Australia, with its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, often evokes images of kangaroos, koalas, and the iconic Sydney Opera House. However, beyond these well-known attractions, there’s a treasure trove of fascinating facts and hidden gems that might just surprise you.
1. It snows more in the Australian Alps than in the Swiss Alps
Many people go to Australia for its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, but skiing fans flock to the Australian Alps in New South Wales and Victoria.
Snow usually falls in Australia between June and September, so if you want to ski in the northern hemisphere during the summer, you should go to Australia.
Near Canberra, there are two big resorts called Thredbo and Perisher. Perisher is the biggest ski resort in the southern hemisphere.
One of the most popular places is Blue Cow Mountain, which has a wide range of places to stay, ski runs, and beautiful views of the Alps.
2. 90% of the people in Australia live on the coast
Because of its vast deserts, Australia’s beaches are populated. Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne are famous for their bustling downtowns and beaches like Bondi and Trigg.
Australia’s stunning coastline can be enjoyed in hundreds of little coastal communities.
You may catch supper in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, or party at Airlie Beach, Queensland. Join the crowd and head to the coast, as Australia is an island with several surf towns and beaches.
3. The cleanest air in the world is in Tasmania
Tasmania has a third of national parks and World Heritage sites and air as pristine as Antarctica. The island’s paths and walkways make it perfect for walking.
Coastal walkways provide views of Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires. Kayak, mountain bike, or explore the island’s caves instead of strolling. Tasmania has unique Australian fauna. Tasmanian countryside is home to the Eastern Quoll, which is extinct on the continent.
4. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest ecosystem.
Australia loves its Great Barrier Reef. From space, it has around 2,500 reefs. It went halfway down the country’s eastern coast, so there are many sites to start seeing the bright coral.
Townsville, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach have beautiful beaches and reef cruises, but Cairns is the most popular starting point. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has many colorful fish and turtles, making snorkeling and diving a highlight.
5. There are more than 60 different wine regions in Australia.
Wine is a must-try in Australia. It’s hard to choose among the several winemaking regions. A road journey between Sydney and Melbourne would let you view some of Australia’s wine areas, which are mostly in New South Wales and Victoria.
Tour the Southern Highlands, Tumbarumba, and Alpine Valleys. One of Australia’s most attractive wine districts, it produces Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Western Australia has many vineyards, all accessible from Perth. This is a terrific opportunity to explore Australia’s wine areas outside the city.
6. Fraser Island is the world’s biggest sand island
Queensland’s Fraser Island beaches are a highlight. Hervey Bay is the finest site to start exploring the island, so go on a boat and visit Lake MacKenzie’s clear blue seas and Champagne Pools’ peaceful little pools near to the ocean.
The island has 150 dingoes, so you can witness one of Australia’s famed wild dogs. However, wild creatures are harmful, so stay away.
7. The Indian Pacific train has the world’s longest straight stretch of track.
Australia has lovely rail rides. The Indian Pacific runs across the Blue Mountains, outback, and Flinders Ranges from Sydney to Perth.
Adelaide is a must-stop for gourmet food, art museums, and open space. After restarting, you pass the Nullabor Plain, the straight stretch. You reach Perth via the rich Avon Valley. The Indian Pacific offers a luxurious way to view Australia’s many landscapes.
8. The Great Ocean Road is the biggest memorial to war in the world.
The Great Ocean Road is a famous Australian drive. The route offers excellent views. WWI veterans built the road. It connected small, isolated settlements on Victoria’s rugged coastline and was a war memorial dead.
The Twelve Apostles are the most famous sight along this winding road, but the Split Point Lighthouse, Port Fairy’s charming settlements, and Apollo Bay’s surf coast are as stunning. In winter, Southern Right Whales move along the coast from June to September. Torquay to Allansford is a superb surface road between Melbourne and Adelaide.
9. 80% of the animals are only found in Australia
Australia’s marsupials and birds are fascinating. Zoos, parks, and the outdoors are all ways to see the country’s diverse fauna. Koalas and platypuses are tougher to find in New South Wales fields and farms than kangaroos.
A guide can show you where they hide in the wild. Sydney Wildlife World in the city is a good place to catch up.
10. 2.5 km of Uluru is underground
Uluru is a huge rock in the middle of Australia. It is surrounded by scrubland and is sacred to many Aboriginal tribes. It is one of the few places on Earth to be on both the cultural and natural lists of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Amazingly, scientists think that 2.5 km of the rock is underground and connected to the Olgas, where it comes back up 16 miles away.
