Country Focus: Australia

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With human habitation of Australia dating as far back as 65,000 years ago, this is a country rich in the history of mankind.

European discovery of Australia started in 1606 when the Dutch became the first Europeans to make landfall. On 1st January 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was established as part of the then- British Empire. For 26 years, Melbourne was the capital city of Australia. The seat of the Australian Government moved to Canberra in 1927.

As a giant island nation, Australia is the world's 6th largest country by total area. The Pacific Ocean lies to its east while the Indian Ocean is to the west of the country. Australia is comprised of 6 states and 2 territories. The states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The 2 territories are the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where Canberra is located and the Northern Territory.

Tourism, both domestic and international, is a major component of the Australian economy. Figures from July 2018 to June 2019 saw some 9 million tourists visiting the country. This is not surprising considering the natural wonders that Australia is blessed with, including the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Augustus and its famous desert area known worldwide as the Australian Outback.

Australia is home to many endemic species of flora and fauna, including marsupials such as the Kangaroo, Wombat and Koala. Endemic bird species include the Emu and Kookaburra.

Major international and domestic airports in Australia include Adelaide International Airport (IATA: ADL, ICAO: YPAD), Brisbane Airport (IATA: BNE, ICAO: YBBN), Cairns Airport (IATA: CNS, ICAO: YBCS), Darwin International Airport (IATA: DRW, ICAO: YPDN), Gold Coast Airport (IATA: OOL, ICAO: YBCG), Melbourne Airport (IATA: MEL, ICAO: YMML), Perth Airport (IATA: PER, ICAO: YPPH) and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (IATA: SYD, ICAO: YSSY).


Perth city skyline viewed from a vantage point at the Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (2018)


Travelogue Map: Australia

Fremantle (Western Australia)
Joondalup (Western Australia)
Perth (Western Australia)
Swan Valley (Western Australia)
Sydney (New South Wales)

Need an inspiring photograph for your social-media post? Visit this city and let your creative photographic talents reveal itself! Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia (2018)

Articles on Australia in this Blog


Bucket List


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