Australia Travel Guide

overview:

Australia is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the world's smallest continent, the major island of Tasmania and a number of other islands in the Southern, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the French dependency of New Caledonia to the northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast.

The mainland of Australia has been inhabited for more than 42,000 years by Indigenous Australians. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and by European explorers and merchants starting in the seventeenth century, the eastern half of the mainland was claimed by the British in 1770 and officially settled through penal transportation as the colony of New South Wales on 26 January 1788. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing Crown Colonies were successively established over the course of the 19th century.

Australia is the only country that has a whole continent to itself. World famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces (beaches, deserts and "the bush" or "the Outback"), Australia is ironically one of the world's most highly urbanised countries and is well known for the cosmopolitan attractions of its globally significant cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and the Australian capital city Canberra. Australia is also a major tourist destination, and is one of the world's wealthiest countries. The country is renowned worldwide for its vast, untouched landscape and its unique culture.

related websites:

Accommodation Australia
Australian Accommodation Directory lists thousands of Australian hotels, apartments, bed and breakfasts, holiday units and backpacker hostels, many offering discount accommodation.
http://www.ausgo.com.au

Aussie Bush Discoveries
Aussie Bush Discoveries is your ultimate guide to wildlife discovery and adventure when you visit Australia.
http://www.aussiebushdiscoveries.com

Australian Natural History Safari - Daintree Rainforest - Port Douglas
Port Douglas based four wheel drive Daintree Rainforest and Outback tour. Experience wilderness and observe wildlife in a small group of four.
http://www.anhs.com.au

Australian Visas
Visa advice for Australia and the UK
http://www.visaconnect.com

Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Australia
A state by state guide to selected Australian Bed and Breakfast accommodation directories. This site has drawn together a selection of the best of each state's privately run online directories.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com.au

Fiona's B&B, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Bed and Breakfast accommodation with views & off-street parking in garden setting. Spacious rooms with private ensuite, TV, fridge, and tea/coffee facilities. Includes continental or cooked breakfast to order. Only 1˝ blocks to city centre and gateway to Northern Tasmania and the Tamar Valley.
http://www.fionas-bnb.com.au

Hatchers Manor
Experience luxurious accommodation set amongst our 100 acre working farm and orchard on the beautiful Coal River just 20 minutes from Hobart.
http://www.hatchersmanor.com.au

Hotel Augusta Westside
We provide quality accommodation & tours in Port Augusta near the Flinders Ranges & Outback South Australia as well as being near the departure point for Flinders Ranges Water Cruises.
http://www.augustawestside.com.au

Kalbarri Reef Villas
Kalbarri 3.5 star fully self contained accommodation. Quality restaurants and shops are within walking distance from your villa. Relax and enjoy your stay at the Kalbarri Reef Villas.
http://www.reefvillas.com.au

Motive Tours
Motive Tours Australia is a specialist WA inbound tour operator with wide experience in planning travel itineraries to suit the special interests of the wide range of our clients who visit Western Australia/Perth.
http://www.motivetours.com.au

Queenstown Motor Lodge
Experience Tasmania's traditional west coast hospitality at the Queenstown Motor Lodge — comfortable modern motel accommodation conveniently located in the centre of the historic mining town of Queenstown, Tasmania.
http://www.queenstownmotorlodge.com.au

Seaward B&B Spa Apartment
Award winning, self contained heritage acccommodation by the sea in beautiful North West Tasmania.
http://www.seawardbb.com

Serviced apartments in Melbourne, Australia
Fully-furnished serviced apartments, townhouses and suites in Melbourne, Australia for business stay, relocation or holiday. In the city center or suburbs with all amenities.
http://www.serviced-apartments.com.au

The Stables at Hawthorn Villa
Accommodation in Carrick, Tasmania, Accommodation just 12 minutes from Launceston at The Stables Hawthorn Villa.
http://www.hawthornvilla.com.au

Your Window to Western Australia
Western Australia accommodation, car hire, tours and wineries. Enjoy an online journey of Western Australia, including Perth and the Australian Outback.
http://www.west-oz.com