Australia is often called the Largest island in the world. It is surrounded by water and has around 10 000 beaches. Australia is large enough to be its own continent, which it is! Australia sits in the southern hemisphere and has an area of over 7 million square kilometres and ranks as the sixth largest nation in the world.
Although Australia started as a British colony, today it is very multi cultural with immigrants from all over the world now calling themselves Australians. The population now stands at around 20 Million.
These days the indigenous Australian, called the Aborigine, represents only about 2 % of the total population. The Aboriginal history goes back about 40 Million years they inhabited most parts of the Australian continent before any arrival of any European.
Australia's natural wealth is amazing. It produces 95% of the world’s opals and 99% of the world’s black opals. Another one of Australia's largest exports is beef. Australia boasts over 27 million head of cattle.
Australia thrives with unique wildlife flora and fauna. Two of Australia's most well known wildlife animals is the koala and the kangaroo. The kangaroo is a marsupial that belongs to a group of animals called macropods. “Macropod” means “big foot.” Another Australian macropod in the same family as the kangaroo is the wallaby. The largest kangaroo is the big red kangaroo that stands 2 meters tall and weigh up to 90 kilos. You will find red kangaroos in Australia's arid red center.
The koala would be the most popular wildlife animal known to Australia. The koala bear is a mammal and not really a bear. It is actually more related to the Australian kangaroo and wombat. Tourists come from around the world to see and to be able to hold one of these cuddly little teddy bear-like creatures in one of Australia's many nature parks.
Another strange creature unique to Australia is one of the worlds largest Bird called the emu. Its name comes from a Portuguese word “emma,” which means a large bird. The male emu can stand as high as 2 meters, earning the prestigious title of being Australia's largest bird.
Australia has seven major cities that hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to each year. The largest city of Australia is Sydney with a population just under 4 million. What makes Sydney so beautiful is its harbor and surrounding water ways. Its coastline is lined with beach after beach. Some of Sydney's most popular land marks are the Harbor Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi beach. In the year 2000, Sydney was the host nation of the Olympic Games. Sydney is a very modern city and full of first class hotels and restaurants.
To the south of Sydney, we have another modern and cosmopolitan city called Melbourne. Melbourne's sophisticated ambiance is filled with some of the finest restaurants in the world. Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, with a population of about 3 and a half million people. It is also known as the sporting capital of Australia.
Adelaide is known as the City of Churches It is a more gentle city compared to the fast lifestyles of Sydney and Melbourne. It also contains first class restaurants and hotels at much cheaper prices than Sydney or Melbourne. Adelaide is also known for its great wines from the Barossa valley.
To the western side of Australia is the city is Perth. Perth is a beautiful city that sits along the Swan river with a population of only one and a half million people. Its residents enjoy a very easy going lifestyle.
The top end of Australia is Darwin, with its hot tropical weather patterns. It is also known as Crocodile Country, and is also Australia’s northern gateway to Asia.
The top of the east coast of Australia, we have Queensland. Queensland houses one of the seven wonders of the world: the Great Barrier Reef. The capital city of Queensland is Brisbane, which is also a vibrant and diverse city. It is also the gateway to the tropical islands of the north. Brisbane is a very popular destination enjoyed by the young and old tourists alike.
The smallest city of Australia is Tasmania, which sits to the bottom of Australia's south east coast. It is very lush and green. If you like the cooler climates, Tasmania is the place for you. The capital of Tasmania is Hobart. Interestingly enough, Tasmania looks like a broken piece of Australia's mainland.
I hope you enjoyed my introduction to my favorite country in the world: Australia.
Michael RussellYour Independent guide to [http://australia-guides.com/]Australia
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell http://EzineArticles.com/?Australia,-the-Great-Land-Down-Under&id=225090
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sydney The City Of Attractions
Sydney is Australia's oldest city and is located along the coast in the south eastern part of Australia. It is a very beautiful city with a lot of attractions and activities.
Sydney is comfortable to visit at any time of year. Autumns are quite nice with warm days and mild nights. In spring (September to November) there are chances of rain, but it usually clears quickly. Summers in Sydney are not ideal vacation weather due to frequent heavy rains. The temperature can also rise to over 104°F.
Amongst the main attractions in Sydney, the Harbor Bridge is a very popular place. The bridge is quite huge and is an imposing structure. It links the southern and northern shores and joining central Sydney with the business district of North Sydney.
Sydney Opera House is Australia's most recognizable icon and has been built over the sea. The Opera House hosts theatre, classical music, ballet and film, as well as the seasonal opera performances. There is also a venue called The Studio, which stages contemporary arts events.
Bondi Beach is one of the best known beaches in the world and is synonymous with Australian beach culture. It is the closest ocean beach to the city centre. It is big and action packed, so it may not be the best place for a quiet sunbathe and swim. Surfing is also very common here. The beach is carefully delineated, with surfers using the southern end of the beach. The beachfront Campbell Parade is both cosmopolitan and highly commercialized, lined with cafés and shops.
Many events take place along in this beach like rollerblading and skateboarding. In September, the Festival of the Winds, Australia's largest kite festival, takes place here in the beach.
Sydney's public transport network is good. The city is well connected with buses, trains, ferries, a light rail system and the city monorail. In the central part of Sydney buses are the most convenient mode of transport. They cover more of the city than the trains. Tickets can be bought on board from the driver. Trains are faster than buses, especially at rush hour and when heading out to the suburbs. Beaches and the harbor side cannot be reached by trains.
Buses and Ferries are the only way to get to the beaches. Ferries are the fastest mode of transport to visit places around the harbor. There are also plenty of taxis available for travel. Trains and buses stop running around midnight. Public transport information, routes and timetables can be found at www.131500.com.au. [http://www.e-AustraliaTravel.com]Australia Travel provides detailed information on Australia Travel, Australia Travel Packages, Australia Travel Guides, Australia Travel Insurance and more. Australia Travel is affiliated with [http://www.e-AustraliaVisa.com]Australia Travel Visas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely http://EzineArticles.com/?Sydney,-Australia-Travel&id=411116
Sydney is comfortable to visit at any time of year. Autumns are quite nice with warm days and mild nights. In spring (September to November) there are chances of rain, but it usually clears quickly. Summers in Sydney are not ideal vacation weather due to frequent heavy rains. The temperature can also rise to over 104°F.
Amongst the main attractions in Sydney, the Harbor Bridge is a very popular place. The bridge is quite huge and is an imposing structure. It links the southern and northern shores and joining central Sydney with the business district of North Sydney.
Sydney Opera House is Australia's most recognizable icon and has been built over the sea. The Opera House hosts theatre, classical music, ballet and film, as well as the seasonal opera performances. There is also a venue called The Studio, which stages contemporary arts events.
Bondi Beach is one of the best known beaches in the world and is synonymous with Australian beach culture. It is the closest ocean beach to the city centre. It is big and action packed, so it may not be the best place for a quiet sunbathe and swim. Surfing is also very common here. The beach is carefully delineated, with surfers using the southern end of the beach. The beachfront Campbell Parade is both cosmopolitan and highly commercialized, lined with cafés and shops.
Many events take place along in this beach like rollerblading and skateboarding. In September, the Festival of the Winds, Australia's largest kite festival, takes place here in the beach.
Sydney's public transport network is good. The city is well connected with buses, trains, ferries, a light rail system and the city monorail. In the central part of Sydney buses are the most convenient mode of transport. They cover more of the city than the trains. Tickets can be bought on board from the driver. Trains are faster than buses, especially at rush hour and when heading out to the suburbs. Beaches and the harbor side cannot be reached by trains.
Buses and Ferries are the only way to get to the beaches. Ferries are the fastest mode of transport to visit places around the harbor. There are also plenty of taxis available for travel. Trains and buses stop running around midnight. Public transport information, routes and timetables can be found at www.131500.com.au. [http://www.e-AustraliaTravel.com]Australia Travel provides detailed information on Australia Travel, Australia Travel Packages, Australia Travel Guides, Australia Travel Insurance and more. Australia Travel is affiliated with [http://www.e-AustraliaVisa.com]Australia Travel Visas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely http://EzineArticles.com/?Sydney,-Australia-Travel&id=411116
Discover The Adventures Australia Offers
Australia, being famed for its natural beauty attracts many adventurous people. Depending on the landscape different adventures are possible in different areas of the country. Organized tours are available based on the type of adventure.
Airborne Adventures
Ballooning, Paragliding and Skydiving are some of the airborne adventures in Australia. Persons 6 years and above can take a ride in a Hot Air balloon. This is available in most of the cities across the country. Some tour packages also fly over the grasslands and other places of scenic beauty. The flight starts at dawn to have a good view of the sunrise and lasts for about an hour. The rates range from $125 to $200 for a flight.
Paragliding is very similar to parachuting, the difference being the ability to fly up and not float down. This is available along the coast of Australia. The rates are something like $100 for a 15 minute ride to $200 for a one day course.
Skydiving can be done in cities like Sydney and Cairns after a 15 minute instructional course on how to do it. The rates are somewhere around $200.
Nature
Dolphin watching can be done year-round and whale watching from June to November. This is available along the coast of Australia. Kalbarri in Western Australia is the prime destination for whale watching. Catamaran tours take people out in the sea to watch Humpback whales.
Wildlife safaris are available in the Australian Outback and Rainforests. Tours for ten days or more are organized through the Australian wilderness in different parts of the country. The rates range between $4000 and $6000.
Trekking up to the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro is quite popular. There are other mountain ranges where tour packages are offered including rock climbing, hiking, bush walking and mountain biking.
Water Sports
Several guided tours are available for Kayaking and Canoeing along the central coast of New South Wales, on the Hawkesbury River near Sydney, Mulgrave River and other such places.
Tours are available for White Water Rafting on Franklin River in South West Tasmania, near Sydney, Cairns and Western Australia.
Scuba diving and Snorkeling are done at places like the Great Barrier Reef and other reefs along the western coast of Australia. Day trips are organized and cost around $80 - $100. [http://www.e-AustraliaTravel.com]Australia Travel provides detailed information on Australia Travel, Australia Travel Packages, Australia Travel Guides, Australia Travel Insurance and more. Australia Travel is affiliated with [http://www.e-AustraliaVisa.com]Australia Travel Visas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely http://EzineArticles.com/?Australia-Adventure-Vacations&id=411114
Airborne Adventures
Ballooning, Paragliding and Skydiving are some of the airborne adventures in Australia. Persons 6 years and above can take a ride in a Hot Air balloon. This is available in most of the cities across the country. Some tour packages also fly over the grasslands and other places of scenic beauty. The flight starts at dawn to have a good view of the sunrise and lasts for about an hour. The rates range from $125 to $200 for a flight.
Paragliding is very similar to parachuting, the difference being the ability to fly up and not float down. This is available along the coast of Australia. The rates are something like $100 for a 15 minute ride to $200 for a one day course.
Skydiving can be done in cities like Sydney and Cairns after a 15 minute instructional course on how to do it. The rates are somewhere around $200.
Nature
Dolphin watching can be done year-round and whale watching from June to November. This is available along the coast of Australia. Kalbarri in Western Australia is the prime destination for whale watching. Catamaran tours take people out in the sea to watch Humpback whales.
Wildlife safaris are available in the Australian Outback and Rainforests. Tours for ten days or more are organized through the Australian wilderness in different parts of the country. The rates range between $4000 and $6000.
Trekking up to the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro is quite popular. There are other mountain ranges where tour packages are offered including rock climbing, hiking, bush walking and mountain biking.
Water Sports
Several guided tours are available for Kayaking and Canoeing along the central coast of New South Wales, on the Hawkesbury River near Sydney, Mulgrave River and other such places.
Tours are available for White Water Rafting on Franklin River in South West Tasmania, near Sydney, Cairns and Western Australia.
Scuba diving and Snorkeling are done at places like the Great Barrier Reef and other reefs along the western coast of Australia. Day trips are organized and cost around $80 - $100. [http://www.e-AustraliaTravel.com]Australia Travel provides detailed information on Australia Travel, Australia Travel Packages, Australia Travel Guides, Australia Travel Insurance and more. Australia Travel is affiliated with [http://www.e-AustraliaVisa.com]Australia Travel Visas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely http://EzineArticles.com/?Australia-Adventure-Vacations&id=411114
The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland
Scuba diving in Cairns, Australia can provide one of the most rewarding scuba diving adventures in the world due to the amazingly pristine waters that this country retains. It is but one of the last locations in the world to offer such crystal clear diving opportunities with The Great Barrier Reef and many ship wreck sites as well as a variety of marine life to see. With such natural wonders as unique marine plantation, a variety of aquatic life and vegetation, walls and the reef, scuba diving in Cairns, Australia will provide marvelous memories for years to come and keep you coming back for more!
Down Under: More Than One Meaning When Scuba Diving in Cairns, Australia
When scuba diving in Cairns, Australia the saying, “Down Under” literally means going down under the sea to witness some of the most incredible natural views known to man. The Great Barrier Reef is composed of many reefs within the great reef; in fact there are over a known three thousand reefs within The Great Barrier Reef. The most trying part of scuba diving in Cairns, Australia is choosing the area of this amazing natural wonder to begin the diving experience of a lifetime! There are literally hundreds of choices that are all equally stunning and phenomenal so none of them will be a regret.
Dangers of Diving The Great Barrier Reef
It goes without saying that while scuba diving in Cairns, Australia, for the extremely adventurous and brave diver there is a vast collection of dive options to choose from. If you are very brave scuba diving and love a sense of danger, scuba diving in Cairns, Australia can offer divers the opportunity to be lowered beneath the great blue sea in a steel cage. This allows the scuba diver an up close and personal glance at sharks that are typically thought of and identified as ‘man eating sharks’. A little less terrorizing however still intensely dangerous are the dive packages to watch The Great White Shark have a feeding which is a grand adventure on any scale!
There are literally hundreds of thousands of people from all corners of the globe that flock each year to go scuba diving in Cairns, Australia and experience first hand the natural wonder and amazement that The Great Barrier Reef can offer. It is in part due to the high volume of divers each year actually that has given the Reef the status it deserves in the natural environment and many billions of dollars are spent each year that are accumulated from the scuba diving tourism industry to protect The Great Barrier Reef.
If you want to learn more about [http://www.scubadivingmadeeasy.com/scuba-diving/about ]Scuba Diving Lessons please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with [http://www.scubadivingmadeeasy.com/scuba-diving ]Scuba Diving Equipment
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trev_Albinez http://EzineArticles.com/?Experience-The-Great-Barrier-Reef---Scuba-Diving-in-Cairns,-Australia&id=550122
Down Under: More Than One Meaning When Scuba Diving in Cairns, Australia
When scuba diving in Cairns, Australia the saying, “Down Under” literally means going down under the sea to witness some of the most incredible natural views known to man. The Great Barrier Reef is composed of many reefs within the great reef; in fact there are over a known three thousand reefs within The Great Barrier Reef. The most trying part of scuba diving in Cairns, Australia is choosing the area of this amazing natural wonder to begin the diving experience of a lifetime! There are literally hundreds of choices that are all equally stunning and phenomenal so none of them will be a regret.
Dangers of Diving The Great Barrier Reef
It goes without saying that while scuba diving in Cairns, Australia, for the extremely adventurous and brave diver there is a vast collection of dive options to choose from. If you are very brave scuba diving and love a sense of danger, scuba diving in Cairns, Australia can offer divers the opportunity to be lowered beneath the great blue sea in a steel cage. This allows the scuba diver an up close and personal glance at sharks that are typically thought of and identified as ‘man eating sharks’. A little less terrorizing however still intensely dangerous are the dive packages to watch The Great White Shark have a feeding which is a grand adventure on any scale!
There are literally hundreds of thousands of people from all corners of the globe that flock each year to go scuba diving in Cairns, Australia and experience first hand the natural wonder and amazement that The Great Barrier Reef can offer. It is in part due to the high volume of divers each year actually that has given the Reef the status it deserves in the natural environment and many billions of dollars are spent each year that are accumulated from the scuba diving tourism industry to protect The Great Barrier Reef.
If you want to learn more about [http://www.scubadivingmadeeasy.com/scuba-diving/about ]Scuba Diving Lessons please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with [http://www.scubadivingmadeeasy.com/scuba-diving ]Scuba Diving Equipment
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trev_Albinez http://EzineArticles.com/?Experience-The-Great-Barrier-Reef---Scuba-Diving-in-Cairns,-Australia&id=550122
Visit Australias Exotic Islands
It doesn't matter how many documentaries you've seen or how much you've heard about Australia or spoken to others about it, once you've taken your first look at Australia you'll be forever hooked and want to come back for what can only be described as an exotic vacation.
Eventually, the urge will be there, irresistibly, to see it all.
There's no doubt about it. You've not experienced the world until you've seen the wonders of Australia. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to swim in crystal clear water, sit under a palm tree while sipping on some exotic drink or laze about beside a pool on a balmy night? If you have, then Australia's exotic islands are for you. They're just irresistible!
However, it's a big country consisting of some 8,000 islands, including the island State of TasmaniaAustralia's island resorts and exotic island getaways offer a richly rewarding experience and are great romantic places for that exotic vacation.
Some of the best honeymoon places in the world can be found on Australia's islands with resorts situated on islands ranging from small coral ones, where you can walk on the beach to the Great Barrier Reef, to an island made of pure sand - the World Heritage listed Fraser Island.The Great Barrier Reef, off Australia's east coast, is one of the wonders of the natural world. It is World Heritage listed and is one of Australia's, and the world's, premier holiday destinations.
The combination of glorious weather, pristine rainforest, white sandy beaches, and an ocean varying in hue from blue to turquoise to green, ensures it's where the world wants to go to lie on the beach, swim, surf, snorkel, sail, bushwalk and bird watch.
When it comes to exotic vacation spots, Queensland boasts an inviting array of easily accessible islands, where you'll find unspoilt beaches, rainforest and superb resorts. Queensland's islands offer a unique holiday experience and with resorts in the Tropical North, Whitsundays and Southern Queensland, the hardest decision is to choose your perfect exotic vacation spot.
If you're travelling to Sydney, why not get on another plane ? It's well worth the effort, as you'll have the opportunity of experiencing the wonders of Lord Howe or Norfolk Islands. Being sub-tropical getaways they're quite different and, are among the world's most natural heritage destinations.
Located 450Kms off mainland Australia, Lord Howe Island is the lone survivor of an extinct volcano chain. Its incredible, natural environment, with rainforest clad hills, green lagoons and unique wildlife, is perfect for cycling around. Norfolk Island is about 1,700Kms east-north-east of Sydney, or a two and a half hour flight. Much of the island is covered by national parks and reserves where birds are prolific. The sub-tropical climate makes it ideal for fishing, bushwalking, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Whether you're looking for a casual getaway or an indulgent escape, Australia's beautiful islands cater for all ages, tastes and budgets.
Immerse yourself in the ultimate exotic vacation at some of the world's most romantic places.
The web site "Australia's Exotic Vacation Islands" can be found at http://www.exotic-australia.com The web site covers all the major island vacation resorts off the east coast of Australia including, of course, the Great Barrier Reef.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_MacKenzie http://EzineArticles.com/?Australias-Exotic-Vacation-Islands&id=299646
Eventually, the urge will be there, irresistibly, to see it all.
There's no doubt about it. You've not experienced the world until you've seen the wonders of Australia. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to swim in crystal clear water, sit under a palm tree while sipping on some exotic drink or laze about beside a pool on a balmy night? If you have, then Australia's exotic islands are for you. They're just irresistible!
However, it's a big country consisting of some 8,000 islands, including the island State of TasmaniaAustralia's island resorts and exotic island getaways offer a richly rewarding experience and are great romantic places for that exotic vacation.
Some of the best honeymoon places in the world can be found on Australia's islands with resorts situated on islands ranging from small coral ones, where you can walk on the beach to the Great Barrier Reef, to an island made of pure sand - the World Heritage listed Fraser Island.The Great Barrier Reef, off Australia's east coast, is one of the wonders of the natural world. It is World Heritage listed and is one of Australia's, and the world's, premier holiday destinations.
The combination of glorious weather, pristine rainforest, white sandy beaches, and an ocean varying in hue from blue to turquoise to green, ensures it's where the world wants to go to lie on the beach, swim, surf, snorkel, sail, bushwalk and bird watch.
When it comes to exotic vacation spots, Queensland boasts an inviting array of easily accessible islands, where you'll find unspoilt beaches, rainforest and superb resorts. Queensland's islands offer a unique holiday experience and with resorts in the Tropical North, Whitsundays and Southern Queensland, the hardest decision is to choose your perfect exotic vacation spot.
If you're travelling to Sydney, why not get on another plane ? It's well worth the effort, as you'll have the opportunity of experiencing the wonders of Lord Howe or Norfolk Islands. Being sub-tropical getaways they're quite different and, are among the world's most natural heritage destinations.
Located 450Kms off mainland Australia, Lord Howe Island is the lone survivor of an extinct volcano chain. Its incredible, natural environment, with rainforest clad hills, green lagoons and unique wildlife, is perfect for cycling around. Norfolk Island is about 1,700Kms east-north-east of Sydney, or a two and a half hour flight. Much of the island is covered by national parks and reserves where birds are prolific. The sub-tropical climate makes it ideal for fishing, bushwalking, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Whether you're looking for a casual getaway or an indulgent escape, Australia's beautiful islands cater for all ages, tastes and budgets.
Immerse yourself in the ultimate exotic vacation at some of the world's most romantic places.
The web site "Australia's Exotic Vacation Islands" can be found at http://www.exotic-australia.com The web site covers all the major island vacation resorts off the east coast of Australia including, of course, the Great Barrier Reef.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_MacKenzie http://EzineArticles.com/?Australias-Exotic-Vacation-Islands&id=299646
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