Australia
Why go?
Australia is a vast land of immense natural beauty, climatic
extremes, unique flora and fauna, cosmopolitan cities, coral reefs,
arid desert-scapes, ancient rocks, tropical and temperate forests,
and some of the most stunning and least spoiled coastline to be
found anywhere. Its natural splendour is complemented by friendly
laid back people, excellent cuisine, and a very civilized approach
to having fun.
It is surprising perhaps, given all this fantastic topography, that
over 85% live the Australian Dream near the coast - this is the
most suburban country on earth. Although agriculture and mining are
still important, tourism, leisure and construction are also big
business. The influx of immigrants since the 2nd World War, firstly
from the Mediterranean countries and more recently from Asia (23%
of Australians are foreign born), has resulted in a very
multi-cultural population. The colonial legacy, while still
evident, has been outstripped culturally and socially as the
country grows in self-identity. The national obsession with sport
is well known, as is the relaxed lifestyle and good humour. Now a
player on the global stage in terms of the arts, performance,
entrepeneurial activity as well as sport, this is a confident and
exuberant society. Not for nothing is Australia known as the Lucky
Country.
Any Downsides?
The distances are enormous, so don't try and do all the country in
one trip, and you may have to be selective within each region.
Public transport is not great outside the cities, and driving for
hours to get to remote destinations is not much fun (though you can
use light aircraft).
With Christmas and New Year falling in the middle of summer
holidays, this is an expensive time to visit, with availability at
a premium. The heat and humidity can be fierce; carry water with
you at all times. If you are spooked by sharks, crocodiles, snakes,
poisonous jellyfish, spiders and other beasties, you might want to
avoid the remoter areas (though actually they are rarer than is
often made out). Finally, the Great Australian Salute (waving your
hand in front of your face because of the flies and mosquitoes) is
well-named - extra-strength repellent is often required.
What's where?
- New South Wales: The most populated and diverse state in Oz – with her largest city, rural wineries, unspoiled coasts, everlasting outback and tropical forests Read More >>
- Queensland: Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world, the lush Daintree Rainforest and the amazing Great Barrier Reef...the Sunshine state has it all Read More >>
- South Australia: A less brash, quieter destination than other states, but there's plenty here - including wildlife rich Kangaroo Island & a charming capital to explore Read More >>
- Victoria: Melbourne, Oz's cultural capital, boasts restaurants & sports galore; outside, there's gorgeous coastline, wineries, rugged mountains & gum forests Read More >>
- Western Australia: Covering a third of the country - from Kimberley in the North to the Southern Ocean, with lush spring carpets of flowers and empty beaches in-between Read More >>
Current Weather – Time
Sydney:
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