Australia

Australia comprises an area of some 8.5 million square kilometres; it covers a distance of 3700 kilometres from north to south, and 4000 kilometres east to west. Within these boundaries there is an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, a variety of climatic extremes and a host of geological wonders.

Australia is a land of extremes. The parched deserts of central Australia may be totally dry for years until flooding rains produce a short-term sea. Sydney has a population of almost 4 million, whereas Innamincka in South Australia, near the Queesland border, has only 14 permanent residents.

 

Australia has been the home of Aborigines for over 40 000 years and evidence of their occupation abounds. Cave paintings and rock carvings made thousands of years ago are found at Uluru and at numerous other locations.

 The predominant landscape colours of Australia are red, blue and green. Inland , the stark red of the Simpson Desert sand dunes contrasts dramatically with the deep azure blue of the noonday sky. Dotted here and there are clumps of velvet-green scrub and, after rain, Sturts's desert pea blooms scarlet.

 In the red centre the moonscapes of sand and rocky tors and hardy bush scrub have a forbidding beauty all of their own, even in times of drought. After rain, gardens of brilliant wildflowers are added to the landscape.

 

Across the Far North, from Cape York Peninsula in the east to the Kimberleys in the west,tropical rainforests are in parts impenetrable, and of a green so luxuriant.

 Almost all of Australia is accessible to the exploring traveller. It is possible to plan a trip from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean; from the rainforest in the north to the temperate beaches of the southern coast.

 Simply put Australia is a wonderland.

 

Well I was born is South Australia but now live in Sydney, but Adelaide will always be home for me. South Australia is the driest state in the driest continent. I grew up in the outer-metro southern suburbs of Adelaide. Adelaide is a modern city yet half an hour away it is possible for one to walk among kangaroos, koalas and other Australian wildlife. Adelaide is the only major world city completely surrounded by parklands. The River Torrens flows through many of Adelaide's parks. The banks are landscaped, lined wih gums and willows, and perfect for a lazy picnic lunch. Walking and cycling trails wind through some of the city's scenic parkland and along the riverbanks. Not to be missed in Adelaide are the marvellous beaches, stretching right along the coastline with wide sandy shores and clear blue waters.

As for Sydney, I am unsure what i want to write about it just yet. So far it has struck me as an extremely populated city. The hustle and bustle of everyday life I find exhausting. However what I love here is the mild weather. Its almost winter and I can still wear a t-shirt during the day. I love that the shops are open on Sundays and cafe's are open till late at night. The variety here I also love. Of course the famous landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Oprah House, its quite spectacular to see. Get off the train at Circular Quay and there they are, larger than life.

 

 

Our most Famous song:

 

"Waltzing Matilda"

A.B. "Banjo" Paterson

 

Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong,

Under the shade of a coolibah-tree,

And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled,

"Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda,

Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?"

And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled,

"Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?"

 

Down came a jumbuck to drink at the billabong:

Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee.

And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker-bag,

"You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me.

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda,

You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me."

And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker-bag,

"You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me."

 

Up rode a squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred;

Down came the troopers, one, two, three:

"Who's that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker-bag?

You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda,

You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me.

Who's that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker-bag?

You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!"

 

Up jumped the swagman and sprang into the billabong;

"You'll never catch me alive!" said he;

And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong,

"You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda,

You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!"

And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong,

"You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!"