Australia is home to unique animals, cutting-edge inventions and intriguing facts aplenty; from Dingo Fences and pink lakes – so much can be learned about this vast land down under!
Do you know that Australia’s Alps receive more snowfall than Swiss mountains, or that Melbourne was the capital city from 1901-1927?
1. It has more kangaroos than people
Australia is truly amazing – from its striking wildlife to its captivating history. If you’re planning a visit or simply curious, here are 30 captivating facts about the country that will leave you impressed!
Kangaroos are a common sight across Australia and there are over 60 species. These marsupials feature short hair, powerful hind legs, small forelimbs and a long tail; making them great swimmers that use their tail to stay afloat when swimming. Furthermore, their hearing and eyesight is excellent.
Given their large and unpredictable populations, it can be challenging to accurately count kangaroo populations due to their large scale and rugged nature. Annual quotas have been established on which types and numbers of kangaroos that may be killed; these quotas are significantly lower than for cattle or sheep, although due to such large populations kangaroos often cause vehicle collisions when dazzled by headlights or startled by engine noise.
2. It has the world’s largest sand island
Australia is an extraordinary and expansive nation boasting an abundance of natural wonders, unique wildlife and captivating history. While many people may recognize some of Australia’s famed attractions, its lesser-known facts will undoubtedly surprise and delight any traveller to this extraordinary land.
Fraser Island in Australia is home to the world’s largest sand island. Commonly referred to by its Aboriginal name of K’gari, Fraser Island offers stunning wilderness with shifting sand dunes, lush rainforests, and freshwater dune lakes.
Lake Hillier, one of the state’s picturesque pink lakes, can also be found here. Additionally, one of Australia’s most intriguing food products – Vegemite! It is made using leftover yeast used to craft beer breweries; yet remains one of its most beloved treats!
3. It has the world’s largest monolith
Australia may bring to mind beaches and summer fun, but it also boasts beautiful and often unusual natural landmarks.
One of the most amazing facts about Australia is that it boasts the world’s largest monolith, situated within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (formerly Ayers Rock-Mount Olga National Park). This massive sandstone formation can be seen at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
It stands over twice as tall as the Eiffel Tower and features an eight kilometre-long central ridge formed by an uplift that folded rock layers into an anticline formation.
At sunset, its colors illuminate with fiery orange-red glows that make for an especially breathtaking sight. A sacred site for Anangu people.
4. It has the world’s longest highway
Australia boasts one of the world’s longest highways – The Stuart Highway is 2,129km in length, running through both Northern Territory and South Australia.
This highway travels around Australia in a clockwise direction, connecting all mainland state capitals (except Tasmania ). Additionally, it passes through scenic areas and desert landscapes.
Land Down Under may be known for its iconic kangaroos, koalas, and pink lakes; but there’s more to this unique destination than meets the eye! From strange Australian laws to bizarre wildlife species – Australia boasts plenty of interesting facts. Here are 30 fascinating and quirky facts about Australia you may never knew before! You might just be amazed at just how much there is to know!
5. It has the world’s first seat belt law
Australia boasts an illustrious and vibrant history, and its people boast a distinct culture. Furthermore, this part of the world hosts some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes like the Great Barrier Reef as well as popular sports like cricket and Australian rules football that attract millions each year.
Seat belts are mandatory in Australia for most vehicles; however, exceptions exist for pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions.
Queensland and Western Australia make driving without a seat belt illegal, making its use essential to safety on the road. So where should you place your belt for maximum effectiveness and safety, as well as its penalties – watch this video for answers.
6. It has the world’s driest continent
Australia, although small in area, boasts many natural wonders and unique wildlife, rich culture and some pretty bizarre facts such as having more kangaroos than people!
Australia’s climate is extremely dry due to being located in an area with high pressure; therefore air from the sea cannot reach Australia and creates much dryer conditions than places at similar latitude such as parts of Africa or South America.
Australia may be known for its dry landscapes and barren landscapes, but that doesn’t stop it from boasting beautiful beaches that host the Cockroach Racing World Championship! Australia also boasts one of the highest concentrations of people with Greek heritage outside Greece as well as being home to its founding of “selfies.” If you visited one beach every day it would take almost 27 years to see them all!
7. It has the world’s most venomous snakes
Australia is an incredible land of unique wildlife and culture. It also holds some peculiar distinctions, such as having its capital named for a woman’s cleavage and boasting 21 of the world’s most poisonous snakes. Additionally, Australia is home to unique flora and fauna such as kangaroos and koalas as well as one of only continents where there exist Eucalyptus trees; it was even where cricket, AFL football and Vegemite originated!
Australia is home to several deadly spiders, such as the black-banded sea krait spider that can cause convulsions, paralysis and heart failure if left untreated in time. They are found across Australia and New Guinea’s coastal regions and have caused multiple human deaths.
8. It has the world’s first police force
Australia, or more commonly referred to as ‘Land Down Under, is an expansive and captivating continent containing many natural treasures as well as an exciting history.
Australia was home to the world’s inaugural police force – known as “The Night Watch”, composed of only the most well-behaved convicts.
Established in 1838 out of fear and the need to prevent escaped convicts from fleeing from colony, the force eventually expanded throughout India to cover its entirety.
Australia is an interesting country for several reasons, not least of all because it was the birthplace of selfies and boasts more camels than koalas ten times over. Additionally, it contains the world’s largest sand island and boasts a pink lake as large as Switzerland.
9. It has the world’s largest cattle station
Australia is full of captivating, often unusual facts that are sure to amaze. From deadly snakes to pink lakes, Australia holds many secrets and wonders that will astound any visitor.
Australian cattle stations tend to be large due to its dry climate. Due to being isolated, some may take an entire day’s drive before reaching civilisation; yet these stations act like mini towns of their own with schools for owners and employees’ children, shops for daily needs, entertainment areas and so forth.
Of note is the fact that both kangaroos and emus lack the ability to walk backwards! Canberra was chosen as Australia’s capital because Sydney and Melbourne could not agree which city should serve as capital; additionally there are 60 wine regions across Australia which produce approximately 1.35 trillion bottles of wine every year!
10. It has the world’s first Prime Minister
Australia is well-known for its beaches and summer vibes, but it also holds many incredible facts that might surprise you. Did you know it would take 27 years to visit all of its beaches or Vegemite was created from leftover yeast used to produce beer?
Edmund Barton became Australia’s inaugural Prime Minister upon its federation on 1 January 1901. Prior to becoming a politician, Barton practiced law and served in parliament.
Australian culture is forward-looking, as evidenced by their coat of arms featuring two animals that cannot walk backwards – both being selected because they represent this ideal in an otherwise backward-thinking culture. Canberra was named “woman’s cleavage” in Aboriginal languages while their Alps mountains receive more snow each year than in Switzerland!