Australia, sitting in the very corner of every map, is one of the most incredible places on Earth. Its vibrant flora and rather interesting fauna makes it one of the most incredible places on planet Earth, so let’s learn about it!

Geographically

Australia is known as a country-continent, making it the smallest continent and the sixth-largest country. Its wide coastal lowlands, sprawling deserts, and large mountain ranges create a wonderfully diverse landscape, giving a home to some of the most remarkable species (but we'll explore that more later!). Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia is the only continent that is an island nation, as it is in the middle of the Pacific and Indian oceans. Additionally, Australia is completely part of the Australian tectonic plate, which is like a puzzle. If you didn’t know, tectonic plates are enormous pieces of Earth’s outer layer, like parts of a puzzle. They move slowly and cover the entire planet! These plates hold the continents and oceans, and when they move, they can cause earthquakes and form mountains. Apart from that, Australia has many key geographical features, including the Great Barrier Reef (the world’s largest coral reef), the Daintree Rainforest (one of the oldest rainforests in the world), Uluru (Ayers Rock) (which is a massive sandstone monolith), as well as Outback (a remote interior region with deserts and extreme temps).

History

Australia’s history is deep and rooted in the lives of Islander people, like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait people who lived on the land for around 60,000 years. They are known as the oldest continuous culture in the world. In 1770, British explorer James Cook claimed the east coast for Britain, and in 1788, the First Fleet arrived to set up a penal colony in Sydney. Over time, more and more settlers came, leading ot the growth of towns and cities, and conflicts with indigenous people. Australia became a federation in 1901, joining its colonies into one nation, leading to where we are today!

Traditions and Celebrations

In Australia, people celebrate many traditions. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples share their culture with art, music, and dance. Australians celebrate holidays like Australia Day in January and ANZAC Day in April to honor soldiers. They also enjoy barbecues, sports like cricket and rugby, and big summer celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s. 

Flora and Fauna

Australia is famous for it’s unique flora and fauna, meaning its plants and animals. Many species are found nowhere else in the world, like kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses. The country is also home to the emu, wombat, and hundreds of colorful birds. Australia’s plants are just as special, with eucalyptus trees, acacias, and the golden wattle, which is the national flower. Protecting this rich biodiversity is important because it’s part of Australia’s identity and vital to the environment.

National Symbols: 

• National Animal: Red Kangaroo

• National Bird: Emu

• National Floral Emblem: Golden Wattle

• National Gemstone: Opal

• National Anthem: “Advance Australia Fair” 

Australia is truly one-of-a-kind. From its amazing animals and plants to its rich history and fun traditions, there’s always something cool to learn about. It’s no wonder so many people see Australia as one of the most awesome places on Earth!!