Australia: The Unique Experience

Australia is a place that has to be seen and experienced to be believed, full of striking contrasts – not only in a geographical and physical sense, but cultural too. Aborigines first populated this land about 40,000 years ago, before the more recent colonial settlement. Today, Australia is a dynamic, multicultural society which still retains most of the beauty of its vast landscapes and unique flora and fauna, and attracts visitors of all types, from holiday-makers, students, work, business and pleasure.

Australia is about the same size in area as the United States (excluding Alaska); however, with a population of just under 22 million inhabitants it is the most sparsely populated continent after Antarctica. Known for being a land of adventure and amazing scenery, Australia certainly doesn’t disappoint: sun, sea, sandy white beaches, grand parks and forests, raw mountains and plains, are just some of the views visitors will encounter.

The country is the driest inhabited continent on earth but interestingly has a climate ranging from mild and temperate to tropical. As expected, each state and territory has its own noteworthy attractions. Western Australia features the dramatic Kimberleys and the Goldfields, rich in mining and settler history, alongside marine playgrounds like Ningaloo Reef  and resort destinations like Rottnest Island and Monkey Mia. Across the Nullabor, South Australia boasts some spectacular vineyards and church architecture (Adelaide), whilst New South Wales has the Snowy Mountains (also known as the Australian Alps; an area which remarkably receives more snow than Switzerland and is thus a very popular destination for skiers and tourists). Sydney, its capital and the largest city in Australia, is of course home to such internationally recognised landmarks as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Like WA, the State of Victoria is rich in history from the pioneering Gold Rush days, and visitors can get a glimpse of this past at small/heritage towns like Ballarat/Sovereign Hill, and Inglewood. The town of Beechworth is also not to be missed; not only is it considered the premiere preserved mining town in Victoria, it is also home to the cell and courthouse where Ned Kelly – Australia’s infamous bushranger and national icon – and his mother, were held and tried.

Tasmania is Australia’s southern island state, located across the Bass Strait. Affectionately known as the ‘Apple Isle,’ Tasmania is indeed home to a thriving apple producing industry. The island consists of large expanses of wilderness and steep mountains in the south and west coasts, as well as rolling hills, parks and apple and pear orchards plus numerous World Heritage Sites.

Back on the mainland. Queensland is very much a holiday maker’s dream; the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast, with its holiday resorts and beaches, make it ideal for those wanting to soak up the sun as well as view one of Australia’s most breathtaking natural ecosystems.

The Northern Territory is captivating in its often unblemished presentation of Australia’s indigenous history via iconic natural landmarks like Uluru, or Ayers Rock, and the rare species of animals which dwell in the famous Kakadu National Park, which contains examples also of ancient aboriginal rock art. 4WD and road enthusiasts will find driving Alice Springs, Darwin and the great unknown in-between to be a truly memorable experience.

In terms of resources, Australia is a strong producer of gold, coal, natural gas and petroleum, copper and uranium, amongst other minerals, and its major cities – particularly Sydney and Melbourne on the east coast, and Perth on the west – are considered world centres of business, finance and education, which is why the country continues to attract foreign investment as well as steady numbers of overseas students and skilled job seekers.

Unique because of its differences, Australia is an inviting place to live, to visit, to study and to work in, and a destination that always rewards the adventurous spirit.


By: Leo Toh