to 2013 on the Dates to Remember page of the Safework SA website.
Shopping hours
Trading hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. There's late night shopping in Adelaide city stores, Monday through Thursday until 7pm and Friday until 9pm. Adelaide suburban stores open late every Thursday until 9pm. Trading hours on public holidays may be limited. Trading hours vary in country areas.
Government school term dates
Please visit the South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services website for school term dates.
Useful links
Here are some great ideas and useful links for your South Australia holiday.
What's on
There are plenty of events in South Australia. Here are some ideas you might like.
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