Australia, first known as New Holland. Many famous explorers
like Willem Jansz and Abel Tasman first sighted this land back in 1600's and many more
followed. One of the most famous was Captain James Cook who
in 1770 landed at Botany Bay and called the Eastern side of this great land New South
Wales. Later on in the year 1814 Matthew Flinders, a British Naval
Officer sailed the entire coast of New Holland and suggested the we
be called Australia. After much toil and hard work settling and learning about this
country it wasn't long before towns began popping
up all over Australia eg, Adelaide (South Australia) :-1836, Brisbane
(Queensland) :-1825, Port Darwin (Northern Territory)
:-1839, Hobart (Tasmania) :- 1804, Melbourne (Victoria)
:-1835, Perth (Western Australia) :-1829, Sydney (New
South Wales) :-1788. In the year 1900 Australia announced intention
to become independent from Great Britain and on the 1st of January,
1901 on the first day of the new century the "Commonwealth
of Australia" (Federation) was first proclaimed.
We all know that
Australia has kangaroos but did you know that we have sixty different
varieties of them, ranging from the tiny rock wallaby to the seven
foot big red outback roo. We dont all have pet kangaroos but you dont
have to drive to far from any major city to see them grazing in the
pad-docks. :)
Australia is known for its hot outback climate and tropical warm beaches but did you know that Australia is considered to be one of the most fire prone countries in the world. Our (ecualypts) trees are extremely flammable and Australia has heaps of them.
Take a look at the "Bushfire" page at this site to see a different side of this threat.
We have some of the worlds best beaches and swimming holes, but did you know that you don't have to travel any further than one thousand kilometers from any part of Australia to have a swim.
Please remember, when swimming at the beach, Always swim between the red and yellow flags and our teams of highly trained Life Savers will look after you :)
Australia is the worlds largest inhabited island but the smallest continent? Work that out. So I guess you could say that we are marooned on our own little continent. :)
Koala's are considered to be cute and cuddly and they are when they're in captivity but they have claws and in the wild, they are extremely vicious so be cautious when you see one.
Did you know that Lake Eyre (South Australia) is sixteen meters below sea level the lowest point in Australia.
The largest bird in Australia is the emu,standing about five foot tall but it doesn't fly and boy can they run, so don't try to steal one of their eggs, which can weigh up to one kilogram.
There is a bird in Australia that will laugh at you. No I am Serious, the Kookaburra is very common in Australia and when you hear it marking its territory you would swear that it is laughing at you.
Australia States and Territories:- Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
Tasmania is the smallest state of Australia and home of this friendly little devil, 'The Tasmanian Devil. They eat meat and fingers. :)
(Thanks to 'Talune Wildlife Park' for the photos on this page)
Australia, the ideal holiday spot. Caters for everyone. Weather you want to snow ski, dive with the marine life at the Great Barrier Reef, Ride a bull at the rodeo, or just relax at a nice country town. Its all here and its waiting, Just for you :)
