Australia Adventure Travel Guide
| Capital | Canberra |
| Population | 22 million |
| Area | 2 941 299sq miles |
| Language | English |
| Distance from London | |
| Climate | 6 zones from Hot Desert in the outback to Tropical in the north and temperate in the south |
| Currency | Australian Dollar AUD |
| Visa | |
| Health/Vaccinations | |
| Governmment | Federal parliamentary democracy. There is aprime minister but the head of State is Queen Elizabeth 2 of the UK |
| Links | Wikipedia Australia World Travel Guide :Australia |
The land down under or Oz is a dream destination for travellers seeking adventure. Sun,sea,sand and a relaxed but vibrant lifestyle are big pulls. For many young people Australia is the land of opportunity and coming of age.
The East coast has Melbourne,Sydney,surfing beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. The Outback has Aboriginal culture,Ayres rock/Uluru and endless red sandy desert. Northern Australia has a tropical rainforests to explore. Further west Perth,Adelaide,Sailing and the vineyards of Margaret river beckon.
Top Adventure Activities
Great Barrier Reef
The Great barrier reef is a wonder of the natural world off the NE coast of Oz.. With 2300km of coral polyps,600 islands and 3400 reefs it has been there for 8000 years. Diving is the the thing to do. There are over 700 dive operators. Spot sharks and minke whales.
Fraser Island Wildlife viewing
The largest sand island in the world with over 350 species of birds. Turquoise fresh water lakes are rimmed with perfect white sand. SPot wallabies,anteaters and dingoes. The sea is too rough to swim in but you can spot whales.
Bay of Fires:Tasmania
Scuba dive,surf and kayak in sheltered coves with white hour glass sand. Try a 4 day guided beach hike from the BAy of fires lodge or surfing in Binaluy Bay.
Surfing Bells Beach Victoria
The home of surfing in Victoria with consistently good waves 1-3m high. Near Torquay -the australian one that is.
Tasmania:Wilderness hike
65km hike taking in Tasmanias highest peak (1617m) . Pack all you need and book the huts ahead as they fill up quick.
New South Wales:Snowy Mountains
Australias Alpine playground for Horseriding,sking,mountain biking
Australian History and Culture
The origins of Australian culture today has its roots in three seperate influences, British (Eoropean),Aboriginal and Asian. The most predominate is the inherited British Culture from the old Empire. 40 000 years before the Europeans arrived Australia was inhabited by 250 indigenous nations.
In 1770 the eastern half of australia was claimed by the British and largley populated with transported convicts from britain. Eventually in 1901 six colonies became the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia still has its head of state as Queen Elizabeth ll, she is the Queen of Australia, and their is a debate as to whether change this and elect a president.
Australians fought in both world wars and ANZAC day 25 April , the day on which they remember their fallen. The day focuses on the battle at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War l where Austalian and New Zealand troops tried to defeat the Turkish army and faied over 8 monhs with heavy losses.
Cricket and Rugby are key parts of Austalian life, and Donald Bradman is a National hero. Australia is famous for its beach culture,sport and outdoor lifestyle. Australia hosted Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 and Melbourne in 1956.
Australians are very positive and determined as the English cricket team have found out on numerous occasions. Australian TV / films and music is popular around he world with Kylie Minoque, Mel Gibson and Nicole Kidman all being Australian.
Of course we must not forget Australias most famous cultural icon the Sydney Opera house.