AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA A CONTINENT IN ITS OWN
Australia is one of the top tourist destinations in the world known for its lovely weather and enticing Pacific Rim location providing a jovial charisma. This country cum continent cum island is located on the Southern Hemisphere including the island of Tasmania and several other small islands in Indian and Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most favourable destinations for tourists due to its stunning and diverse scenery from barren deserts to tropical rainforests, rugged mountains and multicultural population. It is technologically an advanced and developed country having good standards of heath care, life expectancy, human development and quality of life. Australian cities are proud to be ranked among the world’s highest in terms of quality of life.
Another reason why Australia is preferred over other destination is because of its contrast season from Europe and North America. Tourists who wish to enjoy the summer in the month of December to February can visit Australia having longer daylight hours and many outdoor activities happening when the rest of the country is shivering with cold. Holiday makers can visit this island anytime during the year as numerous activities and public performances are on show every month round the year. Australia experiences spring from September to November, hot from December to February, autumn from March to May and winters from June to August which is the low season for tourism.
ECONOMY
Australia has one of the strongest economies in the world. It was ranked second in the Unites Nations 2009 Human Development Index and Melbourne is ranked 2nd in 2008 Economist on the World’s Most Liveable Cities list followed by Perth on 4th, Adelaide at 7th and Sydney at 9th. The currency of Australia continent is Australian dollar and its stock exchange is 9th largest in the world. Though Australia is an agricultural based country, service industry including tourism, education, financial services and accounts is the main sector of the economy contributing almost 70% to the GDP. Natural resources and agriculture form a substantial part of Australia’s export to Japan, China, US, South Korea and New Zealand. The per capita GDP of Australia is slightly higher than that of US, UK, France and Germany.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Almost 90% of the population of Australia is of European descent mainly British and Irish due to the pre colonial rule. However, presently Australia has multi cultural population as many settlers migrated here during the World War I and II. The indigenous population of Australia are called Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders and they reside in remote areas experiencing less education and unemployment. A large number of Australians live outside their home country leading to a scarcity of young working population in Australia. There is no state religion in Australia though Christianity is the main religion followed by Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism. Almost 20% of the population has no religion consisting of atheists, antagonistic and rationales. Hence religion does not play a significant role in the lives of a huge population in Australia. English is the main national language spoken by 80% of the population. This Australian English has its own distinctive accent and vocabulary though the grammar and spelling is based on British English.
Australia has a mixed culture largely influenced by the American culture through cinema and television. The culture has also been influenced by the non English immigrants settled here and other neighbouring Asian countries. The literature of Australia is inclined to the scenery and many Australian writers have captured that with their pen. Patrick White was the only Australian ever awarded Nobel Prize in Literature in 1973. Similarly, the country’s landscapes have also inspired the Australian artists like Fred Williams and Sidney Nolan. Opera, ballet and dance along with symphony orchestra are the popular performances of Australia.
CANBERRA
This thrilling capital of Australia is home to the Australians’ origins, sacrifices, treasures and values. Tourists can visit the icons of cultural heritage like the National Museum, War Memorial and Parliament House which are easily accessible and have free entry. The cultural glimpse can also be seen in the National Gallery of Australia and National Library and the National Science and Technology Centre is a must visit for science lovers. Canberra is also known for its colourful festivals like Canberra Balloon Fiesta filling the skies with hot air balloons, Summernats car show in January, and the largest floral festival Floriade or the New Year with lively entertainment, music and fireworks. Nature lovers can visit the Namadgi national park by following the Yerrabi Walking Track and see amazing kangaroos, wallabies and other wildlife. Sport lovers can visit the Australian Institute of Sport and dare trying paragliding, sky diving, bushwalking, canoeing and mountain biking in Canberra Nature Park.
SYDNEY
Sydney is the ultimate city for outdoor living providing surf, sand and sun all together at one place. It is Australia’s oldest and largest city and a main hub for business and the arts. Sydney Opera House is an icon for the country situated at one of the most beautiful harbour in the world. Some tourists can explore the historic Rocks and elegant cottages, art galleries and hotels with harbour view. Travellers can also interact with the Aborigines here and know about their rich heritage as most of them reside in Sydney. Visitors also love to visit the scenic Manly by taking a ferry or by sailing round the beautiful harbour. There is also a relaxing, tranquil walk from Bondi to Coogee.
ATTRACTIONS
• Kakadu National Park: This is Australia’s largest national park and is listed as the World Heritage. Tourists can find a variety of habitats and wildlife here along with saltwater crocodiles.
• Great Barrier Reef: Another World Heritage listed masterpiece which is so massive that it can even be seen from the outer space. The ideal place for water lovers, they can swim, snorkel, sail or can take the spectacular view from the special helicopter flight.
• Kangaroo Island: is the best place to be close to unique wildlife like koalas, seals, platypus and the fascinating kangaroos. There is even an old lighthouse nearby which is the first lighthouse on the country.
• Melbourne: A vibrant cosmopolitan city known for its myriad museums and gardens. It is a favorite among shoppers for the lively markets including Rose Street Artist’s Market, Chapel Street, Bridge Road and many more. Other interesting places to visit are the Royal Botanic Gardens, Princess Theatre and the National Gallery of Victoria.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Like culture, Australian food is highly influenced by the traditional British food which was brought to the country by the British in the pre colonial rule. Currently, the Australian cuisine is also based on the Mediterranean and Asian food introduced by migrants living in Australia. Sea food is very popular here including ‘Sydney rock oysters’ which is their national speciality. Tourists can also try Barramundi (fresh water fish) and the kangaroo which is unique to this country. Australia is also famous for its wine and beers like Coopers, Little Creatures and Matilda Bay.
There is a wide range of accommodation available suiting the budgets of all kinds of tourists. Hotels and motels graded from one to five stars provide luxurious staying facilities with fridge, telephones and coffee making kettles. Bed and Breakfast and self catering accommodation is also available having beautiful traditional cottages in all their faded Victorian glory for tourists wanting to spend time with the locals here. Youth hostels and campus accommodation in University colleges is suitable for single travellers who do not want to spend much on staying and are out for the entire day. There is farm stay and country pub accommodation on the farmsteads for tourists who want to explore the culture and life on the island. Finally camping is another option for travellers who want to enjoy the wilder areas. There are designated campsites, caravan parks and national parks available with an experienced tourist guide.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
It is always a long haul flight to reach this distant island from Asia, Europe and North America. There are many international airports though Sydney and Melbourne are the busiest one catering flights from all round the globe. Qantas is the national carrier and is renowned to be the world’s safest airline flying across to Europe, Asia and North America. Tourists travelling from Asia usually take a halt in Hong Kong, Bangkok or Singapore where the best airfare deals can also be bought. The flights are very expensive during the summer that is, December to February though the low season fares are available in winters which are actually the peak tourist season in North and Central Australia. Transport by sea is also possible though only cargo ships operate and it takes several months to reach the island. Thus airways are the best and only way to reach this island from abroad. To travel within the country, there is an extensive network of buses and trams which is a safe and cheap way of transportation. Taxis are also available and cars and bicycles can also be hired to explore the country on your own.
Communication system is highly developed having internet facility throughout the continent. There is an excellent coverage of mobile telephones though US handsets are not very compatible. Pay phones can also be used to make national and international calls by simply purchasing the calling card easily available. TV, press and media are both private and public owned giving a diverse choice to the viewers.
Australia is the best destination for anyone who loves open skies, stunning landscapes, fine wining and dining and friendly locals. It is a must visit to experience the land of kangaroos, cosmopolitan culture and something different within each state.
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