Australia, unique and wild, sophisticated and natural. Australia, there’s nowhere like it. A country the size of mainland US, with a population of 20 million people. And 99 million sheep. Where shiploads of banished convicts seized opportunity, building new lives for themselves and a new country in the process.

• Where there are 7,000 beaches, and the weather with which to enjoy them; it rains less in Australia than any other populated continent on earth.
• Where you can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef one day, and hike in the world’s second largest rainforest the next without changing hotels.
• Where English is spoken. Yeah well, sorta, mate.
• Where a giant rock measuring 300 yards above ground level, 3.5 miles below, and five miles around is held sacred by the world’s oldest indigenous people, and captivates contemporary geologists.
• Where the seafood, beef, fruit, wine and beer are export quality, but the best is served only locally.
• Where workers enjoy a 35-hour week and four weeks annual vacation, and friendly is a given.
• Where 90 percent of the population live within commute of a city, but the other 10 percent rely on the Mail Plane and the Flying Doctor service.
• Where kangaroos graze on the golf course and “Koala Crossing” road signs aren’t just cute souvenirs.
• Where you’ll come for a once in a lifetime trip, and start to plan your second trip before your first one is over.

Australia, you will fall in love with this amazing sunburnt country.


Size
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It’s about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA, but has about 19 million people - the lowest population density in the world.


Aboriginal History
For more than 50,000 years, Australia’s Aboriginal people have lived and thrived in Australia’s unique and challenging natural environment. The rich vegetation and native wildlife helped them establish their presence on the land. Today it is believed the Aboriginals are the world’s oldest civilization.

European Settlement
“Terra Australis” was the last landmass to be discovered by European explorers. Talk of this mystical land and the riches it held inspired explorers to sail into the unknown. It wasn’t until Captain James Cook arrived in Botany Bay in 1770 that the great southern land was officially discovered by Europeans.
Overcrowded prisons in England and disruption caused by the American Revolution were two key reasons for the first shipment of convicts to this area. It was the explorer and botanist Joseph Banks who, in 1779, suggested that New South Wales would be a fine site for a penal colony.
Australia is now home to over 19 million people, and is made up of six states and two territories. Each state and territory has its own parliament, flag and floral emblem. Australia became a federated nation after the union of the six colonies on 1 January 1901. Bound by one parliament, one constitution and one flag, Australia celebrated its Centenary of Federation in 2001.

Climate
With the reverse seasons of the northern hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or an amazing 70 percent of the total possible hours. Grab a hat and sunscreen and enjoy the delightful climate!
Spring: September-November Summer: December-February Autumn (Fall): March-May Winter: June-August

Geography
The Australian environment is unique. From over 7,000 unspoiled beaches, tropical rainforest, rugged mountain ranges and vast tracts of desert, Australia is a country of contrast. Home to an amazing 14 World Heritage listed wilderness areas, Australia’s diversity is yours to enjoy.

Time Zones
There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory; Central Standard Time (CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST)Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, and WST is two hours behind EST.

Currency
The Australian dollar.