Australia is the only country that has a whole continent to itself. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Australia is well known for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, as well as for the cosmopolitan attractions of its large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Diving in Australia

Australia has many wonderful dive spots. The east coast of Queensland, particularly to the north, has Australia's busiest dive industry and most famous dive sites. This is due to the Great Barrier Reef which is Australia’s biggest dive attraction! Most of the diving is tropical reef diving. In the Sunshine Coast, you can find the HMA Brisbane’s wreck which was sunk off the Sunshine Coast in order to create an artificial diveable artificial reef. 

The diving in New South Wales is somewhat overshadowed by Queensland to the north. However, there are several dive destinations along the coast that are more than worth a visit: Byron Bay (A mix of tropical and temperate species), The Solitary Islands Marine Park (Tropical and subtropical marine life), Sydney and the Jervis Bay are the best diving in southern New South Wales. 

The Ningaloo Reef is located off the coast of the Gascoyne region of Western Australia is a beautifully untouched fringing reef. In South Australia, They are many dive spots such as the HMAS Hobart’s wreck, the Rapid Bay, the Port Noarlunga Jetty and Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park. Finally, the coastal waters of Adelaide offer also some great dives. There are several reefs and wrecks off the coast.

History

During the 17th century and 18th century, many Europeans explorers arrived in Australia. Following the exploration period, the first wave of British settlers came to Australia in 1788, starting a process of colonisation that almost entirely displaced the Aboriginal people who inhabited the land. While Australia began its modern history as a British penal colony, the vast majority of people who came to Australia after 1788 were free settlers, mainly from Britain and Ireland, but also from other European countries. Australia and Britain passed the Australia Act in 1986, ending any remnant power the British parliament may have had to pass laws for Australia.

Culture

Since 1788, the basis of Australian culture has been strongly influenced by Anglo-Celtic Western culture. Australia also has a multicultural population practising almost every religion and lifestyle. The most multicultural cities are Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. All three cities are renowned for the variety and quality of global foods available in their many restaurants. 

Climate

As a large continent a wide variation of climates are found across Australia. Generally, the north is hot and tropical, while the south tends to sub-tropical and temperate. Most rainfall is around the coast, and much of the centre is arid and semi-arid. As Australia is in the southern hemisphere the winter is June-August while December-February is summer. 

How to Get there

They don’t call Australia the land ‘down under’ for nothing. It’s a long way from just about everywhere, and getting here is usually going to mean a long-haul flight. There are lots of competing airlines to choose from if you’re ¬flying in from Asia, Europe or North America. 

What you should see

In Sydney, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are a must-see. Other popular places in Sydney are Darling Harbor, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Australian Museum. If you are looking for a relaxing place, Adelaide Hills in South Australia is where you should go. You should also visit the Australian Memorial Building in Canberra. Uluru, known as Ayers Rock, is the world’s largest monolith, or single piece of stone, on the planet. Another is Castle Hill, a huge pink granite rock.

Other activities

Whale watching, surfing, jet skiing, Tour in the Red Centre, cage diving, kangaroo island, visit the Opal Fields in Outback Australia.