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AUSTRALIAN STATES Australia, the driest inhabited continent on earth, is located in the southern hemisphere (between the Indian and the South Pacific Ocean) and covers an area of over 7.7 million square kilometres. The mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth. At the same time, the country is the world’s sixth largest country after Russia, Canada, China the USA and Brazil in land area, while its population density is the 7th smallest in the world. The country is divided in 5 states and 2 territories. Australia is culturally diverse society is composed of a population of over 20 million people. The official language is English, but more than 4 million Australians speak a 2nd language. Most of Australia’s population is concentrated in coastal areas – majority living in the States’ and Territories’ cities. The summer goes from December to February, when Australia can experience extreme heat - in many regions often with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees. From June to August is winter season with mild cold temperatures. The Australian currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD), the telephone country code is 61. All major international airlines fly into Australia. There are 3 major domestic airlines: Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. Flying around Australia is relatively cheap and because of the vast distances between the cities of the country it’s often the only way of travelling without losing too much time. Of course, bus and train services operate in the whole country, as well. For train travel throughout Australia visit www.railaustralia.com.au For bus travel contact Greyhound or visit them on www.greyhound.com.au
NSW is situated in the south-east of Australia and has a relatively moderated climate. The capital is Sydney which is probably the most visited city of the whole country. This is not surprising, as Australia’s oldest and largest city and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer: Sydney is most famous for the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. It is considered as the nation’s commercial and business hub but also known as its cultural centre. Among lots of cultural attractions like museums, theatres and exhibitions visitors can enjoy the nearly 60 fantastic beaches, fine dining, shopping and the nightlife in the city that never sleeps. Sydney is the most multicultural, vibrant city and home to 4 million Australians equal to one fifth of the country’s population. “Sydneysiders” are known as hospitable, friendly and open-minded people. Sydney international airport is about 9 km from the city centre and easily accessible by car, train, taxi and bus in about 30 minutes. Outside Sydney, travellers should not miss to visit Byron Bay where they will find pristine beaches. In this vibrant city, the hills meet the ocean show casing amazing scenery and a relaxed yet entertaining lifestyle. A quiet, relaxed weekend in the nature can be spent in the Blue Mountains by driving about 2 hours west. Hiking in the rainforest and visiting the Blue Mountains make you get out of the busy city life. For more information about New South Wales please visit www.pleasetakemeto.com/explore/australia/new-south-wales/
Western Australia is the biggest state of the country situated in its west. The land of ancient rock formations, sparkling beaches, sun and adventure offers diverse landscape and climates. WA covers nearly one third of Australia’s land mass. In Perth, the capital city, you can experience some of the country’s best beaches, nightlife, bustling markets, outdoor dining, amazing marine adventures and so on. Located alongside the peaceful waters of the Swan River, the Perth city centre attracts visitors by its historic architecture as well as endless stretches of beaches. Visit www.pleasetakemeto.com/explore/australia/western-australia/
The second biggest State of Australia takes up around 25% of the land mass and is the fastest growing State of the country. 3.6 million People live here, mostly in coastal areas offering world class beaches, rivers, rainforests and mountains. When being in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, you will feel the warm, friendly, vibrant charm filled with optimism and a sense of adventure. The open locals as well as its visitors enjoy a lot of music, dancing, and partying and generally the fresh attitude of the city. Other places to visit in Queensland if you like pristine beaches, summer day and night life is the Goldcoast, about 40 minutes driving from Brisbane. In the Goldcoast you will also find theme parks and many other entertainment places Fantastic weather and lots of bars and clubs are waiting for you in the area around Cairns and all up the Great Barrier Reef. Airport of Brisbane is linked to the city and the gold coast by “Air Train” operating every 15 minutes. For more information about Queensland please visit www.pleasetakemeto.com/explore/australia/queensland/
South Australia is a very varied state including desert, green and coastal areas. Its beautiful capital Adelaide can be described as one of the most stylish, vibrant and innovative cities of Australia. Its classical elegant style invites to visit its famous churches and to get seduced by its delicious food and its fantastic wines on one of the various festivals. Adelaide airport is located about six km from the City Centre. Just off the coast of South Australia is Kangaroo Island a must see for those who love unspoilt nature and wild animals. For more information about this state please visit www.pleasetakemeto.com/explore/australia/south-australia/
The smallest state of Australia, Tasmania, is separated from the mainland and located south of Victoria. The capital city of the island is Hobart which is full of heritage and surrounded by vineyards and wineries. Tasmania’s most beautiful attractions are the Cradle Mountain Region and the Wild Rivers National Park. They are full of wilderness, valleys and forests and waiting to be explored by adventurers. Tasmania is accessible by air and by sea. The “Spirit of Tasmania” operates 3 vessels between Melbourne (Victoria) and Devonport 7 days per week as an overnight service and twice a week from Sydney to Devonport. For more information about the island state please visit www.pleasetakemeto.com/explore/australia/tasmania/ This territory is not a state and holds one of the most famous Australian icons: The Ayers Rock or Uluru, as it is known by the Aboriginal people. Set in such a remote part of the country, mostly every Australia traveller visits this popular place. The Northern Territory is renowned for its colourful characters, a landscape of colours and contrast and home to wonderful indigenous people. Darwin, the Territory’s capital city was founded as Australia’s most northern harbour port in 1869. During World War II, the city was a major allied military base for troops fighting in the Pacific. Today, it is a very cosmopolitan city, sophisticated and celebrating many exciting ethnic cultural festivals. For the economy of Australia Darwin is very important, as the Port of Darwin is the main outlet for Australia's live cattle export trade into South East Asia. Darwin airport is located 12km from the City Centre and you can easily get there by the “Darwin Airport Shuttle”. The Kakadu National Park is situated 250 km from Darwin and has one of the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art sites in the world. If you like original, pure nature, this park is your place to go! For more information about the Northern Territory please visit www.pleasetakemeto.com/explore/australia/northern-territory/ The state of Victoria is located in the south east of Australia. Victoria’s capital Melbourne is located around the shore of Port Phillip Bay. Its architecture has an elegant European style whereas the attitude of the city is laid back. Considered to be the fashion and arts capitol of Australia, Melbourne invites to various festivals and events. Melbourne has two airports, the Tullamarine Airport (at 23km) and the Avalon Airport (at 40km) reachable by bus, train or taxi. For more information about Victoria please visit www.pleasetakemeto.com/explore/australia/victoria/ Australian Capital Territory - ACT The ACT is lying inside of New South Wales. It includes only the political capital of Australia, Canberra, and its surrounding area. Canberra is an entirely planned city as Australia’s capital and was built as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian Parliament House has its seat in the “bush capital”, named like that because of its various areas of natural vegetation. For more information please visit www.pleasetakemeto.com/explore/australia/australian-capital-territory/ |
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