Australia

Description of Australia

Australia comprises the continent of Australia, Tasmania, and several smaller islands. It is the sixth-biggest country in the world. Some of the neighboring countries include Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Indonesia. The Solomon Islands are to the north-east and New Zealand is to the south-east. 

There was British settlement in the late 1700s, but it was inhabited by indigenous people for 40,000 years before that. Those indigenous peoples spoke languages that could be grouped into about 250 language groups. The Dutch discovered the continent in 1606. The eastern half of Australia was claimed by the United Kingdom in 1770 and it was first settled as a penal colony of New South Wales beginning in 1788. The population grew a lot in the next several decades. The whole continent was explored and five other Crown Colonies were set up. 

In 1901, the six colonies were federated, which created the Commonwealth of Australia. From the time of Federation, Australia has had a stable democratic government that acted as a federal democracy and constitutional monarchy. The federation is constituted of six states and many territories. The population is a little over 23 million, and it is very urbanized and highly concentrated in the east. 

Australia is one of the richest countries on the globe, with the 12th-biggest economy in the world. The Australian military is the 13th-biggest. Australia has the 2nd-highest human development index in the world, and it ranks very well on measurements of quality of life, education, health, economic freedom, and the protection of political rights.

Culture Of Australia 

The culture of Australia is basically a Western culture that has been influenced by the distinct geography of the continent of Australia, the diversity of native and aboriginal people, the British colonization, and the different waves of migration that succeeded the initial discovery by the Dutch and colonization by the British. There is a lot of evidence of an Anglo-Celtic heritage, such as the popularity of rugby and cricket, Christianity as the primary religion, and Parliamentarianism. Australian culture has changed significantly since the British first settled it.

Cuisine 

Modern Australian cuisine merges British and indigenous traditions with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Most Australians live near the sea, and seafood restaurants in Australia are rated as some of the best in the world. 

There are a wide variety of animal and plant foods native to Australia that are not present anywhere else in the developed world. Many of the animals and plants are retrieved by indigenous people, and they are helping to fuel an interest in indigenous foods in Australian restaurants. The macadamia nut is very popular in Australia. 

Australia has a massive 11 million sq. km. fishing zone that is the third biggest in the world and it allows for easy access to seafood like abalone, salmon, tuna, prawns, lobster, oysters, mussels, barramundi, and freshwater finifish. There are more than 60 species fit for consumption that are produced from aquaculture alone. Aquaculture and fishing comprise Australia’s fifth most valuable agricultural industry after dairy, wheat, beef, and wool.

Tourist Attractions 

Australia has a lot to offer - from fun adventure activities to art museums to indigenous culture. Let’s look at some of the top tourist attractions in Australia. 

The Great Barrier Reef 

The Great Barrier Reef offers more than 1,240 miles of pristine coral gardens and varied aquatic life. Snorkellers, divers, and explorers that want to see the treasures underwater will be liberally rewarded with a visual feast. The number of aquatic species is amazing, and there are sea creatures here that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. 

Sydney Harbour 

The Opera House is one of the top must-see attractions in Australia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all. You should also snap some pictures of the Sydney Harbour Bridge when you’re there. You’ll have an opportunity to see on the world’s great bridges and get stunning views. 

Uluru 

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is centered right in the parched red center of Australia. It is a sacred place for Aboriginal people, and it is worth traveling so far to see. 

Canberra 

The capital of Australia is an incredibly pleasant place to visit. The city is a cultural, research, and educational center, but its real focus all of the political activity going on there. You can see the Australian government working at Parliament House, read up on military history at the Australian War Memorial Museum, and see Australia art at the National Gallery of Australia. If you want to learn about the history of Australia, visit the National Museum of Australia. Canberra is an excellent city for learning about the history, politics, and art of Australia. 

Port Arthur 

The penal settlement at Tasmania offers a big history lesson in the colonial history of Australia. Australia was originally settled as a penal colony. 

Wineries And Vineyards 

The Margaret River, Hunter, and Barossa regions are some of the best areas to find high-end, beautiful wineries. 

Kakadu National Park 

Kakadu National park is one of the several national parks in Australia, and this national park shouldn’t be missed. Its mixture of flora and fauna, and its influences from Aboriginal culture, are certainly worth seeing.

Some facts about Australia

Gallery of Australia

Australia video guide

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Top cities of Australia