ABOUT AUSTRALIA

Geography of Australia

Australia is located in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only nation to occupy an entire continent. It has a land area of nearly 7.7 million km2 and has a range of climates and topographies from rain forests and vast plains in the north, snow fields in the south east, desert in the centre and fertile crop lands in the east, south and south west. Australia has a coast line of 36 735 km with arguably some of the best beaches in the world.

Australia’s capital city is Canberra, but its major cities are Sydney and Melbourne which are located on the east coast and Perth which is located on the west coast.

Time Zones

Australia has three time zones which are:

Climate

The climate of Australia is generally pleasant and due to its generally dry climate, it makes for a good holiday destination all year round.

Broadly, Australia has two climatic zones. In the north of Australia, above the Tropic of Capricorn, is the tropical zone. About one third of Australia lies in this tropical zone. The remaining areas lie in the temperate zone.

The temperate regions have all four seasons, while those in the tropical zone have two (summer “wet” and winter “dry”). Australia’s seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. Spring: September – November, Summer: December – February, Autumn: March – May, Winter: June – August.
Australia is relatively free from pollution and there exist both private and governmental agencies which perform a watchdog role in this regard.

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Population

Australia has a population of approximately 21.4 million with an annual growth rate of approximately 1.6%. Most Australians live in cities along the opposite eastern and western coastal regions. Society is diverse with 23% of people in Australia born overseas. Of this group, 57% originate from Europe, 18.6% from Asian countries and 19% from middle-eastern and African countries. There are approximately 370,000 aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living in Australia.

The official language of Australia is English, by common usage rather than law. Australian English does not differ significantly from other forms of English, although some colloquial and slang expressions are unique.

Government

Australia is a constitutional monarchy and an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It has a federal government and six state and two territorial governments.

The Federal government has a bi-cameral parliament consisting of The House of Representatives comprised of 147 members representing individual electorates in all States and Territories. The Senate consists of 12 representatives from each State plus 2 representatives from each Territory. Elections must be held every three years.

The party with the majority in the House of Representatives is the Government in power and is headed by the Prime Minister. The Head of State is the Queen represented by the Governor General.

Each of the States and Territories have their own parliaments which are similar to the federal model. The leader of the government in power is the Premier, whilst the Queen is represented by a Governor.

Legal System

Australia has a common law legal system based on the British system. Courts exist in all Australian states and territories for the hearing of both criminal and civil cases. The courts are arranged in a hierarchy, with the bulk of less serious matters being heard before magistrates and more serious matters being heard before judges. The hierarchy of courts also applies to the system of appeals. Appeals are available to the losing side in a civil matter, and to the defendant in a criminal matter from all levels of court. The High Court of Australia is the highest court of appeal for both criminal and civil cases.

There are five levels of courts:

There is also a Federal Court of Australia which hears matters arising under federal law and a Family Court of Australia which has original jurisdiction in respect of family law matters.

In addition, there are a number of specific tribunals and bodies with jurisdiction in relation to specialised issues.

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Economy

Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP at the level of the highly industrialised West European countries.

Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Commodities account for 57% of the value of total exports.

Currency, Weight and Measures

Australia has a decimal currency system, using dollars and cents as every day units of exchange.

The Reserve Bank of Australia website can be used to calculate the approximate value of about 30 currencies in Australian dollars.

The Metric System of Weights and Measures is used throughout Australia by law.

Recreation

The increase in popularity of more relaxed dining means that in all of Australia’s cities you can be spoilt for choice with a large number of café-bars offering a range of cuisine from all continents as well as many elegant, silver service restaurants for formal dining.

For a taste of sophisticated urban culture, each State capital city offers a variety of galleries, museums, theatres and concert halls staging first class concerts and shows. After dark you can take your pick from night clubs, cabarets, pubs, live theatre, concerts, films or ballet.

As a result of Australia’s generally temperate climate, relatively low-cost access to tennis courts, golf courses and other sporting facilities, and the presence of beaches and waterways, open spaces and bushland, most Australians take up outdoor activities as part of their lifestyle.

It is estimated that about one third of the population are registered sports participants. Many Australians play sports such as Australian Rules Football, cricket, golf, tennis, netball, soccer, rugby and basketball. Many more are involved in activities such as fishing, bushwalking, recreational boating, horse riding and fitness programmes.

Tourism

The popularity of Australia with international visitors is growing year by year. It is a land of contrasts, yet it is safe and friendly, and overseas visitors are welcomed.

Australia offers sunshine and a rich variety of golden beaches, open spaces and wilderness areas, unique flora and fauna, a rugged pioneering way of life in its sparsely settled outback regions, sophisticated entertainment and shopping facilities in its modern cities, and the full spectrum of cultural, sporting and recreational activities. Climatically, it is a country conducive to outdoor holidays.

Major centres of tourist interest include the Great Barrier reef and the Gold Coast resort area in Queensland, Ayers Rock and Alice Springs in the arid centre of Australia, the winter snow resorts in the Australian Alps, the wide stretches of golden beaches in Western Australia, the elaborately planned national capital in Canberra, and the six State capital cities – each with its own individual style.

Accommodation ranges from international standard hotels and convention facilities to camping parks.

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Transport

All major cities and towns in Australia have reliable public transport (usually bus and rail networks) as well as extensive freeway and highway systems.

All states and territories are linked by a comprehensive schedule of daily flights. Each state has an international airport.

Australian Education System

Education in Australia is compulsory between the ages of six and 15. However, for many children, education begins between the ages of three and five with one year of pre-school and continues into 13 years of schooling starting with primary school and continuing on to secondary school. After secondary schooling, many students pursue further education either at a university or a College of Technical and Further Education (TAFE).