Australia

Facts to Know Australia is the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil. Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. The mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth. It lies between 10° and 39° South latitude. Apart from Antarctica, Australia is the driest continent.

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. Its interior has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world and about three-quarters of the land is arid or semi-arid. Sheep and cattle graze in dry country, but care must be taken with the soil. Some grazing land became desert when the long cycles that influence rainfall in Australia turned to drought.

The largest State, Western Australia, is about the same size as Western Europe. The Australian federation consists of six States and two Territories. People born overseas make up almost one quarter of the total population. Since 1945, over six million people from 200 countries have come to Australia as new settlers. Migrants Australia's culturally diverse society includes its Indigenous peoples and settlers from countries all around the world.

More Facts Australia has Rainforests Desert area (outback) Wetlands (Northern Territory, Darwin) Beaches Mountain areas The highest point on the mainland, Mount Kosciuszko, is only 2228 meters. Australia uses the metric system and temperature is quoted in celsius http://www.wbuf.noaa.gov/tempfc.htm (converter)

Aussie Lingo G’Donya Mate (Good on ya mate) Ta (thanks) Thanks, good job Ta (thanks) G’Day Mate , how ‘ya going Hello, how are you We say “How’s it going?” No Worries We say “No Problem” Avago (have a go) We say “Give it a try or shot” Fair Go – is a fair chance Fair Dinkum- I am telling the truth/honest Little Ripper (“rippa”) That’s great!/ Terrific

Where to Go? Take a Walk About!

Visit Sydney Darling Harbour Sydney Bridge & Opera House Bondi Beach Bondi Beach Festival

Visit Melbourne Pronounced Melburn

Visit New South Wales Coffs Harbour Three Sisters, Blue Mts. Gundagai

Visit South Australia Victor Harbour Adelaide

Visit Tasmania Launceston, Basin Gorge Queenstown Port Arthur , Prison Colony

Visit the ACT Australian Capital Territory Parliament House

Visit Queensland Brisbane Surfer’s Paradise Rainforest near Mackay

Let’s Begin Our Australian Adventure