Practical Information

#AUSTRALIA

Australian coat of arms on top of Parliament House.

#Australia

Australia is an island, and also the sixth largest country in the world, and the smallest continent in the world.

Did you know that Australia is one of the youngest countries on earth? Despite its relative newness, it has made great strides in catching up to other developed nations, often surpassing them.

But Australia is more than just a young country. It is also home to stunning coastal beaches, making it a haven for beach lovers. Today, over 70% of Australians reside in cities or towns, with a majority of this population clustered along the eastern and southern coasts, as well as around Perth in the west.

However, Australia's breathtaking landscape extends far beyond its bustling urban centers. The famous "Outback" dominates much of the country's interior, consisting of remote and harsh lands that are too hot, dry, and barren to support a large population. To the east, expanses of grasslands stretch out, providing the perfect environment for sheep and cattle ranches.

From its rapid development to its picturesque coastlines and iconic Outback, Australia offers a captivating blend of modernity and natural beauty. What more could one ask for in a country?

Lake Hume on the Upper Murray
Lake Hume on the Upper Murray
Whitehaven Beach in Queensland
Whitehaven Beach in Queensland

Discover the majestic landscapes of Australia, with its breathtaking mountains and sprawling plateaus. In the southeast, the Blue Mountains charm visitors with their ethereal blue haze, a result of the eucalyptus trees' oil droplets. Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 1,900 kilometers off the northeast coast, as it thrives and evolves into the largest living structure on the planet.

While English is the official language, Australian English has a unique charm all its own, both in its spoken and written form. Once home to 200 to 300 indigenous Australian languages, only about 70 remain today, with most of them at risk of disappearing. Additionally, Australia has its own sign language, Auslan, which serves as the primary means of communication for around 6,500 deaf individuals.

Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne
The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne was the first building in Australia to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004

Get this: school is a must in Australia from ages 6 to 15 (or 16 in South Australia and Tasmania). They really mean business about education, with an adult literacy rate around 99%. But that's not all - Australia has 38 universities thanks to government grants, and even some private ones too. They also have vocational training colleges called TAFE Institutes and apprenticeships for tradespeople. And get this, almost 60% of Aussies between 25 and 64 have some sort of higher education or vocational qualification. Education is a big deal down under!

Most of the estimated 20.4 million Australians are descended from 19th and 20th century immigrants, with the majority originating from Britain and Ireland.

Bushfires Australia - Plan & Act
Bushfires Australia - Plan & Act

It is ALWAYS a good idea for you to develop a written bushfire survival plan when traveling around Australia.

20 facts about the island Australia
20 facts about the island Australia

Australia is unique geographically, historically & in regards to it's environment and resources. Here are 20 interesting facts about the land called Australia.

How Aussie Animals Forecast the Weather
How Aussie Animals Forecast the Weather

Discover how kookaburras, black cockatoos and ants forecast Aussie weather. Explore lore meets science, spot the signs and plan your day.

Beginner's Guide to Australian Wildlife
Beginner's Guide to Australian Wildlife

Australia is a continent brimming with amazing wildlife & so many incredible creatures to discover!

Kangaroo Fights: Observing Safely & Understanding
Kangaroo Fights: Observing Safely & Understanding

Male kangaroos (or “boomers”) fight to establish dominance, settle territorial disputes, or earn mating rights—and these bouts can get a little intense!

John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park
The Swan View Tunnel

Explore natural beauty intertwined with mystery and adventure in this must-visit Western Australian destination.

Australia Day / Invasion Day & the Date Debate
Australia Day / Invasion Day & the Date Debate

Explore the complex debate around Australia Day, Invasion Day & the ongoing discussion about the date's significance, inclusivity, and future in Australian society.

Australian Christmas Tree - [nuytsia floribunda]
Celebrating Christmas the Aussie Way

Discover how Aussies celebrate the festive season under the summer sun!

Bondi Beach shooting: Community shattered, Nation united
Bondi Beach shooting: Community shattered, Nation united

An unbiased account of the Bondi Beach shooting & how Australia responded.

The Australia Act 1986: A Quiet Revolution
The Australia Act 1986: A Quiet Revolution

A vivid explainer of the Australia Act 1986. How a quiet legal shift severed Britain's final ties and affirmed Australia's full constitutional independence. Discover the Act that completed the nation's journey to sovereignty.

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