Visiting Australia

Whether your ideal holiday consists of outdoor adventure, relaxation in a luxurious setting, or sightseeing and taking in the local culture, Australia offers the best of all worlds. With its modern cities, stunning beaches, fascinating wildlife, and rich history, Australia has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

For a family holiday or a romantic getaway, you are sure to find visiting to Australia to be one of the most exciting and memorable trips of your life. Read on to learn why Australia rates highest among visitors from every nation.

History

Australia is the only country that is also a continent. Its original inhabitants, the Indigenous Australians, have made their home here for tens of thousands of years; their complex social systems and rich culture reflect their deep connection with the land. Europeans first made contact in 1606, when a Dutch explorer named Willem Janszoon charted the west coast of Queensland. In 1788, with the arrival of a British ship filled with convicts sentenced to hard labor, Australia achieved its well-known status as a penal colonyHowever, not all of the Europeans who made their way to the Australian colonies were convicts; hundreds of thousands of immigrants seeking new opportunities in sheep ranching, gold mining, and farming flocked to the continent in the 1800s.In 1901, the people of Australia formed a Commonwealth, a federation of six states under a single constitution. The government was founded on the principals of unity, harmony, equality and human rights for which the country is still known today.

Nature

As an island nation, Australia's rich ecosystem is like no other in the world. With over 1 million native species, most of the birds, fish, plants, and animals living here are unique to the continent. Visitors can experience the amazing biodiversity the country has to offer: views of koalas, kangaroos, and Tasmanian Devils in their natural habitat, the stunning variety of marine life that inhabits the Great Barrier Reef, and the iconic Ayers Rock provide images that will never be forgotten.

Tourist Attractions

Australia boasts a large number of world-famous tourist attractions. In Sydney alone, you will find fabulous beaches, the Sydney Tower, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and of course, the Sydney Opera House. Leaving the city, you can visit the bountiful parks, fishing reserves, mountain resorts, and wine-growing regions. Thousands of miles of hiking trails provide backpackers with tremendous opportunities to explore the island nation.

People & Culture

Australia's people come from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, from the descendants of the Aborigines and Torres Islanders who originally inhabited the continent to immigrants from all parts of the globe. The inclusive and democratic society celebrates diversity and extends opportunities to all. For the visitor, this openness provides opportunities to enjoy the art, music, and cuisine from a wide range of traditions. Whether your idea of entertainment is a raucous cricket or football match, a world-class theater production, a quiet day of viewing ancient or modern art, or an evening on the town, you will find it in Australia.