Information about Australia and the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast population is approximately 470.000, making it the sixth largest city in Australia.

It contains 70 kilometres of coastline from South Stradbroke Island to Rainbow Bay.

The region is served by Gold Coast International Airport, which has frequent domestic services from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart, and International services from Japan, Asia and New Zealand. Brisbane's International Airport also provides links with the USA and Europe.

Average Summer Temperatures: 19 to 29 degrees Celsius (66 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit).
Average Winter Temperatures: 9 to 21 degrees Celsius (48 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit).

Features :

• Tropical rainforest with abundant wildlife and many bush walks
• Theme parks including Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n’ Wild as well as several wildlife parks such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Major shopping centres, numerous boutiques, specialty shops and markets
• More than 500 restaurants and cafes offering cuisine from around the world
• Nightlife entertainment from nightclubs, restaurants, clubs, hotels and Conrad Jupiters Casino to Broadway musicals, ballet and theatre
• Vast Rural hinterland stretching to the north and west of the City encompassing many natural wetlands

Major Events :
The Gold Coast is fast becoming the regional sporting and events capital of Australia. The City hosts many national and international events including:

• the Asia Pacific Masters Games
• the Lexmark Indy 300
• Gold Coast Marathon
• the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
• the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival.
  

Information about Australia:

• Australia has one of the highest life standards in the world, featuring excellent infrastructure and leisure facilities, including fast Internet access, top health services, modern transportation system and international trading options. There is rich cuisine due to the variety of cultures that coexist in the country. Costs and taxes make justice to the lifestyle offered to the population and, in general, life is cheaper than in England or in the United States. International students are legally entitled to work part time while studying.
  
• Safety is an important issue for international students and their families. With a population originating from more than 140 different countries, Australian society has a wide cultural diversity in a safe and friendly environment. Australians appreciate international cultural contribution brought by international students in a communal level.
  
• Enjoy the warm weather and the excitement of the Australian cities. Australia has a unique natural environment and the population is committed with its preservation. Extensive areas of the country are registered as national reserves, protected by the national government and the United Nations. Visit the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Uluru, the wildness of Tasmania and enjoy a unique experience of a lifetime.
  
• Australia has a dynamic multiculturalism with an invaluable contribution from migrants from all over the world. Almost a quarter of the 20 million people who live in Australia were born in another country. More than a hundred different ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia one of the most ethnically diversified countries in the world!
  
• In Australia you find cooking traditions from all part of the world, especially European and Asian. Australian has very good meat, seafood, fruits and vegetable. Meat and chicken are very expensive, compared to Brazil. Only people over 18 years of age with ID can buy alcoholic drinks and cigarettes and they are relatively expensive too. You can easily buy typical foods of many countries in most major cities, including Japanese which is very popular.
  
• Australia is predominantly a Christian country, however all religions are represented and respected in the community.