Facts about Australia

Australia is a unique and interesting place, with a wild history full of drama and exploration! It is home to many native species found nowhere else on earth and is a country, continent and island. There are many unique things about Australia that you won't find anywhere else in the world, but a few fun facts are listed below!

• Australia was inhabited over 50,000 years ago

• There are more beaches in Australia than in any other country

• From 1788 to 1868 over 162,000 convicts were transported to Australia

• It is estimated 20% of all Australians can trace their lineage back to one of the original convicts sent to Australia

• There are more than 50,000 kilometres of coastline

• 80% of the population lives within 100 kilometres of the coastline

• It is the 6th biggest country in the world

• Australia has so many camels, it actually exports them to Saudi Arabia

• There are 48 species of kangaroo

• It is required to vote in Australia, if you do not, you face a fine

• It is home to the world's largest ecosystem - The Great Barrier Reef

• There are 50 - 60 million kangaroos in Australia, which is over double the human population

• Australia has many unique native species including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, emus, echidnas, kookaburras, goannas, dingoes, and Tasmanian Devils

• Australia has a bad history with introduced species such as rabbits, cane toads, and fox becoming major problems in their ecosystems

• The national animal of Australia is the red kangaroo

• Australia has over 750 reptile species

• Australia was the second country in the world that allows women to vote

• The world's oldest fossil was found in Australia

• Australia is home to the longest fence in the world at 5,614km long

Without a doubt, Australia has one of the most diverse and unique collections of flora and fauna on earth. With so many species that are found nowhere else in the world, it's no wonder so many people flock here to see what it's all about. Its history is an interesting one and its relationship with the monarchy and government has always been interesting, as it will likely continue to be.

It is a beautiful country full of life and beauty, with so much to do, for both locals and tourists alike!