Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Thursday; 09:30 to 17:00 Fridays
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 12:00, Saturdays
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00 Saturdays
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

The Blue Mountains enjoy lower crime rates than in Sydney, however, visitors still need to be on their guard for petty criminals. Opportunist thieves present the greatest threat so it’s wise to take some basic precautions to avoid making yourself an obvious and easy target.

Keep cash and valuables in hard to reach places and wear bags in a manner that makes them difficult to be snatched. Always try to park cars in well lit and well populated areas and don’t leave items of any value on display inside.

With regards to outdoor activities in the Blue Mountains, it’s wise to use the services of a reputable tour company unless you are especially experienced or well qualified in your particular pursuit. Activities such as climbing, caving and hiking can be dangerous without sufficient expertise or knowledge of the area.

Electricity: 240V AC; 50Hz

The Blue Mountains presents little in the way of serious risks to the health of either its permanent residents or visitors. The region is free from risks of major viral or bacterial infections and no vaccinations are required for visiting. Tap water is safe to drink and levels of hygiene in public eating and drinking establishments are exceptionally high.

In the lower mountain areas the sun can be hot during the main summer months and visitors are advised to cover up and apply sunscreen liberally, even when exposing themselves for short periods only.

Visitors unfortunate enough to take ill or have an accident requiring medical treatment will find hospitals offer a high standard of care. Travel insurance is recommended, even though there is a healthcare agreement in place between the Australian and British governments that allows for free medical treatment for UK citizens in Australia.

Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital: +61 2 4784 6500
Emergency services: 000 (112 from a mobile phone)

English, the official language of Australia, is the only language spoken by people in the Blue Mountains, excepting members of ethnic minority groups who may converse in different languages between themselves.

The Australian Dollar (AU$) comprising 100 cents is the official currency of Australia. Notes are in denominations of AU$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are available in denominations of AU$2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at the majority of banks and at some of the region’s major hotels. Additionally, bureau de change counters located at Sydney International Airport are on hand for passengers arriving from overseas.

Visitors over the age of 18 years are permitted a duty free allowance of 250 cigarettes, 250 grams of cigars or loose tobacco plus up to 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages. Perfumes, electronic goods and other products are permitted to the value of AU$900.

Restrictions are imposed on the importing of a wide variety of goods, especially those of an organic nature. Many food products are prohibited or subject to restriction and it’s wise to declare anything of this nature to be on the safe side.

Australians are informal characters and a hearty handshake is the usual form of greeting, although kisses may be exchanged between more familiar parties. ‘G’day’ (short for ‘good day’) is the usual spoken greeting although visitors are best returning this with a simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’. As a rule, first names are always used, even in business situations.

Society is culturally rich and cosmopolitan in Sydney but slightly more countrified in the Blue Mountains. While locals are still exceedingly laid back and approachable, they are prone to more traditional ways which visitors should be sensitive to.

Dinner at a local’s house often takes the form of a barbecue, or 'barbie' as it is locally known, and is likely to be a highly informal affair with very little in the way of dining manners required. Bring a few ‘tinnies’ (beers) along and you are sure to fit right in.

When dining in a restaurant, slightly more formality is expected. However, there are no strict dos or don’ts and very few chances to make cultural faux pas. If you are invited to eat at someone’s home, bring a bottle of wine for your host or hostess, arrive on time and offer to help clean up after the meal is finished. During the meal, observe continental table manners, paying attention to the correct use of utensils and keeping elbows off the table.

Citizens with passports from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and the USA are permitted entry to Australia for up to 30 days with a tourist visa. An onward air ticket is necessary, plus a minimum of six months validity on your passport, in order to obtain a tourist visa.

Visitors from other countries or those wishing to stay longer than the standard 30-day period will require the appropriate visa to enter Australia. More information on visas is available from the Australian Embassy in your home country.

There are a number of tourist offices in the Blue Mountains providing valuable information and a variety of useful services to both domestic and overseas visitors. The main office is located at Echo Point in Katoomba and can be contacted at: +61 1 300 653 408. There are alternative offices at Lithgow and Leura.