SOME INFORMATION ON AUSTRALIA

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere. Commonly known as the "Land Down Under", Australia is the worlds smallest, flattest, and driest inhabited continent. There are approximately 18.6 million Australians of which 85% lives in the City and sub-urbs and the rest scattered through out the outback and the arid interior of Australia.

There are 6 states and 2 territories in Australia:

• Queensland
• New South Wales
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory

The capital of Australia is Canberra.

THE CLIMATE

Australia's seasons as opposite to the Northern Hemisphere and it's overall temperate climate makes it an ideal place to visit at any time of the year. Broadly there are two climate zones namely the tropical zone in the Northern Region (which covers 40% of Australia) and the temperate zone in the remaining Southern Region. However, because of the size of Australia, there are variations to these zones. There are temperate regions experiencing four seasons. Generally, Spring is in September-November, Summer in December - February, Autumn in March-May and Winter is in June-August.

THINGS TO DO

This vast island continent has much to offer, from lush tropical rain forests to miles and miles of sandy white beaches, from alpine sky slopes to searing parched deserts, from the quiet outback to the dazzling and lively cities. Australia promises contrasts.

A visitor to this continent could:

• Enjoy Aussie hospitality via farmsteads which are both educational, enjoyable and fun.
• Hire a yacht and explore hundreds of islands
• Take an Eco-tour to appreciate Australia's raw beauty and nature.
• Go off the beaten tracks by visiting Australia via motor homes or camper vans.
• Visit one of it's many theme parks such as Movie World, Wet & Wild, Dreamland and Seaworld, in Gold Coast, or Sydney's Wonderland, Toronga Zoo and Sydney Aquarium in New South Wales.
• Explore some of Australia's rugged terrain via four wheel drive, camel trek, bush walking or tramping
• Try out some of Australia's dangerous past times like White Water Rafting, Bungee, Paragliding, Hot Air Ballooning, Diving or Snorkeling.
• Rest, Relax and Soak up the sun at one of Australia's many mile long beaches or go parasailing, windsurfing, bodysurfing or water skiing.
• Or simply enjoy dining in one of it's many restaurants, cafes and bistros. Indulge in the many variety of cuisine available in Australia which is heavily influenced by the many cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Choose from Chinese to Japanese to Greek, Lebanese, African or Middle Eastern, Australia promises a wide variety. Don't forget, Australia's seafood and kangaroo, emu or crocodile meat.
• Try out Australia's premier wines and beer. Explore the famous wineries and discover how these wines are produced
• Try your luck in one of it's many top class casinos.
• Experience the vitality of Australia's nightlife. From opera, ballet, symphony orchestra and Broadway productions to street parties and dance parties at any night clubs.
• Or simply shop till you drop in open air street markets, departments stores, designer boutiques, historical shopping arcades and shopping malls. Everything from opals and cuddly toys to aboriginal arts can be purchased.
• There are so many places to stay in. In Australia, there are a wide selection of hotels to cater for different budgets. For something different, try the farmstead, Australia's Stately Homes, traditional aussie accommodations located in old country pubs, holiday resorts, fully equipped campervans and house boats or even an underground hotel "Dugouts" in Coober Pedy.

ABOUT THE TRIP

THE DAY I RUBBED SHOULDERS WITH THREE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

I've been to Australia twice in my lifetime. It's huge and has much to offer. I am particularly interested in the outdoors and it's many nature parks. Australia promises that and much more.

So far, I have been to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne. I enjoyed my stay in these places very much and hope to be able to visit Northern and Western Australia soon. In the meantime, enjoy my journals and happy exploring.

Alan Soon 

This web-site was last updated by Alan Soon on 20 Jan 2008

You are visitor number since 31 May 1999

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