A Guide to Australia

Before the arrival of Europeans to Australia, Aboriginals lived an existence deeply linked with nature – they hunted and fished the waters around Sydney while building homes from the land – creating a peaceful society.

Australia is widely known for its soft, tree-climbing koalas and kangaroos; its people come from diverse backgrounds but share progressive ideologies about human rights, democratic procedures and secret ballot voting.

It is a country and a large island

Australia is both a continent and country, located between the Indian and Pacific oceans and with approximately 25 million people residing within its borders. Its culture has been greatly shaped by indigenous Australians, British colonization, immigration from around the globe and national anthem “Waltzing Matilda.” It’s well-known worldwide!

Australia has long been isolated, which has allowed its unique flora and fauna to develop over time. Home to rare and endangered species like kangaroos and koalas, Australia also boasts stunning beaches on its southeast coastline; furthermore, its Great Dividing Range supplies water to many rivers within its borders.

Australia is a large geographically distinct land mass, with clear boundaries with other continents and fulfilling all criteria to be classified as a continent. While some may refer to Australia as an island, most geographers consider it to be part of the continent family as islands must be entirely enclosed by water and be smaller than continents in size.

It has a rich culture

Australia is an immensely diverse nation, home to many distinctive customs and traditions that reflect its multicultural history, from indigenous influences to an expansive history of immigration.

Australians tend to be extremely warm and welcoming people. They value fairness and equality highly and tend to show less physical affection towards people they do not know well, opting for handshakes instead of hugs when communicating. Australians also value loyalty among their friends – often using terms like “mates” to describe them.

Australia’s national identity is heavily shaped by its history as a British colony and immigration from around the globe, including immigration from Asian nations. Although culturally diverse, Australia remains one of the most cohesive national identities. Citizens recognize cultural continuity despite significant change since Australia gained independence. Furthermore, its democratic parliamentary system of government mirrors Britain’s model; voting is mandatory.

It has a thriving beach culture

Australians view the beach as a place of childhood memories and teenage rites of passage, serving as an oasis of socialising, exercising and relaxing – not forgetting birthday parties, wedding anniversaries and marriage proposals! Additionally, its soothing rhythm of rolling waves helps soothe troubled minds as the waves wash in and out.

Beach culture took hold following World War II when improved public transport made beaches easier to reach and reduced working hours allowed people more leisure time for leisure activities such as surfing. Lifesaving clubs emerged throughout Australia’s coastline.

Australians are acutely aware of the ocean’s dangers and cherish its natural beauty, but also possess an important sense of responsibility to preserve our beaches. Surfing, fishing, beach cricket or simply gathering for a barbecue with friends are among many activities enjoyed on Australian beaches – something Australia can take great pride in sharing.

It has a lot of mountains

Australia is an expansive continent surrounded by oceans and featuring diverse climates. It features many mountain landscapes – the Great Dividing Range along its eastern side being one of them – which may not reach as high as those found elsewhere, yet have their own rugged charm that cannot be rivaled.

Mountains formed of sandstone deposited on the sea floor approximately 500 million years ago are being uplifted during tectonic mountain-building episodes, giving rise to mountains that contain Ediacaran fossils – some of Earth’s earliest evidence for multicellular life forms.

Australia boasts numerous other ridges and escarpments in addition to the Great Dividing Range, such as Great Artesian Basin and Darling River as vital water sources. Some provide refuge for rare or threatened species like dusky antechinus or mountain pygmy possum. Meanwhile Deep Creek National Park in the south boasts stunning coastal treasures with rugged coastlines boasting iconic native Australian species like banksias or superb fairy-wrens – perfect spots for visitors exploring Australia!