Australia is a vast and diverse country. Each of the six states (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia) and two territories (Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory) is accessible by an international airport (the major airports include: Sydney International Airport, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane International Airport, Cairns International Airport, Canberra International Airport, Darwin International Airport, Townsville International Airport, Perth International Airport and Hobart International Airport) and each has something different to attract the traveler. Superb beaches adorn the coastline and offer world-class surfing. From mountainous rainforests and the underwater fantasy of the Great Barrier Reef to the mystical tranquility of the Aboriginal outback and the unique character of sophisticated cities, Australia is a land of contrasts. Months of travel would be required to fully explore and appreciate all the magnificent scenery and natural wonders of the continent.
Numerous international airlines service Australia. Among the most popular airlines offering regular service to Australia are: Qantas, American, United, Air New Zealand, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, China, and Hawaiian. Domestically air travel is preferable for long distances. Bus and train services connect major cities and car rentals are readily available. Traffic operates on the left. Roads are generally paved and well maintained, except in remote areas, where dirt tracks can become impassable during the wet season.
Australia has been home for 40,000 years to the Aborigines, among the earliest people to record their life by pictograph and petroglyph. England claimed the land in 1770. British convicts were banished to the new colony in 1778, where they eventually prospered. In 1901, the Australian states united to form a commonwealth. The first federal government declared Canberra the capital in 1927. Since 1945, an influx of people from around the world has created a multi-cultural population. Australia is one of the world's most urbanized societies. Less than 15 percent of the population lives in rural areas. Australia’s major cities in order of population are: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, New Castle, Gold Coast-Tweed, Canberra, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast, Greater Hobart, Geelong, Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba and Darwin.
Australian weather is as diverse as the country. Most of the country lies in a temperate climate zone, with seasons reversed from those in the Northern Hemisphere. The outback (in the center of the country) is dry and desert-like. Australia's winter, June-August, is mild, although snow falls on the mountains of New South Wales and Victoria. Ski season runs from late June to September. The north is tropical and always hot with a wet season (November-April) and dry season (May-October).
Tourists and vacationers to Australia have a virtually limitless number of options. From enjoying the beautiful beaches, surfing, sailing, diving the Great Barrier Reef and water sports along the Australian coast, to touring the famous city sights such as the Sydney Opera House or the Australia Zoo—made famous by the Crocodile Hunter.
And for those who want more animals, the Australian Bush and Outback offer wildlife plus spectacular scenery such as Ayers Rock, the remote opal mining towns and visits to sheep and cattle stations.
Australia has a wide variety of hotel accommodations and dining options. The unique fusion of cultures means world-class food is available everywhere. Australian wine has gained a wide international following and Australian beer remains the national drink of choice.
Australia is highly developed. Telecommunication and postal systems are modern and reliable. There are over 104 television stations and the country has over 14 million regular internet users (Google Australia, Yahoo Australia and MSN are available for searches) English is the official language and spoken everywhere.
Australia is a friendly, casual and safe place to visit. Criminal activity and political unrest are rare. Travelers should be alert to petty crime, especially in cities.
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