When you think of the country of Australia the first things that may come into your mind is Crocodile Dundee, kangaroos and koala bears.

While those are all good, truthful thoughts there is so much more that the “Land Down Under” offers. Lets take a deeper “dive”.

Sydney on the harbour

Image by Brian Yap (葉) via Flickr

Its Size

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and has the world’s third largest ocean territory, spanning three oceans and covering around 12 million square kilometers. It is also the only nation-continent of 20 million people in the world.

Cardwell, Queensland, Australia

Image by paul bica via Flickr

Its Diversity

Over 200 different languages and dialects are spoken in Australia. Besides English, many Aussies speak Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin. In fact, besides Athens Greece, the largest Greek population in the world can be found in Melbourne Victoria.

Aboriginal Culture, Australia

Image by Steve Evans via Flickr

Its Wealth

One in ten households have a net worth exceeding $1.6 million while one percent of households have wealth above $6 million.

Skyline at Night, Melbourne, Australia

Image by Chris Ford via Flickr

Its Transportation

There are almost as many passenger vehicles (13.3 million) as there are adults in Australia. That could be the reason why very few (1 in 10) take public transportation to work.

Bridge St., Sydney, Australia

Image by Dave Sutherland via Flickr

Its Geography

The highest mountain on mainland Australia is Mt Kosciuszko, standing 2,228m (7,310ft) above sea level. Australia is also home to the world largest reef system, which is the Great Barrier Reef. It can be found off the northeastern coast of the country. The world’s largest monolith, Uluru (formally known as Ayers Rock) is located in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory.

Uluru Sunset, Australia

Image by Mark Wassell via Flickr

Its Species

Besides kangaroos and koala bears, Australia is also home to over 750 different reptile species, more than any other country in the world. Some of these include dangerous snakes such as the Tiger Snake and Taipan.

Koala, Australia

Image by M Kuhn via Flickr

Its Uniqueness

While most lakes in the world are blue in nature, Lake Hillier in Australia is a bright pink color. What makes this even more interesting is that scientists don’t know why it’s like this.

Hillier lake

Its Landmarks

Australia features some of the world’s most famous landmarks. The Sydney Opera house for example is one of the world’s most instantly recognizable and iconic buildings. Some compare it to the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty.  The Port Arthur Historic Site houses Australia’s most intact convict settlement, including restored buildings and homes, ruins, a harbor, a coalmine, factory and even an Isle of the Dead.

Former convict settlement at Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia

Image by Jorge Láscar via Flickr

Its Bays and Beaches

Situated within one of the world’s most intriguing cities, New South Wales, Bondi Beach is one of the most well known beaches in the world. Shark Bay is one of Australia’s most famous wildlife areas. There you can view beautiful dolphins, whales and sea turtles.

Twelve Apostles, Australia

Image by Michel via Flickr

Little beach, NE Australia

Image by Outbj via Flickr

As you can see, you will not get bored when visiting the beautiful country of Australia. From its people to its lifestyle to its location, this country is so diverse that anyone and everyone will enjoy visiting and touring it.

Author Bio

Jason Hall is Brand Manager for Budget Rent a Car. He enjoys sharing tips on visiting Australia, especially by car.