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Australia is the earth’s smallest continent and its largest island. The name Australia comes from the Latin “Australis” meaning “of the south” since it is located in the southern hemisphere. Due to its remote geographical location it has been infamously dubbed “The land down under”. Australia has been inhabited for more than 40,000 years and the Aboriginal people that still live there are the ancestors of its original people. The Aborigines are one of the longest lasting cultures in world history. Australia is mostly dry arid dessert but has areas of rainforest, woodland and tropical climates in the northern part of the country. Australia is home to “The Great Barrier Reef “ - the world’s largest coral reef that stretches over 100 miles of coast in the north east.
 
Discover
The first Europeans to discover Australia were Dutch traders in the early 1600’s. The Dutch landed on the continent by accident while attempting to reach Indonesia in the East Indies. At first the continent was given bad reviews by its first travelers and saw little popularity until over 100 years later when the British Captain James Cook, explored the Island and claimed it as part of the British Crown. The oldest and biggest cities in Australia such as Sydney were first established as penal settlements; later immigrants came freely and settled towns such as Perth.
 
Explore                  
Australia has some of the most spectacular natural landscapes on the planet! There is so much to see and do on the continent, from hiking through Tropical Rain Forests on the Cape York Peninsula, to taking it easy on some of the best beaches in the world like at Bateman’s Bay. At The Great Barrier Reef, travelers are sure to observe genuine sights that have given it the distinction of being one of the”Seven Natural Wonders of The World”. Adventure travelers can head into the outback and explore Australia’s desert on foot or jeep tours to see find kangaroos and feral camels. Travelers in the mood for a little urban exploration can visit the social centers of Melbourne, or Sydney and get a taste of Aussie cosmopolitan living and culture.