Australia travel guide. How much does a trip to Australia cost. Emergency telephone numbers

Wondering what to visit in Australia , be sure to include a landmark such as Lake Hillier , to your travel plan. The picturesque lake, whose waters have an unusual pink color, is located on Middle Island, covered with dense eucalyptus forests. If you look at this island from a bird's eye view, then against the background of the rich greenery of eucalyptus forests there will be a small bright spot, this is the pink Lake Hiller. The spectacular framing of sand and salt, which are located along its shores, gives even more expressiveness to the lake.

Lake Hillier has acquired the status of an Australian landmark precisely because of its eccentricity. Travelers from all over the world come to the shores of the unique lake to see for themselves that the water in it is really pink. What is the secret of such a shade of water? Despite numerous studies, there is still no exact answer to this question.

• According to one version, the pink color is formed due to the pigment secreted by certain microorganisms living in the reservoir.
• Another statement suggests that the pink hue is formed due to a combination of salts contained in the waters of the lake and specific microorganisms.
• Studies conducted in the 50s of the 20th century refuted all previously put forward assumptions.

Thus, the mystery of Lake Hillier remains unsolved to this day.

3. Blue Mountains (New South Wales)

Lovers of contemplating natural landscapes untouched by civilization will definitely find something to see in Australia , because on its territory there is a unique miracle of nature - the Blue Mountains National Park. This area got its name for a reason. A huge number of eucalyptus forests growing on a mountain range constantly releases vapors of essential oil into the air. The rays of the sun, refracted in billions of tiny droplets of oil, form a bluish haze, creating an atmosphere of mysterious fabulousness.

In the conventional sense, the Blue Mountains are not mountains. In fact, this is a set of mountain plateaus and cliffs, above which Mount Victoria rises majestically at a height of about 1300 m above sea level.

Sandy plateaus, carved by gorges and canyons, are interspersed with many crystal clear mountain rivers and streams, creating an amazingly beautiful landscape. No wonder the national park has become one of Australia's most popular attractions.

4. Mount Uluru (Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park)

If you are planning a trip, you will have no doubt what to visit in Australia, because these lands are fraught with real wonders. The eighth wonder of the world, the Sacred Site, Red Mountain - all these honors are awarded to Mount Uluru, also called Ayers Rock. This is one of the most recognizable natural attractions of Australia, one of the main symbols of the continent. During the day, its red-orange rock is able to change color: at dawn, the mountain has the lightest shade, with the sun rising to the zenith it turns purple-red, then pink and, finally, a golden hue, and darkens in the evening.

How was Uluru formed? Millions of years ago, the mountain range looked more like an island. Gradually, along the edges, the rocks collapsed and settled, forming a rock. Now in the desert where Uluru is located, winds are rushing, heavy rains are falling, creating deep cracks on the surface of the mountain.

The fantastic red rock, resembling a huge elephant, is not only unique in appearance, the age of the natural monument is also remarkable - the history of its existence is about 6 million years. This is confirmed by rock paintings that testify to the life of ancient people.

5. Yarra Valley (Melbourne)

South Australia is famous for its wine industry. And perhaps one of the most spectacular wine regions here is the Yarra River Valley, where many varieties of grapes grow. The first vine was planted here in 1838, since then more than 40 wineries have been formed on these lands, which today collect excellent harvests here.

Thousands of wine connoisseurs visit these fertile lands to taste the luxurious bouquet of local wines. In addition, travelers can see a lot of interesting things here.

• For example, you can visit one of the many nature reserves that exist here, admire the breathtaking views of wildlife, see representatives of the local fauna, such as kangaroos, wombats, emus and some species of birds of prey.
• Everyone will find a memorabilia in the markets of local small towns located in the vastness of the valley.
• You can even take part in collective multi-day itineraries to feel the local color and learn as much as possible about the mysterious valley.

And to see the valley from a new angle, it is worth taking to the sky in a balloon, taking in the expanses of a bird's eye view and landing in one of the many vineyards to have breakfast with fresh products washed down with sparkling wine.

Feel the atmosphere of Australia in this beautiful video!

6. Opera House (Sydney)

The attractiveness of the Green Continent lies not only in the extraordinary nature of the mainland. An important role is also played by cities that have become centers of business and cultural life, where the oldest sights of Australia are adjacent to modern skyscrapers, parks immersed in greenery - with busy avenues, historical museums - with huge supermarkets.

So, for example, the landscape of Sydney is uniquely recognizable among thousands of other cities thanks to the world-famous landmark - the building of the Opera House, one of the most famous in world architecture. This unique building was designed by a Danish architect named Jorn Utzon. Having designed the roofs of the theatre, original in shape, the Dane presented Sydney with a symbol of the city, by which now almost every inhabitant of the planet recognizes this city.

Many years after the erection of the famous building, the architect admitted that he was inspired to create the unique roof of the theater ... an orange peel, taken from a fruit in triangular segments. The difference is only in scale. The sloping vaults of the roofs are covered with countless tiles that, reflecting the sun's rays, create an unusual color scheme. The opera house has always attracted the attention of tourists with the originality of its forms, in connection with which this architectural creation has become an almost integral element of any excursions in sydney.

7. Kangaroo Island (Bay St. Vincent)

Perhaps everyone knows that for a long time the true symbol of Australia is the kangaroo. But not everyone knows that there is a whole island dedicated to these amazing animals, it is called Kangaroo Island. On its territory there is a huge park inhabited by rare species of ancient animals and relic plants. Aborigines lived on the island several millennia ago, after which they left these lands, and all this time the lands remained completely isolated from the outside world, giving local animals the opportunity to live in complete peace and security. And only in 1802, the European Flinders set foot on Kangaroo Island, who gave this name to these lands.

In addition to animals, visitors to the park are attracted by interesting geological formations - the so-called Remarkable Rocks, huge boulders of the most unusual and bizarre shapes, located at a low altitude above sea level.

Not far from the Remarkable Rocks is another attraction of Australia - the Arch of the Admiral. This creation of nature is a cave inside a huge boulder, from the depths of which it is so interesting to contemplate the beauty of the sea tides.

8. Lake Gippsland (Victoria)

Australia is rich in amazing places that attract the attention of tourists from all over the world. Among them is Lake Gippsland, which is sometimes also called the "Fire from the Underworld." During daylight hours, this lake is no different from any other body of water, but with the onset of darkness, real miracles begin to happen here. A fascinating bluish glow emanates from the water depths of the lake. This phenomenon has a very real scientific explanation, and has acquired the term "bioluminescence". The fact is that the waters of the lake are inhabited by plants and organisms endowed with bioluminescent abilities. It is this property that allows all living things in the reservoir to emit a kind of light that we see in the dark. In general, such light is constantly emitted, but only with the onset of darkness, when the sun is completely hidden behind the horizon, we can observe a real extravaganza of bluish lights along the shores of the lake.

In addition to the amazing views that open up at night, during the day you can also enjoy the extraordinary beauty of landscapes - the lake is surrounded by cliffs and fern forests around the entire perimeter.

9. King's Canyon (Vatarrka National Park)

Located in the Red Center of Australia, King's Canyon once had the status of a sacred land for the local Aborigines. Today, it has gained the status of an Australian landmark due to its unique appearance and peculiar natural beauty. Sheer walls of the canyon, formed of sandstone, reaching 200 meters in height, were formed over millions of years, acquiring unusual shapes under the influence of wind erosion. Dense thickets of ferns and cycads grow inside the canyon, palm forests, hundreds of species of animals find shelter - all this thanks to the walls of the canyon, which for the local flora and fauna play the role of protection from the desert drought that prevails outside the canyon.

To the edges of the canyon, from where travelers have an amazing view, there are several rocky ascents.

• The most popular is the 6 km route, which will take about 3-4 hours. This is the optimal route in terms of complexity, which allows you to enjoy the incredible panoramic landscapes of the canyon, see the unusual rock formations of the Lost City, and descending into the canyon itself, admire the beauties of the Garden of Eden, the so-called reservoir in the rock, surrounded by lush vegetation.
• The easiest and shortest route runs right along the bottom of the Royal Canyon, where you can see numerous boulders and giant eucalyptus trees, and this route ends on a viewing platform on the height of the gorge, from where you can see the sheer cliffs.
• Finally, the most difficult route with a length of 22 kilometers, connecting the Royal Canyon and the city of Kathleen Springs, will be able to conquer the most inveterate travelers.

10. Tasmania Island (Tasmania, 240 km south of the mainland)

To the south of the mainland is another unique attraction of Australia - the island of Tasmania, famous throughout the world for its unique beauty of tropical forests.

The nature of the origin of the island is amazing - the Gondwana continent, which existed on earth several hundred million years ago, united the lands of the future Australia, Africa, South America and Antarctica. As a result of the movement of the earth's plates, a single continent gradually broke up into many parts, forming several separate continents that have retained this appearance to this day.

Tropical beauty lovers will definitely find something to see in Australia, because the island of Tasmania is a real gift of nature, full of lush vegetation. Just imagine: majestic giant trees, mainly eucalyptus and ancient beech, have grown so densely that it is impossible to get between them. Everything around is overgrown with dense greenery, the undergrowth is complemented by ferns and thick mosses with a dense carpet, whips of lianas hang between the trees. A variety of fauna live in these parts - the famous Tasmanian devil, red wallaby, marsupial wolf and Tasmanian bettong.

The whole valley abounds with lakes, streams and mountain rivers - such a striking and exciting sight will undoubtedly be appreciated by a real traveler.

Sightseeing in Australia: what else to visit while in Australia

It’s worth thinking about what places to visit during your vacation long before you board a plane. You should not think that they will tell you about all the local attractions, because there are hundreds of them. Fortunately, you have our list at your disposal, with which you will not be lost even at the ends of the earth!

11. Fraser Island (East Coast of Australia)

The world of the Green Continent is rich and diverse, and Fraser Island, another interesting attraction of Australia, is a bright spot on the map of the mainland. The world's largest sandy island consists entirely of sand, which has been carried by sea currents and blown by winds for thousands of years, forming another amazing creation of nature - sand dunes. These are real mountains of white sand, reaching a height of 240-250 meters.

An amazing feature of the sandy island is that on its lands, washed from all sides by the salty waters of the ocean, there are more than a hundred freshwater lakes. Why are there so many lakes with fresh water on an island that does not receive food from rivers or glaciers? It's all about precipitation and groundwater, which constantly replenish reservoirs, preventing them from drying out. The panoramas of these lakes are unusually beautiful - the purest waters are framed by a border of snow-white sand, and all this is surrounded by wild forests. Among the most picturesque reservoirs is Lake Mackenzie, located at an altitude of 100 meters above the sea, and the largest of them is Lake Boemingham, whose area reaches 200 hectares. In general, the climate of Fraser Island is milder than the rest of the mainland, due to the high amount of moisture in the air and soil.

12. Big Pineapple in Queensland (Woombay)

Undoubtedly, there will be something to see in Australia , and lovers of creative architecture. In the state of Queensland, in the town of Woombye, for many decades tourists have been pleased with the brightness and positiveness of a large statue of a pineapple. The incessant stream of inquisitive travelers, eager to look at this creation, does not dry up year after year. A large 16-meter fiberglass structure was erected here in 1971, when the Taylors, having built a small farm and a recreation park, decided to attract the attention of visitors. It is worth recognizing that they succeeded perfectly, because a huge and bright statue in the shape of a pineapple catches the eye from afar.

The farm, by the way, exists to this day, both domestic animals live here - donkeys, pigs, and exotic ones - for example, alpaca, whose valuable wool is used to make various woolen products.

Here, in the neighborhood, you can also visit a small zoo where kangaroos, deer, koalas and other representatives of the local fauna live.

Visitors also have the opportunity to observe how pineapples and Australian macadamia nuts are grown on local plantations.

13. Rock "Stone Wave" (Western Australia)

The amazingly beautiful landmark of Australia in the form of an unusually shaped rock formation is located in the west of the mainland. This is the “Stone Wave” rock, whose name comes from its shape - outwardly, this miracle of nature looks like a huge sea wave has stirred right in the middle of the land. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to see this stone statue every year. The visible part of the "wave" rising above the ground is about 15 meters high, and over a hundred meters long.

For many centuries, this creation of nature has played an important role in the culture of the local population. It was once believed that it was in the place where this “wave” was formed that the forces of spirits and nature accumulated and intertwined. Australians treat this statue with special trepidation to this day, making considerable efforts to preserve the beauty of the natural monument. For this purpose, back in the 50s of the last century, a reinforcing dam was built to protect the "Stone Wave" from natural erosion.

14. Twelve Apostles Rocks (Victoria, Port Campbell National Park)

One of Australia's most famous and recognizable landmarks is the Twelve Apostles, a group of rocks that has become a symbol of the Great Ocean Road, stretching at a breathtaking height above the coast. It is the “12 Apostles” that are often depicted on numerous tourist booklets, and every year hundreds of thousands of interested tourists visit these places to observe the peculiar beauty of the rocks and their ability to change their color throughout the day. The most picturesque panorama opens up in the morning and evening, when the subdued sunlight gives the landscape a mystery and saturation of colors.

The age of these rocky formations is tens of millions of years old: year after year, waves and wind destroyed the soft limestone, forming cavities in the cliffs, and the resulting arches collapsed over time, forming rocks up to 45 meters high.

Some interesting facts are connected with the rocks of "12 apostles".

• In fact, having visited these places, you will find that there are not 12 rocks here, but only 8. Initially, there were 9 of them, but one of them collapsed in 2005.
• Previously, the complex of rock formations was called "Pig and Pigs", but in order to make the name more harmonious, this creation of nature was renamed "12 Apostles".

15. Kuranda (Queensland)

And in what corner of Australia can you learn the most about the life of the indigenous inhabitants of the Green Continent? What to visit in Australia to get acquainted with their culture, the peculiarities of life, the characteristic features of their mentality? Perhaps the best place for this is the small hilly town of Kuranda in northern Queensland. It is so small that it can be walked around in a matter of minutes - from edge to edge of the town the distance is only 1 kilometer, but there is definitely something to see there.

• For example, in local markets you can not only buy ordinary souvenirs, but also get to know the features of the craft and folk art of the indigenous people to the fullest extent.
• Under a large mesh canopy is the bird world Birdworld, where you can safely walk among the soaring birds, including parrots, quails, pigeons, cassowaries.
• Koala Gardens is the name of a small wildlife zoo on the continent. In addition to koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, lizards and snakes live here.
• Aboriginal Research Center - is a village inhabited by the true indigenous people of the mainland. Here you can fully explore the culture and life of the natives, watch their traditional dance, watch a boomerang or spear throw, listen to the game on the ancient African didgeridoo instrument.

16. House of Queen Victoria (Sydney)

When exploring the places of interest in Sydney, you can start with the most emblematic monuments - such as the house of Queen Victoria, towering in the middle of the city's business district. The majestic building was born in 1898 in honor of the 60th anniversary of the reign of the queen, on the site of the former city market, which existed here since the beginning of the 19th century. Today, this place is an impressive shopping center that houses various fashion boutiques, cafeterias, jewelry stores and more. Recognizable elements of the building are exquisite stained-glass windows, a mosaic floor, a characteristic staircase, one of the ten most beautiful staircases in the world, as well as an interior made in a traditional Gothic style. Right in front of the entrance to the house rises a majestic monument dedicated to the queen, and a separate reason for admiration is the Great Australian Clock, which shows the history of the country in pictures.

17. Harbor Bridge (Sydney)

Perhaps, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the largest arch bridge in the world, built of steel, deserves to be included in the top 5 attractions in Australia. Often the locals call it a "hanger", due to the similarity of the design with this item. The grand opening of the bridge took place in 1932, although construction was planned in the middle of the 19th century. All previous 25 bridge projects were rejected, and only the project of the London architect Ralph Freeman won, and in 1926 construction started. The Harbor Bridge spans Port Jackson Bay, connecting the North Shore and downtown. The bridge can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists, as well as cars - special roads are provided for everyone. The bridge has a length of 1150 meters, a height of 134 meters, and those who wish can climb to its highest point to explore the beautiful city panoramas.

18. Sydney Tower (Sydney)

Among other things, Australia is known for high-rise buildings, one of which is the Sydney Tower - the highest building in Sydney, the second tallest in the southern hemisphere of the planet. The tower project was developed in 1970, after 5 years active construction work began, and after 6 years the building was opened to the public. The structure consists of three main sections with viewing platforms, and you can climb into any of them on one of the three high-speed elevators. The first section is a closed observation platform at a height of 250 meters with a viewing angle of 360 °, the second section is a platform 18 meters higher than the first, the main trump card of which is a transparent glass floor. A visit to the second site turns into an exciting attraction, with an overview of the huge city, skyscrapers, the bay and the picturesque Blue Mountains from a dizzying height. The third section is a restaurant with a capacity of up to 220 people.

19. St. Paul's Cathedral (Melbourne)

Choosing the historical and cultural sights of Australia , you can not do without one of the religious symbols of the country - St. Paul's Cathedral, located in the historic district of Melbourne. It is the largest Neo-Gothic Anglican church and was the tallest structure in Melbourne at the time of construction. One of the main values ​​of the cathedral is the largest organ from Great Britain, created by the English master T. Lewis and including more than 6.5 thousand pipes. The cathedral itself looks very majestic, and in the evening and at night with illumination it is simply fantastic, its hall with a mosaic floor impresses with its huge size. The height of the building, together with the spire, makes it possible to call it the highest Anglican cathedral in the world. Previously, there was a stone parish church here, and in 1891 it was replaced by a grandiose sandstone building, and only in the 20th century its spire and tower were completed.

20. Kakadu National Park (northern Australia)

Kakadu Park will surely appeal to those who love ecotourism, natural attractions , Interested in archeology and history. This is a picturesque place on the continent where you can see wildlife in all its beauty and diversity. It is a plateau surrounded by rocks, where there are rainforests, and savannas, and rivers, and waterfalls. Each of these objects is saturated with abundant vegetation - the flora is represented by 1600 plant species. The fauna of the park is no less rich - here you can find traditional marsupials, more than a hundred species of reptiles, about 3 hundred species of birds, which is one third of all birds inhabiting Australia. The park pays special attention to river tourism, water safaris are organized, trips are made to some waterfalls. The reserve is managed by the Aboriginal community - they conduct educational excursions here, demonstrating local customs and some original products.

21. Bondi Beach (Sydney)

Sometimes it is enough to download a photo of an Australian landmark to appreciate its beauty and aesthetic appeal. The 6-kilometer Bondi Beach, located just outside the center of Sydney, is a strip of white sand, with clear turquoise water and incredible waves that are so attractive to surfers. And it is also a string of trendy cafes and bars, shops and cozy hotels, as well as numerous festivals, competitions and holidays. For example, it has long been a tradition on the beach to celebrate Christmas with grandiose fireworks. At the same time, this place is devoid of excessive pretentiousness and secular glamour, here you can just soak up the sand, admiring the magnificent scenery, views of rocks, waves and the coast with its hiking trail connecting Bondi to several other beaches.

22. Australian Zoo (Birwa)

To decide what to see in Australia in 2 weeks , it is worth considering that such a period of time allows you to go beyond the standard route in Sydney. Adding variety to the trip, you can go to Queensland to visit the most interesting zoo, which bears the name of Steve Irving. This outstanding nature lover showed great interest in Australian wildlife since childhood - for example, he demonstrated miracles of courage and dexterity, catching crocodiles for the reptile park created by his parents. The park is located on an area of ​​40 hectares and is inhabited by a huge variety of animals - there are about 30 species of reptiles, the same number of mammals, about 40 species of birds. You can not only see some of the inhabitants of the park, but also feed them from your hand, and even stroke them. The spectacular crocodile show impresses visitors deeply.

23. Penguin Parade (Phillip Island)

Upon arrival in Australia, it is worth purchasing a travel booklet - Australia is presented there in the form of main attractions, descriptions and ways to get to them. But if this is enough for a novice tourist, then a sophisticated traveler will not stop at the standard list of objects - he will look for something new and exotic. For example, he will go to Phillip Island, famous for its parade of penguins - a huge colony of these birds is registered here. Every day at sunset, the penguins, returning from sea hunting, walk together and waddled to their minks, and this action takes on a large-scale and very spectacular look. And in order to make it convenient to watch this fascinating parade without disturbing the birds, special platforms and stands are equipped for visitors.

24. Great Ocean Road (Victoria)

If Western Australia, with its dry and sunny climate, is famous for its wine-growing regions, bizarre rock formations, sand dunes and ancient eucalyptus trees, then the Great Ocean Road can rightly be called the most important attraction of southern Australia. It stretched across the entire state of Victoria for hundreds of kilometers along the coast of the Indian Ocean, and connected Melbourne and Adelaide. But the main feature of this path is the excellent views of the coast, its nature, flora and fauna, which open up from a wide variety of angles along the winding road. Basically, the road leads along the ocean, but sometimes it dives deep into the mainland, passing through vineyards and fantastic rain forests, flickers along the steep foothills of the rocks, allows you to admire grottoes, caves, limestone columns. This amazing path was built in 1932 in order to develop tourism.

25. Cape Byron (New South Wales)

In order to comprehend all the beauty and diversity of Australian nature, you can go around the Australian islands to the east of the mainland and explore the sights of Oceania , see coral reefs, fantastically shaped rocks, colored lakes and mountains with eucalyptus forests. And you can, without leaving the land, go to Cape Byron - the easternmost tip of the mainland. This is a unique place that, despite the developed infrastructure, retains its wild and original appearance, impresses with its grandeur, picturesque and diverse nature. The cape is named after the poet John Byron, a famous adventurer who loved to embark on various adventures. One of the prominent sights of the cape is the snow-white lighthouse of 1901, where an observation deck is equipped. And the town of Byron Bay, nestled in this region, is a popular tourist resort with excellent opportunities for water sports.

In whatever corner of the Green Continent you find yourself, you will undoubtedly be warmly welcomed by the local population, and the nature of Australia will open the gates to the wonderful world of tropical forests, crystal clear lakes, untouched lands, far from our usual everyday life and the bustle of modern civilizations.

Australia is a large, highly developed state in the Southern Hemisphere, occupying the territory of an entire continent. Australia area 7,692,024 sq. kilometers, which is the sixth indicator in the world. The country has a population of 25,301,400 and is heavily concentrated along the east and southeast coasts. Capital - .

In addition to the actual continent of Australia, the island of Tasmania and a number of other islands are part of the country. From the northwest, west and southwest, Australia is washed by the Indian Ocean, and from the east by the Pacific. In the southeast of the mainland is the Tasman Sea, and in its northeastern part is the Great Barrier Reef.

Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Indonesia are Australia's northern neighbors, separated from it by the Arafura and Timor Seas. Australia is a semi-arid and sometimes arid continent. In the southeast of the mainland, the climate is temperate, and in the north - tropical.

Current time in Canberra:
(UTC+10)

The name of the country comes from the Latin word "australis", which means "southern". The continent is known for its natural beauty: sandy beaches, deserts, "bushs", which are bushy lands, and Outbacks - sparsely populated uninhabited spaces. At the same time, Australia is one of the most highly urbanized countries with metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

How to get there

Australia, located several thousand kilometers from Russia in a completely different hemisphere, is one of the few countries where it is not so easy for a Russian tourist to fly. This will require at least one transfer - most often in Dubai or Bangkok, where direct flights are often carried out from Russia (for example, Emirates fly from Moscow via Dubai to Australia, and Etihad Airways fly via Abu Dhabi). In principle, attention should be paid specifically to Asian airlines: Korean Air (via Seoul), JAL (via Tokyo), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Vietnam Airlines (via Hanoi), Air China (via Beijing ), China Southern (via Guangzhou).

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Climate and weather in Australia

Due to the large size of the country in Australia there are several climatic zones at once. The tropical north is quite hot, while Melbourne has a much cooler Mediterranean temperate climate. Western Tasmania has a climate similar to England, despite the fact that the capital of Tasmania, Hobart, is the second driest city in Australia. The temperature in some southern regions in winter can drop to minus values. Because Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, the timing of the seasons is reversed from European and North American. In other words, the period from June to September is winter in Australia, while the period from December to March is summer. So Christmas actually falls in the Australian summer and not in the winter as it does in North America and Europe.

Cities and regions

Regions

Administratively, Australia is divided into only six states and two territories, so the area of ​​the country's administrative units is comparable to the area of ​​many fairly large states.

Australian Capital Territory- the smallest administrative unit of the country in terms of area (only 2,358 sq. km), whose center is the capital of Australia, Canberra. The population of the capital region is 373,100 people. Almost half of the Capital Territory is part of the Namadji National Park.

New South Wales- the most populous state of Australia, in which on the territory of 800,642 square meters. kilometers is home to 7,272,800 people. The capital is the city of Sydney - perhaps the most popular city in Australia. In addition, the state is historically the "cradle" of modern Australia - it was founded by the colonialists in 1788. An impressive part of the territory of New South Wales is occupied by National Parks, including the second oldest Royal National Park in the world and Kosciuszko National Park with the highest mountain on the continent - Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters).

Queensland - a state that occupies essentially the entire northeastern territory of the country, which makes it the second largest ( 1,730,648 sq. km). The population of the state reaches 4,537,700 people, of which 2,146,577 live in the state capital Brisbane. Queensland, thanks to the Gold Coast region, is a popular tourist destination, especially loved by surfers. The proximity of the Great Barrier Reef also plays an important role.

South Australia- a large state in the south of the country with an area 983,482 sq. km with its capital in one of the largest cities in the country, Adelaide, where 1,262,940 people. The state's economy is based on mining and agriculture.

Tasmania- an island off the southern coast of Australia, which is famous for its unique flora and fauna, and also has the most severe climate among all regions of Australia. The territory of the island (as well as some nearby) - 68,401 sq. kilometers, and the population of Tasmania is 512,100 people. The capital of the island is the city of Hobart.

Victoria - state in the southeast of the country, covering an area of 227,416 sq. kilometers, making it the smallest state in mainland Australia. However, it is quite densely populated - here lives 5,603,100 people, and the state capital Melbourne is the second largest city in the country, the agglomeration of which has 4,169,103 people.

Western Australia- state area 2,645,615 sq. kilometers (which is slightly less than the size of Argentina) occupies a third of the entire country, and its population is 2,451,400 people. However, the territory of the state is mostly an uninhabited desert, and the vast majority of residents live in Perth and its suburbs (1,832,114 people).

Northern Territory - region in the north of the country, which, despite its impressive territory in 1,420,970 sq. kilometers is very sparsely populated - only lives here 233,300 people, and an impressive part of them are natives. The capital of the Northern Territory is Darwin.

In addition, many interesting islands located around the continent are part of Australia: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Macquarie Island, Bruny Island

Cities

What to see

Attractions in Australia outside the cities

• The Sunny Coast of Queensland with the cities of Caloundra, Noosa, Maroochydore and Moolulaba located on it.
• Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
• Outback - outback, semi-desert territory, the red center of Australia.
• Uluru (also known as Aers Rock), Kata Tjuta, Olgas are rock formations located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory.
• Kakadu National Park is also in the Northern Territory.

Sights of Sydney

Landmarks of Melbourne

Where to go in Australia

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

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Private guides in Australia

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Australia in more detail.
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Things to do

Sport

Despite the fact that Australia is a very young country, its culture is very rich, diverse and quite original, which in one way or another affects the pastime of the local population. If you have already seen the sights of Australia, or you want something new, then the country will have something to offer you. Due to the unique nature in Australia, various sports and outdoor activities are popular

Surfing in Australia

Australia is one big destination for many surfers. At least the eastern shores of Australia, especially the area called the Gold Coast (“Gold Coast”) with the center in the city of the same name Gold Coast south of Brisbane, are famous for their incredible beaches and at the same time incredible waves - 70 kilometers of excellent breaks, which, of course, cannot but affect beach congestion, often leading to unpleasant manifestations of localism. The most popular spots on the Gold Coast are Spit, Main Beach, Narrowneck, Palm Beach and Mermaid beach. The longest waves come to the Snapper Rocks Superbank spot and, of course, the line-up is always crowded here. In addition, on the Gold Coast, you can visit surf courses that take place under the program of the Australian International School of Surfing. And about 100-150 kilometers to the north of the lot of the Gold Coast is the city of Noosa Heads, which is the best place for learning to surf due to the fact that its main beach is successfully protected from a large ocean swell and you can safely master the board on simple waves.

Byron Bay is one of the best places for surfers and at the same time for those who want to take their first steps in this sport. Located just south of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, this area is considered a real surf enclave. Various waves come here; for beginners, it is best to choose the Tallows spot with beach breaks. Right there in Byron Bay you can attend lessons at Byron Bay Surf School.

If your trip to Australia includes a visit to Melbourne, then you should not miss Bells Beach, a hundred kilometers southwest of the city center. It is here that the longest competition among surfers Rip Curl Pro is held. In Sydney, for surfing and just a beach holiday, many go to Bondi Beach, but this beach is usually packed with vacationers.

You can find out more about the best places in the world to practice this exciting sport in the article “Riding the board: what is surfing and where is the best place to conquer the waves”.

Entertainment and cultural events

Every year Australia hosts a huge number of cultural events that attract spectators and guests from all over the country and, of course, the ubiquitous tourists. Here you can name annual music festivals, art festivals and various art fairs, but some festivities stand out from the general background.

For example, the celebration of the New Year and Christmas in Australia can become a real adventure - at the end of December on the Green Continent it is the height of summer, so having a sandy beach at your side instead of a snowdrift is a good option.

However, in order to feel the national flavor of the country and, so to speak, get to know the spirit of the Australians, it is best to wait until January 26 - at this time, celebrations are held throughout Australia in honor of Australia Day, perhaps the main holiday of this country.

There are also less significant, but no less interesting events taking place in Australia during the day: for example, the Royal Regatta in the capital of Tasmania, Hobart, the Floriade flower festival in Canberra, or opera performances right in Sydney Harbour.

Movement around the country

Australia is huge but sparsely populated. It is the sixth country in the world in terms of area, but its population is comparable to that of the metropolitan area of ​​Seoul or Mexico City. This is explained by the fact that cities are separated by vast distances and, having left one city, one must be prepared for a many-hour journey to the next island of civilization.

Travel by car

In Australia, driving is on the left. Overseas visitors, who usually drive on the right, should drive very carefully and carefully on Australian roads, at least until it becomes habitual for them. Car rental companies and the local (generally friendly) police will give you information as to whether your license is valid in Australia. Distances and speeds are determined in kilometers, and fuel is sold in liters.

Australia has a generally well maintained road and highway system. Here, as in any large country, road transport is widely used. Most of the state capitals are connected to the rest by good highways; some parts of them have a double lane, but many segments are single lane. In isolated areas the roads are generally of poor quality and in places are dusty dirt roads or even ruts. Moving between the two major centers is very long. Here are the approximate travel times between the main cities:

• Melbourne - Sydney: 9-10 hours journey (approximately 900 kilometers);
• Brisbane - Sydney: 12-13 hours (approximately 1000 kilometers);
• Perth - Sydney: 50 hours (approximately 4,100 kilometers);
• Sydney - Canberra: 3-3.5 hours (approximately 300 kilometers);
• Adalaida - Melbourne: 8-10 hours (approximately 750 kilometers);
• Brisbane - Melbourne: 19-20 hours (approximately 1700 kilometers);
• Melbourne - Perth: 40 hours (approximately 3500 kilometers);
• Perth - Adelaide: 32 hours (approximately 2700 kilometers).

Although the main highways have good service, anyone heading inland is advised to check with the locals, stock up on fuel, spare parts, spare tires, matches, food and water (minimum 4 gallons per person). On these roads, you rarely see passing cars, so it's best to take a satellite phone with you for emergency calls. It is advisable to communicate your intended route of travel to the local police. It is also a good idea to let your family know about your trip, which will allow them to notify government agencies in a timely manner if you do not report your arrival at your destination at the agreed time. Usually people going inland have to wait for a week or more for help and are lucky if anyone notices their absence. Heat and lack of water at any time of the year can lead a person to an early death. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, then stay close to your vehicle so that you can be easily seen from the air. Don't take this advice lightly as even the locals die in these places.

Air travel

Due to the long distances between cities, flights are the best way to get around. The cost of the flight is generally low, especially if paid in advance. Departures are on time. Service on the main Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane business route is well established, as is bus service. Departures take place every 15 minutes throughout the day.

The main domestic airlines in Australia are:

• - Australia's largest air carrier and the only national airline whose aircraft fly to all major cities and regional centers;
• - a national low-cost airline with a limited range of services, operates flights to major cities and regional centers;
• — a low-cost branch of Qantas, operates flights to the main cities in the eastern part of Australia, New Zealand and Perth;
• — one of Australia's largest airlines, headquartered in Melbourne, flying to mainland cities and Tasmania. Prices are very competitive. The company also operates flights to Singapore and back via Darwin or Perth;
• - carries out air communication between large and small cities of the east coast;
• - serves Western Australia;
• serves the Northern Territory.

Flight prices vary depending on the airline.

Travel by train

Visitors from countries with highly developed rail connections, such as Europe and Japan, may be surprised by the poor development of high-speed connections between cities in Australia. The reasons for this are weak cooperation between the states, coupled with huge distances and a relatively small number of passengers carried. Therefore, transport by rail moves relatively slowly and is used mainly for cargo transportation. Thus, traveling by train in Australia will not be faster than by plane, but it will cost less, although this also depends on the route chosen. Traveling by train is much more spectacular and tourists traveling by train have time to see much more than they would see if they traveled by other means of transport.

The longest rail links are used to connect provincial cities with capitals. Here are approximate routes: Bendigo-Melbourne, Cairns-Brisbane. In Queensland, high-speed trains circulate between the cities of Brisbane and Rockhampton, and between Brisbane and Cairns. In addition, Queensland has internal communications and specific routes:, and.

The company is also engaged in intercity communication. Its trains carry passengers on routes:

• Melbourne-Adelaide (The Overland);
• Sydney-Adelaide-Perth (Indian Pacific);
• Adelaide-Alice Springs (The Ghan Company).

However, as stated above, these are not high-speed trains, so if you don't want to enjoy the ride

by train as part of the journey, then this mode of transportation is not for you. In the capital cities, public transport is trains and buses, and in addition to this, Melbourne also has a comprehensive tram network linking the city with the nearest suburbs. Sydney has an extensive rail network with underground stations. Some cities have intercity rail service, although this primarily serves to move people to and from the state capital.

Not all states have a public rail network. For example, Tasmania ceased to exist more than 20 years ago, although tourist routes still exist. In the Northern Territory, the railroad only links Darwin and Adelaide via Alice Springs. The Australian Capital Territory has a single railway station located a few kilometers from the center of Canberra.

The major railway companies in Australia are listed below:

• - Includes The Ghan, The Overland and Indian Pacific;
• - provides communication between the cities of New South Wales, and also connects Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra;
• - a railway network covering the territory of Sydney, connecting it with the regional cities of Newcastle, Maitland, Valangong, Naura, Blue Mountains and Lithgow, as well as with the cities of the central coast in New South Wales;
• - provides transport links in the state of Victoria, and also transports passengers between Melbourne and Adelaide, as well as Melbourne and Canberra on road trains.
• - provides information about trains, trams and buses in Melbourne;
• — provides rail service in Western Australia;
• – provides rail and bus services in Perth;
• — is engaged in the transportation of passengers in Queensland over long distances;
• - a unique transport service that provides rail links between Cairns and the city of Forsyth, located in the Australian Outback.

Travel by bus

Nationwide (with the exception of Tasmania) bus service is provided by . There are other bus companies:,. Greyhound buses travel to more than 1,100 destinations in Australia each year. This company has been in existence for over 100 years and is the world's oldest passenger transportation organization.

Buses operate 365 days a year and carry 1.3 million passengers, while covering distances of over 29 million km per year. Greyhound is also the largest charter company in the world. It has a variety of ticket options on its routes, helping you to keep your own rhythm of movement, changing it as many times as your ticket allows.

Ferry travel

In Australia, a fairly common form of transportation is the ferry. The main crossing has been established between Melbourne and Devonport (Tasmania). The company is engaged in the daily transportation of passengers along the route that runs through the Bass Strait. There is also a ferry service between Palm Beach, located on Sydney's North Beaches, and the central coast of New South Wales.

Moving with the help of tour operators

In Australia, organized bus tours are well developed. They are especially popular with young people as they allow you to visit famous tourist spots such as Ayers Rock and Kakadu National Park. These tours help you avoid the hassle of organizing a trip on your own, as if you decide to travel with your own transport.

There are many accommodation options available in Australia, from camping to five-star hotels. There is strong competition among tour operators, so look at reviews about the work of a particular tour operator and ask about discounts and special offers.

Economy

Australia has a thriving Western-style capitalist economy. During the 1980s, differences in people's incomes increased greatly, which was especially noticeable in suburban areas. Then, by transferring enterprises to private management and creating the necessary minimum working conditions for workers, the government ensured that the general standard of living continued to grow.

If you are not a very good swimmer, try to draw the attention of the water and rescue authorities to your plight by raising one arm above your head. Swimmers or surfers nearby will most likely come to your aid immediately. Tourists unfamiliar with local beaches are strongly advised not to swim alone. Also, depending on the place and time of year, crocodiles, sharks and box jellyfish can be found on Australian tropical beaches.

Natural disasters

Warnings

Australia experiences a variety of natural disasters on a regular basis, including tropical cyclones (called hurricanes in the US), annual floods and wildfires. Keep track of the times and locations where they are expected. Information about this and timely warnings are available on or by calling the National Reference Network on 1900 926 113.

floods

The most favorable are the winter months in the south of the country - June, July and August, when it rains quite rarely and does not cause floods. In the tropical north, the wet season begins in the summer from December to February, bringing heavy rains and frequent floods.

Water supply

Australia is a very arid country with vast areas of desert. Therefore, it is extremely unlikely that you will be helped with water in remote dry areas far from roads. So don't waste your water, and don't be surprised if you run out of water if you don't stock up before your trip.

On a trip to remote areas away from major highways, where you will travel without seeing other cars for almost a week, it is vital to stock up on water at the rate of 4 gallons (which is 7 liters) per day per person. Don't be fooled by the labels "water", "source", "reserves of water" (or others that promise a lot of water) on maps. Almost all of these areas are arid, and the inland lakes tend to be salty and dry.

Most major cities are imposing water restrictions, especially for things like washing cars and watering gardens, as water levels are plummeting. Waste of water can be fined, so use common sense and only use water for vital purposes.

fires

Much of Australia, including major cities such as Sydney, is at risk from wildfires during the summer. National parks and wilderness areas are particularly vulnerable due to the oil content of eucalyptus leaves. Most uncontrolled fires are human-caused. Even a cigarette butt thrown out of a car window can lead to imprisonment.

In addition, each state's fire department enforces fire bans. When this prohibition is in force, it is unacceptable to use open fire. Many parks also declare a ban, but be aware that the responsibility for the possible spread of fire will fall on your shoulders. Please note that a universal ban on fire includes a ban on smoking, although this does not apply to large cities.

If you are in an area threatened by fires, you may be evacuated by rescue services. Do not resist evacuation, because it is in your own interest.

Outbreaks of crime

Crime rates in Australia are roughly comparable to those in other leading countries. Only a few travelers become victims of criminals. In large cities, there are areas where it becomes unsafe after dark.

The Australian police are fast and trustworthy, so assaults, thefts and other crimes should be reported to them as soon as possible. Never offer a police officer (or any other government employee, such as a customs officer) a bribe or reward, as this is a crime and may result in punishment.

When leaving your car, make sure it is locked, all windows are closed, and there are no obvious targets for theft, as thieves are more likely to break windows to get their hands on a phone or bag if they are left in plain sight.

Fraud

Attempts to deceive tourists are not very common in Australia. But still, you should be careful and not tell strangers information about yourself and your place of residence. Much more often, criminals steal information about accounts. Therefore, it is better to monitor your account and check if any extra transactions have been made. In the event that an ATM informs you that money has been withdrawn from your account, but you have not received this amount in your hands, immediately report this to your bank.

Illegal drugs

Opium, heroin, amphetamines, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, hashish and other drugs are prohibited both for consumption and for trade. Violation of the ban leads to imprisonment. Fines for the use or sale of small amounts of marijuana are generally lower than for other drugs Foreigners should not expect any more lenient treatment for the use and sale of drugs.

Australia's proximity to Asia means that heroin is the most popular drug compared to cocaine and crack. In some areas of major cities, used needles should be avoided, but they are more likely to be found in abandoned alleyways than in busy tourist areas. Australia has a harm minimization policy, with many cities having drug withdrawal programs and places where drug addicts can go for help and treatment, so the number of people living with HIV is relatively low.

Attempting to bring illicit drugs into the country is taken very seriously, and in this regard, Australia works closely with the police in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore to intercept drug couriers. In these countries, drug trafficking is punishable by death. Australian residents are being returned to their homeland to be investigated and punished. In Australia, prison sentences for drug dealing are over 10 years. Therefore, you should not try to smuggle illegal drugs into this country.

Health

Leather

Prolonged exposure to the sun in Australian latitudes often results in burns. Australia also has the highest rate of skin cancers in the world. People who are in the sun all day should wear sun protection clothing and a hat. Also, in some areas of the country, it is desirable to hide from the sun between noon and 2 pm, otherwise you risk becoming the owner of prematurely aged skin or even cancer in the long term. Fair-skinned people are particularly at risk, so they should use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

Emergency telephone numbers

As mentioned above, you can call the emergency number on 000 and ask for urgent medical care or other, if necessary.

Two other emergency numbers: Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 422 599, which is free of charge from any phone except cellular, and Poison Information Service on 13 11 26, all calls are charged, but a call from a cell phone will be more expensive.

Health Threats

Australia has high hygiene standards. Usually tap water is drinkable. Of course, in case of exceeding the permissible levels of bacteria in some dams, an alarm is announced, but this is immediately reported by all media sources and it is proposed to boil water before drinking. Restaurants are required to strictly comply with safety requirements and poisoning does not occur more often than in other countries.

In Australia, there are no specific infectious diseases that may require non-standard vaccinations. As in many other countries, here at the entrance you will have to present a certificate stating that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever within 6 days before arriving in Australia.

When traveling around the country, beware of mosquito bites. There have been cases of tropical fever in remote northern areas. Therefore, wherever you are, try to keep mosquitoes from biting you as little as possible (use special screens and insect repellents).

Medical service

Australia has high standards of medical care, so if you need it, you can get medical care that will be no worse than in any other highly developed country. In particular, blood transfusion is quite safe, as donors are mandatory tested for HIV infection, hepatitis and many other blood-borne diseases.

However, due to the low population density, in some parts of Australia you have to go a long way to find at least some medical facility. In towns with a population of 5,000 or more, there is usually a small hospital that can provide emergency care in an emergency. Larger cities usually have a main hospital capable of providing therapy. In serious cases, especially if you receive injuries that require microsurgical intervention, you will be sent by helicopter or plane to the state capital for surgery.

Australian citizens and permanent residents of the country can receive medical care under the system of free medical care (although in most cases the cost of treatment falls on the shoulders of the victim). Travelers need to have insurance that covers medical expenses, otherwise they will have to pay the full cost of treatment. Visitors from New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Malta and Norway can receive free medical care under this program during their stay.

Poisonous and dangerous creatures

Australia is home to many deadly species of insects, reptiles and marine life living on our planet.

However, with few exceptions, the average tourist is unlikely to encounter any of them in an urban environment. Most deaths occur as a result of an allergic reaction that occurs in response to the stings and stings of bees and wasps. Since 1979, due to the discovery of antivenom, spider bites have not been fatal, and fatal snake bites occur only a couple of times a year. Antivenoms are available for most snake bites. If you are bitten by a snake, it is necessary to cover the wound with an elastic bandage or strips of clothing and urgently seek medical attention. If you are in a remote area, send someone to help. The venom of some snakes can take effect within fifteen minutes, but if the wound is dressed in time, the poisoning can be delayed from one to several hours, depending on the creature that bit you. If possible, it would be good to identify it (if it is a spider, you can catch it in a container and take it to the hospital) in order to immediately find an effective antidote for its bite.

If you're traveling through rural Australia, take a first aid kit with you, including elastic bandages, and learn what to do if you get bitten by a snake or spider.

snakes

Australia is home to six of the most deadly snakes on earth. Never try to catch a snake, even if you think it is not poisonous. Many people get bitten while trying to catch or kill a snake, or simply by accidentally stepping on it while walking. In general, snakes try to stay away, so if you see a snake, just don't get close to it, go the other way. It is also undesirable to walk in dense thickets of bushes and tall grass, as you may not notice the snake hiding there.

Spiders

The most dangerous spider in the world is the Sydney Leukoweb Spider. It can be found around Sydney and in western New South Wales. Until 1970, the bite of this spider was most often fatal, but now an antidote has been discovered. The web of this spider is easily recognizable by its tube or funnel shape. If you met her, then the spider is somewhere nearby. The redback spider, also known as the Black Widow, is more common and also very dangerous. Both of these species can be found in mountainous areas, under fallen leaves, although the Leukoweb spider has an unpleasant tendency for humans to climb into people's houses in case of heavy rain.

jellyfish

Travelers planning to visit Queensland, the Northern Territory or northern Western Australia should be aware of the risk of being fatally stung by the box jellyfish (also called the "sea wasp"), which appears close to the coast from October to May. Box jellyfish can only be seen in very shallow water. Her bite will not only be painful, but painful and can lead to death. In this case, it is necessary to treat the stung place and the area where the tentacles touch with antidote and give an intravenous injection of antidote, but medical attention will be required in any case. The level of danger emanating from these jellyfish varies depending on the place and time of year, so it is best to consult with the locals. The Irukandji jellyfish is another species of jellyfish that inhabits the waters of Australia and the surrounding islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are very dangerous and also difficult to see. Their bites can be fatal if the wound is not treated immediately, but more often than not, they leave their prey in agony for several days. The sting also needs to be treated, but it is best to use a jellyfish sting resistant wetsuit initially.

Blue Ringed Octopus

The Blue Ringed Octopus lives in pools filled with water only at high tide and is tiny, but that doesn't make it any less dangerous. It usually has an inconspicuous sandy-beige color and bright blue rings on the skin, which should serve as a danger signal to you. They bite mainly children or tourists who are trying to pick up an octopus. This species is quite rare and deaths from its bites are also rare. In the history of Australia, only two confirmed cases of death from the bite of this creature are described.

crocodiles

Travelers traveling in Queensland, the Northern Territory or the northern part of Western Australia should be aware of the possibility of saltwater crocodiles in northern waters between King Sound in Western Australia and Harvey Bay in Queensland. Saltwater crocodiles in these areas can reach 30 feet in length and attack swiftly. Despite the fact that their name implies that they live in salt water, they also thrive in freshwater. Crawling ashore, crocodiles usually lie motionless, but can attack with extreme speed in a split second. Very few attacks are limited to getting wounded, most of them are fatal. Special warning signs warn about the dangers of swimming in specific places. In such regions, it is better to swim only in inland waters, it will be safer. Since 1970, there has been approximately one crocodile attack per person every year.

The small freshwater crocodile, unlike the sea crocodile, is timid and avoids meeting with humans. It can only attack if it is protecting its offspring or when it is wounded. Then he can bite, but his bite is rarely fatal due to the small size of his jaws and teeth.

dangerous plants

The Gympic shrub, also known as the thorny tree, has thorns, which are microscopic hairs on the leaves and branches of the plant, which can leave you in severe pain for several weeks when touched. It is found predominantly in northeast Queensland, more commonly in desert areas of the rainforest. However, the Gympic bush and its varieties can be found in northwest Queensland, and further southeast of Australia. Hikers in these areas are strongly advised not to touch this plant under any pretext.

Where to stay

Hostels, motels and hotels will readily accept you. You can find them in most Australian cities and tourist centers. In small towns, you can rent a room in a motel, the rates vary quite widely, while they are lower than in Europe and North America. In addition, in small towns, pubs can also provide one or more rooms for living.

Hostels in Australia

Accommodation in a budget hostel will cost about 20-30 dollars. Service usually includes a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and a supply of food, allowing travelers to stay full and still save money on self-catering.

All hostels usually have living rooms with sofas, dining tables and TVs, creating a relaxed environment for travelers to relax. About 150 hostels belong to the Australian Youth Hostel Network, which is part of the international network of hostels. You can also find hostels belonging to the chain, almost always cheaper than most other hostels.

Australia is the only country in the world that occupies an entire continent. It is world renowned for its natural wonders, wide open spaces, beaches, deserts, bush and outback. Australia is one of the most urbanized countries in the world. Australia is also well known for its large cosmopolitan cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Geography

Australia is the smallest continent, but the sixth largest country in the world. By comparison, Australia is roughly the size of the United States. Australia is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and the South Pacific Ocean to the east. To the southeast is the Tasman Sea, which separates Australia from New Zealand, and to the northeast is the Coral Sea.

Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Indonesia are Australia's northern neighbors separated from Australia by the Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea.

Australia has a very high level of urbanization, with the majority of the population living along the east and southeast coasts. Most of the interior of the country is semi-desert. The most populous states of Australia are Victoria and New South Wales, while the largest state by area is Western Australia.

The territory of Australia is 7,682,300 square kilometers and the distances between cities and towns are very easy to underestimate.

Huge areas of Australia have been cleared of forests in favor of agriculture, but at the same time, many forests have been assigned to national parks or undeveloped areas. Long-term issues that need to be addressed by the Australian authorities include soil salinity, environmental pollution, biological imbalance, as well as the management and conservation of coastal areas, in particular the Great Barrier Reef.

Climate

As with any other large continent, the climate in Australia is quite different in different parts of it. In most parts of the country, the sun shines for over 3,000 hours a year. In general, the north is hot and tropical, while the south is more temperate and subtropical. The greatest precipitation falls in the coastal region, while the interior is dry and deserted.

Daytime temperatures in Darwin rarely fall below +30°C, even in winter, while at night in winter it drops to 15-20°C.

Temperatures in some southern regions can drop below zero in winter, and the Snowy Mountains receive several meters of snow per season. Parts of Tasmania have a temperature regime similar to England.

Since Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, winter is June-August, while December-February means summer. Winter in the tropics means dry season, while summer is humid. In the southern parts of the country, the temperature difference is much greater than in the north.

Story

Australia was inhabited by aborigines from South and Southeast Asia over 40,000 years ago. With rising ocean levels, Australia was cut off from the rest of the world and the Aborigines developed their own culture, which was based on close spiritual ties between man and the earth and nature, as well as family relationships. Over thousands of years, the natives have developed their hunter-gatherer culture, while at the same time improving the artistic and cultural component.

Fishermen from Indonesia visited the north of Australia to trade for several hundred years, while the continent was unknown to Europeans until the 1600s, when Dutch navigators came across the northwest coast. Dutch traders' impressions of Australia were not very positive, as they saw only dry and inhospitable lands here, and for a long time they used Australia as a guide to India, whose markets were more attractive for trade. Purposeful exploration of Australia was carried out by French and British navigators, which is why most of the names of bays, peninsulas and rivers along the coast are of Dutch, French, British and Aboriginal origin.

In 1770, an expedition on the ship Endeavor under the command of Captain James Cook sailed to the east coast of the continent and landed in Botany Bay on April 29, 1770. Traveling along the coast to the north, and reaching the Cape York Peninsula on August 22, 1770, Cook declared the found lands a possession of the British Empire and named them New South Wales (New South Wales). It was after Cook's expedition that Europeans began to settle in Australia, so he was proclaimed the discoverer of the continent, although in fact this was done at least 160 years before.

From the moment when the first settlers arrived in Australia in 1788, in the process of colonization of the country, the Aborigines were almost completely exterminated.

Although the first settlers were exiled prisoners, after 1788 a large number of free settlers came to Australia, mainly from Great Britain and Ireland, but also from other European countries.

While the first prison colonies were being built on the east coast, Adelaide and Perth were already being established by free settlers. During the Gold Rush of the 1850s, large numbers of migrants from Asia and Eastern Europe came to Australia. Despite the White Australia Policy, a large number of migrants from Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia arrived in the country, which had a great influence on the country's multiculturalism in the 20th century.

In 1901, the independent colonies of Australia united into a Federation, which received independence in government from Britain. Once free and relying on its natural resources, Australia rapidly developed agriculture and manufacturing, which contributed greatly (relative to population size) to the Allied forces during the First and Second World Wars. Australian military forces have also taken part in armed conflicts in Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. In 1986, Britain allowed, by signing the relevant law (Australia Act), Australia to adopt their own laws independent of the British Parliament.

Economy

The Australian economy is based on a Western-style capitalist style, with a share of GDP per capita comparable to that of the four dominant capitalist countries.

The service sector, which includes tourism, education and financial services, makes up the bulk of Australian GDP, approximately 69%. Within this sector, tourism is the main direction, which brings about $73 billion to the country's economy annually, which is 11% of all Australian exports.

The extractive industry - mining and agriculture - is Australia's main exporter. Iron ore and coal lead exports, followed by grain, beef and wool.

Australia has a comprehensive welfare system and a higher minimum wage than the US or UK. Workers in technical specialties (builders, electricians, plumbers, etc.) often earn more than professionals (manager, economist, programmer, etc.).

Policy

Australia has a federal state system, where each of the eight states and territories has its own government, as well as a national government. Each state government has its own elected parliament, and the leader of the party with the majority of representatives in the lower house of parliament becomes the leader of the government.

The National Parliament operates on the British Westminster system, with some elements of the American congressional system. The federal government consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each member of the House of Representatives represents his own constituency. The political party with the majority of representatives in the House of Representatives becomes the main one and forms the national government. Ministers are chosen from both houses of parliament.

Julia Gillard is the current Prime Minister of Australia and the governing party is the Labor Party.

The Queen officially remains the head of state and her representative in Australia - the Governor General - has more of a ceremonial role than real political power. In 1999, a referendum was held to give Australia the status of a republic, but was failed.

Sydney

Sydney is a young, carefree, attractive, hospitable city. It stretches on the shores of Port Jackson Bay, which are connected by the grandiose Harbor Bridge - the largest steel arch bridge in the world - the pride of Sydney. The Harbor Bridge and the Opera House building are symbols of the city.

There are many natural parks and reserves on the territory of the city. Beaches stretch along the coast.

Our guide is a companion and assistant for the traveler. It contains information about attractions, museums, restaurants, clubs and shops in the city. Here you will find tips that will make you feel more confident in an unfamiliar place.

Our publication will help you navigate the many streets and make it easier for you to get to know this stunning Australian city.

In order to get a detailed travel guide, you need to download a free guide to Sydney. Click on the link, the download will start automatically. The duration of the download, as a rule, does not exceed one minute.

Quick guide b for Australia

Australia - one of the most interesting countries for tourists. Even stories about killer birds, demon ducks and meter-long grasshoppers cannot frighten those who wish to Australia: this country never ceases to attract travelers with its geographical, natural and sightseeing diversity.

So we can say with a clear conscience that the Australian tourist is special: he is not afraid of getting burned in the scorching sun, he is ready to get to the continent for more than a day on the chaise longue and is not embarrassed by the presence of all kinds of fantastic reptiles, from meter-long grasshoppers to marsupial devils.

For such firmness of spirit, Australia rewards a hundredfold: the openwork archipelagos of the Great Barrier Reef, the blood-red monolith of Uluru, postcard waves for surfers and plush hand-crafted koalas for sentimental young ladies. Add to this the magnificent beaches and recognizable silhouettes such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, a bunch of interesting little things that you can take with you and the ease of communication with the local population.
Our agency has thoroughly studied the southern continent for you.

Sydney Opera House

located in Sydney, Australia. This is one of the most famous buildings in the world. The Opera House has become a symbol not only of Sydney, but of the whole of Australia. The opera house has about 1000 rooms, including 5 theater halls, 2 main halls, 4 restaurants, several bars and souvenir shops.
In the smallest "shell" is the Bennelong restaurant .

Harbor Bridge

Sydney's largest bridge, one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world. It is one of the main attractions of Sydney. Due to its remarkable shape, the bridge was given the comic name "Hanger" by the Sydney people.

Big barrier reef - one of the biggest coral reef systems around the world. It consists of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, stretching for 2,600 kilometers over an area of ​​about 344,400 square meters. km. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, near the northern border of the mainland. It is so large that it can be seen even from space.

The Great Barrier Reef is a diver's paradise .

This is a huge mountain - the world's largest solid stone with a height of 348 m, an ancient sacred place of worship for the Australian Aborigines. The cliff is located in the vicinity of Kata Tiyuta National Park, 450 km from Alice Springs. Here you can climb the 1.6 km high mountain with a guide or simply sign up for a walk around a massive cliff with an aboriginal guide who will tell the legends about the stone.

The Blue Mountains is an area in New South Wales bordering Sydney and starting about 50 km west of it. The mountains are composed of sandstone and are known for their depressions up to 760 meters deep. Their vegetation is represented mainly by eucalyptus and tree ferns.

Kakadu National Park

Australia is famous for the richness of its nature. Here and amazing landscapes, and a unique underwater kingdom, and a diverse animal world. The Australian Kakadu National Park is just one of the worthy representatives of their country. There are amazing plants, many species of birds, fish and animals. Among them you can find tree frog, octopus, kangaroo, buffalo, raven, as well as the famous huge barramundi fish.

A walk along the Alligator River is an opportunity for the most daring travelers to look at freshwater crocodiles. The area itself is also very beautiful: cascading waterfalls, a large Ranger uranium mine, and high cliffs. The greatest pride of the park is the "X-ray" rock paintings of ancient tribes that have survived to this day. They are called x-ray because they depict not only people, but their internal organs. These are the souvenirs left from the ancient tribe, after which the park itself was named.

Pinnacle Desert

One of the most popular places in Australia. Its unusual landscapes with lonely vertical monuments attract tourists from all over the world. Almost all over the desert there are strange limestone pillars, as if of extraterrestrial origin.The height of the strange columns reaches about three meters. To the disappointment of many, their origin has nothing to do with extraterrestrial civilizations. Obelisk monuments were formed as a result of thousands of years of erosion, during which the sun and wind carved rocks into bizarre objects. For a long time, the Pinnacle Desert was little explored and only in 1960 was included in the territory of the national park.

Rainforests of Tasmania.

Australia is one of the richest natural places on the planet, and a small part of it, the island of Tasmania, is the standard of wildlife. The rain forests of Tasmania are a souvenir left over from the Gondwana continent that once existed on our planet, which included Australia, South America, Antarctica and Africa. Surviving rainforests stretch along the coast of Tasmania.

These wild evergreen places and mesmerizing landscapes were recognized as a natural heritage 30 years ago. The famous animal Tasmanian devil lives here, as well as the Tasmanian bettong, red wallaby and rare marsupial wolf.

The rainforests of Tasmania, the “lungs of the planet”, are thousands of kilometers of untouched green world.

Lake Hillier

Unusual Lake Hillier sits on the edge of Middle Island, one of the 105 islands of the Recherche archipelago located along the southern coast of Western Australia. The width of this salty shallow lake is 600 meters. The peculiarity of the lake lies in the bright pink color of its water. It is still a mystery why the waters of the lake acquired such a color. This lake was discovered in 1802 by the British navigator Matthew Flinders. The amazingly beautiful lake is surrounded by a white strip of salt, and it is also bordered by the greenery of various types of eucalyptus. The lake is separated from the ocean by white sand dunes.

royal canyon

The delightful Royal Canyon is located in the Red Center of Australia, 323 kilometers from Alice Springs. The height of its walls in some places reaches 300 meters, and the total length exceeds two kilometers. Once sacred to the aborigines, the land of the Royal Canyon is today one of the main attractions of Australia.
King's Canyon has two hiking trails. The first of them runs along the bottom of the canyon and takes about an hour. The second trail is more difficult - it leads to the very top of the canyon and takes an average of 3-4 hours. But the hard climb is worth it - the view from the top is amazing.
There is another trail in the canyon called the Giles Track, which connects King's Canyon and the city of Kathleen Springs. Few will be able to pass it - the length of the trail exceeds 22 kilometers.

Glowing Lake Gypseland

The Gippsland Lakes of Australia are a well-known place among tourists. It is the longest waterway on the mainland. Here is the famous Croagingolong National Park with white sandy beaches and giant eucalyptus trees, between which huge suspension bridges are stretched. But after one incident in 2011, one of the lakes became wildly popular.
One tourist group, which had been visiting the shores of the lake for several years, noticed an unusual phenomenon one night - the waters of the lake began to glow with a blue neon light. Natural natural bioluminescence is an amazing and extremely rare phenomenon. Usually it can be found only at the depth of the ocean, where the sunlight loses its power.
The first night glow was photographed by Phil Hart. It's all about tiny microorganisms - a rare species of algae that has grown extraordinarily over the past couple of years. Noctiluca scintillans or, more simply, Nightlights are invisible to the human eye, but their light is.

Lourline bay

Coogee Beach and Lourline Bay are among Sydney's top attractions. Here, in the eastern suburbs, you can immerse yourself in the world of nature: beaches, picturesque parks, cliffs and bays. Walks can be made both on land and on water, admiring the beautiful views.
The walking route is just perfect for all walkers, regardless of the level of fitness, including even people in wheelchairs. The trail is laid along the southern cliffs of Coogee Beach and has a pavement 525 meters long. This segment is designed just for those who need a lightweight version.
As for the total length of the route, it is about 3.5 kilometers. Tourists and residents of Sydney love to walk here, where the bustle of the city gives way to natural harmony.

Whitsunday Islands

- is a group of 74 islands that lie off the coast of Queensland and form part of the Great Barrier Reef. These islands are one of the most

Kangaroo Island

This island, measuring approximately 145 by 50 km, is popular for two reasons. Firstly, it is not far from the mainland, and it is easy to get here. Secondly, here travelers get the broadest

Fraser Island is separated from the mainland by long swampy areas. Those who are not afraid to go through peat bogs and are not afraid of wild dingo dogs can

In general, speaking about the sights of Australia, it is difficult to focus on just one thing: urban beauties, historical sites, or amazing wildlife, national parks, endemic plants and animals of the continent ...