Located between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Australia is the world’s largest island and its smallest continent. The country has a landmass around the same size of the Brazil or the 48 contiguous United States, but with a population of around 22 million, Australia has one of the lowest population densities on earth. There’s room to move in the Land Down Under, and with so many sights to discover and enjoy, there’s a great incentive to go on a walkabout adventure. Wherever visitors roam, the warmth, charm and easy-going friendliness of the country’s people is sure to enhance the travel experience.
From the rainforests in the north to the desert outback in the country’s vast interior, Australia’s landscapes are some of the most diverse on earth. Around 80 percent of the nation’s flora and fauna exist nowhere else in the world. Although most of the country’s population lives in metropolitan cities along Australia’s 50,000 km (30,000-mile) long coastline, nature’s grandeur is always just a short drive away. Visitors can spend the day roughing it in the bush and be back in town in time to enjoy the best of Australia’s culinary delights and cultural attractions at night.
Each Australian city has its own special character. The capital Canberra is ideal for visitors who want to explore the nation’s 50,000-year history. Australia’s oldest and largest city, Sydney is famous for its picturesque harbor and natural beauty. Forward-thinking Melbourne is Australia’s glittering cultural capital. Cairns is the perfect home base for the adventurous traveler. Whether exploring the traditional lifestyle of the nation’s Aboriginal people, relaxing on a sun-kissed beach or reveling the night away in a city hot spot, Australia has something special to offer every visitor.
