Australia is a very diverse country geographically and a hot spot for tourism. If you are thinking about heading down under, here is some information on Australia.

An Overview of Australia for Travelers

Australia is its own continent, the only country in the world that can say as much. It covers roughly 3 million square miles and is about the size of the continental United States. The capital is Canberra, but Sydney is the biggest city with 4.2 million people. The climate of Australia is extremely dry inland with more temperate conditions along the coast. The population centers are primarily along the coast due to soaring temperatures inland.

Australia was originally inhabited by Aboriginal tribes. In 1770, Captain Cook claimed the land for Great Britain. In 1788, the first colony was established in New South Wales. Most of the colonists were convicted criminals from Great Britain. Gold was discovered soon thereafter and Australia became a destination for immigrants seeking fortune and a new start in life.

On the far northern coast, Australia is home to one of the amazing sites in the world. The great barrier reef is a water enthusiasts dream. With incredible plant life, the reef is world renowned as a diver’s paradise. A watchful eye is advised given the presence of the Great White Shark in the area.

Australia is a Commonwealth. The federal powers are mapped somewhat after those in the United States, but no bill of rights exists. Unlike the U.S., the individual territories retain significant authority over their own affairs.

People in Australia are called “Australians.” The country has a population of just over 20 million, and the population is growing at a rate of 1.1 percent a year. Australians ethnicity is 92 percent European, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent Aboriginal. No religion dominates, but 27 percent of Australians considered themselves Roman Catholics. Life expectancy for males is 78 years while females live to 83 on average. Literacy rates are a surprisingly low 85 percent.

Australia was often considered the forgotten country. Long distance transportation changed that designation. Now it is one of the hottest tourist destinations year in and year out.

By: Richard Monk
Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com - a site with facts about everything. Visit us to read more about Australia.

Goulburn is a small city with a unique blend of contemporary facilities of a urban center and a country lifestyle. Located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, this lovely city is situated at a distance of about 190 km from south-west Sydney. The city is close to the Hume Highway, which connects Sydney with Canberra and Melbourne. The climate in Goulburn tends to be relatively hot and dry during summers, whereas the winters are windy and very cold. The temperature ranges from 10-40 degrees Celsius during summers and in winters this varies from -5 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Goulburn can be easily reached in approximately two and a half hours drive from south-west of Sydney. Moreover, it is just an hour drive from Canberra. This city is linked with daily train services from Sydney, which is about two and a half hours journey from Goulburn. The railway line between Sydney and Goulburn was opened in 1869 and still continues operation. Getting around in the city is easy as the main street of Goulburn is short enough and is easily walkable. Otherwise, tourists can hire taxi, which is the only way to move around the city and see its beautiful sights around town.

Goulburn has some unique and interesting places to visit. Big Merino is one such popular sightseeing option in the city. This is 15 m high concrete Marino sheep that reflects the farming culture of the town. Goulburn War Memorial is another interesting place located on rocky hill. This structure was constructed in 1924 in the memory of people who died during World War 1. This museum presents a good view of the town. Belmore Park, Victoria Park, Wombeyan caves, Historic Waterworks Museum, Goulburn Brewery, Australian Domestic Architecture and Morton National Park are some other places that must be visited during your stay here.

Other activities to do in Goulburn include attending the Australian Blues Music Festival that takes place every year on the 2nd weekend of February. The public swimming pool at Victoria Park is a place where you can recreate and let loose by spending some quality time in swimming. Wakefield Park Motor Racing Track is the place where people can drive to their hearts content. For the food lovers, there are plenty of good, cheap and quick eating joints in this city that opens all hours. Similarly, there are various clubs and pubs located around the central part of the city and within easy walking distance of each other.

Coming off the highway from the north, the road into Goulburn is lined with a range of convenient motels and lodges. BW Centretown and BW A Trappers Motor Inn are two comfortable hotels in Goulburn for the tourists to stay in. Guests can enjoy a world of comfort and luxury at the different hotels here. The budget accommodation offer a good value for money and keep up to your expectations.

By: Alexs Albert
For more details on the Goulburn Hotels you can log on to Asiarooms.com, which gives a complete guide on the hotels and other information in Goulburn. So look no further! Reserve your hotel now and bag the best hotels deal with Asiarooms.

Australia's capital city is one of beauty, culture and order, which is obvious as you drive through the ordered rows upon rows of suburban streets with sweeping leafy vistas and beautiful surrounding parklands. It is ideal for a driving holiday with plenty of accommodation, nearby attractions to visit and day trips to enjoy.

Canberra is located almost 300 kilometres or three hours drive south from Sydney, it is easily accessible from all directions as long as you stick to the highway. With great historical museums and galleries to explore at your leisure, you can be sure that you will learn more about the Australian heritage here than probably anywhere else in the world.

If you are looking for a welcoming place to stay, the Canberra Retreat Bed and Breakfast is close to eight kilometres from the city centre and is a great base to see the rest of the city. Cotter Campground is for those looking for some bush camping, but with the trimmings. There is plenty of space here and the facilities are excellent.

One of the best times to visit is September to October, when Canberra's hosts what is now Australia's largest floral festival - called Floriade. Held in Commonwealth Park, there are millions of tulips, annuals and every type of flower proudly on display for tourists from all over the world to enjoy. There are also interactive events and entertainment for the whole family.

There is every type of food outlet, restaurant, café and club available here and you will find some of the best restaurants in West Row, found in the Melbourne Building. Two of the main shopping centres are also Kingston and Manuka which offer every type of cuisine imaginable, so make sure you visit.

One of the obvious tourist attractions is Parliament house, which is one of the most well known buildings in Australia, being the centre of government and the countries economic power. The flagpole is over eighty metres high and perfect for that inevitable Kodak moment.

A popular activity for seeing the city from a different angle is to hire a bicycle for the day. Lake Burley Griffin is one of the most enjoyable spots for a picnic and rest while you choose between the thousands of cycling tracks around the city. It really is one of the loveliest cities to visit, with the streets planned so perfectly around the central city, and smooth bike tracks taking you through parks, across bridges and to beautiful look outs.

Known for its great athletes and sporting facilities, Canberra also boasts the Australian Institute of Sport which offers interactive tours at the Sportex exhibition. The Canberra Museum and Gallery is a must, with plenty of exhibitions running throughout the year, and a great collection of history ranging from centuries ago to the recent bushfires, and a diversity of local photography and art. It would be worth at least a few hours to take in its treasures on display.

One of the most enjoyable attractions, especially for the family, is to the National Zoo and Aquarium, which are really two attractions in one. It is centrally located and boasts the largest number of big cats in Australia. There seems to be every type of animal from all over the world here, with monkeys, African animals, Australian natives, birds, reptiles and plenty of unique animals which will keep you enthralled. The Aquarium also gives you a closer look at the Great Barrier Reef, sharks and creatures from the depths of the ocean.

Take a day trip to tour some of the hundred or so wineries located on the outskirts of the city. The countryside surrounding Canberra is beautiful, and is worth taking some time out to explore the national parks and rolling hills stretched with vineyards and rural vistas. Take some time out to enjoy a lunch in one of the wineries and sample the local produce.

It is easy to catch the spirit of Canberra. You can base yourselves here and drive in any direction for an enjoyable day trip, or spend weeks visiting the national treasures just waiting to be discovered. This city has been planned so carefully that it is a pleasure to drive its streets, perfect at any time of the year, and beckoning you to keep visiting.

By: Jenny Brewer
Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia.

Regarded as the gateway to Australia, Sydney is usually the first port of call for visitors to the country. As the plane descends into the New South wales capital, most will have to pinch themselves to make sure they are not dreaming. Rising up towards them are the Australian icons we have all seen in thousands of travel pictures- the instantly recognisable Opera House, the curved sides of the Harbour Bridge and the pristine white beaches that border the urban sprawl. Sydney is the city that has come to represent Australia on a global scale, and is regarded as one of the world's favourite cities and one of the best to live in. So any visit to this dynamic and cosmopolitan metropolis is going to be loaded with expectations, and somehow Sydney always manages to deliver! Few tourists leave disappointed, and most will be back again.

Such is the size of the city and the wealth of attractions and activities it is hard to figure out what to do first on a holiday to Sydney. The Harbour is the best place to start, as many of the cities attractions are easily accessible from here. Its regarded as probably the most beautiful natural harbour in the world, surrounded by parklands, reserves and lavish buildings. Circular Quay is a terminus where ferries regularly depart for different parts of the Harbour, and is a bustling and interesting place where a lot of your questions on travel throughout Sydney can be answered.

Of course while you are at the Harbour you cannot miss the two chief attractions of Sydney, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Both can be seen from many vantage points from the shore, but a guided tour will help you fully appreciate the architecture and the heritage of these Australian icons. Walking tours of the Harbour Bridge take you to its highest point with a guided commentary, and from up there there is not much of the city that you cannot see spread below you. Its an amazing view that is worth the effort of the climb! Tours of the Opera House are just as dramatic, using audio visual components to educate people on the vision behind this remarkable building which is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world.

As you would expect of such a modern city, Sydney is renowned for its world class shopping. Easily accessible from the Harbour is the Rocks, the oldest suburb in the city and now home to a fashionable outdoor shopping precinct. The old, narrow streets contain hundreds of market stalls that stock and sell every kind of consumable good you can think of. The history of the Rocks and its picturesque nature make it a captivating spot to visit, and if its shopping your after then its the perfect place to hunt down a bargain or pick up your souvenir of Australia.

Sydney-siders enjoy a very active outdoors orientated lifestyle, which is encouraged by the moderate climate of warm summers and mild winters. You will find they are fiercely proud of their beaches, and with good reason too. Most parts of the city, bar the western suburbs, are no more than half an hour from the beach, and on the weekend there is an almost religious pilgrimage of people to the white sands and blue waters of the Sydney coastline. Its difficult not to be a part of this when you are in town, but knowing which beaches to go to is trickier. Bondi is probably the most recognisable beach in the world, and a great starting point for visitors. The beaches of Manly and Palm Beach are also very popular, but nothing beats having a chat with the locals and seeing where they prefer to spend their weekends!

In a city as large as Sydney finding a place to stay that suits your budget can often be a daunting task. But it doesn't have to be, thanks to the good folks ataccommodationinsydney.net.au who have compiled a comprehensive list of accommodation venues suburb by suburb. Just pick your suburb and you are provided with a list of venues with all the contact information and a short description. Its easy and efficient!

The amazing thing about Sydney is that the beauty of the city and its multitude of attractions is complemented by the alluring and fascinating surrounds. Romantic and exciting locations such as the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley lie within an easy drive, and attractive cities such as Wollongong and Newcastle are not far either. So don't limit yourself to the city confines, magnificent as they may be, but get in your hire car and see what the rest of New South Wales has to offer! You will not be disappointed!

By: Gavin Wyatt
Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Car Hire in New South Wales

If spending more than 10 hours on a plane sounds like a version of hell, then you’ll want to be sure you land in somewhere like heaven. Of course, if you’re stepping off that plane in Sydney, then you have nothing to worry about. Australia offers some of the most breathtaking sights, fabulous cities and stunning beaches in the world. It is impossible to list all the reasons to visit the Australia so here are five of the best of Sydney:

Sydney Harbour Bridge You cannot visit Australia without seeing the view from Sydney Harbour Bridge's Pylon Lookout. Alternatively, if you’re feeling fearless, take the opportunity to climb a section of the bridge itself. Visitors are now offered the chance to climb part of the bridge at dusk.

The Rocks Dating back to the days when Sydney was a convict colony, The Rocks is a maze of sandstone lanes, cul-de-sacs and courtyards, jam-packed with shops, warehouses and terraces that were built in the early 19th century. Once home to Sydney’s dockworkers, The Rocks is now popular with international visitors, who flock to its many shops, pubs and restaurants.

Luna Park If huge, modern amusement parks aren’t your thing then Luna Park in Sydney is the place for you. The 1930s fun fair features vintage rides and has no entrance charge so if you don’t fancy riding you can wonder round this charming park for free! And keeping with the vintage theme is the North Sydney Olympic Swimming Pool. Built in 1938 the outdoor pool has its own restaurant with views over Sydney harbour.

Sydney Opera House The Sydney opera house is one of the most distinctive buildings in the world and is one of the most famous performing arts venues of all time. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia.

The Sun Finally, what better reason to visit Australia than the glorious sunshine? It is always sunny in Australia and the best part is when it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere it is summer in Australia so you can escape to Australia for two weeks of sun, sea and sand while everyone back home endures the wind and the rain!

By: Russ Pooley
Russ Pooley writes for Drake & Cavendish who provide a luxury hotel research directory featuring over 5,000 luxury hotels in over 700 resort locations around the world. As a content provider we are committed to developing entertaining and informative travel related information. You can read further articles and details at http://www.drakeandcavendish.com/luxury ... les/sydney

One of Australia's most beautiful treasures, Busselton is rich with history, tourism, culture and natural attractions. This is the ideal destination for your driving holiday, perfect as a base for enjoying the ever changing Western Australian coastline and inland to the magnificent Margaret River.

Located just over two hours south from Perth, Busselton is the ultimate destination to unwind and enjoy the scenery,including over thirty kilometres of white sandy beaches stretching from tranquil Geographe Bay through to unpredictable Cape Naturaliste. With so many ideal locations to base yourself, you might need to keep your itinerary flexible as there are dozens of fantastic spots to explore in Busselton and surrounding areas.

Any time of year is ideal climate wise, as summer brings blue skies and sunny days, and winter treats you with mild temperatures and cool nights. Spring is a beautiful time to visit with wildflowers scattered up and down the entire region. All colours, all varieties are proudly displayed for anyone who stops long enough to enjoy the kangaroo paws, orchids and acacias.

Once you have settled into your home away from home, choose from a myriad of water sports, including snorkelling, diving, fishing, sailing and swimming. You won't have to look far for fine cuisine, and the seafood has a name for itself up and down the coastline. Everywhere you look there are families soaking in the sunshine, cyclists dodging walkers and joggers, and friendly locals enjoying a chat.

Head to the famous lengthy Busselton jetty that leads to an Underwater Observatory, displaying its world famous artificial reef with every type of tropical fish you could imagine. The kids will be awestruck by the stunning colours and unusual fish all visible through the large viewing windows. This is a definite 'must do' to add to your itinerary when you visit the seaside town of Busselton. The Sandy Bay Holiday Park is just one accommodation choice which has close proximity to the popular tourist spots in the area, including the jetty and observatory.

For a spectacular day trip head south to Cape Leeuwin, where you will find one of the tallest lighthouse's on the mainland. With waves hammering the coastline, untamed winds and endless natural scenery, this is the perfect combination for nature lovers. There are fantastic walking tracks which stretch from Cape to Cape as well as whale sightings from September through to December. Augusta is the closest town just north from the Cape, ideal for holiday makers looking for an escape from the fast paced life, and sporting a fantastic local museum.

When its time to escape the suns rays, you may choose to travel inland to discover a very different form of beauty. The Tuart Forest is only seven kilometres east from Busselton, yet is one of the last standing forests of its kind. With trees dated over three hundred years old, it's like walking back in time when you discover the various walking trails and enjoy a picnic amongst these living giants.

Head west and you will find the perfect getaway location in the Margaret River region. Spend a day or two here to enjoy the vineyards scattered amongst the green rolling hills, or explore a handful of the hundred or so caves hidden like gems in this rich hinterland. For some, just driving off the beaten track and enjoying the spectacular scenery is an adventure in itself.

Head back to the city to enjoy the history of the old Courthouse Arts Centre complete with an historic gaol and art gallery. The Busselton Visitor Centre is the starting point for the Heritage Park and Trail which including many famous landmarks. Kids will love the Ballarat Steam Engine and the old churches and historical buildings bring a new perspective to this diverse town.

Busselton offers the chance to unwind and escape the day to day pressures of city living, and also enjoy nature at its best. There is incredible beauty and diversity in this region, with colourful flowers, deep forests, rolling hills and miles of pristine coastline. Start planning now for your next driving holiday in Western Australia.

By: Jenny Brewer
Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing children's stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia.