Why was Australia called Australia? Australia (geographical map) Where did the name Australia come from?
Ancient geographers had long assumed the presence of a large area of land somewhere in the southern seas. Legends and fantastic stories were written about the unknown land, but the poor development of navigation and shipbuilding prevented the provision of real evidence of its existence.
The documented history of Australia, if we include the period of projections of its existence, uses the following names for the mainland:
- Unknown southern land
- New Holland
- Australian soil
- Australia
Terra Australis Incognita, this is what the ancient Roman scientists called the proposed landmass. Unknown southern land. The word Australis comes from the Latin “austrālis” - southern.
Australia has many names
There are poorly preserved and not scientifically confirmed maps of Dieppe, a navigator from Portugal who made long sea voyages in the early 16th century. In his documents, the disputed geographical features are referred to by the French name Jave La Grande.
The Spanish navigator Quiros in the same 1606, mistakenly believing that he had discovered the Unknown Southern Land, gave it the name Southern Land of the Holy Spirit. In fact, these were the islands of the New Hebrides archipelago.
After James Cook's circumnavigation of the world in 1770 and his mapping of the east coast, the name Terra Australis began to appear in official documents. The adjective "Australian" in relation to the word continent (or land) was used in scientific, research documents and government correspondence.
Final choice
The first documented use of the word "Australia" occurs in 1814 in the book of the traveler M. Flinders about the exploration of the mainland. A little later, L. Macquarie, who in those years held the post of governor of the British colony, secured and recommended the use of this name for the new land. Since 1824, after a government decree by Britain, Australia has officially bore its name.
And the term Terra Australis Incognita continued to be used now to indicate a hypothetical continent at the South Pole, the existence of which was assumed by ancient scientists. Before the discovery of Antarctica.
Information about the country Australia
The area of the continent of the same name, on which Australia is located, is 7.7 million sq. km. The capital of the country is the city of Canberra with a population of 310 thousand people. Local time is 7 hours ahead of Moscow.
Geography of Australia
The Australian mainland, located on the Indo-Australian Plateau, is washed by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Australia is the smallest continent, sometimes also called the largest island. However, in terms of the size of its territory, the country of Australia ranks 6th in the world. In addition to the mainland, the state also includes nearby islands: Tasmania, Cocos Islands, Christmas Island and others.
The country's topography is mainly represented by deserts and lowlands. Mountains can only be seen in the east of the mainland, this is the Great Dividing Range. The highest point of the continent is Mount Kosciuszko, 2,228 m high. The largest coral reef on the planet, the Great Barrier, is located off the eastern coast of Australia.
Government of Australia
Australia is a country with a constitutional parliamentary monarchy. The state is governed on behalf of the Queen of Great Britain by the Governor General.
The legislative branch is represented by a bicameral parliament, which includes the Queen in the person of the Governor-General. The government is formed from the lower house of parliament and is headed by the prime minister.
Australia weather
Australia's climate is very diverse. In the north, the subequatorial climate predominates, in the central and western parts - tropical desert and continental, and the south and east are characterized by a Mediterranean climate. Precipitation falls mainly in winter. In the northern part of the continent, the average annual temperature is + 20-24 °C, in the southern part - January - 23-27 °C, June - 12-14 °C. The best time to travel to Australia is from May to August.
Language of Australia
The official language of Australia is English, but along with it, 40 other languages are recognized and used in the country, including Italian, Chinese, German, Greek and numerous local dialects.
Religion of Australia
The country has no official religion; imposing any religious views on citizens is prohibited by its constitution. However, more than 73% of the population consider themselves Christians, including 26% Catholics and 24% Anglicans.
Australian currency
The Australian dollar - code AUD, $ sign - is the 6th most used currency in the world. There are 100 cents in 1 dollar.
Currency exchange offices can be found in restaurants and hotels, but banks offer the most favorable exchange rates. You can pay for purchases and services with almost any international cards. To cash traveler's checks, you will have to pay a large fee.
The Australian dollar is issued in the form of plastic banknotes and coins, there are coins of 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1, 2 dollars. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.
Customs restrictions
- You are allowed to import duty-free into the country (persons over 16 years old):
- up to 1 liter of alcohol
- up to 250 grams of tobacco products.
- The following goods are subject to mandatory declaration:
- animals, plants and products made from them. Australia has strict regulations for the importation of protected animals and plants.
- weapon
- medications containing narcotic substances and steroids.
It is prohibited to import food products.
There are no strict restrictions on the import and export of currency. An imported amount of money exceeding 5,000 Australian dollars must be declared. When leaving the country, you must pay a tax equal to 27 AUD (for persons over 12 years old).
Tips
Traditionally in Australia it is customary to leave a tip for services provided. So in cafes and restaurants they “leave a tip” of 10% of the bill, hotel porters are given a dollar, and taxi drivers are given small change.
Office hours
On weekdays, stores open at 9 a.m. and are open until 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays until 12:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Banks are open on weekdays from 09:30 to 16:00, on Saturdays until 12:00.
National characteristics of Australia
Traditions
When going to Australia, you need to know that the country has restrictions on the sale of alcohol and smoking. So alcohol can be purchased 6 days a week (Monday - Saturday), from 5 pm to 12 midnight. Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited; many establishments have smoking restrictions.
Australia as a country is simply doomed to glory, because its residents were selected by the best English judges
Australia (from lat. Terra Australis- “southern land”) is the sixth largest state in the world in terms of area and the only state on Earth that occupies an entire continent.
Geographical location of Australia
Australia (Commonwealth of Australia, Commonwealth of Australia) occupies the continent Australia, island Tasmania and a number of other islands Indian, Quiet And Southern oceans. To the north of Australia are located East Timor, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, to the northeast - Vanuatu, New Caledonia And Solomon islands, to the southeast - New Zealand. The Australian mainland is divided by Indian And Pacific Ocean. Often, on geographical and geopolitical grounds, Australia is included in the region Australia and Oceania.
Square Australia- 7617930 km 2. The length from west to east is about 4000 km, from north to south - 3128 km. The length of the coastline is 34218 km.
In relief Australia Three main regions can be distinguished: Western plateau with a relatively flat surface, Eastern Mountains with significant differences in elevation and Central lowland between them.
TO Australia applies Great Barrier Reef- the world's largest coral reef, stretching from north to south along the east coast Australia.
Climate of Australia
40% of the territory Australia is located in the tropics. Due to the large extent of the continent and the diversity of operating factors, in different regions Australia The climate is different: in the north the climate is subequatorial, monsoonal, hot, in the central part it is tropical desert, in the southwest it is subtropical with a predominance of winter precipitation. On the east coast it is tropical, maritime, hot with a summer maximum of precipitation.
Climatic zones: - equatorial - tropical - subtropical - desert - semi-desert - temperate
Australia- the driest continent on Earth, the entire central part of the continent is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts, and the main settlements are located on the coast, in a temperate climate zone.
Don't forget that Australia located in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are opposite to European ones: spring from September to November, summer from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August.
Features of Australia
Flora and fauna of Australia
Due to the continent's considerable age, wide variety of weather conditions and long-term geographic isolation, nature Australia rich and unique. Approximately 85% of plants, 84% of mammals, 45% of birds, 89% of coastal fish are endemic, that is, they are not found anywhere else in the world. The most famous plants are eucalyptus adapted to hot, dry conditions. Of the animals - marsupials ( kangaroo, koala, wombat) and oviparous mammals ( platypus And echidna).
Of the dangerous animals, poisonous snakes should be noted, they are Australia 65 species. Some types of jellyfish that occasionally appear in coastal waters are deadly. Do not ignore swimming bans: if a ban is announced, there is a reason for it!
Population of Australia
Indigenous people Australia - Australian aborigines today they make up just over 2% of the population Commonwealth of Australia. Australia used by the British Empire as a place of exile for criminals. Check-in Australia immigrants from Britain began in 1788, when the first batch of exiles was landed on the east coast. Later, a wave of European immigration rose after the discovery of Australia gold. From 1851 to 1861, that is, in just a decade, the population tripled (!). In the 2nd half of the 19th century. V Australia many Germans moved in. Mass immigration continued during World War II. In 1900, the Australian colonies united into a federation. The consolidation of the Australian nation accelerated in the first decades of the 20th century, when Australia's national economy finally strengthened.
Residents Australia friendly, but for them there are no authorities, and they are sharp with their words. On the one hand, the country retains the influence of English culture, sometimes manifested in restraint, primness, and puritanism; on the other hand, similarities are noted Australia With California, which is manifested in love of life, freedom of morals, and the habit of spending most of the time outdoors. Australians are friendly to foreigners. The country is home to about a quarter of a million people from the former USSR.
Australians are extremely laconic, they find brevity a wonderful quality. Business proposals should be presented simply and concisely, without going into details. When describing a product, you must honestly indicate its pros and cons. The offer price should not be inflated.
The tradition of most Australians is a relaxed style of clothing. But for business meetings, visits to concert halls and the best restaurants, of course, you need an appropriate suit.
Languages in Australia
Official language Australia- English, in which a special Australian dialect was formed - strine (strine)
The capital of Australia
Capital Australia- city Canberra, which emerged as a result of long debates. The largest and most important cities claimed the role of capital Australia - Sydney And Melbourne, but in order not to offend the inhabitants of one of these cities, a Solomonic decision was made: a completely new city was built between them.
Australian currency
National currency Australia - Australian dollar. One dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 dollars and coins in 2, 1 dollar and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents. The import of national and foreign currency is not limited. The export of national and foreign currency is allowed - no more than $5,000.
Currency exchange is more profitable in banks than in hotels and restaurants. Banks are open from 9:30 to 16:00 on weekdays, on Friday - until 17:00.
Australian Customs Regulations
Food cannot be brought into the country. It is prohibited to import drugs, steroids, bladed weapons and firearms, protected plants, animals and products from them into the country. Any animals, food, plants and products made from them must be declared and subject to quarantine control. Restrictions on import/export to/from Australia There are no currencies of any kind in any amounts. When importing cash in excess of the equivalent of 5,000 Australian dollars, they must be indicated in the declaration. This rule does not apply to travel checks and credit cards.
Travelers over 16 years of age can import duty-free alcoholic beverages - up to 1 liter, tobacco products - 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of cigars and other tobacco products. Australia has the most vigilant quarantine service. Upon arrival at the airport, you and your luggage can be sprayed with a WHO-approved disinfectant. The fine for knowingly transporting prohibited products ranges from $32 to $5,794, or up to 5 years in prison. When leaving the country, each passenger over 12 years old pays a tax of 27 Australian dollars.
Time in Australia
Australia cover 3 time zones. In the eastern part ( Sydney, Canberra) time is 7 hours ahead of Moscow.
Transport in Australia
The country drives on the left. For foreign drivers (at least 21 years old) in Australia You must have an international driving permit (in English) and a national driving license with a certified translation into English, valid for the period of your stay in Australia for at least 3 subsequent years. Foreigners driving, in addition to a driver's license, are required to have a passport with a valid visa. Anyone over 21 years old (sometimes 25 years old) can rent a car. The minimum driving experience is 2 years.
Australia flag.
Australia (Union of Australia, Commonwealth of Australia) is a state in the Southern Hemisphere, on the mainland of Australia, the island of Tasmania and adjacent islands. Australia owns the islands in the Indian Ocean - Ashmore and Cartier, Coconut (Keeling) and Christmas (Christmas), in the Pacific Ocean - Norfolk Island. Area 7.7 million sq. km, population 20.4 million people (2007). The capital is Canberra, the largest cities are Sydney and Melbourne.
In addition to whites and Asians, the country is home to 230 thousand indigenous people, descendants of the oldest wave of immigrants to this region. They speak hundreds of different tribal languages. Indigenous Australians have gained civil rights and land rights only since the late 1960s, most of them live in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, where there are large reserves and national parks.
Australia is one of the most urbanized countries, with more than 80% of the population living in cities. The southeastern and southwestern parts of the country, which were previously colonized, have a temperate and subtropical climate. This is a country with a high standard of living, but some of the aborigines maintain a traditional way of life. The currency is the Australian dollar.
State structureThe Commonwealth of Australia consists of six states, former British colonies, enjoying significant autonomy: New South Wales (state capital - Sydney), Queensland (Brisbane), Victoria (Melbourne), South Australia (Adelaide), Western Australia (Perth), Tasmania (Hobart) ), - as well as two territories: the most sparsely populated Northern Territory (Darwin) and the Capital Territory, where the country's capital, Canberra, is located. In addition, Australia owns six "outer island territories"; Of these, only three are inhabited: Christmas Island and two Cocos Islands. Australia is a constitutional monarchy.
Skyscrapers of Sydney.
The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, represented by the Governor General. The legislative body is a bicameral parliament. As a former colony, Australia is part of the British Commonwealth. The main language in the country is English, the dominant religion is Christianity. Australia is a country of immigrants. After the Second World War, the proportion of those who came from outside the British Isles became noticeable among them, as a result of which the “White Australia” policy had to be abandoned. Among the Australians, at least a quarter of those who came here over the past half century include many Italians, Greeks, Syrians, Poles, and immigrants from Yugoslavia. There is a Russian community (there are many Harbin residents who moved from China) and a Ukrainian community (of post-war origin). Over the past twenty years, many Vietnamese, clustered in big cities, Indians, Indonesians and immigrants from New Guinea (the tropical north of the country) have settled in Australia. The government has adopted special programs for the adaptation of Asians into Australian society.
Australia. Settlement of colonists.
Immigration into the country is limited on the basis of property and qualifications. However, those who come to the country to relax and get acquainted with its sights are always welcome guests.
GeographyThe Commonwealth of Australia is the only country in the world located on an entire continent (albeit the smallest). Its least populated area is 7.6 million sq. km. The continent is entirely located in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Australia. Great Dividing Range.
Areas of fertile land lie in the east and southwest of the country, its entire center and west are occupied by deserts and semi-deserts, and in the north are the savannahs and tropical rainforests of the Arnhem Land Peninsula. The country is low-water - the largest rivers, the Murray and Darling, flow from the Australian Alps, the most elevated part of the Great Divided Range, which stretches in the east of the continent. Mount Kosciuszko (2230 m) rises here - the highest point of the mainland. The lowest-lying, bitter-salty Lake Eyre, “the dead heart of Australia,” is located in the Central Lowlands. There are low ancient block mountains in Western Australia and Arnhem Land.
The proximity of Asian countries, and especially Japan, has determined the modern orientation of the country, rich in mineral resources, to supply the industry of this region. For seaside holidays, the eastern coast, covered by the Great Barrier Reef, is most favorable.
ClimateAustralia's climate is determined by its geographical location in the Southern Hemisphere; the seasons here are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. The hot season is in November-January, the relatively cold season is in June-August. Due to its location predominantly in the tropics, the continent receives a huge amount of solar heat. The change of seasons is quite clearly manifested only in the far north and far south, and is expressed primarily in seasonal precipitation. “Wet season” and “dry season” are concepts that are far from conventional. The northern, eastern and southern outskirts of the continent (a tenth of its area) receive more than 1000 mm of precipitation per year, but in the interior (half of the territory), precipitation does not exceed 250 mm per year. In the north, rain falls mainly in summer, in the southern part - in autumn and winter, and only on the most developed east coast - all year round. However, even there the relatively dry period lasts three to five months. Average summer temperatures range from 20-28 °C, winter temperatures - 12-24 °C, the greatest frosts on the plains are from -4 to -6 °C, and only in the Australian Alps it can reach -22 °C.
Semi-desert in Central Australia.
Australian mangroves.
In northern Australia there are stifling hot summers and irregular rainfall - such a climate is unfavorable for human life and agriculture. Tropical cyclones hit these shores once or twice a year, usually in November–April. The vast territory west of the Great Dividing Range has a hot and dry climate with sharp daily temperature changes. In the subtropics of the southwest, the climate is reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The southeast, blown by the moist winds of the Pacific Ocean, is well and evenly moistened all year round, and is home to the granaries and orchards of Australia. The mildest and wettest climate - with warm, windy winters and cool summers (although summers are rainless in the west) - is on the island of Tasmania, located mainly in the temperate zone. On the tropical coast of Queensland, in the east, summer, on the contrary, is rainy.
Natural attractionsOne of the country's attractions is the eucalyptus tree - its varieties can be seen everywhere, it is even on the coat of arms of Australia. Representatives of the Australian living world are equally unique: kangaroos, platypus, echidna, koala, and therefore many places of interest are national parks, where combinations of different types of flora and fauna are preserved.
Australia. Blue Mountains National Park.
In New South Wales, the oldest of the states, you can admire the ridges, plateaus and forested valleys of the Blue Mountains (114 km west of Sydney), visit Mount Kosciuszko (487 km southwest of Sydney), and then the evergreen forests of New England (576 km northwest of Sydney). It will be an interesting trip into the desert, to the Aboriginal-decorated cliffs of Motwingi (130 km northeast of the mining town of Broken Hioo).
In South Australia, you can visit the eucalyptus groves of Kangaroo Island or admire the domes of the ancient Flinders Mountains (450 km north of Adelaide). Off the coast of Queensland is Australia's largest attraction - the coral world of the Great Barrier Reef (length - 1500 km), as well as rain forests and pristine beaches of Fraser Island (260 km north of Brisbane), which, by the way, is the world's largest sand island .
In Victoria, you'll definitely want to look at the green sandstone ridges of the Grampians (260 km west of Melbourne) or the granite cliffs and forested hills of Cape Wilson (250 km southeast). Western Australia is famous for the Stirling Range Park (1,200 plant species) 400 km southeast of Perth, a stunning panorama of the Indian Ocean from the coast of Yanchep Park (51 km to the north), and the oldest fossilized living organisms on earth - stromatolites in the northwest, in Shark -Beat. There are also wild desert ancient mountains (the Hammersley and Mount Augustus ranges).
In the Northern Territory, 250 km east of Darwin, lies Kakadu National Park - a paradise of crocodiles, where sacred rocks painted by Aboriginal people rise. In the south, 455 km southwest of the “desert capital” of Alice Springs, there is the most famous monument of the mainland - the red mountain Ayers Rock (the aborigines call it Uluru - this is their ancient shrine) and nearby the exotic Mount Olga. Drive 155km west of Alice Springs to the exotic palm groves of the Palm Valley oasis in the MacDonnell Ranges. There is a project to transform the island of Tasmania into a single national park - the famous deserts and forests of the island preserve many rare species of animals that are not even found on the mainland.
CultureThe history of the settlement of Australia by modern civilization goes back a little over two hundred years. Therefore, a direct transition from the prehistoric rock paintings of Ayers Rock and others like it to the monuments of the colonial period is natural. Sydney, the country's oldest and largest city, retains a corner of the old colonial center on the southern shore of the bay. Particularly noteworthy is the building of the Sydney Grammar School of the Victorian era. The city is home to the Royal Botanic Park and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. On a rocky promontory rises the famous, shell-shaped, ultra-modern building of the Sydney Opera House - a symbol of the new Australia, and across the bay stretches the arched Sydney Bridge, no less famous than the bridge in San Francisco (USA). South of Sydney is Botany Bay, where James Cook and colonial founder Arthur Philip landed.
Central Australia. Cave drawings.
In Melbourne, founded by free settlers who wanted to capture the spirit of “good old England,” many more architectural monuments have been preserved that are reminiscent of Europe of the last century: massive Victorian-style buildings and shady parks, the famous state art gallery. Not far from the botanical garden there is a house transported from England where James Cook (1728 - 1775) was born. The town of Swan Hill has recreated a 19th century colonial village. The Lutheran churches of the German colonists enliven the landscape of the Barossa Valley near Adelaide - the birthplace of Australian winemaking.
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, retains a small number of early colonial architecture, including Fort Anglesey (1814), Australia's oldest theatre, and the Houses of Parliament. 80 km to the southwest is the Port Arthur convict prison (in the past, criminals exiled by the British government were located here). Buildings from 1830 have been preserved here - now it is an object for viewing. Although Australians have a traditional reputation as uncomplicated country dwellers, in recent decades the federal government has poured considerable resources into raising the standard of symphony orchestras and television in the country; A ballet troupe was created. Aboriginal art has now gone beyond the ethnographic departments of museums, and theatrical dance groups have been created that attract the attention of tourists.
CitiesIn Australia there are five cities with a population of more than 1 million inhabitants - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide. All of these cities are state capitals. Perth (population - 1193 thousand people), despite its founding date - 1829, is a young city. Its rapid growth was due to the mining boom in Western Australia. Ultra-modern high-rise buildings from the 1970s and 1980s are a signature feature of the Perth cityscape. Perth has an art gallery, the Western Australian Museum, and the Burswood Casino. Unique examples of the state's vegetation are preserved in King Park in the city center. Australia's main gold refinery is located here, where metal is also brought from other countries. Near Perth there are Rottnest Island (marine entertainment) and Swan Valley (wine) parks. There are many dangerous marine animals found off the coast of the state. Perth's outport is Fremantle.
The city of Adelaide is located on the Gulf of St. Vincent. It is the stronghold of British white Australia, slightly diluted by immigrants. The population of Adelaide is 1065 thousand people. The city center is surrounded by a ring of parks. King William Street is home to numerous banks and travel agencies. In the center, in a pedestrian area, is the main shopping area, where department stores and restaurants are concentrated. The city museum contains a unique ethnographic collection of Aboriginal people. A popular arts festival in the country is held annually in the Festival Center building. Kangaroo Island is a favorite vacation spot for city residents.
Australia. Fountain in Adelaide.
Holidays in AustraliaIn Australia, you can mine gold in the mines of the last century, live in a gold miner’s hut; skydive; fly in a hot air balloon; learn to scuba dive among coral labyrinths; play golf or tennis; Drive a rented car across Australia in ten days; to fish; rock climbing; sledding down sand dunes, surfing on ocean waves. You can simply walk through the mountains, climbing into exotic corners, look at crocodiles in a national park or sunbathe on the beaches of numerous resorts on the east coast, and find a refuge for relaxation tens of kilometers from residential areas. There are numerous cruises on sea and river vessels.
Australia. A traditional Tiwi Aboriginal shrine on Melville Island, the only area under indigenous governance.
© Corel Professional Photos
Australia. London Bridge rock on the coast of Victoria.
© Corel Professional Photos
The capital of Queensland, Brisbane is one of the main resort centers. The most famous resort is the Gold Coast (Gold Coast): starting 80 km south of Brisbane and stretching 42 km to the border with New South Wales. The Gold Coast is one of Australia's most famous and popular holiday destinations. An endless string of beaches washed by the warm waters of the ocean, white hotel towers in the greenery of tropical gardens, majestic mountains on the horizon - all this creates a unique flavor. The resort has the status of an urban area with its center in Surfers Paradise.
Australia. The coconut palm is not exotic to Australia.
Australia. Country beach.
Among the resorts of the Great Barrier Reef, the most famous are Lindeman, Daydream, Hayman, Brampton, Long - and there are about 20 resort islands in total. There are 350 species of corals, 4,000 mollusks, and 1,200 fish on the reef. The city of Cairns in northern Queensland is a major center for sport fishing.
115 km north of Brisbane stretches another extensive resort area - Sunny Beach. An important point of the recreational business is Sydney, in the vicinity of which there are several leisure facilities. Along the shores of Port Jackson Bay, which juts into the land, there are the beaches of Bondi, Manly, and Palm Beach. The King Cross entertainment district in the city center attracts Sydney residents and visitors with its numerous cafes, cinemas and restaurants, as well as its reputation as a hub for gambling and dubious entertainment. Within a radius of several tens of kilometers there are several parks where you can see kangaroos, koalas and other Australian animals in almost natural conditions.
104 km west of Sydney are the Blue Mountains, visited annually by more than half a million holidaymakers and tourists. The blue effect arises from the glow of eucalyptus oil vapor evaporating under the direct rays of the sun from the millions of eucalyptus trees that densely cover the gentle slopes of mountains, plateaus and canyons. Reaching a height of 1300 meters, the Blue Mountains are an example of the diversity of Australian nature. This is one of the few places in the country where snow falls. The most famous ski resorts outside the country are Thredbo, Smiggin Holes, and Perisher Valley. In the town of Bowral, a tulip festival is held annually in the spring.
Sagittarius fish is an inhabitant of Australian mangroves.
Australian coast. Wild beach.
From Sydney, excursions are organized to the Hunter River Valley (180 km north of the city) - a wine-growing region and to the South Bank (250 km) - to the world of old Australia, kangaroos and pioneer villages. The center of tourism is the Northern Territory, where the savannahs with rivers (there are crocodiles) near the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Uluru massif, near which the new hotel complex is located, and the deserts around Alice Springs with the Sheraton Hotel are equally popular.
Tourist routesA visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park is one of the most interesting excursions, always popular with all visitors to Australia. In the Wildlife Park you can walk in the company of kangaroos and emus, see wombats, opossums and other exotic animals of Australia. The park was founded on land originally owned by Charles and Marjorie Vig in 1953. It initially operated as a private zoo. Then the son-in-law of the Vig couple, Bruce Kuber, who had been keen on studying the fauna and flora of Australia since childhood, organized a kind of “living” laboratory on this territory, which allowed thousands of people to visit the park every week and get acquainted with the life of animals in the wild. Currently, Featherdale Park is home to more than 5,000 different species of animals and birds, including some that have almost disappeared. The park is well suited for outdoor activities, and biology and zoology teachers can tell and show their students much more here than in the narrow walls of a classroom. The park has also become a permanent place for excursions and work of professional photographers, writers, naturalists and other specialists. Travel companies from all over the world have become interested in the Wildlife Park, since the care of animals here, as well as the territory of the park itself, meets the highest standards. Featherdale is now one of the most visited and loved wildlife reserves in the world. Featherdale Park is home to 4 different species of kangaroos and over 15 species of wallabies and wallaroos, ranging in size from the largest tawny species to pygmy marsupials and tree frogs. There is a special children's zoo on the territory of the Park, where you can get a closer look at how kangaroos bear their young. But not all places allow you to get close to kangaroos, as sometimes males can become aggressive, especially when looking for a female kangaroo.
Excursion to the foot of the Kuranda Range mountains, deep into the Australian savanna (Kuranda and Australian Savanna Tour). The journey begins at the foot of the Kuranda Range on the world's longest cable car, the 7 kilometer Skyrail. Smoothly gliding over the tops of the ancient tropical forest, you enjoy views of pristine nature, panoramas of the ocean coast and coral islands. Along the way, you make stops for walks along forest paths and, finally, you are in Kuranda, where you can buy products from local craftsmen and aborigines at the local market. The trip then continues by car and takes you deep into the Australian savannah, passing banana, mango and tobacco plantations and huge termite mounds along the way. The road leads you to volcanic lakes, where you will find swimming in clear waters, walks through the forest to huge fig trees and an Australian picnic - barbecue, meat fried on a hot sheet of metal. The journey continues towards Malanda Falls. Along the way, visit an opal processing workshop, where you can not only see the processing process, but also purchase famous Australian opals. Then descend through the Gillies Range with breathtaking views of North Queensland nature.
Traveling around South Cairns (South Cairns Tour). The trip begins with a visit to Belender Ker National Park, just 45 minutes from Cairns. You then enter the picturesque forests of Boulders Wildlife Park. From here you can see the legendary and mysterious mountain Bartel Frer. The diversity of North Queensland's flora and fauna is on full display here. There is no better place to stop for a picnic with a traditional barbecue and a swim in the clear waters of Barbinda Creek. The Josephine Falls area is also good for relaxing and swimming. You can take a walk into the forest and admire the beauty of ancient waterfalls, as well as take unforgettable pictures as a souvenir. Most animals are nocturnal, although if you're lucky you might see pythons, as well as tree-dwelling kangaroos and bush turkeys.
Australia. Countryside view.
Australia. Ayers Rock Monolith (Uluru) is a remnant of the Peterman mountain range, the age of the monolith is 450 million years. The mountain giant is surrounded by sparse vegetation, mostly shrubs, but sometimes there are also eucalyptus trees with silver trunks and gray-green leaves. Mount Uluru is considered sacred by the Aboriginal people.
Air travel around Australia. During a 12-day trip on board a private comfortable plane, you will be able to see a real wonder of the world - the incredible and only largest monolith in the world, Ayers Rock, changing its famous brown color at sunset. By meeting local aborigines, you will become more familiar with their culture and also hear an original interpretation of dreams. At night, the Southern Cross will spread out above you in the bottomless night sky.
Alice Springs is the most remote town in the center of Australia from civilization, in the area of the oldest rock formations in the world. And then - a trip to hot springs, flights over picturesque waterfalls, mountain passes, a trip to the center of Kakadu National Park, where you can observe the life of birds and crocodiles in their natural environment, and during a trip to the East Aligator River area you will see examples of rock art Aboriginals. Some drawings are more than 20 thousand years old. Then - to the tropics - to the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can fly over the reef and swim underwater, surrounded by unforgettable seascapes of tropical Australia.
Hunting in the wild. Fly to the outback for two days of great adventure: follow the trail and hunt kangaroos, wild boars, goats, huge feral bulls, foxes and hares, hunt kangaroos at night. Accompanied by a professional hunter, you'll travel around southwest Queensland, learning about local history and visiting sheep farms. In the evening you will find a wonderful home-cooked dinner and a cozy overnight stay. In the morning, a trip to an ancient mining town, famous for its black opals, which you can purchase here. And then - hot healing springs, swimming and relaxation.
Off the coast of Australia. A school of fish in the Great Barrier Reef.
Off the coast of Australia. Great Barrier Reef. Rock perch.
Ocean Deep Water Fishing. Fishing on a speedboat will bring pleasure to both amateurs and fishing professionals. Throughout the trip, you are accompanied by a professional Russian-speaking instructor-guide, who has carefully prepared gear and bait for you. Light snacks and soft drinks are at your service on board the boat.
Travel to Stradbroke Island (Stradbroke Island Day Cruise). A sea voyage on a motor ship along the ocean, bays and rivers of the island with a stop for walking and swimming. You will be able to water ski and motorcycle, take a breathtaking parachute flight. A traditional Australian lunch will complete this exciting journey.
Cairns, the central city of northern Queensland, is considered the tourism capital of Australia. All tourist roads go here, and further paths lead to the north - to the rainforests of Daintree and the ancient town of Cooktown, to the west - to the coolness of the Atherton Tableland plain, or to the east - to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The islands are an ideal place for family and individual holidays. The average annual temperature here is 26 degrees. Picturesque tropical vegetation, dazzling beaches and the rich underwater world of coral islands, gentle ocean waves allow you to admire nature, swim and sunbathe all year round.
No less attractive is the small town of Port Douglas, whose comfort and picturesqueness have attracted such giants of the tourism business as Sheraton Mirage and Radisson Royal Palm Resorts. From here, as well as from Cairns, you can take exciting boat trips on sailboats and boats, and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the underwater world of the coral islands. Comfortable hotels with first-class service and the unique beauty of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef will allow you to spend unforgettable days.
Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island. Tropical forests rising straight from the sand, endless gold beaches, crystal clear freshwater lakes, colorful sand layers in the Pinnacles, the wreck of the famous ship Maheno, which in the distant past was wrecked in these places, hundreds of species of birds, freely wandering dingoes, echidnas, swamp kangaroos , and humpback whales migrating along the western part of the island in August-October. The modern seaside resort's array of activities will leave you with an unforgettable impression of a subtropical wonderland.
National cuisineAustralians love meat pie - a puff pastry pie with meat filling (similar to our belyash). Dishes from fish, shellfish, and shells are prepared everywhere. Australia's national dish is barracuda, which is caught in the Cleveland area. We also advise you to try the “Marsupial” steak made from kangaroo meat with mushrooms, sailor-style brains in red wine, Australian salad, in which thin pieces of ham are rolled into tubes and then folded, putting diced fresh cucumbers, apples and boiled celery root on top, then pour over orange juice and mayonnaise. The Melbourne chicken with sauce is also unforgettable; it is served as a side dish with eggplants, tomatoes, and garlic fried in a mixture of equal parts of butter and olive oil for flavor; Fried potatoes shaped like small nuts are placed at both ends of the dish. For dessert, try Pavlova - kiwi with meringue and fresh cream. Barbecue - outdoor grilling - is considered a kind of "national sport" in Australia.
HolidaysJanuary 1 - New Year.
January 26 is Australia Day.
Easter Monday.
April 25 - Anzac Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day).
May 1 - Labor Day.
July 14 is the Queen's birthday.
December 25 - Christmas.
December 27 is Boxing Day.
Australia is a continental country. This is one of the most amazing states in the world because it has a unique nature, topography, flora and fauna. Australia is a country with “character”: the climate here is very difficult, summer here begins in the midst of winter, and winter - during summer.
Australia is full of contrasts. It is an island surrounded on all sides by the ocean, but most of it is desert. Aboriginal culture and the culture of the modern world coexist here. Industrial cities are surrounded by wild nature. It is impossible to get tired of this continent; Australia constantly amazes the imagination of tourists. And the tourists themselves want to return to this stunning country to once again enjoy its chic and simplicity.
Capital |
Canberra |
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Population |
23,002,866 inhabitants |
7,692 thousand km² |
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Population density |
2.8 people per km² |
English |
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Religion |
Multi-religious country, has no official religion |
Form of government |
A constitutional monarchy |
Australian dollar (AUD) |
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Timezone |
Three time zones: Western Time (UTC+8), Central Time (UTC+9:30) and Eastern Time (UTC+10) |
International dialing code |
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Domain zone |
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Electricity |
220 V, 50 Hz, three-pin sockets |
Climate and weather
The climate in Australia is determined by its close location to the equator. Winter (December to February) is the hottest time here. Air temperatures can reach +36 °C, and sometimes +40 °C in the center of Australia and +30 °C on the West Coast. Summer, on the contrary, is very cool, up to +20 °C in Central Australia and up to +10 °C in the west.
The most inhabited part of Australia is the southeast coast. This part is also the most loyal in terms of climate: winters here are not so hot (+25...+27 °C), and summers are mild and rainy with temperatures up to +12...+14 °C.
The climate of the island of Tasmania is the mildest in the entire country: in summer the temperature reaches +10 °C, and in winter - +17...19 °C.
The driest climate is found in central Australia. There is minimal precipitation per year here, which is why the desert spreads here. The island of Tasmania receives the maximum amount of rainfall in the country in winter. This is the rainiest place in Australia.
Nature
Australia is a country with rich and unique nature. There are almost no rivers in Australia, but there are a large number of lakes. The most significant river here is Murray. The largest lake is Air, which is salty. However, Australia attracts tourists not with its rivers and lakes, but with its sea beaches with white delicate sand, comfortably located in the northeast and east of the mainland. Also attracts Great Barrier Reef- the largest coral reef in the world. Diving and surfing lovers return here again and again to once again plunge into this stunning beauty and enjoy the unimaginable underwater world.
Some tourists are attracted by the deserts and semi-deserts that occupy most of Australia. They also have something mysterious and unique, especially oases.
In Australia there is a valid Mawson Volcano(this is the highest point in the country).
The flora and fauna of this country are unique and inimitable. Many of Australia's plants are evergreen, but some have been able to adapt to dry weather and fires. However, it is the local fauna that is of greatest interest. After all, you won’t find animals like these anywhere else (except in zoos). Platypuses and echidnas, kangaroos and koalas, emus and cockatoos - they are all striking in their dissimilarity to the animals we are used to. It's worth going to Australia just for them. Please note that there are a lot of venomous snakes in Australia.
In the north of Australia there is Kakadu National Park, where you can get acquainted with the rich flora and fauna of this beautiful country. It also contains Aboriginal rock art dating back over 25,000 years.
Attractions
In Australia, man-made attractions cannot be separated from those created by nature.
The highlights of Australia include the extraordinary flora and fauna of the country-continent, a mountain made of red soil Ayers Rock , oases in the middle of the desert, Great Barrier Reef, which is included in the UN World Heritage List.
Sydney is the most beautiful city in the world. It combines the industrial modern world with its skyscrapers and the ancient buildings of the King's Cross and Rocks districts, parks and boulevards and Asian quarters. In Sydney, it is worth visiting the well-known Sydney Museum of Australian History and Anthropology, Museum of Modern Art, Nicholson Museum of Antiquity, National Maritime Museum, Australian Wildlife Park and Hyde Park. Particularly noteworthy is the embankment in the Woolumulu area and the opal factory, where you can buy jewelry made from opals, pearls or diamonds. Sydney is worth visiting if only to get into the spirit of Australia, to feel its contrasting and contradictory nature, alluring with its uniqueness.
Melbourne is the largest city in Australia. Melbourne's small city center is home to museums, galleries and wonderful shops. A huge part of the city is given over to parks and squares; there is also Royal Botanic Garden. It is also worth visiting the National Gallery and Victoria Museum, St. Patrick's Cathedral, James Cook Memorial and the city's old Mint, Phillip Island, the Great Ocean Road, the beautiful Port Campbell National Park and the picturesque weathered coastlines of south-west Victoria.
City Darwin is a small modern city. Here you can stroll through a large number of parks: Kakadu Park, Northern Territory Wildlife Park, beautiful parks Lichfield And Katerina Gorge. This city will help you immerse yourself in the unique wild nature of Australia.
Nutrition
There is no traditional Australian cuisine, it is a continuation of British cuisine. However, all kinds of seafood predominate here. In addition, they eat kangaroo meat, crocodile meat, emu meat and even larvae and beetles. But don't worry, there are many restaurants and cafes here offering almost all types of international cuisine. In addition, there are plenty of fast food restaurants in Australia.
Australian wines are very popular abroad. But the most popular drink among Australians themselves is beer.
In Australia, you can take advantage of the following food options:
BYO Restaurants, which means "bring with you". In this case, we mean alcoholic products. This is due to the fact that not all restaurants in Australia receive a license to sell alcohol. Please note that some restaurants of this type only allow you to bring beer, others only wine. You must pay a fee for drinking alcohol in such establishments. (from 2 to 15 $).
Chains of Asian eateries are very common in this country.
In many parks you can cook your own barbecue.
In Australia there are also so-called "salad bars"— self-service bars. Here you have to pay an entrance fee of around 6-8 Australian dollars. The assortment includes salads, appetizers, soups, vegetables and fruits.
Accommodation
In Australia, tourists are offered a wide variety of accommodation options, be it a hotel, inn, hostel, campsite or apartments.
The most affordable accommodation option in the country is a hostel. Here you will be provided with a private room with a shared bathroom for 20-30 $ per night. The same price includes the opportunity to use a kitchen with a refrigerator and a supply of food.
Hotels are a more expensive accommodation option. It is worth noting that Australian hotels are divided into classes, but without taking into account stars. Here you will be provided with a high level of service with free internet, morning newspapers and meals.
Motels This is the most common accommodation option in Australia. They are cheaper than hotels, but the quality of service is simpler. The cost of living is approx. 50 $ per night. For this amount you will be offered a separate room with a personal shower and toilet.
Apartment rentals are also available for tourists. But, as a rule, apartments are provided for a short period of time (maximum a couple of nights). In this case, you can use the kitchen, washing machine, clothes dryer and other services.
Alternatively, you can live on a farm. Here you will be provided with quality food and Australian flavor.
Entertainment and relaxation
Sun and beach are what comes to mind when the word “Australia” is mentioned. This country attracts hundreds of tourists with its beach holidays. Australia has more than 10 thousand beaches. Every tourist can choose a vacation to their liking.
The most popular beach in Australia among tourists is Bondi Beach. There are many cafes, restaurants and hotels here. Gold Coast main beach Surface Paradise. The most picturesque Australian beach, which “plays with colors” in the rays of the rising and setting sun, is Cable Beach. For those who like a secluded, relaxing holiday without crowds of people, Carramoin and beaches Bedarra Islands. Beaches are a great place for tourists with children. Dunk Islands And Magnetic.
Everyone knows that Australia is very popular among water sports enthusiasts. Its beaches leave no one indifferent to surfers, yachtsmen, or fans of diving and water skiing. Here you can try spearfishing.
Australians are big fans of golf, tennis and badminton. Therefore, there are a lot of areas for practicing these sports.
Australia's main cultural event is the Sydney Festival, which is celebrated in January. It includes a military parade, street performances, and theater premieres.
In February in Sydney you can attend the festival of sexual minorities.
In Melbourne at the end of January you can attend a tennis tournament, and in February - the Formula 1 world championship at the Australian Grand Prix.
Purchases
Australian stores are usually open from 09:00 to 17:00, weekends are Saturday and Sunday. However, some supermarkets allow themselves to be open on weekends, but not for long.
If you made a purchase in an Australian store for more than AUD 300 in one receipt, you may be eligible for a GST refund of 9.1%. To receive a tax refund, you must have the purchase in its original condition, as well as the receipt.
Transport
In Australia, you drive on the left. This must be taken into account when driving a car in this country. Many people note that Australia's roads are very good.
The distance between the main cities of the country is significant (for example, from Sydney to Melbourne 900 km). Because of this, airplanes are the most common form of travel within the country. The flight cost is low. Flights depart from Melbourne to Sydney and back every 15 minutes.
Rail transport is poorly developed in this country. This is due to the fact that the states poorly cooperate with each other on this issue, as well as due to the large distance between cities and the difficulty of laying a railway. In addition, not all states have it available at all. The cost of traveling by train is not much lower than by plane, but the speed is much lower.
Traveling by bus is a more popular mode of transportation. You can use a variety of types of tickets, including charter flights.
Ferry is another popular mode of transport. The main ferry service is between Melbourne and Devonport. The ferry can be used every day. There is also a ferry service between Palm Beach, which is on the central coast of New South Wales, and Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Connection
Wireless Internet is very widespread here, with quite a few access points. There are Internet cafes in large cities. Most hotels offer their guests free Internet access.
There are pay phones all over the country. With their help, you can make both long-distance and international calls. In addition, you can purchase a SIM card. Topping up your balance occurs through the purchase of a “voucher” that must be activated. When purchasing a SIM card, your balance will be zero.
Safety
Travelers should be aware that food, firearms, drugs, certain medications, and animal and plant materials are prohibited from being brought into Australia.
It is also prohibited to export animals and plants, bird feathers, corals, shells, bones, and bamboo products from Australia without the necessary permit.
We offer you emergency numbers:
013
— emergency calls;
000
- police, fire service, emergency medical services. When you dial this number, you will be connected to an operator who needs to tell you a code word indicating the help you need: police, fire or ambulance.
Here are some important laws, failure to comply with which will result in a fine or even visa revocation and deportation:
- alcohol and cigarettes can only be purchased by persons over 18 years of age;
- smoking in public places is prohibited;
- you cannot purchase, sell, store, or use illegal drugs, including marijuana;
- Under no circumstances should you spit on the street, otherwise you will receive a fine;
- It is prohibited to carry weapons, including knives.
Never drive after drinking alcohol. This is not only unsafe, but is also punishable by a fine. You should also drive on the roads at night carefully, do not drive recklessly. In Australia, police regularly patrol at night and enforce traffic rules. The fine for violating these rules can be AUD 100 or more.
Real estate
Property prices in Australia are relatively high. The most expensive real estate is in large cities. For example, in Sydney or Melbourne a house costs approximately 580 000 $ , and the apartment will cost the amount 540 000 $ . In smaller cities, property prices are also lower. Thus, a house in Adelaide is selling for $400,000, and an apartment can be purchased for 325 000 $.
The process of buying property in Australia for foreign nationals is not easy. To purchase real estate in this country, you must obtain permission from the Government Council on Foreign Investment. In addition, a mandatory condition for carrying out a real estate transaction is the participation of a lawyer in it.
Payment for the purchased property must be made only by bank transfer.
In addition, it must be taken into account that if the visa to leave Australia expires, the property must be sold. If you want to avoid this trouble, real estate can be registered in the name of a legal entity registered in Australia.
Business climate
Australian law allows anyone to do business. This contributes to the “survival” of the strongest in the business environment - most companies cease to exist within the first year of operation and lose a lot of money. The organizational and legal forms here are different: from private small businesses to large foreign companies.
Every company in the country, small or large, is required to keep accounting records, be a good taxpayer and insure all its employees.
If you need additional funds to start your own business, you can easily take out a bank loan for a long period at a low interest rate, but only if you have a good credit history.
The financial year in Australia ends on 30 June. At the end of this period, until October 30, taxpayers are required to fill out a tax return and pay the state. Residents of the country are required to pay taxes on all income received (including income outside the country). Non-residents pay taxes only on income received in Australia. The income tax rate here is quite high - 30 %.
The VAT rate is relatively small - 10 %.
The most developing industries in Australia are programming, mining and chemical industries, construction, and medicine. They account for the majority of exhibitions and conferences held in Australia. Their main goal is to increase the level of development of industries and agriculture both in Australia and abroad, exchange experience and knowledge, as well as protect the unique ecosystem of Australia and Oceania. Mostly exhibitions are held in cities such as Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy your holiday in this impressive country.
A total of 900 Australian dollars worth of goods can be imported into Australia duty-free. For goods exceeding this amount, you will have to pay customs duty. You can import no more than 250 cigarettes (250 grams of other tobacco products) and 1125 ml of alcohol duty free.
Banks in Australia are open only on weekdays from 09:00 to 16:00 or until 17:00. Currency exchange offices are open not only on weekdays, but also on weekends. ATMs operate 24 hours a day.
If you decide to travel inland, then first stock up on fuel, water, food, matches and spare parts for the car. You will not find telephones in the interior of the country, there is no mobile communication there, so it would be a good idea to take a satellite phone with you, and also tell your friends or the local police exactly where you are going and for how long.
If you decide to rent a car, you will need to have an international driver's license, a deposit amount, as well as more than a year of driving experience and an age over 21, but not more than 75.
Be careful in the wild: Australia has many wild venomous snakes and insects. Before traveling to this country, read the rules for providing assistance in case of bites from venomous animals.
Also remember about the rules of behavior on the water and the presence of sharks. Safe swimming areas are indicated by green or red-yellow flags, while red or yellow flags warn of a dangerous swimming area.
Visa information
To visit Australia, citizens of the CIS countries and the Russian Federation must obtain a visa, which can be a visitor or transit visa. A visitor visa is provided to persons whose purpose of visit is to visit their relatives or friends (for up to 12 months), tourism, and study (no more than three months). Moreover, the person who decides to issue this visa must make sure that the applicant intends to visit Australia only for tourism purposes. Otherwise, the visa will be denied.
A transit visa is issued to those persons whose purpose of visit is direct transit through Australian territory to a third country. In this case, the period of stay in Australia should not exceed three days.