Australia

In such a huge continent there are wide variations in landforms and climate. The thickly wooded ranges of the Great Divide have little in common with the treeless, sun-baked plains of the Inland. There is a vast difference between the red rocks and monumental hills of central Australia and the tropical rainforests and sugar plantations of northern Queensland. To many visitors, Australia may not seem a pretty Patterns of faulting and folding in large measure control the distribution and attitude of rocks and thus play a significant part in determining the shape of the land surface. But the nature and intensity of the processes at work at and near the land surface also give rise to Permanently flowing rivers are found only in the eastern and southwestern regions and in

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The essence of Australia can be discovered as much by spending time in its thriving, cosmopolitan cities as it can undertaking an epic journey along its awe-inspiring coast. By lazing on an idyllic tropical island doing not much of anything or joining a tour into the rugged and compelling outback. By cuddling a koala (select sanctuaries and wildlife parks offer supervised experiences) or taking in the cultural and culinary delights of Tasmania. And all with convenient access provided by various modes of transportation, from flights to trains to luxury bus tours. To receive a FREE printedcopy of Australia Magazine, please fill in your details below. (Available for USA residents ONLY).

• • • • • Covering an area of 7,617,930 sq.km (2,969,907 sq mi), Australia is the smallest continent, the world’s 6 th largest country and the largest country in Oceania. It is located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the Southern hemisphere. Australia is extremely dry, with about 35% of the country receiving very little rain (if any). Almost 20% of available land is dominated by deserts and semi-arid land, located along the Tropic of Capricorn. Ayers Rock (Uluru): Considered the largest solitary rock on the planet, its red sandstone surface smoothed by high winds over time is revered as a holy place and called Uluru by the aboriginal people. It’s 1,143ft (348m) high and is located in the semi-arid region of Central Australia. At the northernmost point of Queensland is Cape York Peninsula, described as the world’s “last wilderness”, and as one of the “wildest unexplored wilderness area on the planet”. Cape York is home to jagged-tooth mountains, tropical rainforests, extensive mangrove forests, grasslands, swamps and fast-moving rivers. The Great Dividing Mountain Range extends from Melbourne (in the south) to Cape York (in the north). Located in New South Wales, in the south eastern part of the country is, Mount Kosciuszko, the highest point in the Australian mainland, at an elevation of 7,312ft (2,229m) (as marked on the map by an upright yellow triangle). The lowest point is located in South Australia in the dry bed of Lake Eyre at -49ft (-15m) below sea level. ...

No matter where you go in Australia, you’re sure to have an amazing time. We’re home to eight states and territories – each one with its own unique mix of environments, cultures and rhythms. From rolling deserts and quaint capitals to lush rainforests and sun-soaked cities, you’re going to want to visit them all. Monuments and museums, glistening lakes and wild wetlands, the (ACT) blends the best of nature and culture. Home to the nation’s capital, , the ACT is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and cool, new edge. The state boasts some of Australia’s most important national institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia and Parliament House. Not to mention, there’s a flourishing , a stunning , and an impressive array of parks and gardens.