Australia

Australia, nicknamed the "Land Down Under,", is a country, an island and a continent. It is the world's smallest continent and the sixth-largest country. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere, between the Indian Ocean and the Southern Pacific Ocean.. This continent-country-island has an area of 2,966,368 square miles (7,682,300 square kilometers).

• Capital of Australia: Canberra • Population: Australia has a population about

20 million people. Most of Australia's population lives on the fertile plains of the eastern and southeastern coasts. The interior of Australia (called the Outback) is dry with many deserts.

Government and Economy: The Commonwealth of Australia is a democracy (leaders are elected by the adult population) but it recognizes the monarch of Great Britain as sovereign (the Queen of England has the title "Chief of State" and performs ceremonial duties). Australia has a strong, modern economy. Its monetary unit is the Australian dollar.

• Largest Cities: Sydney is the largest city in Australia; it has over 3,935,000 people. Other large cities include Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Newcastle.

The Great Barrier Reef:Off the eastern coast of Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef on Earth. This warm, clear, shallow ocean habitat is over 1,000 miles long, and is home to many animals and plants, including corals, sea anemones, sea stars, fish (including sharks), sea slugs, giant clams, seaweed, and many other organisms.

• The Tallest Mountain: Australia's tallest peak is Mount Kosciuszko, which is 7,310 feet (2,228 m) tall. Mount Kosciuszko is located in southeastern Australia, near Canberra, in the Great Dividing Range.

• The Lowest Point: Lake Eyre is Australia's lowest point. It is 53 feet (16 m) below sea level. Lake Eyre is located in South Australia.

• The Largest Body of Water: Lake Eyre is Australia's largest body of water - it is a salt water lake that covers over 3,430 square miles (8,884-9,500 square kilometes), although it is generally dry. Lake Eyre is located in South Australia.

• The Longest River: Australia's longest river is the Murray-Darling River, in New South Wales, which flows for 2,911 miles (4,685 km) into the Indian Ocean.

Rainforest: The eastern coast of Australia is covered by lush tropical rainforests. The Great Dividing Range, a mountain range that runs north-south along Australia's eastern coast, causes a lot of rain to fall of the east coast (and blocks rain from the interior of the continent).

The Largest Island (other than Australia itself): Tasmania, located off the southeastern coast of mainland Australia, covers 26,383 square miles (68,332 square kilometers). Tasmania's tallest peak is Mt. Ossa, which is 5,305 feet (1,617 m) above sea level.

• Desert: The interior of Australia is covered largely by scrub and desert, called the Outback. The Great Dividing Range, a mountain range that runs north-south along Australia's eastern coast, blocks rain from the interior of the continent.

Largest Monolith: The world's largest monolith, Uluru (formerly called Ayers Rock) is located in central Australia, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is a sacred aboriginal site and a world-famous landmark. It is 348 m tall and is made of sandstone.

Australia's States And Territories:

Place Capital City

Largest City Emblems

Population (as of

2003)Area Highest

point

Australia Canberra Sydney

Mammal - Red KangarooBird - EmuFlower - Golden WattleGemstone - Opal

19,973,170

2,966,136 sq. miles7,682,300 sq. km.

Mt. Kosciuszko7,310 ft.2,228 m.

Australia's States And Territories:

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra Canberra

Bird - Gang Gang

CockatooFlower -

Royal Bluebell

322,900 2,358 sq. km.

Bimberi Peak

1,912 m

New South Wales

Sydney Sydney

Mammal - Platypus

Bird - Kookabur

raFlower - WaratahMarine -

Blue Groper

6,686,600309,498 sq. m.801,60 sq. km.

Mt. Kosciuszk

o7,310 ft.2,228 m.

Australia's States And Territories:

Victoria Melbourne

Melbourne

Mammal - Leadbetter's PossumBird - Helmeted HoneyeaterFlower - Common (Pink) HeathMarine - Weedy Seadragon

4,917,40087,876 sq. mi.227,600 sq. km.

Mt. Bogong6,508 ft.1,984 m.

Queensland Brisbane Largest

City

Mammal - KoalaBird - BrolgaFlower - Cooktown OrchidGemstone - Sapphire

3,796,800666,872 sq. mi.1,727,200 sq. km.

Mt. Bartle Frere5,287 ft.1,611 m.

South Australia Adelaide Adelaide

Mammal - Hairy-nosed or Plains WombatBird - Piping Shrike or MagpieFlower - Sturt's Desert PeaMarine - Leafy Sea DragonGemstone - Opal

1,527,400379,922sq. mi.984,000 sq. km.

Mt. Woodroffe4,970 ft.1,515m.

Western Australia Perth Perth

Mammal - NumbatBird - Black SwanFlora - Kangaroo PawFossil - Gogo fish

1,952,300975,096 sq. mi.2,525,500 sq. km.

Mt. Bruce4,024 ft.1,227 m.

Tasmania Hobart Hobart

Flora - Tasmanian Blue GumMineral - Crocoite

477,10026,178 sq. mi.67,800 sq. km.

Mt. Ossa5,305 ft.1,617 m.

Northern TerritoryThe "Australian Outback"

Darwin Darwin

Mammal - Red KangarooBird - Wedge Tailed EagleFlower - Sturt's Desert Rose

198,400519,768 sq. mi.1,346,200 sq km.

Mt. Ziel4,955 ft.1,510 m.

Australian States

• There are eight major Australian states and territories each with something different to offer.

Australian Capital Territory

• Australian Capital Territory(Territory not a State), is the youngest of the Australian States and Territory legislatures. It is the home of the capital of Australia, Canberra.

• Australian Capital Territory was conceived in the early 1900s in order to create a capital city in a federal State separate from any of the uniting States.

• Spectacular green countryside is ringed by mountains. Lake Burley-Griffin, an artificial lake, is the main feature of this constantly expanding modern capital.

• Canberra, an aboriginal word for 'Meeting Place', was purpose built as the Nation's capital in the early 1900's.

• It is located in the Australian Capital Territory or A.C.T, not in NSW as is sometimes thought; probably because the small territory is completely surrounded by New South Wales.

• As the Australian's capital, the city is home to embassies and of course the Australian Federal Parliament.

• Canberra is a garden city as trees and plants from all over the world were planted in their millions when the city was first conceived.

• They produce dazziling displays year round and are enhance from mid Sepetember to mid October when the flower festival, Floriade takes place.

• Canberra is a garden city as trees and plants from all over the world were planted in their millions when the city was first conceived.

• They produce dazziling displays year round and are enhance from mid Sepetember to mid October when the flower festival, Floriade takes place.

Burley Griffin

• Canberra is built around the man made Lake Burley Griffin, named after the city 's visionary architect, and was designed to gently blend in with the natural landscape. The 11 Km long lake has over 40Km of cycle and walking paths around it.

The James Cook Memorial Jet is another dramatic Canberra landmark. The high powered fountain which propels a water column up to a height of almost 150 m, is located in the Central Basin of Lake Burley Griffin.

James Cook Memorial Fountain

South Canberra

Canberra is divided into North Canberra and South Canberra. South Canberra includes the part of the city below Lake Burley Griffin and is accessed from North Canberra by the Commonwealth and Kings Avenue Bridges.

Parliament House (South Canberra)

• Parliament House, sitting a top Capital Hill and at the centre of State and Capital Circles is literally at the focal point of Canberra.

• It is also difficult to miss as its stainless steel upper structure and the massive Australian Flag is visible across much of the city.

• The most distinctive feature of Parliament House is that it is partly covered in grass and it appears to be built within Capital Hill.

• Parliament House is open to visitors guided tours are also available without charge. The inside of the building is very impressive and beautifully crafted. Native Australian materials have been used with stunning effect.

• There are stunning artworks, historical artifacts such as one of the original copies of the Magna Carta, a document deeply significant to the origins of democracy

• If the Senate or House of Representatives aren't sitting it is also possible to see the inner government chambers from the public galleries.

• If Parliament is sitting it is also possible to sit in on Prime Ministers Question Time. It is advisable to telephone ahead and book early as this is popular and the alloted spaces fill up quickly

Canberra National Museum (SC)

• The National Museum of Australia is a striking addition to Canberra and has received architectural plaudits for its brave design.

• Opened in March 2001, the National Museum is the first in the country devoted to the stories of Australia and Australians, exploring the key issues, events and people that have shaped and influenced our nation.

• The design achieved international recognition in late 2001, winning in London the prestigious Blueprint Architecture Award for the world's Best New Public Building of the Year.

• South Canberra has some delightful leafy Villages such as Kingston and Manuka which are known for their stylish cafes, bars, restaurants, gourmet food delis and boutiques.

• Here you will also find the Diplomatic Consulates and Embassies and Yarallumlua, the location for the Governor Generals (The Queens official representative) official residence.

North Canberra

• North Canberra is the part of the city to the north of Lake Burley Griffin and is the location for the Canberra CBD with its great shopping and excellent selection of restaurants, cafes and bars.

• North Canberra has the Canberra Centre Shopping mall, Civic (which is the Canberra CBD) with its al-fresco cafes and restaurants, and includes the suburbs of Watson, Downer, Dickson, Braddon, Turner, Reid and Lyneham.

• Here you will also find The Australian War Memorial, Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain and Telstra Tower, the Botanic Gardens, Canberra Stadium and The Australian National University.

• Canberra also has an number of wineries specialising in 'cold climate' wines and many of these are to the north of Canberra.

• CIVIC• Civic is the main CBD of Canberra and is situated just to the

north of Lake Burley Griffin at the southern end of Northborne Avenue.

• Civic is also known as City or Canberra City.• One of Canberra's famed circular "Circuits", London Circuit,

runs through Civic and provides intersections to the roads approaching the Civic area.

• Although it is very easy to get around Canberra, until you get used to the roads, a map is essential.

• The "Circuits"can be very confusing to the un

THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

• The Australian War Memorial is located a few km east of Civic and overlooks ANZAC Parade.

• The memorial is dedicated to the fallen Australian forces personnel involved in military conflicts over the years.

• The centre piece of the memorial is the domed roofed Hall of Memory which houses The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.

• Stained glass windows and large mosaics of service men and women adorn the walls of the Chapel and entering the Hall of Memory is a very moving experience.

• Outside the Hall of Memory is a memorial pool which houses The Eternal Flame.

The Australian War MemorialThe Australian War Memorial is located a few km east of Civic and overlooks ANZAC Parade.The memorial is dedicated to the fallen Australian forces personnel involved in military conflicts over the years.The centre piece of the memorial is the domed roofed Hall of Memory which houses The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.

The Australian War MemorialStained glass windows and large mosaics of service men and women adorn the walls of the Chapel and entering the Hall of Memory is a very moving experience.Outside the Hall of Memory is a memorial pool which houses The Eternal Flame.

ANZAC Parade

ANZAC Parade runs from the Australian War Memorial to Lake Burley Griffin and is dedicated to the ANZACS, The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.This wide boulevard is distinguished by the red couloured surface of the central divide between the outer road lanes.To either side of ANZAC Parade are various memorials to different military engagements such as Vietnam and Korea which involved Australian and New Zealand Military personnel

Mount AinslieMount Ainslie is the 840m peak immediately to the north of The Australian War Memorial.The summit can be reached by either a well trodden path or by a road way which winds its way to the top viewing area..From the top viewing area, the ambitious, audacious and sheer scale of the plan for Canberra by American architect Burley Griffin is immediately apparent.

Mount Ainslie lies on an axis intersecting the Australian war Memorial, ANZAC Parade and Parliament House.This Axis then intersects the Parliamentary Triangle which is formed by Constitution Avenue (which runs to the southern end of ANZAC Parade) and Commonwealth & Kings Avenue (which both run from north Canberra over bridges to the south of the city).At the Tip of the triangle is Parliament House.

Cockington GreenCockington Green is located about 15minutes drive north of the main Canberra CBD.These lovingly crafted gardens feature highly detailed miniature houses and buildings from around the world set in immaculately groomed gardens.A small steam train circulates through the gardens regularly and provides rides for visitors.You can spot English Villages, canal boats, Stonehenge, Australian Outback houses, South American Aztec Temples, East European Castles and many other intricately detailed miniature buildings..

QUEENSLAND OVERVIEW

Queensland with its sub-tropical / tropical climate is justifiably marketed as 'The Sunshine State'.Advertisements aired in autumn and winter in the southern states of Australia, flaunt Queensland's sunshine, tempting holiday makers north to the warmer climate.Queensland is one of, if not the fastest growing (both economically and population )states in Australia.

Like the other Australian states, Queensland is vast; to put its size into perspective; it will take over three days to drive from Brisbane to Cairns, which is not even at the far north.The Tropics comprise around two thirds of the length of Queensland and are bordered by the Great Barrier Reef which stretches from aroundBundaberg up past the northern tip of Cape York.The state has hundreds of coastal islands some of which, for example the Whitsunday Islands, are developed with idyllic holiday resorts.

• BRISBANE• Queensland's capital, Brisbane, is one of the

fastest growing cities in Australia and makes an excellent base for touring both the flamboyant Gold Coast and the sophisticated, stylish Sunshine Coast.

• THE GREAT BARRIER REEF• The Great Barrier Reef which extends over three

thousand kilometres from around Bundaberg to north of Cape York is one of the most visited attractions in Australia.

• Many operators offer excursions to the reef which can be explored by scuba diving, snorkeling as well as glass bottomed boats and submersibles.

• The most popular destinations to explore the reef include Cairns and Port Douglas.

• QUEENSLAND'S ISLANDS• Queensland has hundreds of islands scattered off its

coastline.• The Whitsunday Islands are perhaps the most well

known and some have been developed into holiday resorts e.g. Hamilton Island, Brampton Island, Hayman Island and Daydream Island.

• There is nothing quite like an island holiday for that sense of sheer escapism.

• FAR NORTH-GULF SAVANNAH• To the far north of Queensland is Cape York and

Gulf Country. In this extremely remote region, the Gulf of Carpentaria feeds the Gulf Savannah with a myriad of river systems.

• Travel in this part of Australia is not recommended for the inexperienced or ill prepared but plenty of organised tours operate here.

• THE TROPICAL NORTH• Tropical north Queensland is a contrast to the south

with its rainforests, tablelands and tropical holiday resorts and Islands.

• Cairns and Port Douglas are good locations to not only explore the reef but also The Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tablelands and Cape Tribulation.

• Driving in Outback Australia can be hazardous and is not recommended for the inexperienced or un prepared.

• NEW SOUTH WALES OVERVIEW• New South Wales is the most populated state in

Australia with a population of around 7 million.• The climate and size of the state allows for a

diverse range of activities. Explore wine regions, beautiful beaches, National Parks, go on outback adventures or perhaps try whale and dolphin watching.

• The capital of New South Wales is Sydney. The city is a popular base for visitors to New South Wales as the city offers so much and is within a couple or so hours of popular tourist spots such as the famous Hunter Valley wine area, the Blue Mountains and the softly rolling hills of the Southern Highlands.

• SUB TROPICAL NORTH• The Northern end of New South Wales borders on

Queensland and has a sub tropical climate. The town of Coffs Harbour is ideal for growing bananas ('Coffs' is known as 'The Big Banana') and Byron Bay is the most easterly point in Australia.

• These north east coastal towns are popular with holiday makers from the south who temporarily escape the relative cold of winter.

• To the north east are also lush agricultural areas and in the Moree region grain crops are cultivated on a massive scale; this is also the largest pecan and cotton producing region in the Southern Hemisphere.

• SKIING TO THE SOUTH• The south of the state borders Victoria and offers

relatively mountainous terrain. New South Wales also boasts excellent skiing in the winter (May to September typically) at the 'Snow', located south ofCanberra in The Snowy Mountains region.

• The towns of Thredbo and Perisher are home to the larger of the resorts and have been carefully developed with extensive ski lift networks, an interconnecting 'Ski Tube' railway and snow-making facilities on an industrial scale.

• During the rest of the year the ski resorts are popular bases for mountain biking, white water rafting, bush walking and other outdoor pursuits.

• THE MIGHTY MURRAY• To the south of New South Wales the mighty

Murray Rivers starts its long journey travelling thousands of kilometres near Albury-Wodonga and flows westward into South Australia, forming part of the border with Victoria. The water creates fertile agricultural areas where crops such as wheat, rice, soya, fruit and vegetables are grown.

VICTORIA

• As states in Australia go, Victoria is relatively compact and there is always something of interest nearby. Within easy reach of Melbourne are a variety of coastal drives , quaint towns and mountainous National Parks. Explore and click the Victoria Map for further details. Slightly further afield you can Ski during the winter months, see Penguin colonies, some of the wildest surf beaches and coastline in Australia, The Gold Towns of Bendigo and Ballarat, The Mighty Murray River or perhaps Bush walk in the rugged terrain of The Grampians or Victorian Alps.

• MELBOURNE• Melbourne , the Victorian capital, is a mixture of

old European elegance and new-world style.• Melbourne has apopulation of around 3.7

million and it is currently (2007) Australia's fastest growing city. This booming city attracts over 50 000 new residents each year and is predicted to be Australia's most populated city in around twenty years time.

• Melbourne is dominated by the Yarra River, its tree-lined boulevards, grand buildings and parks.

• The city is famed for its restaurants, shopping, sense of style and has always been a champion of the arts and culture in Australia

• THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD• The Great Ocean Road has been voted one of

World's most beautiful drives.• The road which starts 90km from Melbourne

hugs the dramatic coastline passing the famous 'Twelve Apostles'.

• THE DANDENONG RANGES• The beautiful Dandenongs, only 50Km east of

Melbourne, is a lush region known for its boutique hotels, colourful trees, the Puffing Billy Scenic Railway, cafes, restaurants

• Melbourne and Sydney have always had a respectful rivalry, with each city challenging the other to be 'number-one' in Australia.

• On first impressions Melbourne, with its elegant buildings, parks and tree-lined boulevards, would not seem out of place in Europe.

• Despite its image as a centre of culture and the arts, the Victorian Capital is every bit as thrusting and dynamic as Sydney, perhaps more so now?

• EASY TO GET AROUND• Melbourne has always been a well planned city

with a well integrated and efficient mass transit system - the famous Melbourne Tram Network.

• The trams not only add character to the city but are an efficient and fun way to get around. The City Circle route is free and the burgundy coloured trams cover the inner city grid and stop at every major intersection.

• TASMANIA OVERVIEW• Tasmania is an island state some 200km over The Bass

Strait from mainland Australia. There is a choice of either flying or sailing to the island; the Spirit of Tasmania departs from Melbourne.

• Tasmania the 'Apple Isle', possesses magnificent lakes, mountains, beaches, rivers, waterfalls and so much more. Compared to the rest of Australia, Tasmania's diminutive size is one of its attractions since it is possible to see much of the island in a few days.

• If you sail on the Spirit of Tasmania into Devonportnear the north coast, it will take around three and a half hours to drive to Hobart on the south of the island.

• MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES• Tasmania has rugged mountains, river

networks, trout fishing, unspoilt wilderness landscapes, a gorgeous un-spoilt coastline, quaint cosy cottages and being a former penal colony, plenty of history. The Lake St Clair National Park which includes Cradle Mountain is perhaps the most well known of the natural landmarks in Tasmania.

• HOBART• Hobart, the capital of Tasmania is towered

over by Mount Wellington and has a rich nautical heritage. The city has an almost European like air. This is partly due to the heritage appearance of the buildings and bridges in Hobart and also the strong sense of history

• SECOND OLDEST CITY IN AUSTRALIA• Hobart's most famous resident of recent times is Mary

Donaldson, now the Crown Princess of Denmark when she married Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. Princess Mary actually hails from Taroona which is a small suburb some six miles from Hobart.

• Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, the second oldest and most southerly city in Australia, see map. Hobart is located on the south east of the island of Tasmania, on the banks of the River Derwent and is dominated by Mount Wellington which looms above the city

• LAUNCESTON• Launceston, is located at the junction of three

rivers and is famous for Cataract Gorge which is just a short walk from the city centre

• SOUTH AUSTRALIA OVERVIEW• South Australia is surrounded by the land of five states

and territories and the sea of the Great Australian Bight to the south.

• South Australia enjoys a Mediterranean type climate and is the driest state in Australia.

• South Australia is a wine lovers paradise as the conditions in parts of the state are ideal for grape cultivation. Some of the best wine in Australia, and perhaps the world, originates from South Australia.

• ADELAIDE• Adelaide, 'The City of Churches', is the capital of

South Australia and is a charming and well laid out city set on the banks of the Torrens River.

• Adelaide is a good place to explore the wine regions of the nearby Barossa Valley and the city has a justifiable reputation for its fine restaurants and shopping

• SOME OF THE WORLD'S BEST WINES• Wine is one of South Australia's principle exports. The

wine regions of the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and Coonawarra, to name but three of the many wine regions in South Australia, produce some of the best wines in the World.

• It is unsurprising then that wine tourism is becoming increasingly popular. Many wine regions are well set up with resorts and accommodation to cater for visitors and can assure visitors of a memorable and enjoyable time.

• Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is built on the Torrens River and is the only city in Australia entirely surrounded by parklands. This contrasts starkly with the rugged desert terrain which is not that far away.

• THE FLINDERS RANGES• The Flinders Ranges are to the north of

Adelaide. This is a beautiful area which has inspired artists and is awash with wildflowers in the Australian spring

• THE FLINDERS RANGES• The Flinders Ranges are to the north of

Adelaide. This is a beautiful area which has inspired artists and is awash with wildflowers in the Australian spring

• COOBER PEDY• Coober Pedy, aboriginal for 'White Fellows Hole

in the Ground' is 530 miles north of Adelaide and is Australia's largest and oldest opal mining community.

• This town is unique as the original opal miners literally built a town underground to escape the extremes of heat and cold of the outback desert.

• WHALE WATCHING• To the south of South Australia is The Great

Australian Bight and migrating whales can be seen from vantage points (eg along the Lincoln Highway).

• Often the whale watching season (from the coast and on organised tours) can extend from June to October.

• THE TORRENS RIVER• The Torrens River dissects the parklands in which the city

sits and separates North Adelaide from Adelaide. Boat trips can be taken along the river and to the nearby Adelaide Zoo.

• As there are waterside restaurants and pleasant riverside walks through expansive parklands the area is ideal for recreation and relaxation.

• Between Montefiore and Elder Park the River Torrens widens slightly and forms what is known as Torrens Lake.

• ADELAIDE FESTIVAL CENTRE• The world famous Adelaide Festival Centre sits in Elder Park

on the banks of The Torrens River.• Adelaide is celebrated for its festivals (South Australia is

known as The Festival State) and the Adelaide Festival is held every even numbered year.

• The centre includes a 2000 seat auditorium, several theatres, an impressive outdoor amphitheatre, sculptures and artworks.

• It is regarded as one of the best live performance venues in the World.

• BIGGEST SHOPPING MALL IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

• Adelaide's Rundle Mall is the biggest pedestrianised shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere and includes over 800 shops and 14 interconnected arcades.

• The centre was created in 1976 as the first street mall in Australia.

• As well as the household names such as David Jones, there are specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.

• BIRTHPLACE OF MODERN AUSTRALIAN CUISINE

• In the 1970's The South Australian Government implemented a 'Restaurants Policy' as an attempt to improve the standard of cuisine, and Adelaide was made its focus.

• The policy was an undoubted success and today the city is justifiably regarded as the 'Birthplace of Modern Australian Cuisine' and Australian food is recognised throughout the world for its inventiveness and fusion of flavours and cultures.

• Adelaide has always maintained its position at the for-front of this cooking revolution.

• WESTERN AUSTRALIA OVERVIEW• Western Australia is the largest of all the states

in Australia and occupies around a third of the entire continent. It is bordered by the Indian & Southern Oceans and The Northern Territory and South Australia.

• This resource rich state state is one of the most abundant mineral rich regions in the world.

• Most of the population of Western Australia live in the south west, in and around the capital, Perth. The south west also has some well known wine regions, such as the Margaret River.

• To the north west of the state are the rugged and remote Kimberleys which are considered Australia's last frontier. This majestic and unique region covers over 400 000 square kilometers and is punctuated with magnificent gorges, canyons and unique land forms, millions of years in the making.

PERTH

• The Capital, Perth, known as "The City of Lights," is situated on the Swan River, enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and reserves.

• Perth city centre appears to sit on the shores of a lake as the Swan River expands forming Perth Water which is almost 1 mile (1.5km) at its widest section. This expanse of water is dotted with ferries, cruise boats, wind surfers and yachts and is the perfect backdrop for the city on its north shore.

• Perth, the capital of the largest state in Australia, is a favourite of many visitors to this part of the continent.

• It has a mediterranean climate and a population of around a third of the major eastern cities which contributes to a feeling of space and openness.

• The city has it all.• Pristine Indian Ocean beaches, immaculate parklands,

forested areas, wineries in the Blue Hills of the Darling Range to the east and to cap it all, Perth sits on the foreshores of the beautiful Swan River.

• THE SWAN RIVER• Perth city centre appears to sit on the shores of

a lake as the Swan River expands forming Perth Water which is almost 1 mile (1.5km) at its widest section.

• This glorious expanse of water is dotted with ferries, cruise boats, wind surfers and yachts and is the perfect backdrop for the city on its north shore.

• FREE CITY CENTRE TRANSPORT• A 'Free Transit Zone' operates in the compact

city centre and allows free travel using the CAT System (Central Area Transit ) buses or trains.

• Replicas of the original maroon coloured Perth trams offer another enjoyable way to see the sights of the city - a fare is payable since this is not included in the CAT system.

• ALFRESCO DINING• The sunny warm climate makes Perth an

alfresco city peppered with street and water side cafes and eateries.

• The city has more restaurants per head of population than any other city in Australia and is renown for its seafood and innovative 'Fusion' cooking style which combines foods and techniques from several cultures.

• Perth city centre is a pleasing mix of the newer high rise glass and steel towers and charming colonial period buildings.

• The Central Business District is connected to the shopping areas by under and over ground walkways allowing walking unimpeded by cars.

• DARLING RANGE WINERIES• A visit to the Darling Range to the east of

Perth is a worthwhile excursion.• As well as a great view of the city you will find

wineries, scenic drives, cascading rivers, rolling bushlands, farm arts and crafts, orchards, quaint cottages, tea rooms, lakes and wildflowers in spring.

THE ENGINE ROOM OF AUSTRALIA, & BEYOND.

• he state of Western Australia has a diversity of sought after minerals deposits the state has in abundance. For example, WA has almost 15 - 20% of world wide production of alumina, industrial diamonds, iron ore and nickel.

• The state also has huge reserves of oil and natural gas; there are currently over over 60 oil and natural gas fields operating with more to follow.

• the state has around 40% of the uranium, over 50% of the Tantalum (an important mineral used in the production of electronic components), over 30 % of the zircon and over 25% of the rutile (both important industrial minerals).

• It is no wonder that Western Australia is seen as the engine room not only of Australia but large parts of the world.

• MARGARET RIVER• Margaret River is a popular wine region and its

wines,resorts and cuisine are fast earning an enviable reputation internationally. Margaret River is 300km south of Perth.

• FREMANTLE• Fremantle is a bustling port town less than

half an hour from Perth. It is famous for its night life, pubs and coffee strip centred around the quaint harbour complex. Fremantle was put on the map when it hosted the Americas Cup

NORTHERN TERRITORY OVERVIEW

• Northern Territory, an almost entirely tropical region apart from the 250Km or so south of Alice Springs, extends northwards for 1500Km from its border with South Australia to 'The Top End' and 800Km west from the Queensland border to Western Australia.

• The territory has perfectly straight borders with three Australian states with the Timor Sea bordering the intricate coastline to its north. Like The Australian Capital Territory (A.C.T), this is Federal Territory, not a State with its own State Laws and Government. However, in most regards it is dealt with by the Commonwealth Government as if it were another state.

• The Northern Territory is often perceived as being entirely arid and desert like which although true for much of the interior, contrasts with the fertile wetlands at the' Top End' which includes Darwin, Jabiru and Katherine.

• The south is often referred to as the 'Red Centre' because of its red 'martian like' appearance typified by the Alice Springs and Ayers Rock (Uluru) region.

• ULURU• Ayres Rock or Uluru as it is officially named is perhaps

the most famous icon in the Territory if not Australia. Uluru is one of Australia's most famous landmarks and is the country's most visited site.

• The mysterious red monolith is the weathered peak of a buried mountain range and rises some 430 metres from the desert and has a perimeter of about 9km (5.5 miles). The red colour of Uluru is due to iron minerals in the surface rocks oxidising with the air.

• JABIRU• Jabiru is 150 miles east of Darwin on the

Arnem Highway and is located within the famous World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. The town of Jabiru blends in with the natural environment as harmoniously as possible.

• ALICE SPRINGS• Alice Springs, the heart of 'The Red Centre', is the

location perceived by many, although not geographically exact, as being at the centre of Australia.

• Alice Springs has over 300 000 tourists a year making tourism one of the towns significant industries. In support of this there is an excellent infrastructure including an airport, good roads, a magnificent golf course, casinos, parks, Botanic Gardens