DESTINATION: AUSTRALIA

2007-02-13T03:39:00.000-08:00

People travel to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering.
St. Augustine;
Australia too captures the imagination of the world travelers.Scientists believe that Australia is a piece of continental crust that broke away from Antarctica about 50 million years ago with the result that many reminders of Antarctic heritage still remain. In 1770 the British sailed up the eastern coast of Australia and named it New South Wales.Britishers then claimed ownership of Australia in the name of King George III. In 1778 about 800 British convicts were set ashore in what is now Sydney and this penal colony became the first European settlement on Australian soil.People who immigrated here sought to remake Australia in the image of their native lands. In the 1800's attempts were made to make the country look more like Europe. Australia is a very large country but is very sparsely populated.Most of central and western Australia is the most eroded, denuded and driest of continents, with - the bulk of the country - overwhelmingly arid and flat.In contrast most of its cities ,which were developed in the nineteenth century, express a youthful energy. The harshness of the central and western Australia has forced modern Australia to become a coastal country. Most of the population lives within 20km of the ocean.These immigrated Australians enjoy the typical New World values of materialistic life and urban culture, and have a refreshing and easy-going vitality. A sunny climate contributes to an outdoor life with a thriving beach culture.

If you want to have some experience of Australia's indigenous peoples and their culture you have to visit the Northern Territory and the central Australia.Most of these people have managed to maintain their traditional way of life and speak their own languages and live according to their law.You could spend months driving around the Outback, exploring the national parks, or just hanging out at beaches.Or else you could take an "reef, Rock and Harbour" package, encompassing Australia's outstanding trinity of "must sees" all in a few weeks. It is the fascination of the daring mountain climber to scale the rocky face of Ululu, or the excitement of the scuba diver to explore the Great Barrier Reef.The stunning beauty of this great land, with its formidable rock outcroppings, spectacular waterfalls, and colorful canvases, are achievement of nature’s architect at its best. For a variety is the vast expanse of dry desert land stifling hot during the day and bitter cold at night. Australia is known for its splendid beauty and rugged charm. Wildlife holidays can be best enjoyed at Australia.

TRAVEL AUSTRALIA

DESTINATION: AUSTRALIA