In 1770, Captain James Cook claimed the land for Great Britain and called it New Wales. In the 1880s, it was estimated that the indigenous population was approximately 350,000. Australia began as a British penal colony, but many people came from Ireland and other European countries as well. The Gold Rush of the 1850s also brought many new settlers. The Australia Act of 1986 ended British rule in Australia. The six states that were formed were called New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. Queensland, in particular, offers miles of pristine beaches.
The city of Gold Coast in Queensland has a sunny subtropical climate and is a popular beach and surfing destination. Visitors interested in minerals and precious metals can explore the Fimiston Open Pit, also known as the "Super Pit," Australia's largest open pit gold mine. Visitors interested in ecology can tour the country's rain forests that include Daintree Rainforest, Alpine National Park, Goolengook and Great Otway National Park, home to koala bears and the source of melaleuca and eucalyptus. The Great Barrier Reef in northwest Australia draws thousands of divers. The major cities also feature tall buildings and historic landmarks, attracting visitors to shop, dine and visit museums and art galleries. The Barossa Valley is wine-producing region of South Australia, primarily for red wine. History buffs can visit the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, built in 1880, where the first Parliament of Australia was opened on May 9, 1901. The National Gallery of Australia offers a spectacular collection of modern and contemporary art. The Sydney Aquarium features underwater see-through acrylic glass tunnels for viewing over 650 species of sea life.
Australia is a young country, since the British penal colony was established there only several hundred years ago. The native Australian aborigines lived in the bush regions where the climate was arid and the land was barren, keeping their distance from the new arrivals. In time, due to economic hardships in Europe, Australia offered a new beginning to many people, and the eastern coast saw a boom in city populations and commercial enterprises.
Outdoor recreation, historic exploration, ecology and nature, regional cuisine and wine, art and culture or many other categories can be the basis for a trip. Consideration should also include which city--or cities--will be included in a visit, and the length of time one will be in the country. In order to maximize the benefits and make best use of the time available, it is recommended to do a detailed research of cities, attractions, tours and places before embarking on the trip.
Exploring this amazing country will provide entertainment and enrich the visitor with cultural and scientific knowledge. It will instill an appreciation of its history, settlements and development as well as the many modern features that can be learned about with guided tours, talks with residents and interaction with others visiting the country.
