Visa Requirements
There are various visa options available:
1) Short stay tourist visa (or ETA): The perfect option if you want to visit Oz for up to three months.
2) Long stay tourist visa: For anyone who wants to travel around Oz for three to six months.
3) Working holiday visa: Very popular with backpackers and gappers! Allows you to work in Australia for up to 12 months (this can be extended to two years under certain circumstances).
4) Student visa: For anyone who is serious about studying in Oz. You'll need a confirmed place on a course before you can apply.
Getting there
International airports: Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney.
Land borders: No, don't be silly.
Ideas and things to do
Australia is vast. The whole of western Europe would fit in just one of its six states, Western Australia. With all the cool things there are to see and do here - and the huge distances between them - Australia will certainly keep you busy.
While most of Australia’s attractions are natural - scarlet rock formations bubbling up from the desert, steaming rainforests, amazing beaches and some truly weird wildlife - the country also boasts some of the World’s most buzzing cities.
Some Top Things to Visit in Australia
- Australia - Uluru, or Ayers Rock
- Sydney Harbour (Opera House, Harbour Bridge etc)
- The Great Barrier Reef
- Daintree Rainforest
- The Whitsunday Islands
- The Neighbours set and studio
- Kakadu National Park
- The Blue Mountains
- The Great Ocean Road
- Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo
- Cattle stations and tiny pubs in the Outback
- Swim with wild dolphins at Monkey Mia
- Fraser Island
- And loads, loads more...
Some Popular Events
- Australian Tennis Open
- Australia Day
- The Big Day Out
- Australian Grand Prix
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- Rip Curl Pro Surfing
- Melbourne Comedy Festival
- Voyages Camel Cup
- Darwin Beer Can Regatta
- Hervey Bay Whale Festival
- Henley-On-Todd Regatta
- Christmas Day
- Start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
- New Year’s Eve fireworks
Climate advice
The seasons in Australia are the reverse of those in Europe, so spring and summer is during October to March, autumn and winter is between April and September. The south is generally cooler and can experience chilly and rainy days in winter, with snow only common in mountainous regions.
The north is tropical and hot with the wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons being the only changes weather wise - the temperature is more or less a constant 30 degrees throughout the year. Central Australia can be warm in autumn / winter days, but gets quite cold at night due to the clear skies.
In the summer, inland Oz can be seriously hot - up to and over 40 degrees. Wherever and whenever you go in Australia, I would recommend taking a lightweight cagoule and broad-brimmed Aussie-outback-type hat - both can be useful in keeping the sun and rain off.
Ideas of cost
While there’s never a firm answer to the question ‘how much money will I need?’ it is possible to work out a budget for yourself. Australia represents many and varied opportunities for lightening your wallet, but here’s a rough idea of what to expect.
All price conversions are approximate and prices correct as of 11/7/06
Loaf of sliced, white bread
Price in GBP £1
Price in AUD $2.45
A ‘glass’ of beer (in a bar)
Price in GBP £1.20
Price in AUD $3
1 litre of bottled water
Price in GBP £0.60
Price in AUD $1.50
Bag of pasta (500g)
Price in GBP £0.27
Price in AUD $0.66
Shampoo (Pantene ‘classic’ 400ml)
Price in GBP £3.75
Price in AUD $9.30
Bus ticket for a 4 hour journey (eg Brisbane to Byron Bay)
Price in GBP £15
Price in AUD $37
One day’s car hire (if you're hiring for under a month)
Price in GBP £17.45
Price in AUD $43
Single flight - Sydney to Cairns
Price in GBP £60.45
Price in AUD $149
A night in a hostel dorm
Price in GBP £8.10
Price in AUD $20
Whitsunday sailing trip - (3 day, 2 night)
Price in GBP £138.75
Price in AUD $340
Uluru, Olgas, King’s Canyon tour (3 ½ days)
Price in GBP £138.75
Price in AUD $340
Staying healthy
Protect yourself against mozzies - they can carry dengue fever and Ross River fever in Queensland and the Northern Territory, and Murray Valley encephalitis (which can be fatal) from Western Australia to Queensland.
Reciprocal medical arrangements exist between Australia and the UK, which means that UK nationals may have unforeseen emergency medical treatment under the Australian Medicare scheme. Beware though - the reciprocal agreement has loads of exclusions and won't cover you for everything.
Immunisation against yellow fever is essential if you're arriving in Australia within six days of having visited an infected country.
Staying in touch
Staying in touch with people back home is not a problem. Especially in the cities and well-trodden tourist routes there are plenty of Internet cafes - most of which are fairly cheap ranging from $3 to $5 an hour. We would recommend joining ClubGossip or something similar. These membership cards double up as a phonecard which you can top up at post offices. It also allows you cheaper Internet rates at selected stores and other travelly discounts within Australia.
If you're going to be in Oz for a while, buy a local SIM card for your phone. If you're just there for a month or less as part of an around the world trip, it’s worth looking into a global roaming SIM card.
Backpacker tours
Tours and attractions are generally a long way apart, so it’s useful to plan what you're going to see.
1. Sydney Harbour
Get great views of the harbour from one of the ferries, do the bridge climb or go on a jet boat.
2. Blue Mountains
A stunningly beautiful range of mountains, turned blue by the eucalyptus. Take a tour from Sydney and make sure you see the Three Sisters.
3. Fraser Island
From your hostel in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, arrange a 4x4 tour of the World’s largest sand island.
4. Whitsunday Islands
From Airlie Beach you can arrange to live aboard a sailing ship for a few days and cruise around these amazing islands.
5. Reef diving
Go diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef (East Coast) or Ningaloo Reef (West Coast).
6. Australia Zoo
Most hostels between Brisbane and Noosa sell tickets and sort transport to Steve Irwin’s Zoo. Just hope that he’s in!
7. Nimbin
Have a look around this famous hippy commune near Byron Bay. Jim’s Alternative Tours are very good.
8. 4x Factory
If you like beer you'll love a tour of the Castlemaine factory in Brisbane. Mainly for all the free booze they chuck in at the end...
9. Tasmania
Easilly accessible by budget flight these days, Tassie is a stunning natural wilderness and well worth some of your time downunder.
10. Neighbours Tour
Love it or hate it, you know you wanna go! Don't look for Erinsborough on a map, just head for Melbourne and ask for Bouncer...
11. Monkey Mia
Near the town of Denham in Western Australia, dolphins come right up to the beach every day. If you're lucky, the rangers might let you feed one!
12. Red Centre tour
From Darwin or Alice Springs take a tour of the Red Centre’s highlights; Uluru, the Olgas, King’s Canyon and the Devil’s Marbles.
13. Kakadu
A stunning national park in the Northern Territory full of crocodiles of Crocodile Dundee fame. You can tour on land or by helicopter.
14. Daintree River
Usually combined as part of a 2-3 day trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, this jungle river promises crocs to those of you not going to Kakadu.
Sightseeing
Australia is a vast continent with more icons, landmarks, activities and tours than you could possibly cover in a year. We've put together a map to give you a taste of the top sights to see and an idea of where they all are.
1. Uluru
aka Ayers Rock. It’s big, it’s red and it’s the most obvious symbol of Australia. Remember, it’s about 350km away from Alice Springs.
2. The Olgas
aka Kata Tjuta. Not too far away from Uluru, these are a collection of big, red, stone domes - some of which are taller than Uluru itself
3. King’s Canyon
A stunning canyon in the Northern Territory, with rock walls over 250m tall in places. It’s well worth seeing if you're heading to Alice Springs to see Uluru anyway.
4. The Pinnacles
Crazy spiky rock formations in the desert in Western Australia. You may have seen Billy Connolly running around them naked. The nearest town is called Cervantes.
5. Fraser Island
The World’s largest sand island. Full of lakes, dingoes and natural beauty. Drive over it in a 4x4 and camp out under the stars.
6. Coober Pedy
An old opal mining town. You should go here to see all the underground buildings, sleep in an underground hostel and ‘fossick’ for opals.
7. The Devil’s Marbles
These are huge, perfectly spherical red rocks that perform a weird balancing act not far off the main road between Alice and Darwin.
8. The Twelve Apostles
Highlight of the Great Ocean Road, these are 12(ish) towering limestone pillars that stick out of the sea near Port Campbell. Particularly stunning at dawn or dusk.
9. The Bungle Bungles
aka Purnululu National Park, this is part of the Kimberleys region in North Western Australia and features huge black and orange striped domes of rock.
10. Kakadu National Park
‘Crocodile Dundee Country’. A brilliant wilderness and a great place to see crocodiles, waterfalls and spectacular scenery.
11. Great Barrier Reef
The largest living thing on Earth... Runs most of the way down the East Coast and an extremely popular place to dive. Cairns is a good base for this.
12. Ningaloo Reef
Not as big or as famous as the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s equally beautiful and much less busy. Coral Bay and Exmouth are both good places to start.
13. The Daintree Rainforest
One of the oldest rainforests on the planet. Reassuringly full of weird noises, weirder plants and the super-weird cassowary. Head up to Cape Tribulation and stay in a jungle lodge.
14. The Whitsunday Islands
A group of breathtakingly gorgeous paradise islands off the coast of Airlie Beach in Queensland. The best way to see them is on a three day sailing trip.
States / Territories in Australia
New South Wales
Sydney and Blue Mountains
Go there because... you'd be a flaming galah to go to Australia and not visit Sydney. It’s one of the World’s most buzzing cities, with dazzling architecture in a beautiful setting. Get out of town and you'll find the richly forested Blue Mountains.
Northern Territory
Crocodiles and outback
Go there because... in the north you'll find the massive Kakadu National Park - watch out for crocodiles! Head south and you enter the ‘Red Centre’, where you'll really appreciate Australia’s massive scale. Don't miss the sacred monolith Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock.)
Queensland
Heavenly spots and adventure sports
Go there because... gorgeous places, loads to do and great facilities for travellers... backpacker heaven. Dive or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, sail around the Whitsunday Islands on a backpacker boat, jump off things at Cairns and drive on Fraser Island.
South Australia
Culture and nature
Go there because... you can hang out in cultural Adelaide or spot wildlife on Kangaroo Island. Or why not plunge into the Outback where you'll find tiny, remote towns, traditional outback pubs, aboriginal history and if you're lucky an opal or two...
Tasmania
Wilderness and wildlife
Go there because... you'll find rainforests, mountains, prehistoric plants and animals galore. The island is home to Tasmanian devils, spotted-tail quolls, fairy penguins, wombats, echidnas, platypuses, Australian fur seals and loads more bonkers species.
Victoria
Beautiful coastline and good Neighbours
Go there because... the state boasts one of the World’s most stunning coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. The road hugs the dramatic coastline for 106km - you might want to bagsy the passenger seat. In Melbourne, visit the Neighbours set and meet the stars.
Western Australia
Get off the beaten track
Go there because... most backpackers miss Australia’s West Coast. We say they're seriously missing out. With surreal rock formations, endless expanses of beach, friendly dolphins and diving to rival the Barrier Reef, this is Oz’s most underrated state.
Towns and Cities to Visit in Australia
Adelaide: Galleries and museum
Go there because... you'll find the picturesque Adelaide hills, beautiful architecture, fine wines, loads of galleries and museums. Be sure not to miss the free Art Gallery of South Australia which boasts a massive collection of aboriginal artifacts.
Airlie Beach: Skydiving and nightlife
Go there because... it’s the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, some of the most beautiful islands and sailing grounds in the World. However, before setting sail, leave time for skydiving and to enjoy the great nightlife of Airlie Beach.
Alice Springs: The Real Red Centre
Go there because... it’s the heart of the Red Centre with colourful outback culture, ancient Dreamtime lore and fabulous nature. Take the quick climb up Anzac hill, where there is a good view of Heavytree Gap. Expect loads of desert and blue skies all year round.
Brisbane: Beautiful beaches
Go there because... Brisbane has warm, sunny weather almost all year round, and friendly, easy-going locals. Visit the 155 islands off Moreton Bay, prized for their white sandy beaches and quiet camping spots.
Byron Bay: Chilled out commune
Go there because... it’s a magical place, with great beaches. The unique town of Nimbin, where hemp and hippy communes are a part of everyday life, is known for its chilled-out, ‘alternative’ vibe.
Cairns: Great diving spot
Go there because... it’s the best place to dive from and to see the Great Barrier Reef. Go bush walking through towering rainforest, tropical farmland and swimming in crater lakes and waterfalls.
Canberra: Pretty city with politicians
Go there because... it’s the capital of Australia. No, really. This purpose-built city is scattered around a lake with lots of green spaces. You can tour the parliament buildings and visit some impressive memorials and museums.
Coober Pedy: Mine tour and opal hunt
Go there because...This opal mining town is well worth visiting. Enjoy a mine tour, including an opal cutting demonstration, with the chance to try opal fossicking too. The towns around are all ‘wild west’ style, you know... there is clearly an edge to the town, tumble weed blowing around, cowboys hangin’ around in saloons.
Darwin: Aboriginal art and local crafts
Go there because... its home to exotic food stalls, didgeridoo players and local crafts as well as being gateway to ‘Crocodile Dundee’ country. The aboriginal art scene in Darwin is thriving, so stop off to get a real feel for the local history and culture.
Hervey Bay: Gateway to Fraser Island
Go there because...you can book a 4x4 tour of gorgeous Fraser Island, the World’s largest sand island, complete with crystal-clear lagoons, ancient rainforest and vast, snow-white beaches. Hervey Bay is also a great spot for whale-watching.
Jindabyne: Gateway to Fraser Island
Go there because...you can book a 4x4 tour of gorgeous Fraser Island, the World’s largest sand island, complete with crystal-clear lagoons, ancient rainforest and vast, snow-white beaches. Hervey Bay is also a great spot for whale-watching.
Katherine: Canoeing
Go there because... it’s a truly remarkable place with more bats than a county cricket squad. Millions of them. Also the landscape starts to get pretty cool around here too - spend the afternoon canoeing the stunning Katherine Gorge.
Melbourne: Neighbours set
Go there because... Visit the Neighbours set and meet the stars. Ride the lift to the top of Rialto Towers, the tallest office building in the southern hemisphere, for amazing views.
Perth: City of lights
Go there because... On Oz’s West Coast, Perth got the name ‘City of Lights’ when astronaut John Glenn looked down to see it glowing thousands of miles from any other major city. Perth is the sunniest state capital in Oz and has 19 (count ‘em) beaches.
Sydney: Opera house, beaches and parties
Go there because... This is the party capital of the Southern Hemisphere. There’s a great backpacker scene, golden beaches and stunning architecture including the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Attractions in Australia
Banka Banka: Working cattle station
Go there because... you can chill out with a scenic walk through native flora to a bush watering hole. Also learn about the workings of the local cattle station before relaxing at another type of ‘watering hole’...
Barrington: Rainforest and kayaking
Go there because... Delve into the sub-tropical rainforest, encounter wildlife and waterfalls and go river kayaking. Indulge in a bit of wine-tasting in the nearby Hunter Valley wine region.
Blue Mountains: Great hiking
Go there because... The Blue Mountains - so called because of the blue haze created by the eucalyptus oil in the air above the gum forests - is one of the most spectacular wilderness parks in Australia, with great hikes and views.
Cape Crawford: Lost city rock formations
Go there because... here you'll find a semi permanent waterhole surrounded by 25 metre sandstone spires, known as ‘lost city’ formations. Also keep an eye out for the ever-present wildlife in this remote region.
Cape Tribulation: Eighth wonder of the world
Go there because... considered to be the eighth wonder of the world, Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the reef. You can walk from the jungle straight onto the sand before heading out for a swim. There are plenty of hikes to do as well some adventure activities like the jungle canopy tour.
Cattle station: Cowboy skills
Go there because... you can discover real outback life. Spend the night at a working cattle station before taking a guided sunset walk, chow down on an Australian outback camp oven dinner and test your cowboy skills by cracking whips and taking a spin on the mechanical bull.
Fitzroy Island: Tropical rainforests and snorkelling
Go there because... it’s the third most northerly island in the Barrier Reef. Bushwalk through eucalypt and tropical rainforests, relax on its coral beaches or go diving or snorkelling in its famous reef.
Fraser Island: 4x4 fun and frolics
Go there because... it’s the World’s largest sand island. Explore it in a 4x4, camp out under the stars and keep your eyes peeled for some of the last pure bred dingoes in Oz. Take part in a didgeridoo demo and trek to the top of the giant sand dunes at Rainbow beach.
Grampians: National park
Go there because... The magnificent Grampians National Park has lots of great hikes, natural wonders and breathtaking views, including the amazing MacKenzie Falls. Learn about the history of its people at the Brambuks Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Great Barrier Reef: Amazing underwater world...
Go there because... this extraordinary coral reef - arguably the World’s best dive site - is as big as Britain and Ireland combined. Dive in warm, crystal-clear waters and wonder at corals of all shapes and colours, as well as countless swimming critters.
Juno Farm: Devil’s marbles
Go there because... nearby are the Mataranka thermal pools where you can go for a dip, the picturesque Mary Anne dam and the Devil’s Marbles - huge great circular boulders left in the middle of nowhere. Camp overnight at the Juno Horse Farm.
Kakadu National Park: Cooling pools and crocodiles
Go there because... stop by Gunlum Falls for a swim in the cooling pools (take note of the crocodile warning), visit the aboriginal rock paintings at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr (Crocodile Dundee country) Don't leave without taking a cruise on the Yellow Waters where you'll see birds, fauna and crocodiles.
Kangaroo Island: Aussie wildlife
Go here because... this wildlife haven boasts kangaroos, koalas, possums, penguins, platypuses, dolphins, seals, wallabies and much more. You also get the chance to go snorkelling, horse riding, diving and cycling if all that species-spotting gets a little tired.
Kings Canyon: Massive rock formations
Go there because... Experience the remote outback of the Red Centre in Kings Canyon where you get to climb and explore the impressive formations of the ‘Amphitheatre’, ‘Lost City’, the picturesque ‘Garden of Eden’ and the breathtaking North and South Walls.
Magnetic Island: Koalas and marine life
Go there because... this little island is buzzing and beautiful. Visit koalas in their natural habitat in the afternoon before grabbing your flippers and going snorkelling or diving in crystal clear waters - expect to see some amazing marine life.
Mission Beach: White-water rafting
Go there because... the living is easy - this place is best viewed from a hammock. However, if you are feeling adventurous it’s also the best place in the area to indulge in a spot of white-water rafting. Remember to keep an eye out for Cassowaries along the local bush tracks...
Monkey Mia: Swim with wild dolphins
Go there because... wild bottle-nosed dolphins visit the beach daily, coming right into the shallows to play with humans and accept the odd fish. Turn up at the beach between 8am and 1pm. Then simply chill on the white sands, swim in the aquamarine waters, and wait...
Neighbours Set: Hang with Harold Bishop
Go there because... you know you want to. Take an official tour, get your photo taken in front of the Neighbours houses, and drive past Erinsborough High and the studio complex. There’s also a chance to hang with the stars at a Neighbours Night.
Ningaloo Reef: As good as the Great Barrier Reef?
Go there because... covering 5,000 square km, Western Oz’s Ningaloo Reef is just a short swim from the beach in many places, making it an easy place to Scuba dive and snorkel. Swim over stunning corals with whalesharks, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and turtles.
Ocean Road: Amazing views
Go there because...The Great Ocean Road is famous for its amazing views. You will see the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, The Grotto, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge before enjoying sunset over the Twelve Apostles. Experience fishing villages, amazing rock formations, pristine beaches and gorges.
Parachilna: Caves, ruins and gorges
Go there because... Drive through spectacular Parachilna Gorge. Enjoy an Aussie barbecue at Parachilna, including local game. View Aboriginal rock art at Yourambulla Caves and visit the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead.
Rawnsley Park: Jackaroo experience
Go here because... its home to a working sheep station, set in the scenic Flinders Ranges. Continue this Jackaroo experience by bedding down at the bunkhouse. Yee-ha!
Snowy River: Mountains and wildlife
Go there because... Watch out for Aussie wildlife in this beautiful, mountainous national park. Go on a bush walk, explore the countryside on horseback or fly down a giant zip wire.
Surf Camp: Surf lessons
Go there because... Base yourself at an East Coast surf camp near Byron Bay for a few days. Take surf lessons with some of the best instructors in Oz, or just enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Sydney Harbour: Harbour Bridge, Opera House and more
Go there because... you'll really know you're in Australia! Take in the ‘sails’ of Sydney Opera House, the massive Sydney Harbour Bridge, the golden beaches and the wild lorikeets and flying foxes of Sydney Harbour National Park.
Uluru
Base walk at sunrise
Go there because... Get up before dawn to experience an Uluru sunrise and either an optional climb or base walk, exploring the mysterious rock formations and Aboriginal Art sites. A not-to-be-missed experience!
Whitsunday Islands: Visit paradise by sailboat
Go there because... this long chain of islands is one of the most beautiful places for sailing in the World. Enjoy a barbie on the deck, watch dolphins in the azure water, snorkel or dive, camp under the stars and marvel at the snow-white sands of Whitehaven Beach.
Wilsons Promontory: Emus and wombats
Go there because... The Wilsons Promontory National Park has spectacular granite rock formations, native wildlife including emus and wombats, and gorgeous golden beaches. Watch the ocean of Bass Strait pound onto the Australian mainland’s most southerly point.
What’s On
1. Australian Tennis Open
Head to Melbourne in Jan if you like tennis. Head there a little earlier if you like tennis-related casual work.
2. Australia Day
Parties across the country to celebrate the founding of the nation. Wear your Aussie gold with honorary pride.
3. The Big Day Out
Australia’s eight-stage touring mega-festival takes place in Sydney on Australia Day. You can also catch it in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast over the next few weeks.
4. Australian Grand Prix
The Australian Grand Prix event period is the time to be in Melbourne if you like Formula One or Formula One-related casual work.
5. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
One of the world’s biggest gay pride events, the centrepiece of which is the huge street parade.
6. Rip Curl Pro Surfing
One of the major events on the surfing calendar, this takes place on Bell’s Beach in Victoria.
7. Melbourne Comedy Festival
This festival features some of the world’s finest stand-up comedy.
8. Voyages Camel Cup
Held on Mindil Beach, it’s a great party atmosphere with plenty of live music. Oh, and boats made entirely out of used ‘tinnies’.
9. Darwin Beer Can Regatta
Easilly accessible by budget flight these days, Tassie is a stunning natural wilderness and well worth some of your time downunder.
10. Hervey Bay Whale Festival
A week of events celebrating the arrival of the migratory humpback whales to the area around Fraser Island. Whale season lasts until October.
11. Henley-On-Todd Regatta
A boat race in Alice Springs? On dry land? A very popular and slightly unusual event held every September for over 40 years now.
12. Christmas Day
Bondi Beach and Byron Bay are the most popular spots for a festive barbie on the beach. Book now to avoid disappointment.
13. Start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
One of the most glamorous and exciting boat races in the World sets off from Sydney Harbour every Boxing Day.
14. New Year’s Eve fireworks
Sydney Harbour does one of the best New Year’s displays on the planet. The Botanic Gardens are a great, free viewpoint.
Other events in Australia
WOMAD Festival: Adelaide, Australia
WOMAD stands for World Of Music And Dance. Expect three days of blistering performances by artists from around the globe at this massive world music festival. There are also crafts from all over the World and a mouth-watering array of food. WOMAD is famous for its chilled and friendly vibe, so come along and join the party.
Bluesfest: Byron Bay, Australia
Australia’s largest blues festival is held in stunning Byron Bay over the Easter long weekend. Contrary to the name, expect jazz, reggae, folk and soft rock performances too. Past acts include David Gray, Jamie Cullum, Damien Marley and India Arie, so Bluesfest certainly attracts some top quality talent. If you're in Byron over Easter, what better way to spend a Bank Holiday?
Splendour in the Grass Festival: Byron Bay, Australia
Every July the beautiful Belongil Fields of Byron Bay are taken over by scores of music fans looking forward to baking in the sunshine whilst listening to the best in Oz and global musical talent. Previous acts include The Zutons, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Scissor Sisters, Snow Patrol and Wolfmother...
Fact File
Government type: federal parliamentary democracy
Capital: Canberra
Geography:
Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean
Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north
Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast
Lowest point: Lake Eyre - 15m
Highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229m
People:
Population: 20,434,176
Nationality: noun: Australian(s) adjective: Australian
Ethnic groups: white 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%
Religions: Catholic 26.4%, Anglican 20.5%, other Christian 20.5%, Buddhist 1.9%, Muslim 1.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 12.7%, none 15.3% (2001 Census)
Languages: English 79.1%, Chinese 2.1%, Italian 1.9%, other 11.1%, unspecified 5.8% (2001 Census)
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