MEDICAL SERVICES

Medical standards in Australia are among the best in the world.

Overseas visitors should take care to obtain their own medical travel insurance to ensure that they are covered in an emergency. Several Australian-based travel insurers have special cover for visitors which are very much less expensive than travel cover sold other countries.

Visitors from the UK, Italy, Malta Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden and New Zealand are entitled to subsidised medical care under reciprocal national health care agreements.

Major public hospitals on the Gold Coast include:

Gold Coast Hospital, Nerang Street, Southport
Ph:+61 (0)7 5571 8211

Tweed Heads Hospital, Florence Street, Tweed Heads
Ph:+ 61 (0)7 5536 1133

Private Hospitals and private clinics are also available.

Please note:

Visitors who require treatment for an existing medical condition should carry a letter from their doctor outlining the condition and relative medication requirements. This is especially important if the medication is uncommon or contains ingredients that may be restricted, such as narcotics. Most medicines are available in Australia but only to those with an official doctor's prescription. Prescription drugs may only be dispensed by a qualified pharmacist.

EMERGENCY

The national telephone number for all emergency services in Australia including Ambulance, Fire, and Police is "000".

RACQ Breakdown service

Roadside Assistance

For More Information Phone: 131 111

NEWSPAPERS

The Gold Coast has two daily newspapers, the local Gold Coast Bulletin, and the Queensland-wide Courier Mail.

Others such as the national ‘The Australian’, and popular newspapers from New South Wales and Victoria, are generally available at larger outlets in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

No Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in Queensland:

• within 4m of non-residential entrances
• between the flags at patrolled beaches
• within 10m of children's playground equipment open to public
• at any major sport stadium
• at restaurants and in any licensed bar or club where drinks or food are consumed either indoors or outdoors.

$150 on-the-spot fines apply for breaches.

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