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.

Why Australia is Tough with Quarantine
Why Australia is Tough with Quarantine

The government imposes rigorous quarantine rules that are non-negotiable.

How to survive a flood in Australia
How to survive a flood in Australia

With the threat of floods looming over Australia during certain times of year, it’s important to be prepared and know what to do.

Ghostly Tales of Fremantle Prison
Ghostly Tales of Fremantle Prison

For over 100 years Fremantle Prison has been home to stories of strange and unexplained occurrences.

Devil's Pool
Devil's Pool

Devil's Pool is a natural pool in a treacherous stretch of Babinda Creek (Qlnd) which holds a sinister centuries-old Aboriginal history.

The Celebrations of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras & Sydney WorldPride

This year Sydney hosts two of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world, the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras & Sydney WorldPride.

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!

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.

Quokkas: Australia's Adorable Marsupials
Quokkas: Australia's Adorable Marsupials

Quokkas, endearingly known as the happiest animals on Earth, are small marsupials native to Australia, celebrated for their friendly demeanor and photogenic appeal. Their popularity has surged, especially on social media, due to their approachable nature and charming smiles.

The Legacy of the FJ Holden and the End of an Era
The Legacy of the FJ Holden and the End of an Era

Discover the legacy of Australia's first mass-produced car, the FJ Holden Special, a testament to a bygone era of Australian industrial prowess.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain
The Mysterious Disappearance of
Azaria Chamberlain

On this day in 1980, nine-week-old Azaria Chamberlain went missing at Uluru, sparking one of Australia’s most controversial cases.

TOP