Australia

Australia – the state occupying the whole continent on the area. It is the country, the sixth in size, in the world (about 8 million sq.km) – it is located in Oceania, between Quiet and Indian oceans. Australia is in three climatic zones. In the winter here very small amount of rainfall drops out. Landscape of Australia almost flat. Here almost completely there is no mountain district. The most part of this continent is occupied by the desert. For this reason Australia is called the white continent.

The population of Australia makes nearly 19 million people. Most of residents of Australia indigenous Australians – here make their 74 percent. Other part of inhabitants is made by emigrants of other countries, including, of Great Britain. Among the population of northern territories of Australia natives make nearly 24 percent. As a state language in the country English is recognized. Due to the big inflow of immigrants it is possible to hear a set of options and accents of English. Except English in Australia it is also possible to hear Chinese, Italian, Greek, and also Russian dialects.

The Australian dollar is recognized as native currency of Australia.

Territorial division of Australia – 6 States: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania; and 2 territories: Northern territory and Australian capital territory.

The Australian flag shows the Southern constellation.

The coat of arms of Australia – animal, primordial inhabitants of Australia, a kangaroo and an ostrich of an emu stand on an acacia tree, holding the board decorated with the coats of arms of six states.

General information on sights of Australia

Australia as continent, draws to itself great attention of tourists from around the world. People come to this country and often remain here on the constant place a residence. Australia has rather strong and steady economy that explains her huge budget. The budget of Australia is formed generally thanks to the developed industry of the country and tourism.

It is also necessary to note that Australia makes fine wine. Wine of Australia is one of sights of the country.

The winemaking is concentrated generally on the southeast, approximately from Adelaide to Sydney. There are vineyards and in the extreme southwest, near Perth, and more Northern lands are unsuitable for cultivation of a rod on climatic conditions.

One of the oldest wine-making regions of Australia – the well-known Hunting valley (Hunter Valley) to the North from Sydney; the first rod has been landed as early as here in 1828. Climate in these regions almost subtropical – very hot summer and damp fall.

Enterprising Australian wine makers sometimes mature the wines not in oak barrels as it is accepted in all wine world, and in big capacities from a stainless steel, lowering in them oak bars, shaving or even sawdust.

The budget of Australia constantly is replenished due to stay of tourists in all countries of the world. People to this country, first of all, are attracted by an interesting geographical position, and also its surprising animal and flora. Australia has fine and soft climate.

Australia is rich in sights and unique flora and fauna that do them very attractive to visit.

The Australian continent has quite expressive vegetation characteristic only of him: from 22 thousand species of plants of Australia about 90% meet only here. Only about 2 thousand species of plants have been delivered. Majority of plants of Australia evergreen. In the northeast of the country rainforests, and also deciduous grow. Palm trees and ferns grow together with an oak, an ash-tree, a birch. On the northern coast there are mangrove thickets. In the woods of the southeast and southwest the eucalyptus which there are more than 500 types prevails, separate trees reach height of 90 m. Especially there is a lot of in the region of wild flowers. In Australia also more than 500 types of an acacia grow: the flower of a gold Australian acacia is a national flower of the country and is represented on her coat of arms.

The fauna of Australia isn't less various and unique. About 70% of birds, 88% of reptiles and 94% of frogs are characteristic only of Australia. However in Australia in a large number there are mammals – a duck-bill, the water mammal covered with fur and having the beak similar on duck; echidna, or prickly anteater. The majority of local mammals – marsupials, the most known of whom are kangaroos. In Australia there are about 50 species of a kangaroo: the largest representatives are the big red kangaroo and a gray kangaroo jumping to 9 meters in length. On trees also there live some marsupials: opossum and koala. Wombats, the Australian bandikuta, a sumchaty mouse treat the known marsupials. Reptiles are also presented quite widely: among them there are two species of a crocodile, one of which – the grebnevy crocodile – reaches length of 6 m. In coastal waters of Australia there lives quite large number of dangerous animals: about 70 species of sharks, including black shark and reef shark; jellyfishes, sea serpents, octopuses.

Several words need to be mentioned religion of Australia. The religion is, first of all, certain representations and actions of the person which are connected with certain concepts about meaning of life, and also existence of belief in supernatural forces of nature or magics. Indigenous people of Australia – natives. In the territory of modern Australia have still remained a quantity of tribes which attract various otherworldly forces and believe in magic. On one party of belief in magic of Australia there is a special magic, or her types which aren't connected with different participation of spirits, and the supernatural strength of the person. This magic of the tribes of Australia is based on different existence of ceremonies and dedications. From other party the magic implies active participation of spirits and so-called black magic which is used in some tribes of Australia. The museums of Australia store in themselves all saved-up history of many centuries of this continent. In them it is possible to get acquainted with the facts of human life in dry conditions of deserts and semi-deserts. The museums are located in many big cities of Australia, and also is, so-called, the museums under the open sky. An exhibit in such museums is the nature which has created surprising, unforgettable landscapes. On the way of the development Australia and Canada closely interacted among themselves. Many Australian exhibits were taken out for preservation and for a public inspection. In Australia features of communication are fundamental factors for formation of the Australian nationality. Thanks to it, conditions, for the organization of museum exhibitions of the ancient and modern art and creativity are created. At such exhibitions many works of different genres and manner of performance are presented. They pass annually in the large cities of Australia, such as Melbourne, Sydney, Perth. The exhibits connected with voyages are quite interesting. Australia and swimming – two, close concepts, as Australia – the continent surrounded from all directions with never-ending water open spaces. To cross them and to get on other continent it is possible only by boats. The architecture of Australia has many features. In Australian conditions the accuracy and durability of designs have an important role. Australia builds hotels and hotels with separate approach, everything is created for convenience and comfort of visitors of tourists. Australia, rest in Australia thus it is supported with comfortableness of hotels, convenient apartments and a qualitative service staff. As most of people on the continent lives on the coast of the ocean, therefore and architectural constructions are mainly concentrated exactly there. Tourists to Australia most often are attracted by the capitals of states of this country and small small villages to which there are already hundreds of years.

Capital of Australia Canberra and its sights

As already it has been mentioned above, the capital of Australia – Canberra. In translation from language of natives this word means "meeting place". The city is an administrative center of the country, generally all general managers of structure of Australia are located here. Canberra has been founded as a compromise in fight of two cultural and economic centers of the country, Sydney and Melbourne, for a title of the capital of Australia. Canberra – the city of an order, it initially was under construction according to a certain scheme, and today surprises all with the thought-over and accurate planning. Geographically the capital of Australia is between Melbourne and Sydney, at the foot of mountains in the middle. The city isn't located near the sea, unlike other largest cities of the country, it is one of the factors causing more quiet and peaceful rhythm of life of Canberra. The road to the capital of Australia goes by tiny historical towns. After arrival to Canberra it is possible to visit a military memorial of Australia then to look at the city from an observation deck on the mountain of "Ainslie". Also magnificent view on the city opens from observation decks of the Television Tower, one of which is open: here it is possible to see a circular panorama of Canberra from height of 195 meters. Then it is possible to visit "Kvestakon" (the national Australian center of science and equipment), a zoo, James Cook's Memorial, and also to listen to music in the area the Carillion. In the downtown it is possible to buy souvenirs and to feel the unique atmosphere of the capital. After that it is possible to visit the building of new Parliament, to visit the House of Representatives and the Senate. Here during excursion it is possible to learn a lot of interesting about the Australian state and its history. At the end of excursion it is possible to be passed on that district of the city where embassies of the majority of the countries are located, many of which are constructed in traditional national styles. The national zoo of Australia is located in only five minutes from the center of Canberra, and has the free parking. In him the huge collection of local and exotic animals, and also the biggest in Australia a sea aquarium in which everyone will be able to see something interesting to himself is presented. On park it is possible just to walk and observe animals, or to spend here the whole day with a family and friends and to arrange picnic, for this purpose there are all opportunities. Pride of a national zoo of Australia is one of the most rare animals on the planet – the Royal cheetah of Dzham. Interesting the fact that this zoo private, it doesn't receive any additional financing from the state. It is all the same what to keep 28 species of the most rare animals on the planet at itself in the yard. In this zoo the richest collection of large cats in Australia, including couple of hybrids of a tigress and lion is collected. Round of Zooventure (zooadventure) will become the real adventure which will be remembered to you well. The zoo suggests visitors to feed from hands of the Bengalese tiger (through a lattice, it is natural), to touch a wild dog of a dingo, to feed with grapes of the Malayan bear and to allow a brown bear to pinch honey directly at you from a hand. But you have to be at least 10 years old. In the Australian national zoo also there pass school educational programs, during vacation children cheerfully spend time and learn a lot of new about life of animals. Kvestakon is a national Australian center of science and equipment. He is in Canberra on the bank of the lake Berli Griffin in a so-called Parliamentary triangle. This place is especially popular among students and families with children. There come both Australians, and foreign tourists. Kvestakon has opened in 1980 at elementary school of Ainsley, it was the Australia's first interactive scientific center. The modern building of Kvestakon is a gift of Japan for the two-hundredth anniversary of Australia, it has opened for visitors on November 23, 1988. In Kvestakona more than 200 permanent exhibitions. The center is divided into 7 main galleries located on different floors which are connected among themselves by the spiral inclined transitions located on perimeter of the round building. In the center there are also three auditoriums in which there take place representations of theatrical company of Kvestakon "The excited particles", most often it is entertaining performances for family viewing. The troupe also gives doll representations for children and more serious actions, such as seminars on a scientific subject.

The Australian military memorial is a national memorial in honor of all soldiers of armed forces of Australia and New Zealand who participated in wars from Australia.

Memorial consists of 4 main parts: анзак parade; memorial area; building of a memorial; garden of sculptures. The square and Memorial's building are open every day till 17:00. Parade and a garden of sculptures are open constantly. During World War I more than 60000 Australians were killed in battles, and the Australian Military Memorial is urged to immortalize memory of them, and also to tell the real and future generations what happened on fields of fights which were far from Australia, and also to show as far as these events are important for country history. After World War II it has been decided to devote the Australian Military Memorial to all soldiers who have fallen in all wars in which Australia participated. There is a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and also one of the biggest collections of the Australian art in the world, including Tom Roberts's works, Artur Striton and Grace Kessington-Smith. Not so long ago in an exposition of the museum the newsreel with shots of the last days of resistance of Singapore has appeared. In general the exposition of the museum includes several sections: objects of art, weapon objects, military equipment, audiovisual materials, documents, etc. The national museum of Australia in Canberra is the largest museum of the country devoted to her history, geography and everything that is connected with her. Founded in 1980 it has inherited quite sketchy collection of objects, including vehicles in which harnessed horses and several old cars. Since then a lot of things have changed as curators of the museum laboriously worked all these years on replenishment of a collection. Some exhibits have been presented to the museum, others are bought or received from other museums and collectors (for example, from the Australian institute of anatomy and the Australian institute of natives). Now in a collection of the museum about 200 000 exhibits which are of huge historical value. In the museum three main topics are covered: the Australian society and its history since 1788; interaction of people with the Australian environment; culture and life of natives of the Australian continent. At different times the museum got various exhibits. Now here the richest collection of objects of art of natives which includes more than 1600 works of different artists from all Australia is collected. Among other things in the National Museum of Australia it is possible to see newspapers, photos, the equipment and household items, ritual clothes, ancient cars, and also constantly replenished collection of political caricatures. Set of exhibits belong to history of the first settlers and the subsequent waves of immigration, for example, the biggest exhibit in the museum, the ship Hongg Hai on whom in 1978 to Australia there have arrived 38 people. In the building which is used as the museum today from 1927 to 1988 there was a Parliament of Australia. Now here various exhibitions generally from the National museum and Archives of Australia are held. There is a National portrait gallery. Earlier this building of parliament was the political, geographical and social center of the capital of Australia. Historically this building is associated with the largest events in country life, such as, for example, declaration of war against Japan in 1941 and resignation of the government in 1975. Near the former building of parliament there is "An embassy of natives", the symbolical dwelling of natives which has been constructed here in 1972. with the purpose to pay attention of the authorities and to force them to recognize that initially Australian earth belonged to natives. There was for the first time a red-black-yellow flag of natives. Interesting the fact that the Commission on the Australian heritage considers today that this place is taken by special cultural value. The national reserve of Tidbinbill is in 40 minutes of driving from Canberra, between two mountain chains: Tidbinbilla and Gibraltar. Tidbinbilla is in 40 minutes of driving from Canberra, between two mountain chains: Tidbinbilla and Gibraltar. It is the whole valley in which the flora and fauna of Australia is presented. The mountains surrounding the reserve are the real spiritual center for the Australian natives. Here to this day find a huge number of the artifacts created by natives. It both household items, and prehistoric stone dwellings. The most popular places are a mountain of Tidbinbill, the stone dwelling Birrigey, a cave of Bogong. Tidbinbill's valley reflects also 160 years of presence of Europeans in this earth. The thrown farms, houses of the first settlers and objects of their life meet across all her territory. In Tidbinbille a huge number of plants and animal, including very rare, first of all such variety of flora and fauna perhaps thanks to a variety of climate. Because of proximity to mountains, part of the territory of the valley it is covered with damp equatorial forests, part – drier thickets of Bush, there are also Alpine meadows, etc., thanks to it here an emu, duck-bills, echidnas, wombats, a kangaroo and vallab, lirokhvosta, pelicans, swans and other animals can live almost under natural conditions. But except animals there is also a mass of interesting opportunities for entertainments here. For example, here it is possible to arrange picnic (the barbecue can be taken free of charge) or to ride a bike. Recently in a zone for rest the children's playground has opened. On the reserve regularly drive excursions, hold scientific seminars, educational programs, etc. Also here it is possible to fish, ride horses, in the territory of the reserve carry regularly out rally off-road on motorcycles and cars. In 2003 in the reserve there was an awful fire in which almost all its inhabitants have died. Only one koala, six mountain vallaba, nine black swans and some more animals have survived. But now the park quickly restores populations of animals, many animals are newly delivered from other territories, some quickly breed directly in the reserve.

Features and history of Sydney

Sydney by right recognized as one of the most beautiful cities of the world is the most cosmopolitan, most cheerful and most beautiful city of the country. The city has been founded in 1788 on the bank of the gulf Port Jackson (the first European settlement in Australia) and for only 200 with small years has turned from the small settlement каторжан into the huge ultramodern city which is carefully storing monuments of the short history.

Contrast of skyscrapers of City and old buildings of areas Roks and King Cross-country, gift shops around Yorks and Elisabeth, and Asian quarters is unique. During a lunch on the Sydney Tower on Market Street, at the height of 305 m, it is possible not only to examine planning of the city, but also to try a set of the Australian and Asian dishes, exotic seafood, meat of a kangaroo and emu. On Oxford Street the set of bars and restaurants, in the area Darling-Harbor – hundreds of galleries, bars, hotels and restaurants, and is concentrated on George Street and Market Street – the best outlets of the city.

Here it is possible to sunbathe directly within the city on magnificent beaches of Bondi (the best-known beach in the country, his gold dust lasts on kilometer in length) and Manley, to visit one of the world's largest the Sydney Aquarium to Darling-Harbor or a zoo of Toronga in which in 1916 for the first time in the world have begun to support animals under natural conditions – in open open-air cages, and also the well-known Opera – a symbol of Sydney or the observation deck which is cut down in the rock still by the first city governor "Madam McGuire's chair" 1. It is possible to spend the whole day in a huge mall "The house of the Queen Victoria" or in a smart Royal Botanical garden where the extensive collection of plants from around the world is collected. In the city a large number of interesting cultural objects – the well-known Sydney Museum of History and anthropology of Australia, Military and memorial art gallery, the National Sea museum (really interesting place – here is collected everything about the sea and watercrafts – from boats of natives to battle ships and surfboards), Art gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of applied art and science, one of the most "courageous" museums of the world – the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of antiquity of Nicholson, Park of Wild Animals, the Australian museum devoted to natural history (one of 6 of the best in the world), Automobile in which 175 cars – of 1899 are assembled up to now; Museum of coins; The Museum of astronomy located in the former Observatory of construction of 1858. Are especially interesting the embankment around Vulumulu and factory having weeded where it is possible not only to learn everything about these surprising stones, but also to see all process of transformation of ordinary-looking rock into precious jewelry (Australia makes up to 90% of world volume having weeded). In the same place it is possible to buy the most different jewelry from black having weeded, pearls or color diamonds.

The city has been founded when there has arrived the first sea transport under command of the captain Arthur Philipp with several hundred passengers onboard, nearly a half of which were prisoners. The place of disembarkation of the first settlers has received the name "The Rocks" ("Rocks"). Now it is the main historical part of Sydney. Here the read the burial service criminals found freedom and began new life, there were major events exerting impact on all Australian history. Today "The Rocks" – the region of tourists that with pleasure stray on artful designs narrow paved a cobble-stone of small streets, painfully solve to what kitchen – Italian, Chinese, Thai, French, Brazilian or Australian – to give today preference, wander on the museums and galleries. Of the past reminds one of the oldest buildings in the city – Kedman's Cottage (1816) So called the former criminal, and subsequently the superintendant of government courts, long time living here together with a family. Wishing to plunge properly into the gloomy atmosphere of those years visit Hyde park barracks where they are given a unique opportunity "to visit a skin" prisoners, to learn that they ate where they slept as worked and what dreamed of.

Great Barrier Reef

But the main sight of Australia nevertheless – the Great Barrier Reef lasting along all its east coast entering the list of World Heritage of the UN with his coral reeves and islands resorts known for the whole world Layzard, Bedard, Hyman, Hamilton, etc. It is the biggest reef system in the world and the biggest structure "created" by live organisms of the planet. In the north the reef is actually continuous and located in only 50 km from the coast, in the south it breaks up to groups of separate reeves, in some places receding from the coast on 300 km. Hundreds and hundreds of islands act from sea depths on a surface, and only two tens from them are manned. The Great Barrier Reef – "underwater Mecca" of all scuba divers of the world.

The Great Barrier Reef of Australia more than two thousand kilometers long is created from a set of the coral "rings" connected among themselves as if a chain. He is made by millions of corals of various flowers, forms and the sizes, forming easy graceful drawings – if to look from air. The Great Barrier Reef has not one line of corals as it can seem at first, and whole three. The line is external, average and internal, that is the closest to the coast.

Growth of corals is blocked by several factors. One of them is a water temperature, and another – its salinity. Therefore the line of corals doesn't proceed, washed by fresh flowing water from the rivers which flow into the ocean and preventing growth of corals in these zones. The Great Barrier Reef generally is in the State of Queensland and therefore upon transition from the state to the state he changes the names. For example, the Territory of the Capricorn in a zone of the Tropic of Capricorn, the Territory Severenaya – between Kairns and the Port of Douglas, and the Territory Uaytsandey opposite to the island of the same name. The barrier also forms a set of islands, some of them even have hotels, and some – are absolutely desert. Some of them can be visited, having at itself permission of the authorities, but on them it is necessary to conduct everything, including food and fresh water, and protective cream from the sun. Some of these islands are in the territory of national sea parks, on them it is impossible to leave any garbage, and also it is impossible to take out representatives of flora and fauna.

But the main part of the Great Barrier Reef forms ring-shaped islands – atolls. To reach the atoll, it is necessary just to get on the comfortable boat which ply to atolls all day long. Visit of the Great Barrier Reef is the most popular round. Excursions to these islands usually continue one day, but for an additional fee it is possible to remain for bigger time. Trips on atolls of the road and than farther from the coast the coral island – that costs a trip dearer there. But if you want to swim for a while among corals and to make a photo – it is worth it. And impressions of immersion can differ depending on part of a reef.

Cairns – one of the most exotic corners of Australia, "collar" of the Great Barrier Reef and the main resort of the North of the country. Here practically all is subordinated to tourism. It is possible to make a trip to national park of Staten River, to visit a mountain small village reserve of Kurand with her well-known greenhouse of tropical butterflies, to sweep by ancient train on the mountain road by falls and rainforests, and in Kuranda – to walk hundreds of gift shops and restaurants. After that it is possible to go down to the sea on a 7-kilometer ropeway of "Skaytreyl" paved over impassable rainforests or to visit the village of natives of Tzhapukai where for tourists arrange special representations with local songs and dances, fire getting by friction and javelin throw or a boomerang. Thrill-seekers and the wild nature invite in an unforgettable jeep safari on rainforests or to rafting alloy on the well-known mountain river Talli River. At last it is possible just to sunbathe on the infinite deserted beaches extending from Mosmen to Eyre, to make excursion to the beautiful plateau Ettenton or to pass on a chain of the charming coast stretched on 50 km to the north from Port Douglas to admire fascinating coastal landscapes of the cape Tribyyuleyshn ("Cape of Misfortune") or Deyntri's river.

Lake of Tasmania. Other cities of Australia

Tasmania – the island at the southern coast of Australia (area about 68 thousand sq.km) which is famous for the untouched nature, a pleasant temperate climate and remarkable fishing. The main town of Tasmania – Hobart (it is founded in 1803) – most southern and most sparsely populated "capital" of the world. The majority of buildings of the city, even port warehouses, are executed in charming neogothic style that in combination with a fine mountainous landscape of the areas surrounding the city, gives him a unique charm. Except ancient constructions several remarkable natural parks, the first legal casino in the country, and also notorious Port Arthur – the most severe colony of Australia are located here.

The Australian town of Albany once was famous for bloody business – here is located old whaling. The whale is tons of delicious meat, expensive baleen and fat which is called "whale oil" here. Whale trade brought to locals considerable money. However 30 years ago the authorities have forbidden to kill whales. Now tourists gather in Albany to look from a board of the walking ship at live whales at coast of Australia.

Conclusion

The Australian natives speak: "At first your eyes will reveal, and then – heart".