Australia is the smallest continent in the world, the only country which occupies a whole continent and the world’s largest island. Australia Day is celebrated every January 26th that marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. These are some facts that we know about the country as thought in our world history class. However, there are other things unique about Australia we ought to know. Below are some of them:
Land of Beaches
Australia’s land area of more than 7.6 million square kilometers is bounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Its 34,218 kilometers of coastline boasts more than 10,000 beaches – more than any other country. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, extends for over 2,000 kilometers. These beaches take a major role in the lifestyle of Australians since most of them live within 50 km of the coast.
Deadly Paradise
Would you believe that Australia is a haven to some of the world’s deadliest animals such as sharks, the stingray, the box jelly fish, and the salt-water crocodile (photo above). Among the world’s Top 10 most poisonous snakes, eight can be found in Australia among them the Taipan and Brown Snake. Finally, two deadly spiders; the Red Back and Funnel Web spider are normal fixtures in any Australian backyard.
Weird Animals
Australia is home to several strange animals and plants. Among these weird animals are koalas and two egg-laying mammals– the duck-billed platypus and the spiny anteater. Finally, let us not leave behind most recognized mammal– the kangaroo. Today, their population is around 40 million.
Dollar Earner
Australia produces 75% of the world’s wool output, thanks to its more than 85 million sheep–most of them are merino rams. Also, with 25.4 million cattle, they are the world’s top beef exporter.
World’s Longest Fence
The dingo fence that was started in 1880 and finished five years later is the world’s longest continuous fence. This 5,531 km that stretches through central Queensland and South Australia was built to keep sheep. The fence is made of wire mesh 180 cm high and rooted a foot underground.
Hoofed Animals
Believe it or not, hoofed animals (horses, cattle, goats, camels etc..) are no where to be found in Australia not until the Europeans brought them in.
Boomerang
Australia’s aborigines that came by boat from Southeast Asia brought with them a special hunting weapon–the boomerang. Some specially designed boomerang when skillfully thrown and does not hit its target will zoom back to the thrower; while other are made for use in hunting bigger animals and for warfare.
Election Fever
Almost 95% of registered voters cast their votes during election, why–those voters who failed to turn up at polling stations must pay a A$20 fine. Refusal to pay will means an increased fine and even imprisonment.
Australian Currency
Since 1988, Australia‘s paper money (A$5, 10, 20, 50, 100) have been printed on polymer thus, making their banknote more durable. Australian banknotes were the first in the world to use such features.
The World’s Fastest Growing Tree
Waltzing Matilda
Sometimes referred to as “the unofficial national anthem”, Waltzing Matilda is Australia’s most popular folk song. The story is about a swagman (tramp) making a drink of tea at a bush camp and stealing a jumbuck (sheep) for his tucker (food). He drowns himself in a (billabong) rather than give himself up to three police officers who are about to arrest him. It was written by Banjo Paterson, a poet and nationalist, in 1887.
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