Australia. Australia: natural resources and their use What wealth tourists are looking for in Australia

It is the largest country in the world and occupies about 5% of the planet's land area or 7.69 million km². It is washed by the waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans. Australia has many natural resources, but the most economically important minerals are those that are exported to other countries of the world and bring significant economic benefits.

Water resources

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, with one of the highest levels of water consumption in the world. mainly surface water in the form of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, dams and rainwater reservoirs, as well as underground aquifers. As an island continent, Australia is completely dependent on precipitation (rain and snow) for its water supply. Artificial reservoirs are critical to maintaining the mainland's water supply.

Among the countries of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), Australia ranks fourth in terms of water consumption per capita. The total annual water flow is about 243 billion m³ and the total groundwater recharge is 49 billion m³, giving a total water inflow of 292 billion m³. Only 6% of Australia's water flow is in the Murray-Darling Basin, where water use is 50%. The total storage capacity of Australia's large dams is about 84 billion m³.

In Australia, it is common to use reclaimed water (treated wastewater that is not potable and intended for industrial reuse) for irrigating green spaces, golf courses, crops or industrial use.

forest resources

Australia is diverse and is one of the continent's most important natural resources.

Australia has a lot of forests despite being considered one of the driest continents. There are about 149.3 million hectares of natural forests on the mainland, which is about 19.3% of Australia's land area. Most of Australia's trees are deciduous, usually eucalyptus. Of these, 3.4% (5.07 million ha) are classified as primary forest, the most biologically diverse and carbon rich.

Australia's natural forests are found in a wide range of geographic landscapes and climates, and contain a wide range of predominantly endemic species (i.e. species found nowhere else) that form unique and complex forests. Forests represent a range of woody and non-woody products that Australians use in their daily lives. They also provide clean water, protect soils, provide opportunities for recreation, tourism, and scientific and educational activities, and support cultural, historical, and aesthetic values.

The continent's timber industry has benefited from the development of tree plantations, which produce 14 times more wood per hectare than natural forests. Currently, plantations provide more than two-thirds of Australia's timber. These areas are dominated by fast growing tree species such as eucalyptus and radiata pine. The main types of forest products are sawn timber, wood-based panels, paper and wood chips.

Mineral resources

Australia is one of the world's largest producers of minerals. The most important continent are bauxite, gold and iron ore. Other mainland minerals include copper, lead, zinc, diamonds and mineral sands. Most mineral resources are mined in Western Australia and Queensland. Many minerals mined in Australia are exported overseas.

Australia has extensive coal deposits. It is mainly found in the eastern part of the country. 2/3 of Australian coal is exported mainly to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Western Europe. The rest of the coal mined in Australia is burned to generate electricity.

Natural gas is also common in the country. Its reserves are mainly found in Western and Central Australia. Because most of these deposits are far from urban centers, natural gas pipelines have been built to transport natural gas to cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Part of the natural gas is exported. For example, natural gas produced in Western Australia is exported directly to Japan in liquid form.

Australia also contains a third of the world's uranium reserves. Uranium is used to produce nuclear energy. However, nuclear power and uranium mining are highly controversial as people are concerned about the detrimental environmental impact due to its radioactive properties.

Land resources

Land use has a significant impact on Australia's natural resources through impacts on water, soil, nutrients, plants and animals. There is also a strong link between changing land use patterns and economic and social conditions, especially in regional Australia. Land use information shows how , including the production of products (such as crops,
timber, etc.) and measures to protect land, protect biodiversity, and natural resources.

The total area of agricultural land is 53.4%, of which: arable land - 6.2%, permanent crops - 0.1%, permanent pastures - 47.1%.

About 7% of Australia's land resources are reserved for nature protection. Other protected areas, including native lands, cover more than 13% of the country.

Forestry tends to be limited to higher rainfall regions of Australia and covers nearly 19.3% of the continent. The lands of settlements (mostly urban) occupy about 0.2% of the country's area. Other types of land use account for 7.1%.

biological resources

animal husbandry

Animal husbandry is one of the leading branches of agriculture in Australia. In terms of the number of sheep, the country ranks first in the world, and in some years it provides more than 1/4 of the world's wool production. On the territory of the country, cattle are also raised, and by-products include meat, milk, butter, cheese, etc. exported to other countries and generates a total income of more than 700 million US dollars per year, while Indonesia is the largest consumer of meat.

crop production

Australia is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of crops. Wheat is the most important cultivated crop, with a sown area of more than 11 million hectares. Other Australian crops include barley, corn, sorghum, triticale, peanuts, sunflowers, safflower, rapeseed, canola, soybeans, and more.

Sugarcane, bananas, pineapples (mainly Queensland), citrus fruits (South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales) and others are also grown on the territory of the country.

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna of Australia are the plants and animals that live on its territory. The fauna and flora of Australia is unique and differs significantly from the wildlife of other continents.

About 80% of Australian plant species are found only on this continent. Native plants include: eucalyptus, casuarina, acacia, spinfex grass and flowering plants including banksia and anigozanthos etc.

Australia has many unique animals. Of native Australian animal species: 71% of mammals and birds, 88% of reptile species and 94% of amphibian species are endemic. About 10% of the biodiversity of our planet is located here.

Huge modern cities, picturesque beaches, the steepest railway slopes, the real UFO capital - this and much more attracts tourists from all over the world to Australia.

All the interesting places in Australia, which are undoubtedly worth visiting for every visitor to Australia, cannot be reduced to a ten-place rating. Therefore, below are just some of the attractions that most attract tourists.

Great Barrier Reef

It is the most beautiful coral reef in the world.

The Barrier Reef is a true ecosystem with the richest fauna and flora, consisting of three thousand coral reefs and covering more than 300 kilometers of area along the Australian coast of Queensland.

Cape Byron

cape is the easternmost point of the continent and is considered one of the most beautiful places in all of Australia.

The real visiting card of the cape is a snow-white lighthouse built in 1901.

Here is an observation deck, from where an incredible, breathtaking view of the surroundings opens.

From the lighthouse you can observe the life of dolphins, whales and sharks, which often visit these places.

Cockington Green Gardens

The park in Canberra is a real world in miniature. Here you can see tiny villages and villages, made in different styles.

Small palaces, mills, residential buildings, people, horses - all this completely imitates life in real Mediterranean towns.

The 12 Victorian Apostles and the Great Ocean Road leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

The Victorian Apostles are 12 huge limestone rocks. jutting straight out of the sea.

The amazing coastline also has beautiful grottoes, caves and rocks.

Red Rock Ayers Rock

It rises in the middle of the desert in the central part of Australia.

Fraser Island

This island is famous for its white sandy beaches, tropical forests, pristine lakes and amazing dunes.

The UNESCO World Heritage Island has some interesting Australian animals such as the wild dingo dogs that roam freely around the island.

Sydney Harbor

The harbor has a coastline of 240 km.

Many tourists begin their acquaintance with the sights of Australia here, admiring the numerous gardens and parks.

It also offers views of world-famous landmarks such as the Harbor Bridge and the quirky Sydney Opera House.

Phillip Island

The island is one of the most beautiful Australian islands with beautiful beaches, located on an area of one hundred hectares.

Blue Mountains Park

The Blue Mountains National Park is famous for its picturesque nature - lakes, waterfalls, steep cliffs and tropical forests.

pink salt lakes

The bodies of water are considered one of Australia's most amazing and unusual natural wonders.

The unusual color of the lakes is associated with algae growing in them.

Australia's largest cities

Australia's largest metropolitan areas are Melbourne and Brisbane, each of which undoubtedly deserves attention.

Sydney

Sydney, where more than 4 million people live, harmoniously combines ultra-modern skyscrapers and ancient buildings, quiet parks and lively beaches.

Sydney Tower, Sydney Aquarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbor and many other attractions of the city are the national pride of Australians and certainly deserve attention.

Melbourne

Guests are attracted by numerous boutiques and shops, cafes and souvenir shops.

You can get to the suburbs of St. Kilda by tram, and a walk along the Yarra River will also be interesting.

The coastline of Port Phillip Bay is famous for its excellent beaches, and in the Yarra Valley and in the Dandenong Mountains famous wineries are located.

Federation Square, the Melbourne Museum located in Carlton Gardens, and Australia's famous Eureka skyscraper are also popular attractions in the city.

Brisbane

The attention of tourists deserves and city of Brisbane, in the vicinity of which there are numerous reserves and zoos.

Brisbane, with its one million inhabitants, is considered the third largest city on the continent.

The former provincial town is considered today one of the most attractive and promising for life in the country.

Its population is growing at a tremendous rate. In terms of the number of skyscrapers and skyscrapers, Brisbane can even compete with New York.

Australia surprises guests not only with natural beauties and picturesque places, but also many interesting customs and traditions:

all adult Australians are required to appear at the polls, otherwise local residents face a fine;
locals almost never leave tips;
Canberra was declared the capital of Australia, as two cities claimed it - Sydney and Melbourne. As a result, the Australians compromised, and the capital was located between competing cities;

kangaroo meat is sold in Australian supermarkets and offered in restaurants, considered a healthy alternative to beef or lamb, since the fat content in kangaroo meat is no more than 1-2%;
despite the fact that most travelers associate the country of kangaroos with the sun, seaside resorts and beaches, there is more snow in the Australian Alps than in the whole winter;
the Great Barrier Reef has its own mailbox, in which tourists can put a postcard with views of the reef addressed to friends;
Australians are among the most gambling nation.

According to statistics, about 85% of local residents at least occasionally gamble for money.

the world's most venomous snake lives on the continent– coastal taipan;
There are many immigrants living in the country. Every fourth inhabitant of the continent, according to statistics, was born outside its territorial boundaries;
the first unit of the Australian police consisted of only 12 people, and all policemen were chosen from prisoners who distinguished themselves by good behavior;
as statistics show, the population of Australia is considered the most law-abiding in the world;
Australian football team owns the most grandiose victory: In 2001, she beat American Samoa with a unique score of 31:0.

Summing up the above, it becomes quite obvious that Australia is one of the most interesting places on the planet, which, in terms of the number of its attractions, confidently overtakes most countries of the world.

This continent will never cease to attract numerous travelers with its natural and sightseeing diversity and original traditions.

What do we know about Australia? Of course, the first associations with this country are numerous kangaroos galloping across incredible expanses, crocodiles, surfing, the Sydney Opera House, the endless ocean, heat and natives.

In fact, when deciding to visit Australia, we must not forget that this is the only state on our "Blue Planet" that occupies an entire continent! Of course, the continent is smaller than Eurasia, but still! So trying to see all of Australia in a week is at least naive. Only walks around Sydney will take several days, and the Great Barrier Reef can be explored for months and never cease to be amazed.

First of all, we advise you to decide what interests you more - modern Australian cities or the nature of the Green Continent? In the first case, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are waiting for you, and in the second - remote corners, islands, reefs, mountains, rivers and lakes.

Let us remind you that in the Southern Hemisphere the opposite is true and the Australian New Year is a very hot holiday that locals prefer to spend on the beaches. In any case, whenever you get to Australia, we advise you to drive along the Great Ocean Road with its "12 Apostles", visit one of the country's many national parks, see the most beautiful bridge of the continent, the Harbor Bridge, and also visit Fraser Island.

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What to see in Australia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Australia's biggest tourist attraction. There is something here for everyone. Do you want to watch sharks? Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef! Just lie down on the cleanest beach? Great, there's room for everyone! Rent an expensive hotel room right on the beach? There are some suggestions too! Always wanted to learn diving? There is simply no better place to do this. The Great Barrier Reef is amazingly diverse, attracting both tourists and scientists.

This is a real visiting card of the country. Even those who have never heard anything about Australian sights must have seen this building against the backdrop of Sydney Bay on postcards and travel brochures. The shell building, a building that fits perfectly into the landscape, a masterpiece of architectural thought - as soon as they do not call the Sydney Opera House.

This picturesque group of limestone cliffs is the most visited attraction located on the famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria. A tourist center was even built around the Twelve Apostles. Helicopter rides over the rocks are popular with travelers. By the way, there are not 12 "apostles", but eight - the ninth rock collapsed in 2005, unable to withstand the onslaught of the waves.

This is a sacred place for the Australian Aborigines, the rock towering above the rest of the area is brick red. Uluru is famous for its ancient rock paintings and caves. It is convenient that the resort town of Yulara and the airport are nearby, so getting to this amazing attraction is convenient and easy.

These rocks are not actually blue - this effect is given by the gray vapors from the eucalyptus forests that cover them. Part of this area, stretching west from the city limits of Sydney, is recognized as a UNESCO site and a National Park. Tourists are advised to start exploring the Blue Mountains from the city of Katoomba, near which there are waterfalls, caves and other interesting places.

This is the largest bridge in Sydney and one of the largest steel arch bridges in the world. A local attraction, decoration of the urban landscape and a place of attraction for thousands of tourists. Particularly popular are walks along the side arch to the top of the bridge, from where an amazing view of the metropolis opens. For the ascent, you will need the help of an instructor and a special suit with insurance.

The tallest building in the city cannot but attract attention. The Sydney Tower has nothing to do with TV broadcasts. Shops, restaurants and other entertainment facilities are located here. The most thrilling experience will bring a visit to the retractable viewing platform, which rises above Sydney to a height of 268 meters.

In fact, this national park was not named after the name of the birds, but in honor of the Aboriginal tribe. Kakadu Park attracts tourists with amazing landscapes and the opportunity to see rare animals, birds and reptiles. Archaeologists are especially interested in two caves, where rock paintings were found about 18 thousand years old.

To visit Australia and not drive along the most scenic road in the world is a big omission! This is 243 kilometers that stretch along the ocean coast in the state of Victoria. There is also a hiking trail along the road. In addition to the Twelve Apostles, along the Great Ocean Road you will meet many interesting things, for example, the Loch Ard Ridge and Grotto.

The easternmost point of the Green Continent, a cape with stunning views of the ocean. Cape Byron, named so by the famous traveler James Cook, is decorated with a snow-white lighthouse that saved many sailors from shipwreck. The area is very beautiful and therefore attracts many tourists.

This beach is located just 10 kilometers from the center of Sydney and attracts tens of thousands of people every year. Here they go jogging, hold interesting competitions and races, just sunbathe, swim and surf. A wide strip of white sand and the purest ocean waves make Bondi beach one of the most beautiful on the planet.

Few people now remember that numerous convicts were once exiled to Australia. One of the most terrible places of detention was the Port Arthur prison, located in Tasmania. The building was perfectly preserved, along with the church and the chapel, so it became a real museum, perfectly demonstrating the conditions in which the convicts lived.

Today, of course, the British Queen does not live in this Gothic building, but the truly royal chic has been perfectly preserved. The house is located in downtown Sydney and is a popular, quite modern shopping center. You can visit the Queen Victoria House for two reasons - to admire its rich decoration and go shopping.

This is the largest Anglican cathedral in Melbourne, a majestic building where you can come not only to pray, but also to admire the unique decoration and beautiful architecture. One of the most notable buildings in the city, it is famous for its organ, which is considered the largest of all built in the 19th century.

A unique natural wonder located in the northwestern part of Australia. Horizontal waterfalls occur only during sufficiently long tidal currents, when powerful water flows pass through narrow settlements between picturesque rocks. The spectacle is amazing and bewitching, created due to the difference in the levels of water flows.

At least 140 thousand tourists come every year to look at this natural wonder. Looking at this rock, it really seems that a wave from the ocean somehow ended up in the middle of the land and froze forever. Scientists consider the Stone Wave a unique rock formation created by nature from granite, just think about it - 60 million years ago!

Have you watched TV shows about animals with host Stephen Irwin, the famous crocodile hunter? We're sure you've watched! The Australian Zoo in Queensland is associated with his name and is now run by Irwin's widow. Surprisingly comfortable conditions have been created on the territory of the zoo not only for rare animals, but also for visitors who have something to be surprised and enjoy during their visit.

This is probably the most unusual and picturesque state of Australia, located on the island of the same name, in the very south of our planet. Further only Antarctica and the ocean. Among tourists, Tasmania is known for the fact that the regatta from Sydney to Hobart, the main city of Tasmania, is held here annually, as well as races that gather spectators from all over the world. The nature of the island is also unique.

Aboriginal people, several thousand of whom lived on this island before the colonization of Australia, called it simply "Paradise". And this is not surprising. It is incredibly beautiful here, nature has remained almost untouched and the island, located off the east coast of the continent, continues to attract tourists. True, it was not possible to keep intact the amazing “hanging” freshwater lakes that Fraser is famous for - there are too many who want to see such exotic.

This is a spectacle that millions of tourists cannot pass by. In fact, there are thousands of little penguins that march en masse into the ocean waves and return at sunset, and every day at almost the same time - what could be more interesting! Usually, special tours are organized to Phillip Island, during which they also offer to visit the penguin show and the Koala Sanctuary.

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Hello! My name is Natasha, and for 5 years now I have been living in a country where everyone walks on their heads, or rather in Australia, in the city of Sydney. Here I work as a marketer, I run my blog in Instagram and a section on the radio, and I also organize picnics for the same Russian immigrants as my husband and I. Life on the Green Continent is full of interesting discoveries, and even now I never cease to be amazed at some of them.

Especially for readers website I will tell the whole truth about the peculiarities of this distant and beautiful country.

The question I get asked most often is how do I move to Australia? We moved here thanks to my husband, who got a work permit. We decided to try to live in this country, and then we stayed and never regretted our decision. As in any other country, living in Australia has a lot of pros and cons. If you are interested in moving, I advise you to look at the website of the Department of Immigration, as the rules change all the time. And also check if your profession is on the list of popular specialties for migrants.

Well, to make it easier for you to make a decision, I propose to start by learning more about the life of Australians.

1. There is no eternal summer in Australia

I used to think that in Australia it is always warm, sunny and you can swim in the warm ocean all year round. This is indeed a very sunny continent (about 250 sunny days a year), but the weather can be different and even unpredictable. In Sydney, the ocean rarely warms up to a comfortable temperature even in summer, and the Australians themselves prefer to go for a beach holiday in Bali, Fiji or Thailand.

The country is large, several climatic zones pass through it at once: from the tropics in the north to a cooler climate with rainy winters in the south. If you wish, you can even go skiing in Australia: there are several ski resorts where real snow falls (although the prices bite there!).

And Australia is often called the Green Continent, but this is not entirely true: most of the mainland is desert, and tropical forests are located only along one coast.

2. In winter, it can be warmer outside than at home.

Here is such a paradox: despite the fact that the winters here are not severe, the lack of central heating and the “cardboard walls” make me feel colder than in Russia. Therefore, sheepskin slippers were my first purchase.

Usually in winter it is even warmer outside than at home: once in my friend's apartment the thermometer rose to a maximum of +9, while the temperature outside was about +13. This is how I spent about three summer months. Australians are saving themselves as best they can: they use heaters and simply dress warmer. Uggs, in which the whole world walks the streets, are put on at home here.

3. Australians love the ocean and nature

A typical road in a residential area: along with cars, many families park boats, sometimes two at once. There are over a hundred beaches in Sydney (just imagine, every weekend you can choose a new one!), and people try to spend their free time usefully. Many are fond of surfing, ride on small boards, and someone just swims or rests in the shade.

4. Relaxation, slowness and intolerable accent

No wonder there are so many legends about the Australian accent: it really puts the untrained ear into a stupor! Locals speak quickly, swallow sounds, and even use a lot of abbreviations: arvo = afternoon, brekky = breakfast, etc. Add Indians and Asians here with their accents: at first, out of habit, the head is spinning from this language mixture.

Here are some interesting observations about the mentality of the locals:

Australians at work do not give all the best, but believe that it is better to do 80% and go surfing. And it doesn't matter that you expect 100% results from them. At work, sometimes it turns out to be even convenient: firstly, something can be done faster and handed over, and then slowly finished. And secondly, in the end, the alterations may be different than you originally expected. Users will test, perhaps they will find errors that can be fixed along with improvements. “I work for life, but I don’t live for work” is their motto.
Nobody is stressed. And why, when there is a cup of coffee in one hand, and the endless ocean stretches before your eyes? You can go outside in pajamas, sweatpants, but at least barefoot! Nobody cares. It may seem that people here are a little infantile, and usually they are until they are 30-35 years old: at this age, Australians create families and give birth to children (usually 2-3, no less).
It's strange, but despite his relaxed approach to life, Australians love to plan ahead. Air tickets are bought 8-9 months before the trip, vacations are planned a year in advance, meetings with friends - a month in advance.
Australians will not climb into the soul, and indeed when communicating, they will behave politely and keep their distance, avoiding topics that may be unpleasant. Of course, there is racism in Australian society, but in general, immigrants like us are treated well here.

Curious fact: Statistically, 50% of Australians never iron anything. No one will look at you sideways if you come to work in wrinkled trousers and a shirt: if you are so comfortable, then why not?

Moreover, I want to go to the store in pajamas for bread - please! Wanted to walk down the street barefoot and walk to the nearest store? In my area every second walks like this: once at the checkout in a supermarket, I met a guy who was dressed in just a towel. How do you like that?

By the way, Australians have another habit - they like to drive barefoot. I used to disdain and wrinkle my nose when my friends told me how they like to drive a car barefoot, but a couple of years ago I started on my own and got involved - and it’s really very convenient.

6. Australia is a flip country

The seasons here are “turned” on their head: when it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, winter reigns in Australia. It turns out that June, July and August are the winter months. Accordingly, the New Year and Christmas fall at the very height of summer, and at first it was difficult to get used to this. The traditional Australian celebration of these two holidays is a barbecue on the beach. And we carry a Christmas tree with us, a bowl of Olivier and sculpt "snowmen" from the sand.

On average, each Australian spends $400-550 on gifts, because it is customary to buy gifts for all their relatives and even their children, and Australians have large families. So one day my colleague had to stock up on almost 40 gifts.

Also exists holiday Christmas in July - the so-called July Christmas. It is celebrated arbitrarily in July, that is, in the middle of winter, when it gets cold outside: it is customary to sit by the fireplace with New Year's attributes and give gifts to loved ones.

By the way, the school year in Australia is also “upside down»: starts at the end of January and ends before Christmas, in mid-December. The financial year also differs from the usual calendar year and begins on July 1.

7. In Australia, everything is trying to kill you - is it true?

If everything was so bad, it is unlikely that Australians would be among the ten happiest nations in the world. There are sharks, poisonous snakes, cockroaches the size of a matchbox and spiders the size of a palm, but people have somehow adapted to live peacefully with the surrounding flora and fauna. Each animal has its own habitat. Elementary rules help reduce fears and protect yourself: it is worth shaking out your shoes before putting them on (suddenly someone crawled into shoes), while outdoors, carefully monitor your belongings and swim carefully in the ocean. Being careful never hurt anyone!

Once a big spider got into our house, which we heroically caught. After discussing the situation with friends, I found out that many Australian houses even have a special glass for catching spiders: they are not killed, but caught and taken to the street.

I am also often asked: is it true that in Australia sharks eat people off the coast? This can really happen here, but according to statistics, far more people in Australia die from falling out of their own beds than from shark bites.

Once I myself was close to a shark, but, to be honest, I didn’t even see a fin. We were on one of the southern beaches of Sydney: we swam, rode boards in coastal waves. Suddenly, the siren turned on, the rescuers fussed and began to drive everyone out of the water: 2-3 sharks sailed from the ocean, which were larger than boats in size.

I asked the female lifeguard if they often see sharks. It turned out that she sees them almost every day, but these are all species that are not dangerous to humans. Big sharks rarely swim from the ocean (they were seen only 3 times during the season on this beach): when this happens, the beach is closed.

8. There are more kangaroos than the population.

Australia's National Treasure is subject to a mandatory census: as of 2011, there were 34 million kangaroos in Australia. Compare with the population in 2011: 23 million people, which means There are actually more kangaroos in Australia than people. Here are some interesting statistics.

Of course, you won’t meet kangaroos on the streets of Sydney, but it is worth moving a little further inland, to national parks, as the probability of meeting these animals increases dramatically. True, they are a little stupid: they regularly run out onto the road and throw themselves under the wheels of cars.

Nature. As a person who grew up in the stone jungle, I am endlessly pleased with Australian nature and amazing wildlife - for this you don’t even need to leave the city. For example, the national parks and nature reserves located in the Sydney metropolis cover an area of 188 hectares, and most often these are pieces of untouched wilderness. And all this - in the city! And, of course, the ocean is a separate love.

Weather. Anyway, the weather in Australia is great. So, in Sydney, the temperature never drops below zero, it never snows, on a good winter day you can even walk in a jacket, and my complaints about Sydney winters are more likely from being spoiled.

Comfort. Australian cities are the best suited for a comfortable and relaxing life. Ramps and elevators are thought out here for those who are forced to move in a wheelchair, special places are equipped - this, it seems to me, is an important indicator. Driving on the roads here is a real pleasure, and most of the signs are a picture and an explanation: if you don’t remember the sign, then at least read it. Road markings help you turn into the correct lane. And on the Great Ocean Road (a place where there are 5 tourists per 1 local) there are signs "In Australia they drive on the left side of the road."

People. I like Australians: kind, open and cheerful, always ready to help and will not pass by a person in trouble. They do not worry about the little things, which means there is much less stress and pressure. People know how to enjoy life, spend a lot of time with friends and family, and I really like all this.

Would you like to go to Australia or have you already been to this country? Share your opinion with us in the comments.

Tourists from all over the world travel to this sunny continent in search of a dream, because Australia is so unlike any other country in the world. This ancient land has retained all the natural originality, combining it with the latest inventions of mankind. Holidays in Australia are an unusual adventure that you will remember for a lifetime.

When is the best time to go to Australia

At any time of the year, tourists in Australia will find a lot of entertainment and see the amazing wealth of the country, its attractions and natural beauty. It is worth taking into account seasonality so that the rest is as comfortable as possible and fully meets your expectations.

If you prefer an organized holiday, then you can buy a tour to Australia right now, in which case your trip to this continent will be safe, carefree and interesting. They will think over the travel route for you and you will be able to see many unusual places in a short time, and in Australia there is something to see and to whom.

The uniqueness of this area is due to its significant distance from all other continents. The territory of Australia is huge, several climatic zones are connected here, bringing their own characteristics to the weather conditions. When choosing a time to relax, keep in mind that our winter is the Australian summer, and the long-awaited summer months in Russia coincide with the winter season in the country of kangaroos and the eternal sun. However, you will not feel much difference between the seasons, you just need to take into account some of the nuances.

The Australian summer is very hot. At this time of the year, it is preferable to relax on the sea coast, indulging in blissful bliss, and not planning active sightseeing pilgrimages.

The spring season is characterized by rain in Sydney and rather dry coolness in Melbourne. This is a great time for a sightseeing tour of the central part of the mainland, its deserts and national parks.

Summer offers a great opportunity to visit the southern ski resorts of the continent. Lovers of contrasting sensations will really enjoy if, after spending a few days on the snowy peaks of Threadboy or Perisher Blue, they go for a change of scenery to the tropical atmosphere of the north coast.

Australian autumn is beautiful and long-awaited, like spring in Russia. The climate softens throughout the continental territory, opening up a full range of tourism opportunities for guests.

Why Australia is attractive for tourists

Tourists from all over the world, with different passions and ideas of their ideal vacation, will find something to their liking in Australia.
Surfers go to the continent for a unique opportunity to ride the waves of two oceans at once - the Pacific and the Indian. Abundant beaches lapped by majestic waters have earned Australia the title of second home for surfers, and Snapper Rocks has some of the longest waves in the world.

Even if you have never been diving, here you will not be able to resist the temptation to plunge into the magical, exciting world of the underwater kingdom. Nowhere else will you see such an abundance and a special fabulous life of marine flora and fauna: millions of fish of various and bizarre forms, rays, turtles, octopuses, moray eels and many more representatives of the expanses of water.
A country of contrasts, an ancient continent where modern megacities coexist with endless expanses of national parks that have preserved all the riot of natural shades, unexplored vegetation, places inhabited by unseen animals. The only surviving species on earth live here: platypuses, koalas, emus, kangaroos. Diverse and different, like the mainland itself, national parks are included in the UNESCO heritage list: Blue Mountains, Kakadu, Namaji, Daintree, Canberra, Black Mountain, Eucalyptus Grove.

The unique and majestic architecture of Australian cities will leave an indelible impression. Recognized monuments of world importance: in Sydney - the Opera House, the famous Harbor Bridge, giant aquariums and quarters that have preserved the solemnity of Victorian architecture; in Melbourne - Federation Square, the Royal Garden, the gloomy Old Prison; in Canberra, the whimsical Houses of Parliament, Black Mountain Hill, the National Gallery of Art. A huge collection of inspiring cultural experiences awaits visitors to the sunny continent who decide to explore the countless sights of Australian cities.

Top 10 must see places in Australia

To visit and view all the riches that this country offers to its guests, you need to come here again and again. Australia is so abundant in natural colors, terrestrial and underwater wildlife, ancient and architectural heritage, cultural and modern sights, that in one trip it is only possible to touch its riches.

To get a general impression of the unusual world of the continent, its most famous sights will help:

Opera House in Sydney - like a magnet attracts the eyes of everyone
coming to this city. A huge complex with many halls, restaurants, shops, which can host up to 5 performances at the same time, took 14 years to build. Today, the building, striking with its unusual beauty and majesty, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Harbor Bridge is the main Sydney bridge with a length of 1149 meters.
The locals call it a hanger, and the whole world in admiration gives it the second place among the largest arched bridges on the planet.
Blue Mountains - picturesque National Park, world heritage
UNESCO. The peaks of the mountain range, covered with tropical thickets of huge blue eucalyptus trees and tree ferns, are shrouded in a blue haze created by the refraction of sunlight in drops of eucalyptus oil secreted by plants.
The Pinnacle Desert attracts travelers from all over the world
mystical landscapes, an unusual creation of natural fantasy.
The rainforests of Tasmania, which are called the lungs of the planet, are
a vast expanse of untouched evergreen forests that have preserved their original appearance of ancient millennia.
Lake Hillier, filled with bright pink waters and surrounded by
a white strip of salt and the greenery of eucalyptus thickets is another wonder of the world that Australia is rich in.
Fort Denison - the historical heritage of Sydney, serfs
buildings reminiscent of the heroic past of the city.
King's Canyon - Sacred Aboriginal Land and Place
pilgrimages of modern tourists.
Mount Uluru is an ancient sacred place covered in legends,
having an amazing ability to change color during the day due to the red sandstone included in the composition.
Glowing Lake Gypseland is a favorite place for tourists, its waters
have the magical ability to glow at night with a blue neon flame.

Australia is an amazing continent that never ceases to amaze tourists
all over the world. It is here that ancient natural monuments, rare animals and plants have been preserved in close interweaving with modern art. It is worth seeing Australia at least once, but a lifetime is not enough to explore it.