Welcome to Australia, the Land Down Under.
Australia
is a destination of contrasts. From fast paced modern cities to the timeless Outback, Australia is a land still being discovered.
This island continent contains just about every type of terrain from coral reefs and beaches to sub-alpine areas and scorching deserts. There are amazing beaches, tropical rain forests, and huge savannahs. Australia is also home to some of the most unique animal species on Earth.
Many people think that Australia is a big island but it is actually one of the world's continental landmasses.
This continent is larger in area than Western Europe, and about the
same size as the mainland United States. Unlike the United States, Australia
doesn't border any other country being surrounded by ocean on all sides. The result is an impressive 37,000 km long coastline with the most beaches of any country on Earth, (about 7000).
Australia's long isolation has led to unique flora and fauna. Some 83% of mammals, 89% of reptiles, 90% of fish and insects and 93% of amphibians that inhabit this continent are endemic to Australia, i.e., are found nowhere else on Earth.
The Aboriginal culture of Australia is one of the oldest cultures in the world and stands in direct contrast to just over 200 years of European history. There are many places where one can learn about this mysterious culture. Aborigines make up only 1% of the population, but they live all areas of Australia including the cities.
One
of Australia's must see places, is the Great Barrier Reef, which is the
worlds largest (approximately 2000 km long). This area contains around 1000 beautiful
islands and some of the worlds best beaches and diving spots.
Australia also
contains the largest desert areas in the world outside of the Sahara. This
area is called the Outback, and this is where you will find the unique Australian character exaggerated, famed and personified as Crocodile Dundee.
In contrast to the Outback there are tropical rain forests in Northern Queensland that are the oldest in the world and the worlds largest tract of temperate rain forest located in the beautiful island state of Tasmania.
The New South Wales and Victoria border contains an area called the Australian Alps where most of Australia;s ski industry exists. People don' tthink of snow when talking about Australia, but this area receives more snow in winter than the country of Switzerland.
Australia also has some unusual almost mystical natural features such as Uluru / Ayers
Rock, Kata Tjuta / The Olgas, Purnululu / Bungle Bungles, and the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park. In addition to these special places there are an abundance of other less known rock formations and rock gorges that have been carved out of the Outback by eons of erosion.
Despite the unique Outback Australian who many people picture as the typical person from this country the real Aussie is an urbanite from one of the main cities due to Australia being one of the most urbanised nations in the world. Sydney the most iconic city is famous for its spectacular harbour, beaches, and great shopping. 
Melbourne is the cultural capital with great theatres, superb restaurants, and high fashion. Brisbane is a sub-tropical river city surrounded in natural and man-made attractions. Perth is an organised, clean and modern city with uncrowded beaches built on the shores of the Indian Ocean and Swan River. The Gold Coast is a beach city with great shopping and nightlife and located near world heritage rainforests. Adelaide is an elegant city known for its colonial stone architecture, expansive parklands, and lively festivals. Canberra is the capital city built around beautiful lakes and parks and Australia's biggest inland city. Hobart is a scenic city located between an estuary and mountains with pristine wilderness areas nearby. Darwin at the top of Australia is a melting pot of food and cultures on Asia's doorstep, and near tropical wilderness areas. Cairns is the gateway to Australia's Barrier Reef and near the oldest rainforests on Earth. Alice Springs is located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, near huge monoliths, canyons, and deserts.
Original versions of our photos can be purchased & web versions can be shared subject to conditions.