A Guide TO Studying& Living in Cairns

A GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

CONTENTS
Welcome To Cairns .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3Before You Leave .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 4Preparation Checklist .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 5Packing .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 5Travel Insurance .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 5Car Insurance  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 5Money (Planning Your Finances)  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 5References For Long Term Accommodation  .  .  .  . 5Health Records .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 6Arriving In Cairns .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 6Immigration .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 6Customs & Quarantine .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 6Duty Free Goods  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7Leaving The Airport .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7Transport From The Airport .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7On Arrival Checklist .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7Attend Your Institution’s Arrival Sessions  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7Settling In Cairns .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 8Cairns Student Hub .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 8Accommodation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 9Homestay  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 9Share House Accommodation  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 10
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 10
Hostel And Guest Houses . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 11
Rental Accommodation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 11
Getting Connected - Utilities . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 11
Public Transport  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 12
Useful Numbers .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 12
Local Buses .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 13
Cycling & Walking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Taxis .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14

Uber .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
Driving In Cairns  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
Buying A Car .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
Tour Buses  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
Food And Shopping  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
Eating Out  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
Nightlife .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
Money .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 15
Changing Money .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 15
Banking & Insurance .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 15
Communication And Technology .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 16
Staying Healthy  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 17
Medical And Health Services .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 17
Personal Safety .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 18
Overseas Student Health Cover . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 18
Sexual Health .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 19
Cairns Emergency Phone Number Is 000  .  .  .  .  .  . 19
Emergencies/Hospitals .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 20
Beach And Water Safety . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 20
Cyclone Preparedness .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 21
Multi-Lingual Cyclone Guides .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 21
Fire & Home Safety  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 21
Cairns Radio, TV Stations And Newspapers  .  .  .  .  . 22
Australian Etiquette .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 22
Addressing People .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 22
Bargaining  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 22
Behaviour In Public  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 22
Directness  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 22
Greetings And Courtesy  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 23
Punctuality .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 23
Smoking And Alcohol . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 23

Table Manners .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 23
Tipping Etiquette  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 23
Multicultural Cairns .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 24
Worship And Religion .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 24
Language And Communications . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 25
Can I Get An Interpreter? .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 25
Legal Information .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 26
Australian Laws .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 26
Legal Age .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 26
Illegal Drugs .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 26
Australian Legal System  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 26
Police And Emergencies .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 27
Reporting A Crime  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 27
Emergency Services  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 27
Important Numbers .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 27
Tenancy Law  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 27
Need Legal Advice? .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 27
Working In Australia .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 28
Visa Essentials .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 28
Work Conditions For Student Visa Holders  .  .  .  .  .  . 28
Tax File Number (TFN) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 29
Tax Returns .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 29
Superannuation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 29
Finding Work .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 29
Applying For A Job  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 29
Your Rights And Responsibilities In The Workplace .  .  . 29
Bringing Your Family .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 30
Visa For Families .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 30
Checklists .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 31
Study Cairns Contact Info  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 31
Cairns Regional Council Contact Info  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 31

WELCOME TO CAIRNS
Congratulations on choosing Cairns as your study destination. When you arrive,
you will join students from over 60 countries already taking advantage ofAustralia’s world-class education system.

This guide has been prepared to help you transition to student life in Cairns. It
provides practical information about moving to and living in Cairns. For further
information visit www.studycairns.com.au

In Cairns you will have a unique kind of education experience encountering
a learning style that encourages innovative, creative and independent
thinking. You will build valuable skills to give you academic, personal andprofessional advantages.

We wish you every success with your studies and hope you enjoy your time in
Cairns - it will be a life changing experience!

3

BEFORE YOU LEAVE
If you are considering Cairns as a possible choice to further your study overseas
there will be many things to plan and prepare for. We hope this guide helps
you to plan your trip and prepare you for the many wonderful and exciting
opportunities ahead of you.
If you haven’t yet chosen your Cairns education provider - you will finda list of quality education institutions endorsed by Study Cairns including
University, Vocational Training, English Language, Primary and High Schools at
www.studycairns.com.au/study/
A few weeks before you leave you should contact the International Student
Advisor at your educational institution. They can assist and advise you on
airport arrival details, temporary accommodation, orientation sessions andother services.
Take copies of all documentation with you, including your passport, visa,
travellers’ cheque receipts, flight tickets, insurance documents and credit
cards. As well as a hard copy of your travel documents, take a digital copythat you can access on your mobile and store in an online server, for example,
Dropbox. Pack copies safely in your luggage where they can be located in an
emergency, and keep originals in your hand luggage. Also leave a copy of all
your important documents with someone at home.
There are important things you should know before applying for, or being
granted, an Australian visa.
This includes:• applying for the right type of visa
• application requirements• your obligations while in Australia• the importance of complying with visa conditions.
Please ensure you arrange your student visa with an Australian registeredmigration agent or institution prior to leaving home. Reputable migration
agents working with Study Cairns are listed at www.studycairns.com.au/work/
migration-and-visas/
Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for further information:www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav
4

PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Print the ‘Before You Leave’ checklist on the last page of this brochure to ensure
important documents are prepared for your trip.
PACKING
When packing your luggage, keep the items you might need to declare atcustoms easily accessible. Keep in mind the check-in weight for your luggage
allowance on your ticket. Clearly label your luggage with your name, contact
address and the address of your institution. It is recommended to lock yourluggage, however if a search of your luggage is necessary due to security
issues the lock may be broken.
NEVER AGREE TO BRING A BAG OR OTHER ITEMS TO AUSTRALIA FOR SOMEONE ELSE AS
IT MAY CONTAIN SOMETHING ILLEGAL AND YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR IT.
Keep your passport and the Notice of Arrival or Confirmation of Enrolment
from your institution with you at all times, along with the contact details of theInternational Office of your institution. If you are unsure of what to do at the
airport, ask an official for help.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Make sure you have enough cover for yourself and your possessions, especiallywhile travelling. Check that your policy covers you if you intend to work overseas.
To compare travel insurance offered in Australia visit:• www.comparetraveliansurance.com.au• www.travelinsurancequotes.com.au• www.covermore.com.au/compare-travel-insurance• www.travelinsurancedirect.com.au/easy-guide-to-travelinsurance/compare-travel-insurance
CAR INSURANCE
Collect a ‘no claim’ letter from your insurance company before you leave yourhome country if you intend to buy a car. Car insurance is expensive in Australia,
particularly for young people. Most ‘no claim’ bonuses are transferable to Australian
insurance companies. This letter will ensure that you get ‘no claim’ benefits.
MONEY (PLANNING YOUR FINANCES)
Make sure you bring enough Australian currency in cash for your first few days
and have access to between $1500 and $3500 via a debit card/cash card orin bank drafts/travellers cheques to help you settle.
REFERENCES FOR LONG TERM ACCOMMODATION
If you plan to rent long term accommodation, it is recommended that you
bring references from your previous landlords. This will make signing a tenancy
agreement a lot easier. Make sure that you have some current bank records tohelp prove that you can afford paying the rent.
5

HEALTH RECORDS
Bring your medical records and medical prescriptions with a letter from yourdoctor if you need to take medication. If records are in another language, atranslated copy to English is recommended.
ARRIVING IN CAIRNS
There are certain items which need to be declared in the first airport of arrivalin Australia, whether you are directly arriving at Cairns International Airport orconnecting to Cairns through another Australian city.
IMMIGRATION
Have your passport and Incoming Passenger card ready to go throughImmigration. You will proceed to the baggage examination area aftercollecting your luggage from the baggage hall.
CUSTOMS & QUARANTINE
To help protect Australia’s agricultural industries and unique environment,
Customs Officers screen all incoming air and sea passengers, baggage,
mail and cargo using x-ray machines, detector dogs, physical inspection,questioning and profiling.
6

You must declare all food, plant material and animal products when you arrivein Australia. You make this declaration on your Incoming Passenger Card,
which is handed to you by the airline before you land. You must complete thiscard truthfully - it is a legal document. Declared items are inspected to ensure
they don’t bring any pests or diseases into Australia.
If you have items you don’t wish to declare, you can dispose of them inquarantine bins in the airport terminal. Some products may require treatment(at a cost) such as fumigation or gamma irradiation to make them safe. Items
that cannot be treated will be seized and destroyed by quarantine.
All luggage is x-rayed or screened. If you fail to declare or dispose of any
quarantine items, or make a false declaration:• You will be caught;• You could be fined on-the-spot; or• You could be prosecuted, fined and risk jail time.
Note: the information provided above regarding prohibited and restricted
goods is a guide only. We recommend that you seek more detailed information
to ensure that you comply with legislative requirements before arrival inAustralia. For more information visit: www.homeaffairs.gov.au

DUTY FREE GOODS
Duty Free concessions in Australia are different to those in other countries. Most
personal items such as new clothing, footwear and articles for personal hygiene
and grooming (excluding fur and perfume concentrates) may be brought into
Australia in your baggage, free from duty and tax. For other goods, limits apply.
Be aware that if you exceed Australia’s Duty Free concession items you will becharged duty and tax on all items of that type, not just the items which exceed
the limits. For a full list of Duty Free concessions visit: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/
trav/ente/duty-free-concessions

CONTACT HOME
Once you arrive at your accommodation make sure you contact your parents
or relatives and let them know that you have arrived safely.

LEAVING THE AIRPORT
Many institutions provide airport arrival services for students who will be living on
campus or in homestay. Contact your education institution or accommodation
provider a few weeks before your leave home to make these arrangements.
Make sure you put the name and phone number of your reception officer andthe place and time you have arranged to meet in your hand luggage so you
can find it quickly.

• Open a bank account, if you have not already done that

TRANSPORT FROM THE AIRPORT
Public transport runs from and to the domestic and international airports. Buses,
taxis and Uber are available at both terminals.

ON ARRIVAL CHECKLIST• Contact the International Office at your institution• Obtain a student card and concession cards• Enroll in the orientation session provided by your institution• Arrange accommodation if not already booked. Booking prior to arrival ishighly recommended (see page 9)• Visit the Cairns Student Hub (see page 8)
ATTEND YOUR INSTITUTION’S ARRIVAL SESSIONS
It is important to attend Welcome Sessions organised by your institution. For
some institutions the Welcome Sessions are compulsory for all new international
students. It provides useful information to assist with your settlement in Cairns
and your institution.

7

SETTLING IN CAIRNS
Explore Cairns and identify places such as your institution, shopping centres,
and public transport points close to your main places of your living, studying
and shopping. The local paper can provide you with ideas on the community,
sporting and cultural clubs in your area. Joining clubs is a great way to meet
new friends and become part of the community. Information on community
events, concerts and markets can be found in the newspaper. The website
www.gumtree.com.au is a great source of general information on buying cars,
finding accommodation, jobs and events.
CAIRNS STUDENT HUB
To make settling into Cairns easier the Cairns Student Hub, located in the
Cairns CBD, offers a wide range of support services for international students.
These include orientation to Cairns, accommodation advice, cultural andreligious support, individual assistance relating to mental health and wellbeing,
employment advice, English language support and importantly, many
opportunities to meet other students.
The Student Hub’s Facebook page is updated regularly with event notices andnews from the Hub. We highly encourage you to utilise the Student Hub tomeet new friends and to enhance your experience in Cairns.
For more information on the Cairns Student Hub and the services provided, visit
in person or online:
Address: Shop 2 / 93-105 Lake Street, Cairns City
Web: www.cairnsstudenthub.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cairnsstudenthub
Email: admin@studycairns.com.au
This project is co-funded with the support of the Queensland Government’s
International Education and Training Partnership Fund, managed by theInternational Education and Training Unit (IETU) within Trade and Investment
Queensland.

8

ACCOMMODATIONFINDING ACCOMMODATION
There is a variety of accommodation types available to suit different budgets
and needs, including on-campus accommodation, homestay with an Australianfamily or shared living in a house or apartment. Temporary accommodation
can be arranged for you before you leave home so that when you arrive you
have some time to consider your long-term options.
A list of reputable accommodation options endorsed by Study Cairns isavailable at www.studycairns.com.au/live/student-accommodation/
Alternative accommodation information sources include:• The international office at your education institution• Your Education Agent• The Cairns Student Hub• Internet• Noticeboards around the city
• Word-of-mouth - where other students are staying• The Cairns Post classifieds section
HOMESTAY
Homestay is your ‘home away from home’. Living with an Australian family is oneof the most convenient, safe and rewarding experiences whilst visiting Australia.
It’s an invaluable opportunity to experience the genuine Australian culture andlifestyle as well as make new friends and practice your English language skills.
Homestay costs between $235-$350 a week including meals and is popularwith younger students and those studying short-term English courses.
Educational institutions and homestay coordinators maintain a register of
reputable families prepared to board international students and try to match
each student with a suitable family who may have similar interests. Single orshared rooms are available and the costs vary accordingly. You are not required
to pay a bond but usually the first four weeks will be paid up front along with aplacement fee to the school/company for making the arrangements.
9Regardless of your age, homestay is a good option when initially moving toAustralia as it enables you to get to know the area, gives you time to find asuitable place and potentially friends you can share with, and secures anAustralian family you can call on in times of need later.
SHARE HOUSE ACCOMMODATION
Share house accommodation provides students with a furnished private room
to rent whilst sharing communal areas with other housemates. Share houses are
generally located within an easy walk of downtown Cairns, and within 10-20
minutes of all major schools and attractions.
Rooms are fully-furnished and available as single or double/twin share if
travelling with a friend or partner. Each room is lockable and includes internet,
linen-pack, a study desk and utilities. Share houses are self-contained including
laundry facilities, students do not need to supply anything.

PURPOSE-BUILT STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is accommodation specificallybuilt with the needs of students in mind.
PBSA includes the cost of utilities, air-conditioning, internet, secure onsite parking
for cars / bicycles and social benefits such as community, pastoral care, onsite
staff and dedicated security. PBSA provides fully-furnished apartments with fulllaundry facilities and BBQ areas.
Cairns has two styles of purpose-built student accommodation:> With all meals, 7 days/week> Without meals• Private room, shared bathroom, shared living – from $185 per week

• Private room, shared bathroom, shared living – from $180 per week

• Private room, shared bathroom, shared living, plus all meals - from $199 per week

• Shared room, shared bathroom, shared living - from $135 per week

• Private room, private ensuite, shared living – from $250 per week

10

HOSTEL AND GUEST HOUSES
Hostels provide budget-oriented, sociable accommodation where students
can rent a bed in a dormitory and share a bathroom, lounge and kitchen.
Rooms can be mixed or single-sex. Private rooms with ensuite may also be
available. Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities. All accommodation
options require a security deposit to be paid upon check-in - this is refunded on
departure if the room is returned in the same condition as on entry.
RENTAL ACCOMMODATION
Students sometimes rent a house or apartment with other students. Whenrenting a house, apartment or bed-sit, the landlord (the owner of the property)
will require rent to be paid in advance together with a security bond equal
to four weeks rent. Make sure you get receipts of these payments. This bondis refundable at the end of the lease, provided that no damage has been
done to the property and appropriate notice has been given to the landlord
to vacate the premises.
If you intend to rent, check prices with your education institution’s international
office, noticeboard or website; real estate agents and local newspapers. Take

into consideration the cost of utilities such as electricity and gas (see below).
Real estate websites include:• www.realestate.com.au• www.domain.com.au
GETTING CONNECTED - UTILITIES
If you intend to rent a house or apartment you will generally be responsible forconnecting service utilities yourself. The websites of the major utility companies
for electricity and gas connections are as follows:• Ergon Energy• Elgas 		www.ergon.com.au
www.elgas.com.au

Like other businesses, rates and discounts vary between the companies and it
is wise to compare the services being offered. Before entering into a contract
use these online tools to compare prices: www.goswitch.com.au

11

GETTING AROUND
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Once you have arrived in Cairns, getting around consists of a combination of
public and private transport depending on how long you intend to stay.
From Cairns International/Domestic Airport, visitors can choose to take a bus,
taxi/cab or Uber. Accommodation providers may also provide transport fromthe airport. It is only about 10-15 minutes from the airport to the city centre.
USEFUL NUMBERS• Cairns Taxis (city taxi)
www.cairnstaxis.com.au
131 008 (+617 4048 8308)• Uber (city & surrounds)
www.uber.com (download the App on your mobile device)• Sunbus (city bus)
www.sunbus.com.au
4057 7411 (+617 4057 7411)• Sun Palm Transport Group (Cairns to Port Douglas/Daintree)
www.sunpalmtransport.com.au
4099 1191 (+617 4099 1191)• Trans North Bus & Coach (Cairns to Tablelands)
www.transnorthbus.com
4095 8644 (+617 4095 8644)• Greyhound Australia (interstate)
www.greyhound.com.au
1300 473 946 (+617 4690 9850)• Premier Motor Service (interstate)www.premierms.com.au
133 410 (+612 4423 5233)• Queensland Rail (trains)
www.queenslandrail.com.au
4036 9249 (+617 4036 9249)
12

ROAD CONDITIONSRACQ road condition reports (recorded) 1300 130 595.
LOCAL BUSES
Cairns is serviced by a wide reaching network of buses, which is owned andoperated by Sunbus. It is important to note that buses in Cairns need to be
hailed down either from a ‘hail and ride’, a bus shelter or from a bus station.
Sunbus travels around the city of Cairns and to all suburbs including thenorthern beaches and Palm Cove. There are also public buses to the smaller
towns including Kuranda and Port Douglas, the Atherton Tablelands, Mission
Beach and Cooktown.
All information about these zones, timetables, services, ticketing and fares canbe found at:• www.sunbus.com.au• www.tmr.qld.gov.au
Tickets can be bought for a single journey or on a daily or weekly basis. Buses in
Cairns only accept coins and notes in small denominations.
A 50% concession on Connect tickets on bus services throughout Queensland isprovided to full-time tertiary students attending Queensland registered training
organisations. Your education provider can help you obtain a valid concession
card. Please note these concession tickets may not be available for English
Language students.
CYCLING & WALKING
Cairns is a relatively flat city and many visitors enjoy hiring bicycles for theduration of their visit to get around the city and to nearby attractions like theCairns Botanic Gardens, the Esplanade, Cairns Marina waterfront boardwalk
and shopping centres.
Bicycle rental/purchase is available through some accommodation providers
and institutions. Alternatively they can be bought second-hand via Facebook
Marketplace, The Cairns Post or www.gumtree.com.au. When meeting aperson who’s selling an item - always tell a friend/peer when and where you’regoing, and when you expect to return. Don’t travel alone at night and always
stay in well-lit areas.
A Cairns walking and cycling circuit has been developed to provide enjoyable
recreation activities within central Cairns through off-road walking and cycling
paths. It is a legal requirement to wear a helmet when riding a bike. You will be
fined if you do not wear a helmet.
13

It is also highly recommended to use lights and wear high-visibility clothing
when riding, especially at night time. It is important to always lock your bikewhen not in use.
For more information on cycling in Cairns visit:• www.cairns.qld.gov.au/facilities-sport-leisure/parks/cycle
TAXIS
Taxis can be hired by hailing, on city ranks or by phoning Cairns Taxis on 131 008.
Taxis are relatively expensive for long journeys outside of Cairns city centre, butreasonable for short jaunts in the city itself. The major taxi rank is located on
Lake Street in the centre of Cairns (near the Cairns Student Hub). Taxis can also
be picked up from most hotels or called to order on 131 008. Taxis tend not topick people up in the street unless dropping off another passenger.
UBER
Uber is a transportation company that allows you to reserve a personal driver inany of the worldwide cities that Uber operates in. Visit uber.com or download
the Uber app from your mobile device. Click the Sign Up link underneath ‘Ride
with Uber’. You’ll need an email address and credit card/PayPal to create an
account to use the Uber service.
DRIVING IN CAIRNS
If you’re planning on driving whilst in Australia, it is recommended you get an
International Driver’s Licence before you leave home as you cannot apply for it
once you’ve arrived. It’s also important to note that insurance for drivers under
25 years of age is very expensive in Australia - you may need to allow for this inyour planning.
CAR HIRE
Many visitors choose to hire a car or 4WD vehicle, particularly if they plan tostay for an extended period and/or visit other towns in the region. There are
a number of international car hire companies in the city as well as cheaper
options with older cars available. If you have an International Driver’s Licence,
it will be much easier to hire a car.
BUYING A CAR
A popular choice is to hire or buy a van, which has been converted into a mini
caravan, and use it as a base of operations, camping and travelling aroundthe area. Vehicles are often advertised for sale in The Cairns Post, noticeboards
at backpacker accommodations or on www.gumtree.com.au
14TOUR BUSES
It is not necessary for visitors to hire a car as most towns, tours and attractions
can be reached via tour operators. These tours will pick visitors up from theiraccommodation and return them at the end of the tour.
INTERSTATE PUBLIC BUSES
Visitors can travel to other states in Australia via ‘coaches’ leaving from acentral depot at the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns Esplanade.
TRAINS
Trains are another way to travel into the region from other states, however
there is no light rail in the Cairns region apart from the tourist attraction of theKuranda Scenic Railway. Queensland Rail operates from the Cairns Central
Railway Station at the rear of Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
FOOD AND SHOPPING
Cairns’ diverse culture has facilitated the availability of ingredients fromdifferent cultures. For cooking at home, you will find a mixture of international
ingredients at major supermarkets, and speciality food stores.
There is also a wide range of foods available for people with special diets, suchas gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and halal.
EATING OUT
In Cairns you will find a huge array of mouth-watering and tempting foods.
Flavours from all over the world are at your fingertips or choose from innovative
Australian Cuisines such as emu, crocodile and kangaroo.
All budgets are catered for with dining and there are plenty of local restaurants
offering the freshest in local produce for great prices.
NIGHTLIFE
Cairns has a vibrant entertainment precinct with markets, movies, open
air lagoon, shopping centres and a range of restaurants, bars and clubs to
explore. Cairns nightlife offers something for everyone from chilled-out beers
overlooking the marina and laneway whisky bars, to iconic pubs with tropicalbeer gardens and stylish underground bars with live music. Photo ID is required
for entry to restaurants, clubs, bars and pubs that serve alcohol after midnight.
Usually your photo ID is scanned at entry to the venue, from 10pm onwards.
When partying ensure you stay with your friends, look after each other, andnever walk home alone at night.

MONEYCHANGING MONEY
Australia’s currency is the Australian dollar that comes in plastic notes andmetallic coins. Notes come in the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars
and coins in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 dollar coins.
Use a currency converter to convert your country’s currency into Australiancurrency: www.xe.com/currencyconverter. Visitors can choose different
methods of exchanging and using money while visiting Cairns.
It is recommended before arriving in Australia that you change over a small
amount of money before entering the country.

• Provide your Tax File Number (TFN) to the bank or credit union when you
obtain it (information on TFN page 28).
Obtain a bank card linked to your account so that you can withdraw funds
from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
WECHAT PAY & ALIPAY
Some local businesses have WeChat Pay and Alipay as payment gateways forstudents from Asian countries.

There are lots of places where you can exchange money, with foreign exchange
companies found all over Cairns. These include numerous locations along theEsplanade, the Pier, shopping centres and near most major tourist destinations.
CASH CARDS / DEBIT CARDS / CREDIT CARDS
Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted Australia-wide, and somebusinesses also accept American Express cards. ATM’s are located all overCairns and are easy to locate.
If you decide that you would like to use your cash, debit or credit cards topurchase or withdraw money from Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) in Australia,
make sure that you inform your bank before travelling overseas - the last thing
you want when overseas is your bank to freeze or cancel your cards!
Useful links:
www.cairnsweb.com.au/cairns_general_information
BANKING & INSURANCE
Opening a bank account or credit union account is one of the first things you
should do after arriving in Australia.
• Be sure to enquire about student accounts as they generally attract lower
fees than other accounts.
• Be sure to update your banking details each year or it may revert to normal
account and fees can be charged.
15

COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Most international students have mobile broadband for internet and mobile phone connection. SIM cards are very cheap and easy to purchase at the airport,
shops and accommodation providers and a variety of plans are available. Ask the Student Hub, your education institution or accommodation provider foradvice. In addition, more than 100 free community wi-fi access points are available at Telstra Air public payphones in popular Cairns locations. www.cairns.qld.
gov.au/region/wifi

16

HEALTH & WELLBEING
STAYING HEALTHY
Staying healthy is more than just being physically fit. It involves leading abalanced lifestyle that makes you happy. A big part of staying healthy involves
eating healthy foods and exercising for both fitness and relaxation.

If you are on medication and wish to join a scuba diving trip, you are required bylaw to get a Queensland Medical Certificate prior to your trip. Please contact/
visit Cairns 24 Hour Medical Centre, Corner Florence & Grafton Streets, Cairns(tel 07 4052 1119) to arrange.

Cairns Regional Council provides a diverse range of free sport and recreation
opportunities for residents and visitors in Cairns:

If you are attending a university, it may have a medical centre on campus. If
not, your university, school or college may be able to recommend a suitablelocal doctor for an appointment.

• www.cairns.qld.gov.au/facilities-sport-leisureYour educational institution may also offer sport and recreation facilities.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICESHigh quality medical and health services are available throughout Cairns.
When visiting a doctor in Cairns you will need to have your Overseas Student
Health Cover card and passport with you.

Other important related support services are:
• Domestic and Family Violence		
1800 811 811• Sexual Assault Helpline			1800 010 120• Sexual Health Services			
07 4226 4769
• Gambling Helpline				1800 858 858• Lifeline (Counselling services)		
131 114• Alcohol and drug information services
1800 177 833

17

PERSONAL SAFETY• Always tell someone when and where you are going and expect to return• Don’t travel alone at night and always stay in well-lit areas• Do not display expensive items (eg. computers) in public• Never leave personal belongings unattended• Always carry either a mobile phone, change for a pay phone or a phonecard• It is always wise to take note of any security guidelines provided by yourplace of study• Avoid giving your personal information to strangers.
If you feel you are being discriminated against, contact
Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland: www.adcq.qld.gov.au
OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER
You should ensure you have adequate overseas health insurance before
leaving home regardless of what type of visa you’re travelling on.
All Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
which provides medical and hospital insurance in Australia. You must not arrivein Australia before your health insurance starts. If you are in Australia and do
not have adequate health insurance, you are in breach of visa condition 8501.
Your education provider or your education/migration agent might organise
your OSHC coverage for you, or you can select an approved OSHC provider
yourself and pay the policy. You will need OSHC coverage for the duration ofyour visa. Note that your visa usually will last beyond the completion date ofyour course and that the entire period must be covered.
If your education provider arranges your OSHC coverage, you will need toknow the name of your health insurance provider, the date that your policy
starts and finishes and should be aware of the terms and conditions of yourpolicy. If you arrange OSHC coverage yourself you will also need to know thepolicy number to include in the visa application.
If you are studying at more than one educational provider and both arearranging OSHC, you will have to ensure that there is no gap between policies.
This means that as one policy expires the next commences immediately.
If you have a child born after your arrival in Australia, and you only have asingle OSHC policy you must change that to a family policy. If family members
join you after your arrival in Australia they will have to demonstrate that they
have an OSHC policy for the duration of their visas.
18

Students travelling on a Working Holiday or Tourist Visa are encouraged toarrange Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC), unless they have adequate
travel insurance or are covered by reciprocal arrangements. Make sure that you
are covered for all activities you are planning to undertake.
Throughout your time in Australia, you must maintain your OVHC or OSHC if it is arequirement of your visa. If you allow your coverage to lapse and you then need
medical assistance, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of all the hospital andmedical treatment for both yourself and any dependents. This can be extremely
expensive. Similarly, if you allow your OVHC or OSHC to lapse you could face thesituation where your visa is found to be no longer compliant and is cancelled.
There are many different insurance products available. Make sure you select a
policy that meets your requirements.
SEXUAL HEALTH
Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV),
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Viral Hepatitis are significant
public health issues for Queenslanders.
To learn how to reduce your risk of catching STIs and blood borne viruses (BBVs):• Have a sexual health check• Practice safe sex• Practice safe injecting
Visit: www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/sexual-health
To know where to get help visit:www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/sex-health/services
CAIRNS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER IS 000
It is a free call from every phone in Australia, including mobile phones.
You should call 000 if you are in a life-threatening situation and need the help of
the police, fire brigade, or ambulance service. This includes if you are witnessing
a crime in progress. Do not call 000 if it is not an emergency, for example if you
have a cold and need to see a doctor, if you are lost and need directions, or if
you are locked out of your house.
When you call 000, you will be connected to an operator who will help progress
your request for help. You will need to tell them which services you need - police,
fire or ambulance. It is important that you try to stay calm and give the operator
clear information on what the emergency is. Answer any questions as best you
19

can. It is extremely important that you tell the operator where you are, and any
landmarks that are nearby (a statue, bridge, street name, store, etc.).
While you are waiting for help to arrive, try to stay calm and don’t do anything thatwill put yourself or others in danger. Generally, help will arrive very quickly and it
is best to leave these situations to the people who are trained to deal with them.
EMERGENCIES/HOSPITALS
Major public hospitals and services in Cairns are:Cairns Hospital: 165 The Esplanade, Cairns / Tel: 4226 0000
Cairns 24 Hour Medical Centre: Corner Florence & Grafton Streets, Cairns /Tel: 4052 1119
Cairns Day Surgery: 156-160 Grafton Street, Cairns / Tel: 4051 5454
Cairns Private Hospital: 1 Upward Street, Cairns / Tel: 4052 5200
Queensland Ambulance Services: Tel: 131 233
13Health (Tel: 13 432 584) is a 24-hour a day telephone service which provides
qualified health advice.
BEACH AND WATER SAFETY
Every year, hundreds of swimmers are rescued on Queensland beaches.
ALWAYS SWIM BETWEEN THE RED AND YELLOW FLAGSF Find the flags and swim between them. The red and yellow flags represent
the area patrolled by lifesavers and lifeguards.

L Look at the safety signs. Safety signs help you identify potential dangers
and daily conditions at the beach and are located at beach access points
and at the flagged area. These signs also indicate the possible presence of
crocodiles or marine stingers.

A Ask a lifesaver for some advice. Surf conditions can change quickly (water

depth, currents, wave size and type). Talk to a lifesaver or lifeguard before
entering the water.

G Get a friend to swim with you. Always swim with a friend so you can lookout for each other’s safety and get help if needed. Children should always
be supervised by an adult.

S Stick your hand up for help. If you get in trouble in the water, stay calm.
Raise your arm to signal for help. Float and wait for assistance. Float with acurrent or rip. Don’t try and swim against It.

20

NEVER:• Swim at unpatrolled beaches or swim alone• Swim at night, under the influence of alcohol or directly after a meal
• Run and dive into the water.
Further valuable information about water safety and membership of surf lifesavingclubs can be found at: www.lifesaving.com.au
CYCLONE PREPAREDNESSCyclones are a common part of living in a tropical climate, and Cairns city andits residents are well-prepared.
The cyclone season in Cairns lasts from November to May and whilst cyclones
can produce strong winds they rarely do more than disrupt traffic and boat
movements for a few days.
There is usually several days notice, and your accommodation provider andinstitution will provide you with plenty of advice and support.
Tropical Cyclones are in principle the same as hurricanes, typhoons andmonsoons. Basically they are a huge mass of low pressure air that forms overwarm tropical water swirling in a clockwise direction. As the air mass grows, strong
winds and torrential rain result.
For more information visit:www.cairns.qld.gov.au/cyclone
MULTI-LINGUAL CYCLONE GUIDES
Council has multi-lingual cyclone guides which provide information on how to
prepare for a cyclone. Guides are available in Arabic, French, Italian, Japanese,
Chinese, Tagalog, Hmong, PNG Pidgin, Swahili and Nepalese.
To view copies visit:www.cairns.qld.gov.au/community-environment/natural-disasters/
accessible-information
FIRE & HOME SAFETY
Every year people die as a result of fires in the home. The majority of fires occur atnight when people are asleep. Most fatal fires are preventable. Always choose
registered accommodation that has smoke alarms fitted in every room. Take
precautions to protect yourself and your flatmates.
Queensland Fire Safety offers a wide range of information on safety aspects at
home. For more information visit: www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
21

LIVING IN CAIRNSCAIRNS RADIO, TV STATIONS AND NEWSPAPERS
To view information on radio, TV and newspapers in Cairns visit:• www.cairnsconnect.com/cairns/tvradio.php
The Cairns Post:• www.cairns.com.au• www.facebook.com/TheCairnsPost
AUSTRALIAN ETIQUETTE
Australia is a multicultural society and therefore Australian customs may differ
depending on the individual’s background.
ADDRESSING PEOPLE
Australians usually have a first or given names and a family name or surname.
People of your own age or younger are usually addressed by their first names.
When speaking to people older than you, call them Mr, Mrs or Ms followed bytheir surname until you know them well, or they ask you to address them by
their first name.
BARGAINING
You can’t bargain in Australian shops for food items. Goods are sold according
to the prices at which they are marked. However, for larger items, for example,
washing machines and motor vehicles, you may be able to negotiate a cheaper
price and some shops will offer discounts for payment in cash. However, in somestreet and weekend markets you may be able to bargain.
BEHAVIOUR IN PUBLIC
It is against the law to be drunk, to swear, talk indecently, urinate, spit or behave ina sexually indecent way in a public place. If you need to clear your throat or nose,
use a handkerchief or tissue. Spitting in public is illegal and can cause offence.
DIRECTNESSIt is considered quite normal in Australia to discuss issues, events and ideas openly
with other people. Australians might bring up in conversation issues which you
may consider sensitive, embarrassing, or rude.
More about slang language visit: www.alldownunder.com/australian-slang
22

GREETINGS AND COURTESY
Men usually shake hands (firmly) the first time they meet. Women may or may
not shake hands. “How do you do”, “Good morning” and “Good afternoon”
are formal greetings. Usually students and young people just say “Hello” or “Hi”.
People often appreciate it if you add their name, eg. “Hi, Peta”.
“Thank you” is a phrase used often in Australia. It is usual to say thank you evenfor small favours done by people who are just doing their jobs (eg. shop assistants
or waiters).
PUNCTUALITY
You are expected to be punctual (“on time”) in Australia. If you have an
appointment at 10.30am with the dentist, be there at 10.30am - no later. If you
are invited for dinner at 7 o’clock, try to be there at 7.00pm or no later than 20
minutes (but not much earlier than 7.00pm). If you can’t keep an appointment
or if you can’t avoid being late, it is best to telephone and explain. Most
lectures, church services etc. begin on time.
SMOKING AND ALCOHOL
If you are at someone else’s home and you wish to smoke, it is common practice
to go outside, as many Australians find cigarette smoking offensive. Smoking
is forbidden in all University buildings, government buildings, public transport,
restaurants, shops and indoor venues in Australia.
In Australia, people under the age of 18 years are not allowed to buy alcoholic
drinks. There are also heavy penalties for people who drink and drive. If you aredrinking in a pub/club, you should pay for each drink as soon as you receive
it, and not when you are about to leave the hotel. The Australian custom of‘shouting’ means that if someone buys you a drink you are expected to ‘shout’
them back by buying their next drink.
TABLE MANNERS
Australians usually use cutlery for meals at home or in restaurants. If you don’tknow which utensils to use for a particular course, ask first or watch and follow
what others do. You can eat with your fingers at informal meals such as a picnic
or barbeque.
Tipping Etiquette
Unlike some other countries, tipping in Australia is not customary. However, if
you feel that the service was exceptional it’s good etiquette to leave a small
tip, but it will not be expected.
23

MULTICULTURALCOMMUNITY AND GROUPS
MULTICULTURAL CAIRNS
Cairns has a proud and vibrant multicultural heritage, and our diversity is one ofour greatest strengths.
At the time of the 2016 census, 21.5% of the population was born overseas and13.4% of the population spoke a language other than English at home.
For more information on Cairns’ demographic information visit:• www.cairns.qld.gov.au/community-environment/multicultural-information
For information on multicultural information in Queensland visit:• www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/multicultural-affairs.html• www.facebook.com/multiculturalqld
WORSHIP AND RELIGION
In Australia, people are free to follow their own beliefs and religion. Various
religious organisations provide a caring and supportive environment for the
sharing of life experiences and spiritual concerns.
In Cairns there are Christian Churches, Buddhist Temples, Muslim Mosques &Masjids, Sikh Gurudwaras and Jewish Synagogues.
To find places relevant to your religious affiliation visit:• www.cairnschurches.net.au/churches• www.yellowpages.com.au/find/churches-temples-mosques/cairns-qld• www.yellowpages.com.au/find/organisations-church-religious/cairns-qld

24

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATIONSTIS National is an interpreting service, provided by the Department of
Immigration and Citizenship for people who do not speak English and for the
English speakers who need to communicate with them. This service has accessto over 1900 contracted interpreters across Australia, speaking more than 170
languages and dialects. TIS National is available 24 hours a day, seven days aweek for any person or organisation in Australia requiring interpreting services.
It provides immediate telephone interpreting services, as well as pre-booked
telephone and on-site interpreting.
If you need an interpreter call TIS national and the staff will connect you to theservice that you need.
PHONE 131 450• “What language please?”• State your preferred language to the operator.
• Wait to be connected to an interpreter.
• Tell the interpreter which office you want to call.
For more information on Translations and Interpretation services visit:www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about/corporate/information/fact-sheets/91tis
CAN I GET AN INTERPRETER?
Staff of the following government services are required to provide
interpreters free of charge when requested:• State Government Offices(Community health, hospitals, schools, police services, housing,
emergency, disability, courts, main roads and transport offices)• Federal Government Offices(Immigration office, members of Parliament, Centrelink, Fair Work, Tax
Office and Medicare)• Government funded organisations(Job services, legal services, counselling and other government funded
community programs)

25

LEGAL INFORMATIONAUSTRALIAN LAWSIn Queensland there are laws that protect people from discrimination, sexual
harassment and several other kinds of unfair treatment. If you believe you’ve beentreated unfairly because of your race, sex, age or any other reason, you may beable to lodge a complaint to the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission.

LEGAL AGE
The legal age in Australia is 18. At 18, you are legally considered an adult andable to consume and purchase alcohol and cigarettes, and Australian citizens are
required to vote. The legal age of consent is 16. It is illegal to have sexual intercoursewith someone under the age of 16; penalties are severe and fully enforced.

For more information about your rights and responsibilities, call the Commission
on 1300 130 670 or you can make an appointment to talk to someone about it in
the local Cairns office. You can also find out lots of information about your rights
and how to make a complaint of unfair discrimination or sexual harassment byvisiting the Commission website at www.adcq.qld.gov.au

ILLEGAL DRUGS
Use, possession and dealing of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin andamphetamines are illegal in Australia. For international students, this may haveserious implications for your enrolment and visas.

For legal information visit: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au

26

AUSTRALIAN LEGAL SYSTEMThe Queensland Police Service is efficient, fair and will enforce the State laws
completely. If you break any Australian laws, you will face the consequences.

POLICE AND EMERGENCIESREPORTING A CRIME
If you need police assistance and it’s not an emergency, for example for nonurgent property crime phone Police Link on 131 444 (all hours) or visit yournearest police station.
EMERGENCY SERVICESState Emergency Services (SES) is a volunteer organisation that assists police,
fire and ambulance services in the event of severe floods, storms, bushfires
etc. They also assist in emergency evacuations, search and rescue, and masscasualties. Should your home be damaged in a storm and you need assistancefrom SES you can call them on 132 500.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS• Ambulance, Fire and Police Emergencies			000• Digital mobile phone emergency services			112• Poison Information Centre					131 126• Queensland Police (non-emergencies)			
4030 7000• State Emergency Services 					132 500• Phone Directory Assistance				1234
• Water and Sewerage Emergencies			
1300 692 247• Translating and Interpreting Services 			• International Student Hotline (1800QSTUDY)		

131 4501800 778 839

TENANCY LAW
Several agencies can provide information on your legal rights as a tenant andoffer advice and support:••••

Rental Protection Agency		
Office of Fair Trading		
Real Estate Institute, Qld 		Tenant Union of Qld		

www.rta.qld.gov.au
www.qld.gov.au/law/fair-tradingwww.reiq.com.au
www.tenantsqld.org.au

NEED LEGAL ADVICE?
If you need help with a legal problem Legal Aid Queensland can offer you
advice. Call 1300 651 188 or for information about their free services, visit• www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
An education kit about common legal issues in Australia for Adult ESL (English asa Second language) is available at:• www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Find-legal-information/Publications/Videos/
Whats-the-law-Australian-law-for-new-arrivals
27

WORKING IN AUSTRALIAVISA ESSENTIALSThere are conditions on your visa you must follow:• Maintain satisfactory attendance at classes and achieve satisfactory
academic results.
• Continue to be enrolled in a registered course.
• Notify your institution of your address within seven days of arrival and withinseven days of changing address.
• Notify your original provider if you change to a new provider within sevendays of obtaining your new certificate of enrolment.
IF YOU BREAK THESE CONDITIONS YOUR VISA MAY BE CANCELLED!
For more information visit: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Stud

28

WORK CONDITIONS FOR STUDENT VISA HOLDERS
If you are a student visa holder, you and your dependant family members havepermission to work included with your visa. You and your family members mustnot breach the work conditions that apply to your student visa.
You cannot work until you have commenced your course in Australia. Once
your course has commenced you are permitted to work a maximum of 40
hours per fortnight when your course is in session. To work in Australia you musthave a Tax File Number (TFN) and this must be given to your employer prior tostarting work.
Full details here: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/500-?modal=/trav/stud/
more/work-conditions-for-student-visa-holders

TAX FILE NUMBER (TFN)
To apply for a TFN, go to: www.ato.gov.au.
Call 132 861 or visit an Australia Post Office.

APPLYING FOR A JOB
Cairns is a great destination for those holding a student or working holiday visa
and looking for casual work, especially in the tourism and hospitality industries.

TAX RETURNSGenerally, if you’re an overseas student enrolled at an Australian institution in acourse that is more than six months long, the Australian Taxation Office regards
you as an Australian resident for tax purposes. You pay tax on your earnings at
the same rate as other residents.

For those looking for work, Cairns provides a range of opportunities in industries
such as hospitality, retail, tourism, building and construction, farming andagriculture, business and accounting, and mining and mineral processing.

Overseas students may need to pay tax on income they earn in Australia.
For more information visit: www.ato.gov.au.
SUPERANNUATIONSuperannuation is money saved during your working life for you to live on when
you retire. When you start working, your employer pays money towards yoursuperannuation generally into an account of your choice.
It is compulsory for employers to pay super contributions into your account ofat least 9% of your wages. The money is not taken from your wages, but is abenefit paid on top of your wages.

The Queensland Government’s website also provides information on how to findjobs in Queensland - www.qld.gov.au/jobs/finding/specific/migrant/finding
YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE WORKPLACE
Australia’s workplace relations system, Fair Work, officially came into effect for
employers and employees across Australia from 1 July 2009.
The system is designed to balance the needs of employees, employers andunions and will allow workplaces to become more productive and competitive
without taking away workplace rights and basic conditions.
• www.employment.gov.au/international-labour-issues

If you have worked in Australia and are now returning home, you may havesuperannuation money that you can claim and take with you. You can apply
for this money as soon as you have left Australia.
For more information on superannuation follow the link:
www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super
FINDING WORK
Queensland has the perfect combination of excellent educational facilities,
job opportunities for skilled workers and a climate that provides great lifestyle
options. Many international students take the opportunity to work in Australia
while they are completing their studies.
More information:
Job Service Australia: www.jobsearch.gov.au/servicepoviders• How to find jobs in Queensland, Australia: www.migration.qld.gov.au• Department of Education – International Students: www.education.qld.
gov.au/international/• Department of Home Affairs: www.homeaffairs.gov.au

29

BRINGING YOUR FAMILYVISA FOR FAMILIESYou and your family members can make a combined application or they
can apply to join you later provided you declared them in your student visa
application or they became a family member after the grant of your student visa
(such as a newborn baby).
You must have funds to support yourself and all accompanying family members
already in Australia as well as those included in the current application.
For more information visit:www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/500-?modal=/trav/stud/brin30

CHECKLISTSBEFORE YOU LEAVE CHECKLISTUse this checklist to make sure you have all the documents you’ll need:□□ Airline tickets and valid passport with student visa□□ Letter of offer from your study institution or a confirmation of enrolment slip
issued by the institution□□ Receipts of any related payments you have made including tuition fees,
health cover, etc□□ Letter of scholarship award (if applicable)□□ Original or certified copies of your academic transcripts□□ English translation of prescriptions for any medications you are carrying□□ Personal identification such as a driver’s licence, or identity card,
including an English translation□□ Health insurance details (refer to Insurance page 5 and 18)□□ Accommodation prebooked and confirmed
FOR INFORMATION ON STUDY OPTIONS OR LIVING AND
WORKING IN CAIRNS, CONTACT STUDY CAIRNS:
Website: www.studycairns.com.au
Email: info@studycairns.com.au
Call: +61 7 4080 2902
Mail: PO Box 1575, Cairns, Qld, Australia 4870
FOR INFORMATION ON COUNCIL SERVICES AND PROJECTS,CONTACT CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL:
Website: www.cairns.qld.gov.au
Email: council@cairns.qld.gov.au
Call: 1300 692 247
Mail: PO Box 359, Cairns, Qld, Australia 4870
31