The Facts:
Capital: Canberra
Currency: Australian Dollar
Time Zone: GMT +8 to +10
www.australia.com
Introduction:
Isolated from other continents Australia sits on the Pacific Rim basking in the sun and sluiced by the sea with its infamous surf. Well known for a laid back lifestyle, the charms of beach life and the 'barbie' are synonymous with this well-liked nation. Its home to animals that can eat you- it's got six of the world's deadliest snakes not to mention the spiders. From the dirt red desert sunsets of iconic Uluru, Tasmania's ancient forests, the prehistoric gorges of Kakadu National Park, the white sails of Sydney's opera house and world class beaches like Bondi, Australia is as grand as it is vast. It would be hard not to want to go walkabout here.
Where To Go:
Located in the southern hemisphere Australia is the world's largest island and the smallest and driest continent and includes Tasmania, and numerous other islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its neighbouring countries are Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia to the northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast.
For around 40,000 years before European settlement in the late 18th century the Australian mainland and Tasmania were inhabited by indigenous Australians. The British claimed the eastern side of Australia in 1770 and New South Wales was later established as a penal colony in 1788. Australia now has six states and two major mainland territories. The states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The two major mainland territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
What To Eat & Drink:
- Tam Tams are the iconic chocolate biscuit of Oz, combining two layers of chocolate malted biscuit, separated by a light chocolate cream filling, and coated in a thin layer of textured chocolate.
- Lamb doesn't get much more succulent than in New South Wales.
- For the carnivores there's kangaroo, emu and shark steaks.
- Vegemite, the unique Australian spread phenomena. Similar to marmite it fosters the same love/hate relationship.
- In the heat of summer there's nothing better than a cold tinny. Fosters is probably the biggest brand of lager.
- Australia oozes good wines. Regions to try include the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley and Coonawarra.
Unmissable Australia:
5 things you really should do in Australia.
1. Have a head for heights
Walk the iconic Sydney harbour bridge and enjoy some airy views of the famous Opera House and cityscape.
www.bridgeclimb.com
2. Heli-swag
Experience the wonders of the outback with just a swag bag and a campfire for company. Helicopter transfers mean you won't be stranded - just long enough to enjoy the southern stars and a few snags.
www.timbesttravel.com
3. Go Cross Country
Travel across Australia from Adelaide to Darwin on the great Ghan railway. Along the way take in some of the country's most iconic sites like Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayres Rock).
www.ghanholidays.com.au
4. Get back to your roots
Visit the oldest rainforest in the world (over 135 million years) and stay at Daintree Eco Lodge in northeast Australia. With the Great Barrier Reef on the doorstep this is only place in the world where two world heritage areas meet.
www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au
5. Join the big fish
Snorkel with sharks at Ningaloo Reef on the tip of the northwest cape. These plankton-feeding whale sharks are the largest living fish species. It's hard not to feel small in comparison.
www.ningalooreef.net
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