Western Australia

The state of Western Australia, is Australia’s face on the Indian Ocean. Its capital Perth is closer to Singapore and Jakarta than it is to Canberra. The majority of people live in and around Perth.

Western Australia is the largest Australian State. With an area of more than 2 500 000 sq km, a 12 500 km coastline and spanning 2 400km from north to south, it occupies a third of the continent.

Only the narrow Timor Sea separates its northern coastline from equatorial islands of the Indonesian Archipelago and to the south is the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

HISTORY

Western Australia's history dates back more than 40,000 years with a rich Aboriginal history, making it one of the oldest lands on Earth.

Australian Aboriginals were the original inhabitants of Australia. They lived a nomadic existence, moving within fairly well-defined geographic regions, as they followed the seasons and food sources.

Indigenous Australians survived in harsh climatic and environmental conditions which ranged from cold temperate to hot tropical, coping with arid conditions and torrential rains. They have dwelt for many thousands of years in ways that sustained their societies while conserving resources, protecting fragile soils and leaving a light footprint on the environment.

CLIMATE

Western Australia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine, moderate temperatures and seasonal rain with Perth having more days of sunshine than any other major Australian city.

With the largest land mass of all the states, Western Australia has two distinct variations in seasons. The southern half of the state, which includes Perth, experiences the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter whereas the northern half of the state has two seasons; “the wet” and “the dry”.

“The dry” occurs between May and September where clear blue skies are the norm and the temperatures are pleasant during the day and dip considerably during the night.

“The wet” occurs between October and April when most of the rain falls, bringing humidity and thunderstorms. The daytime temperatures are in the mid to high 30’s with evening temperatures in the mid 20’s.

In the Perth metropolitan area you might hear the term ‘the Fremantle Doctor’. This refers to the cooling afternoon south-westerly breeze during summer.

The cooler climate of the south west has given rise to the area becoming famous for its wonderful food and wine regions.

EMBLEMS

Flora

The native flora of Australia is considered to be the most diverse and varied in the world.

One of the most unusual of the native flora is the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw. The Kangaroo Paw is the floral emblem of the State of Western Australia.

On November 9 1960, the Lieutenant Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency The Honourable Sir John Dwyer, declared that the flower of the plant known as the Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos Manglesii) be adopted and recognised as the floral emblem of the State of Western Australia. 

Fauna

Bird: 

The Black Swan is one such animal and is a most appropriate choice as the bird emblem for the State of Western Australia.

On 25 July 1973, the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Major General Sir Douglas Kendrew declared the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) was to be adopted and recognised as the State Faunal (Bird) Emblem of Western Australia.

Animal:

The Numbat is also unique and is the State Faunal (Animal) Emblem of Western Australia.

The Numbat or Banded Anteater (Myrmecobius fasciatus) was declared and authorised as the faunal emblem of the State of Western Australia by the then Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Major General Sir Douglas Anthony Kendrew on 25 July 1973.

Fossil:

The Gogo Fish is the Fossil Emblem of the State of Western Australia.

The initiative for Western Australia to adopt a fossil emblem and for the emblem to be the Gogo Fish (Mcnamaraspis kaprios) came from students at Sutherland Primary School in Dianella, a suburb of Perth.

South Australia

South Australia is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent. With a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres (379,725 sq mi), it is the fourth largest of Australia's states and territories.

South Australia has a healthy Mediterranean climate with cool wet winters and hot dry summers. The average summer temperature is 29 degrees Celsius, although each year brings one or two hot periods (generally with low humidity).

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, jealously guards its reputation as Australia’s arts capital, boasting a multitude of festivals, a vibrant live music scene, galleries, design and fashion, theatre, architecture.

The average winter temperature is a mild 15 degrees Celsius. 2,500 hours of sunshine a year means South Australians enjoy outdoor living almost year round.

Outdoor sports, eating and events are easy to enjoy because of the weather, excellent facilities and easy accessibility.

South Australia has many contrasts with rugged outback wilderness, scenic mountain ranges, an extensive coastline, offshore islands and a large, meandering river.

South Australia is known as a wine and food centre with 13 wine regions and a higher ratio of cafes and restaurants to residents than any other city in Australia.

History

1802: British explorer Matthew Flinders maps the entire South Australian coast in his ship, the Investigator, after a surprise meeting with French navigator Nicolas Baudin. Despite their respective countries being at war, the two swapped notes just off the Fleurieu Peninsula coast.

1836: The first South Australian settlers land at Kangaroo Island. Surveyor-General Colonel William Light begins his survey of Adelaide and Governor John Hindmarsh arrives on the Buffalo.

1847: The Barossa Valley’s first winery begins operating.

1854: The colony’s first railway, a horse-drawn tram, operates between Port Elliot and Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

1872: The Overland Telegraph from Port Darwin is completed and Adelaide becomes the first Australian capital to be linked by telegraph with London.

1901: South Australia becomes a State within the Commonwealth of Australia as the first Commonwealth Parliament is elected.

1994: The Victoria Fossil Cave at Naracoorte on the Limestone Coast is announced as Australia’s eleventh World Heritage listed property.

October 2004: First mainland wilderness areas ever created in South Australia cover 136,372 hectares on Eyre Peninsula and include the Hambidge Wilderness Protection Area, the Hincks Wilderness Protection Area and the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area.

Geography

The stunning wine country of South Australia, nestled in the valleys and rich earth are only the beginning to the wondrous landscape of the state.

From geological wonderlands steeped in history to mighty rivers feeding into vast wetlands, there is such dimension to this interesting terrain.

South of the state is dominated by rugged coastlines with dramatic peninsulas and isles whose cliff faces offer a wild backdrop to pristine beaches. Hugging the coastline and interspersed throughout the state are a glut of dense forests within national parks and nature reserves. Many of the lusher areas are due to the sustaining effects of the rivers and floodplains.

Government

The Parliament of South Australia makes the laws that govern our State. Our Parliamentary system is based on the British Westminster system, which divides the Parliament into two Houses – the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council. 

The procedures of the Parliament of South Australia are set out in the Constitution Act and in the Standing Orders as written over the years. The Presiding Officers’ decisions have also established precedents over time to meet local requirements.

Northern Territory

Northern Territory is rich in history and is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Visitors to the Northern Territory can choose from five regions that make up this state, which is sparsely populated but filled with natural wonders. Each destination provides guests with an opportunity to partake in a number of adventures or some well-deserved relaxation. The outback is located in the Northern Territory, so any holiday here proves to be a uniquely Australian experience.

The Northern Territory covers about one sixth of the Australian continent with an area of 1.35 million km2 which is equal to the combined areas of France, Spain and Italy. About four- fifths of the Territory (1.09 million km2) lies within the tropics and the 6200 km coastline is generally flat and backed by swamps, mangroves and mudflats, rising to a plateau no higher than 450 m.

History

With evidence of settlements dating back 50,000 years, the Northern Territory is home to the oldest living culture in the world. The Yolngu culture originated in the Arnhem Land, and the Yolngu people still live a very traditional lifestyle. A wide range of indigenous cultures continues to exist in the Northern territory, and over 80 aboriginal languages are still in use. Nearly half of the Northern Territory is considered aboriginal land. The prominent aboriginal groups, other than the Yolngu of the Arnhem Land, are the Arrernet, Warlpiri and Pitjantatjara in the Red Centre.

The indigenous people of the Northern Territory were artists and hunters who had established thriving trade routes with the people of Indonesia. These Indonesian cultures included the Makassan trepangers, who were known as expert harvesters of sea cucumbers, also known as trepang. The aboriginal goods supplied to the Makassan eventually reached the markets of Southern China. These trade routes became very influential in the development of the native Australians, and interbreeding became very common. When the British first settled Australia in 1788, the Australian Aborigines numbered about 300,000, and they spoke nearly 250 languages.

Climate

Rainfall varies from an average 1570 mm a year in the far north to less than 150 mm in the south. About two-thirds of the Territory receives less than 500 mm a year. In the north, monsoonal influences produce two definite seasons known locally as “the wet” (October to April) and “the dry” (May to September). During the wet season, the coast is subject to tropical cyclones (hurricanes or typhoons).

The temperature in Darwin remains almost constant throughout the year. The daily average maximum in January is 31.8 C and the average minimum 24.8 C. In July, the average maximum is 30.3 C and the minimum 19.3 C.

Geography

The Northern Territory is a land rich in geographic features. Over 20 national parks are located in the state, and each park has its own unique set of characteristics. Most of the cities and towns of the Northern Territory lie on a north/south course along one of the only paved highways leading out from Darwin. The highway is officially known as Stuart Highway, but locals refer to it as “the track.”

The northern part of the state is known as Top End. It includes Darwin and the land comprising the northern quarter of the state. Arnhem Land is a smaller region comprised of the area just to the east of Darwin. The Katherine Region lies to the south of Top End and spans the width of the Northern Territory. South of Katherine is the Barkly Tableland, and the southernmost region is known as the Red Centre, the Simpson Desert or Alice Springs.

Population

The Northern Territory’s population includes people of many ethnic backgrounds as well as those of aboriginal descent. In 1977 – federal legislation enabled aboriginal descendants to claim traditional ownership of vacant Crown land and today Aboriginal land trusts hold title to about 40 per cent of the Territory.

Victoria

Victoria is a state in the south-east of Australia. Victoria is Australia's most densely populated state and its second-most populous state overall. Most of its population is concentrated in the area surrounding Port Phillip Bay, which includes the metropolitan area of its capital and largest city, Melbourne, which is Australia's second-largest city. Geographically the smallest state on the Australian mainland, Victoria is bordered by Bass Strait and Tasmania to the south, New South Wales to the north, the Tasman Sea to the east, and South Australia to the west.


HISTORY
The state of Victoria was originally home to many indigenous nations that had occupied the land for tens of thousands of years. According to Gary Presland Aborigines have lived in Victoria for about 40,000 years, living a semi-nomadic existence of fishing, hunting and gathering, and farming eels.

At the Keilor Archaeological Site a human hearth excavated in 1971 was radiocarbon-dated to about 31,000 years BP, making Keilor one of the earliest sites of human habitation in Australia. A cranium found at the site has been dated at between 12,000 and 14,700 years BP.

Archaeological sites in Tasmania and on the Bass Strait Islands have been dated to between 20,000 – 35,000 years ago, when sea levels were 130 metres below present level allowing Aboriginal people to move across the region of southern Victoria and on to the land bridge of the Bassian plain to Tasmania by at least 35,000 years ago.

During the Ice Age about 20,000 years BP, the area now the bay of Port Phillip would have been dry land, and the Yarra and Werribee river would have joined to flow through the heads then south and south west through the Bassian plain before meeting the ocean to the west. Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands became separated from mainland Australia around 12,000 BP, when the sea level was approximately 50m below present levels. Port Phillip was flooded by post-glacial rising sea levels between 8000 and 6000 years ago.

CLIMATE
Victoria’s climate is generally favourable to plant growth, providing a combination of adequate rainfall and warmth, in most parts of the State. In winter, growth may be restricted by lower temperatures, whilst in summer, rainfall may be insufficient to meet plants’ demands for water. If irrigation water is available in summer then the productivity of pastures, crops, orchards and vineyards can be high as plants grow vigorously through long days of sunshine and warm temperatures. The climate of Victoria is influenced by seasonal weather patterns as well as topographic features.

Victoria differs from other mainland Australian States in that it lies furthest South and has its major mountain ranges running east-west rather than north-south. Its southerly position and maritime influence have a moderating effect on climate, which is particularly evident in winter. Snow rarely falls at altitudes below 600 metres. To the west and north of the Great Divide the land flattens out to the dry inland plains. It is in the Mallee where the highest temperatures in the state most commonly occur during summer, and where the annual median rainfall drops below 300 mm.

The coastal strip, south of the ranges, is generally wetter except for areas around central Gippsland and to the west of Melbourne, where hilly terrain upwind reduces the effectiveness of rain-producing systems. Rainfall here drops below 600 mm.

SEASONAL VARIATIONS
The weather of Victoria is primarily influenced by weather patterns originating in the Southern Ocean. There is a general west to east movement of high pressure systems across or north of Victoria throughout the winter months from April to November. These high pressure systems are interspersed with low pressure systems or cold fronts which bring moist airstreams and showers or rain to many parts of Victoria. When these systems link with tropical moisture from the north, rainfall can be significant, even over the dry northern plains.

In Spring, weather systems are more mobile and the location and extent of anticyclonic cells is more variable. This results in Victoria’s weather being more variable from September to November, compared to the winter months.

During the summer months from December through March, high pressure systems from the Southern Ocean move further south. Warmer conditions are moderated by the passage of cold fronts which are associated with cooler southwesterly changes and isolated showers in the southern half of Victoria. Thunderstorms or the influence of tropical systems to the north can provide significant rainfall in certain circumstances.

Tasmania

Tasmania is an island state, part of the Commonwealth of Australia, located 240 kilometres to the south of the Australian continent, separated by Bass Strait.

Etymology

The state is named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who made the first reported European sighting of the island on 24 November 1642. Tasman named the island "Anthony van Diemen's Land" after his sponsor Anthony van Diemen, the Governor of the Dutch East Indies. The name was later shortened to Van Diemen's Land by the British. It was officially renamed Tasmania in honour of its first European discoverer on 1 January 1856.

Tasmania was sometimes referred to as "Dervon", as mentioned in The Jerilderie Letter written by the notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly in 1879. The colloquial expression for the state is "Tassie" (pronounced "Tazzie"). Tasmania is also colloquially shortened to "Tas" (pronounced "Taz"), especially when used in business names and website addresses. TAS is also the Australia Post abbreviation for the state.

History

The island is believed to have been joined to the mainland of Australia until the end of the last glacial period approximately 10,000 years ago. Much of the island is composed of Jurassic dolerite intrusions (upwellings of magma) through other rock types, sometimes forming large columnar joints. Tasmania has the world's largest areas of dolerite, with many distinctive mountains and cliffs formed from this rock type.

The central plateau and the southeast portions of the island are mostly dolerite. Mount Wellington above Hobart is a good example, showing distinct columns known as the Organ Pipes. In the southern midlands as far south as Hobart, the dolerite is underlaid by sandstone and similar sedimentary stones. In the southwest, Precambrian quartzites was formed from very ancient sea sediments and form strikingly sharp ridges and ranges, such as Federation Peak or Frenchmans Cap.

In the northeast and east, continental granites can be seen, such as at Freycinet, similar to coastal granites on mainland Australia. In the northwest and west, mineral-rich volcanic rock can be seen at Mount Read near Rosebery, or at Mount Lyell near Queenstown. Also present in the south and northwest is limestone with magnificent caves.


The quartzite and dolerite areas in the higher mountains show evidence of glaciation, and much of Australia's glaciated landscape is found on the Central Plateau and the Southwest. Cradle Mountain, another dolerite peak, for example, was a nunatak. The combination of these different rock types offers incredible scenery, much of it distinct from any other region of the world. In the far southwest corner of the state, the geology is almost completely quartzite, which gives the mountains the false impression of having snow-capped peaks year round.


Government

The form of the government of Tasmania is prescribed in its constitution, which dates from 1856, although it has been amended many times since then. Since 1901, Tasmania has been a state of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Australian Constitution regulates its relationship with the Commonwealth and prescribes which powers each level of government enjoys.

Climate

Tasmania has a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer lasts from December to February when the average maximum sea temperature is 21 °C (70 °F) and inland areas around Launceston reach 24 °C (75 °F). Other inland areas are much cooler, with Liawenee, located on the Central Plateau, one of the coldest places in Australia, ranging between 4 °C (39 °F) and 17 °C (63 °F) in February. Autumn lasts between March and May and experiences changeable weather, when summer weather patterns gradually take on the shape of winter patterns.

The winter months are between June and August and are generally the wettest and coolest months in the state, with most high lying areas receiving considerable snowfall. Winter maximums are 12 °C (54 °F) on average along coastal areas and 3 °C (37 °F) on the central plateau, as a result of a series of cold fronts from the Southern Ocean.Spring is a season of transition, where winter weather patterns begin to take the shape of summer patterns, although snowfall is still common up until October. Spring is generally the windiest time of the year with afternoon sea breezes starting to take effect on the coast.

Queensland

Pristine beaches, tropical islands, lush rainforests, vibrant cities and the authentic Australian outback, Queensland is the ultimate holiday destination. Known as Australia’s Sunshine State, Queensland offers an abundance of diverse experiences to create lasting memories.

Brisbane is the state’s capital city, a city full of energy, style, arts and culture. The Brisbane River snakes through the metropolis and is peppered with alfresco dining options. By night, the city comes alive with vibrant bars and live music venues to keep you entertained into the early hours of the morning.

Brisbane is also the perfect hub to explore the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, only an hour away by road. Both coastal regions offer stunning beaches, fabulous food and wine experiences and shopping that rivals many of the great shopping strips. Head further north to swim in the freshwater lakes of Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, and just one of Queensland’s five World Heritage listed areas.

Another is the Great Barrier Reef, stretching 2300km along the Queensland coast. Home to a myriad of sea creatures and hidden gems, the best way to explore the reef is to snorkel or scuba dive. There are literally hundreds of Queensland islands where you can relax and indulge in all that island life has to offer. Sail the Whitsunday Islands or take a seaplane to a remote getaway where you can truly escape.

Unwind at a rainforest retreat in Tropical North Queensland. The World Heritage listed Wet Tropics offer spectacular scenery, deep gorges, numerous waterfalls and mountain summits providing expansive rainforest views.

The Queensland Outback is nature of a different kind, one that delivers Australia’s final frontier. Desert sand dunes and lush fishing holes make an interesting combination the friendly locals are only too happy to show you. Travel back to the dinosaur era, listen carefully for the ghost in the home of Waltzing Matilda, or sit back and enjoy a cold beer in one of the iconic outback pubs.

Whether you”re relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, trekking through ancient rainforest or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, there”s an experience waiting to become your treasured memory in Queensland.

HISTORY

The history of Queensland spans thousands of years, encompassing both a lengthy indigenous presence, as well as the eventful times of post-European settlement. Estimated to have been settled by Indigenous Australians more than 60,000 years ago, the north-eastern Australian region was explored by Dutch, Portuguese and French navigators before being encountered by Captain James Cook in 1770. The Australian Labor Party has its origin as a formal organisation in Queensland and the town of Barcaldine is the symbolic birthplace of the party.  The state has witnessed frontier warfare between European settlers and Indigenous inhabitants, as well as the employment of cheap Kanaka labour sourced from the South Pacific. June 2009 marked the 150th anniversary of its creation as a separate colony from New South Wales. A rare record of early settler life in north Queensland can be seen in a set of ten photographic glass plates taken in the 1860s by Richard Daintree, in the collection of the National Museum of Australia.

CLIMATE

Because of its size, there is significant variation in climate across the state. Low rainfall and hot summers are typical for the inland west, a monsoonal 'wet' season in the far north, and warm temperate conditions along the coastal strip. Inland and in southern ranges low minimum temperatures are experienced. The climate of the coastal strip is influenced by warm ocean waters, keeping the region free from extremes of temperature and providing moisture for rainfall.

There are five predominate climatic zones in Queensland, based on temperature and humidity:

• hot humid summer, warm dry winter (far north and coastal) Cairns, Townsville, Gladstone
• warm humid summer, mild dry winter (coastal elevated hinterlands and coastal south-east) Brisbane, Bundaberg, Rockhampton
• hot dry summer, mild dry winter (central west) Mt Isa, Emerald, Longreach
• hot dry summer, cool dry winter (southern west) Roma, Charleville, Goondiwindi
• warm humid summer, cold dry winter (inland south-east) Toowoomba, Warwick, Stanthorpe

NEW SOUTH WALES

New South Wales is the most populated state in Australia with a population of around 7 million.

The climate and size of the state allows for a diverse range of activities. Explore wine regions, beautiful beaches, National Parks, go on outback adventures or perhaps try whale and dolphin watching.

The capital of New South Wales is Sydney. The city is a popular base for visitors to New South Wales as the city offers so much and is within a couple or so hours of popular tourist spots such as the famous Hunter Valley wine area, the Blue Mountains and the softly rolling hills of the Southern Highlands.

1788 British settlement

COA, NSW

The European discovery of New South Wales was made by Captain James Cook during his 1770 survey along the unmapped eastern coast of the Dutch-named continent of New Holland, now Australia. In his original journal(s) covering the survey, in triplicate to satisfy Admiralty Orders, Cook first named the land "New Wales". However, in the copy held by the Admiralty, he "revised the wording" to "New South Wales".

Featured NSW Attractions

Sydney City

The city on the harbour. The beautiful, natural Sydney Harbour, focal point of this dazzling city’s main attractions surrounded by the finest dining, a full range of world-standard accommodation and diverse entertainment for every taste. Explore Sydney’s surrounds of nature walks, National Parks, International standard sporting events, and popular family activities. Key attractions include the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Harbour ferries, Darling Harbour, Botanical Gardens and The Rocks.

Manly

A thousand miles from care. Renowned worldwide for it's sunny beaches, waterways, heritage walks and nature reserves. Home of the annual International Manly Jazz Festival, the Manly Food and Wine Festival, and a stunning array of Art Galleries, Museums, regular Art & Craft exhibits, and international sporting events. Manly is as equally enticing for family holidays, as it is for discerning businesses demanding international standard convention and conference facilities and professional retreats. 

Sydney Hills

Home of The Orange Blossom Festival and Australia's bible belt, this thriving and rapidly developing region in Sydney's North West has become a hub of entertainment, sport, recreational, conference and family attractions. Featuring natural bush and waterways amongst a bustling suburban metropolis, the Hills abounds with picnic spots and lookouts, gardens, nurseries and bushwalking environments, river cruises and water activities, and an enormous variety of activities in this extraordinarily multi-cultural region.

Sutherland Shire

Just 25km south of the CBD and only 20 minutes from Sydney Airport, “The Shire” as the area is affectionately known, delivers all the best Sydney has to offer; famous beaches, iconic waterways, rich bushland and memorable experiences.Covering a total area of 370 sq kilometres the Sutherland Shire is home to four national Parks, including Australia’s oldest; The Royal National Park and boasts 11kms of pristine beaches. The Shire’s many attractions include Cronulla Coast with its legendary surf breaks, boutique shopping, relaxed outdoor dining and the only Sydney Beach accessible by train.

Hawkesbury

A region of National Park surrounded by natural beauty. Pristine waterways, secluded natural reserves and one of Australia's most magnificent rivers with a vast array of water sports and recreational activities, make this region one of the most sought after destinations worldwide for an invigorating or relaxing year-round getaway. A fascinating holiday location with old-world charm, bustling with dozens of museums and heritage locations, art and craft exhibits and galleries, horse-riding, and houseboats. 

Transport

Passage through New South Wales is vital for cross-continent transport. Rail and road traffic from Brisbane (Queensland) to Perth (Western Australia), or to Melbourne (Victoria) must pass through New South Wales.

Railways

The majority of railways in New South Wales are currently operated by the state government. Some lines began as branch-lines of railways starting in other states. For instance, Balranald near the Victorian border was connected by a rail line coming up from Victoria and into New South Wales. Another line beginning in Adelaide crossed over the border and stopped at Broken Hill.

Railways management are conducted by Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink[18] which maintain rolling stock. Sydney Trains operates trains within Sydney while NSW TrainLink operates outside Sydney, intercity, country and interstate services.

Geography

New South Wales is bordered on the north by Queensland, on the west by South Australia, on the south by Victoria and on the east by the Tasman Sea. The Australian Capital Territory and the Jervis Bay Territory form a separately administered entity that is bordered entirely by New South Wales. The state can be divided geographically into four areas. New South Wales' three largest cities, Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, lie near the centre of a narrow coastal strip extending from cool temperate areas on the far south coast to subtropical areas near the Queensland border.