Australia may seem like just another sunny beach destination, but there’s much more to this great nation than meets the eye. Here are some interesting Australia facts you may not have known:
Australian Alps are among the world’s snowiest mountains. Australian mammals like duck-billed platypus and echidnas are unique among animals by being the only ones capable of laying eggs, unlike all other animal species worldwide.
1. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef
Australia is a nation filled with strange yet fascinating things, from its unique fauna such as poisonous snakes and poisonous spiders, pink lakes, and world’s largest coral reef. Here are some fascinating Australia facts:
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef and an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amazing ecosystem hosts many varieties of colorful fish and mollusks as well as turtles, dolphins, and sharks – covering an area greater than two million football fields!
Make sure to visit this magnificent natural site when traveling through Australia!
Off the coast of Queensland lies an incredible living structure visible from space: the Great Barrier Reef. Home to numerous creatures as a food source and harboring manta rays for snorkelers or divers alike, this magnificent reef can be seen from space.
Protecting the reef is crucial, given that it is an ecosystem with delicate ecosystems. Unfortunately, pollution, climate change, and other threats pose threats to this magnificent feature of nature; but Australia boasts some of the finest marine parks worldwide that help ensure its preservation.
Australia is also home to K’gari (Fraser Island). This spectacular sand island features lush rainforests and freshwater lakes surrounded by freshwater dunes; furthermore it is also listed on UNESCO Heritage sites as one of the largest sand islands worldwide.
Australia is the sixth-largest nation on earth and an extremely varied place, boasting ten deserts as well as tropical and temperate grasslands, subtropical and temperate forests, Mediterranean woodlands and Mediterranean coast.
Australia is famous for being home to some of the world’s most beloved animals, such as kangaroos and emus. Furthermore, this incredible country leads in animal research; Dr. Mark Lidwill invented a pacemaker at Crown Street Women’s Hospital in 1926 that saved many lives; for this accomplishment he received the Nobel Prize! If you’re thinking about visiting Australia soon be sure to book your flight ASAP!
2. The Sydney Opera House is shaped like an orange
Just about everyone knows that Sydney Opera House resembles an orange. Yet few understand why. One popular theory suggests Danish architect Jorn Utzon may have taken inspiration from its segmented shape when designing it; Utzon believed these segments could be rearranged endlessly to form a perfect spherical shape.
Australia is home to its own national animal, the quokka. These charming marsupials can only be found in Western Australia and grow into small cats in size. Reportedly very friendly towards tourists and even known to play with visitors’ cameras!
An interesting Australia fact is its great diversity, as evidenced by over 300 languages being spoken and unique animals like the wombat and echidna being prevalent here. Wombats can dig their own burrows to escape predators while finding food; on the other hand, echidnas can turn their head backwards in order to drink water from within their own bodies!
Australia is well known for its beautiful beaches and wine production – boasting 60 different wine regions that produce an estimated annual total of 1.3 billion litres – enough to fill 10 Olympic swimming pools!
Australia is home to 21 of the world’s most venomous snakes – but don’t be alarmed; most of these snakes don’t pose any direct threats to humans! When hiking through areas where these species inhabit, exercise extreme caution.
Aussies can take great pride in the equality and high quality of life they enjoy in Australia – they rank second on the Human Development Index which measures aspects such as longevity, education, welfare and so on. If you’re searching for an incredible place to call home then look no further than Australia!
3. Australia’s kangaroo and emu are the country’s crest
Australia’s Coat Of Arms features the kangaroo and emu as national symbols that represent progress, symbolized by their inability to move backwards – this national icon can even be found on army uniforms! Not only are these two animals representative of Australia; 20 other nations use similar animals as national crests.
Kangaroos have long been considered symbols of ambition, independence and energy; their large leaps can symbolize such traits. Kangaroos are among Australia’s most populous animals with roughly 10 times as many individuals than there are people living here! Furthermore, a group of kangaroos known as a mob can jump at speeds exceeding 35 mph!
Emus have long necks and heads, helping them find food on the ground while protecting themselves from predators. Emus can reach speeds up to 30 miles an hour while having excellent eyesight and hearing; their feathers help them keep warm on cooler days; their scientific name is Dromaius novaehollandiae which combines two words meaning racer – Greek for “racer” combined with Latin term for New Holland as Australia was originally colonialized.
Australia may be best known for its unique wildlife such as kangaroos and emus, but there’s much more than meets the eye! Home to over 10,000 beaches nationwide as well as an abundance of stunning natural wonders – it boasts 19 world heritage sites as well as some spectacular wildlife species that will amaze any visitor.
Australia is an ideal place to experience nature at first hand and has something for every kind of traveller to enjoy – its diverse population and vibrant history will ensure everyone finds something they’ll appreciate when visiting Australia. Be sure to read up on some fascinating facts before booking your flight – you may discover something that surprises you! Don’t forget the sunscreen though as the sun can be very strong here!
4. Australia is the world’s happiest country
Australia is home to many beautiful and amazing things, from deadly snakes to shimmering pink lakes. But did you know it’s also one of the happiest countries on Earth? In fact, Australia ranks first on the Happy Planet Index which measures human well-being and environmental sustainability.
Australia’s high standard of well-being can be attributed to its healthy lifestyle, excellent public health care system and low crime rate. Australians are well known for their sense of humor and ability to laugh at themselves; indeed, the term “smiley” was coined there!
When feeling down, head Down Under for a drink and listen to an Aussie jangle-rock band or just take in nature with its beaches and breathtaking cliffs. Australia is a popular travel destination and boasts diverse cultures which makes for a unique travel experience.
Although some scientists suggest the Great Barrier Reef may have died out, it remains a vibrant living ecosystem and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Additionally, tourism plays an integral part in Australia with 27% of their population being born abroad; Australia itself boasts extremes with both hot and cold weather; in addition to having low rainfall.
Australia was one of the last continents explored by Europeans, and is rich with natural resources. Home to some of the rarest wildlife and flora on Earth, its people are highly educated and friendly – boasting one of the highest life expectancies worldwide and having immense pride for their homeland.
One of the more interesting facts about Australia is that it is home to 21 of the 25 most venomous snakes worldwide; yet relatively few people are killed by them.
Australia is known for being home to several “Big Things”, such as the iconic Big Banana, Giant Prawn and Gold Guitar – making it no surprise that it ranks amongst one of the world’s most visited countries.