People relaxing, swimming and sun bathing on Bondi Beach.

Australia refers to both the continent of Australia and to the Commonwealth of Australia, the sovereign country. Australia, the world's smallest continent & largest island, in the Southern Hemisphere and is bordered by both the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean & Southern Ocean.

The term Australia was used in various instances referring to different places in the South Pacific region before naming Australia the country. By the end of the 18th century, the name was being used to refer specifically to Australia, with the botanists George Shaw and Sir James Smith writing of "the vast island, or rather continent, of Australia, Australasia or New Holland" in their 1793 Zoology and Botany of New Holland, and James Wilson including it on a 1799 chart.

As early as 1804, the name Australia was popularised by the explorer Matthew Flinders, who pushed for it to be formally adopted.

Australian Girl
Black Hawk over Gold Coast


There is no probability, that any other detached body of land, of nearly equal extent, will ever be found in a more southern latitude; the name Terra Australis will, therefore, remain descriptive of the geographical importance of this country, and of its situation on the globe: it has antiquity to recommend it; and, having no reference to either of the two claiming nations, appears to be less objectionable than any other which could have been selected. FOOTNOTE: Had I permitted myself any innovation on the original term, it would have been to convert it to AUSTRALIA; as being more agreeable to the ear, and an assimilation to the names of the other great portions of the earth. (Matthew Flinders)

Matthew Flinders Journey

A despatch to Lord Bathurst of 4 April 1817 in which Governor Lachlan Macquarie acknowledges the receipt of Capt. Flinders' charts of Australia appears to be the first time that australis was referred to as Australia. On 12 December 1817, Macquarie recommended to the Colonial Office that it be formally adopted. In 1824, the Admiralty agreed that the continent should be known officially as Australia.

The country has been referred to colloquially as Oz since the early 20th century. Aussie is a colloquial term for "Australian". The noun "Aussie" can also be used to refer to the nation. The sporting anthem C'mon Aussie C'mon is an example of local use of Aussie as synonym for Australia.

 

A Brief History of the Tacking Point Lighthouse
A Brief History of the Tacking Point Lighthouse

Built in 1879, Tacking Point Lighthouse has been a beacon for sailors and coastal explorers.

Surfing Champions of NSW
Surfing Champions of NSW

If you’re looking for some of the best surfers in the world, look no further than New South Wales, Australia!

Avon Descent
Avon Descent

The Avon Descent is an annual, 2 day white water event along the Avon and Swan Rivers in Western Australia.

Off the Track Camp Sites in WA
Off the Track Camp Sites in WA

There are plenty of free camping opportunities around Australia, including campsites specially designed for free campers. Think of the freedom & the money you will save!

NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Mount Kosciuszko - Our tallest mount
Mount Kosciuszko

Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest mountain, located in the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales.

Tracks, trails and reserves
Tracks, trails and reserves

When trekking through the Victorian High Country make sure to hit the tracks and trails of national parks and reserves across the High Country.

The Wines of Barossa
The Wines of Barossa

The Barossa Valley is a renowned wine-producing region northeast of Adelaide, and is the main source of employment for many residents.

Where to stay in Australia
Where to stay in Australia

Australia is famous for it’s hospitality industry, and this includes its range & quality of accommodation. We have accommodation options in Australia to suit all budgets and travellers.

Flavours of the Fleurieu
Flavours of the Fleurieu

Indulge in some of the best local country produce and a number of wineries offering great wine tasting and cellar door wine tour experiences.



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