Australia

Australia is a land of contrasts - topographical, cultural, physical, meteorological and visual. Australia is a nation in its own right, it is also a technically a continent, with large differences between regions. It has a reputation as a land of leisure, with sun and sea. Good places to set off for exploration of the great outdoors are big cities such as Canberra, Darwin, Adelaide and Perth, that all have interesting sights and a good cultural atmosphere as well. Of course, Australia is surrounded by sea, so good swimming and surfing beaches are more rule than exception, generally these beaches will be full of only tourists, especially during the week. So fun can be had watching people who haven't heard of sunscreen yet turning into lobsters, or getting trapped in the surf.

North of Brisbane, is the Sunshine Coast one of the many stretches of coast where you can find excellent beaches, South of Brisbane is the better known Gold Coast, famous for being home to Australia's equivalent of trailer park people and teenagers who can't afford a holiday somewhere better. Don't forget the smaller historically interesting Alice Springs, or William Creek [the most isolated town in Australia] that will lead you right to the famous Ayers Rock.

With its stunning beaches, huge barrier reef, awesome waves, unique wildlife, the awe-inspiring Outback, and cosmopolitan centers, the land down under has something to offer any traveler.

Australia strikes the perfect balance with its highly urbanized centers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, and it’s wide open spaces full of natural wonders and incredible scenery. In one trip to Australia, you can do everything from venture into the expansive desert to hang out on some of the world’s best beaches to shop, dine and drink in the bustling cities. So, whether you want to cuddle up to a Koala or work on your tan, there is something unique, special and mesmerizing about this country that has a continent to itself.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest reef system, consists of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands spreading over 2,600 kilometers, its located off the coast of Queensland in the North East of Australia. Great Barrier Reef is also world biggest single structure made by living organisms can be seen from outer space.

The great thing about a trip to Australia is that no matter what your interests are or what budget you have to work with, this country has something to offer everyone.

General Information

Australia's People and Culture

An ethnic melting pot
Since 1945 more than six million people from across the world have come to Australia to live. Today, more than 20 per cent of Australians are foreign born and more than 40 per cent are of mixed cultural origin. In our homes we speak 226 languages - after English, the most popular are Italian, Greek, Cantonese and Arabic.

Big country, big ideas
Australians invented notepads (1902), the surf lifesaving reel (1906), aspirin (1915), the pacemaker (1926), penicillin (1940) the Hills Hoist clothesline (1946), the plastic disposable syringe (1949), the wine cask (1965), the bionic ear (1978), dual-flush toilet flush (1980) anti-counterfeiting technology for banknotes (1992) and long-wearing contact lenses (1999).

Aboriginal advances
Believed to be the world's oldest civilization, Aboriginal people have lived and thrived on this continent for more than 50,000 years. Aboriginal societies made many unique advances long before the Europeans arrived. They invented the aerodynamic boomerang and a type of spear thrower called the woomera. They were also the first society to ground edges on stone cutting tools and the first to use stone tools to grind seeds, everyday tools developed only much later by other societies.

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