A short history of Australia

Lying in the southern hemisphere, Australia is the one of the recognized tourist destinations that demands a visit. Alluring destinations, enticing activities and heart-pounding adventures lie in wait to dumbfound the enthusiastic traveler. Travel traps abound, as there is no dearth of touristic splendors at Australia. From the beaches to the barrier reef, the exquisite beauty of this island continent is brought to the fore. With unending possibilities that kindle the passion of a traveler, Australia, without a speck of doubt, is one of the travel destinations that warm the cockles of the travelers' heart.

Australia comprises of six states that get recognized as Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, and two territories in the form of Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. The first inhabitants who habituated the mainland, the Torres Strait Islands and Tasmania were called as Aborigines, and the indigenous group still forms a part of the country. The untiring efforts of Captain Cook in the year 1770 had paved way for Great Britain to establish its seal of authority over this region, and in the year 1778, the Colony of New South Wales was formally proclaimed when the First Fleet under the skilled leadership of Captain Arthur Phillip touched Sydney's shores.

From being a British colony, where the first settlers happened to be convicts, Australia has traveled a long way to register growth that is beyond the reach of one's imaginations. Canberra, the capital of Australia, is rumored to carry the meaning of a 'meeting place', when translated from the aboriginal language. Australia, synonymous with beaches, is home to Kangaroos, the unique mammal variety belonging to this country. The contemporary Australia is but a fusion of cultures, and the cheerful and the fun-loving Australians respect the cultural diversity that is a part of the present society. Australia is characterized by two climatic zones, the tropical and the temperate zones, which dominate the different parts of Australia. Though prone to cyclones along the seemingly interminable coastline, Australia is known for its pleasant spring and autumn.

Australia is the largest producer of the precious opals, and Coober Pedy spotted in South Australia is the world's opal capital. With some of the world's best beaches like Bondi Beach, Wine Glass Bay Beach and the Bells Beach, Australia is one of the countries that affords an enchanting beach holiday. The Blue Mountains at Sydney and the Gold Coast region in Queensland are some of the treasures that need to be explored during the visit to Australia.

Australia, one of the favorite tourist haunts, is also known to be an ideal destination for water sports. Enthusiasts from various corners of the globe travel to Australia to enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing adventures. Whitsundays, another of the gem in the Australian crown is considered a paradise for nautical sports. It is also a destination that offers a vibrant nightlife. Australians are sports loving people, and the subjects here excel in many sports. Australian Rules football that grips the imaginations of the public here is a popular sport, as cricket, tennis and hockey among the other sporting activities are practiced with fervor and passion.

Australia, with its rich history and crowing glories, is a traveler's paradise, and the alluring destinations at Australia never cease to bedazzle the visitor.