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Australia Tourism & Travel Guide
Australian Tourism and Travel Information
Australia
Australia is a vast continent that is as varied in nature and culture as its size, the traditional true blue Australian culture can be defined as a dual culture of Australias anceint hunter gatherer custodians "The Aboriginals" who were the first humans to inhabit Australia, followed more recently by modern Australians of Brittish origin dating back to the first fleets 200 years ago, followed by Western Europeans then more recently migrants from muti cultural backgrounds all over the world.. Australia is one of the most multi cultural nations on earth, welcoming all who wish to inegrate into the relaxed Aussie way of life.
The formal system of government in Australia is that of a secular, capitalist democratic Westminster system of government, coupled with law based on Wesern European values, Australin aboriginals also practice their own informal system of law generally known as tribal law and have special privillages as a recognized right.
Modern Australia is an accepting society made up a many minority migrant groups from all over the world, who have successfully assimilated into Australian society through multigenerational habitation, each adding to the flavor of society in thier own way, which can be most obvious in the modern Australian cuisine which is a fusion style of foods from all over the world.
With modern, sophisticated, cosmopolitan, multi cultural cities, there is a wealth of world class entertainment, international fusion cuisine and fine dining experience to be had, where a multitude of international hotel chains and boutique accommodation are conveniently located close to the action, shopping centres and cultural hubs.
World Heritage Attractions and Beach's
Amongst the many natural attractions Australia boasts, are several of the worlds most pristine and world famous beaches. To compliment the Australian beach culture, Australia has some of the highest average sunshine hours per day.
The Western Australian city of Perth is the #1 Capital city in the world for highest average sunshine hours per day 356 days a year, as well as being one of the two most isolated capital cities in the world. But in truth many of Australia's southern cities make for the perfect beach weather during the warm summer months where you can relax, swim, surf, snorkel or enjoy a true Aussie BBQ making use of the many free to use and free fuel council provided outdoor beach or park BBQ's.
Conversely during winter months one could enjoy the Ski resorts in the Southern NSW Mountains and VIC Alps, take a break in the less humid but still hot (during winter) Tropical far North, or enjoy exploring world heritage coral reefs, where one could take a glass bottom boat ride to dive on the Queensland Great Barrier Reef or a short walk from the shore to snorkel Western Australia's pristine Ningaloo Reef during the winter months.
Australia has the most unique of natures gifts in its flora and fauna, you can swim with dolphins or whale sharks, cuddle a cute Koala or just dodge Kangaroos on a road trip, the unique flora and fauna will be sure to help you experience life like no other place on earth.
The Australian Land Mass
Australia is the largest island in the world, the worlds sixth largest country and the smallest continent in the world all at the same time, surrounded by ocean Australia is bordered by the Indian ocean in the West and Pacific Ocean in the East.
Australia's land mass at just over 7.69 million square kilometers is almost twice as big as Europe and almost the same size as the USA, but with less than 10% of the population than that of the USA.
Outback central Australia is an arid desert environment, with many dirt roads, the Red Centrex provides the stereo type expectation of the Australian outback, where many visit the major, "been there done that" natural attraction of "Uluru - Ayers Rock" or "Alice Springs" as well as various other places.
As well as being the smallest continent in the world, Australia is also the flattest and lowest, with the dry lake bed in Lake Eyre in South Australia actually being 15 meters below sea level, the only dryer continent is Antarctica, as such fresh water in Australia is a cherished and valued commodity.
Population
Australia's population of approx. 23.13 million people, mostly gravitate to living in coastal areas and the Major state and territory capital cities of Perth in Western Australia, Darwin in the Northern Territory, Brisbane in Queensland, Sydney in New South Wales, Melbourne in Victoria, Adelaide in South Australia, Hobart in Tasmania and Canberra in the ACT.
Weather
Much of Southern half of Australia Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart enjoys a pleasant sub tropical Mediterranean style climate with 4 definite seasons, the far Northern parts of Australia, Darwin, Broome, Kununurra, Cairnes are more Tropical with two seasons "the Dry" and "the Wet". Areas like Brisbane, The Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Coral Bay Exmouth are not as humid but warmer during the winter months, as they are located in the mid North.
Far Northern Australia has pleasant temperatures with highs in the 30c - 40c range with dry southern summer like weather during the winter months. Though just as hot, weather in the far North turns humid and monsoonal during the Australian summer months, as such the summer months in Northern Australia are known as "the Wet" Season, during this period roads can become impassable, so outback expeditions here are advised in the winter months.
It is advised that one uses 15+ sun lotion on all exposed skin, wears a hat, sunglasses and carries water at all times, the Australian sun can be both pleasant and punishing without taking the correct cautions.
The general rule being winter in the North, or Summer in the South for pleasant warm weather.
Winter in the Southern Victorian Alps or Southern NSW Snowy Mountains for cold winter Ski resort weather.
Winter in most of the lower southern regions of Australia, can still be cloudy with rain, producing a more green and lush European like vegetation, though not icy cold for the most part compared to Northern Europe or Canada.
The choice is yours, from harsh outback desert outback and mining communities to world class wine regions, world class beaches and surfing, world heritage marine parks, unique Australian bush and animals you will be sure to find just the right mix of activities and attractions to peak your interest in Australia.
