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Australia

"The people are cheerful, extrovert, quick-witted and unfailingly obliging; their cities are safe and clean and nearly always built on water; the food is excellent; the beer is cold and the sun nearly always shines. Life doesn't get much better than this"    - Bill Bryson - Travel Writer

Australia is the only continent that is also an island and the only continent that is entirely found in the southern hemisphere. It is one of the oldest continents and has remained free of major geographical activity for the past 8 million years. As a result of this stability and its isolation its animal and plant life are very different from the rest of the world. In fact 80% of the fauna and flora of Australia is not found anywhere else. As well as being famous for the cute looking kangaroos and koalas, it is also the home of the ten most venomous snakes and the lethal funnel web spiders not to mention the crocodiles.

Australia is made up of Eight States/Territories namely - Queensland; New South Wales; Victoria; South Australia; Tasmania; Western Australia; Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. The North of the country is of a tropical climate; the central part semi-tropical and the south is temperate. Australia is very rich in mineral deposits and has large reserves of coal, gold, iron ore, copper, uranium and diamonds. Most of these are mined in open pit mines. As the government has become more environmentally conscious, it strictly monitors all industrial / mining activity to make sure this particularly sensitive and beautiful land is preserved.

Australia is a very varied and scenic country. Ranging from lush primeval rainforest and 'big sky' pasture land to unrelentlessly dry deserts and rugged coastline. It has thousands of miles of sandy beaches; to the east is the great barrier reef, the largest coral structure in the world; and in centre is the haunting majesty of Uluru, the worlds largest monolith. 90% of the Australian population live in urban areas with their modern and airy cites like Perth, Melbourne and Sydney and have gained a reputation for being very friendly, helpful and our full of pride for the country they live in.

- Recommended Books - in association with
Follow the authors adventures as he discovers Australia and its people, sees how they are getting to grips with environmental and the land rights issues, how they lost a President and why they are happy living in a land where most plant and animal life seems to be out to kill you. A very entertaining and interesting read. To buy this book or for more information click here	The National Geographic Traveller Guide to Australia covers all the Australian states covering the state capitals and other Town and areas that deserve a visit. Giving details of the area, traveller tips, ideas for trips. With lots of good maps and the high quality photos that you expect from a National Geographic Publication. Recently updated this is a must have for anybody planning a Holiday in Australia. To buy this book or for more information click here
Australia - Journey through a Timeless Land Illustrates the history, culture, landscapes, wildlife, and maritime of the continent of Australia. To buy this book or for more information click here	This book takes a couple of cities and scenic areas for each state and goes into full details. Giving you maps, history, little know facts, places to visit, bus connections, opening times, guided walks etc. If this books covers the place you are visiting you won't need to buy any more guide books. To buy this book or for more information click here
- Recommended Videos - in association with www.sendit.com (formerly Blackstar.co.uk)
Video Visits: Australia Review to follow shortly To buy this Video or for more information click here	Discovering Australia Review to follow shortly To buy this Video or for more information click here

"Supporting scientific research, protecting and fostering love for our environment, encouraging the spirit of discovery and adventure, and spreading the knowledge of Australia around the the world"