Australia is a land of the unexpected. Of vast size, amazing natural wealth, awesome scenery and exotic plant and animal life. Australia boasts over 7,000 beaches – more than any other nation. Australia produces 95 per cent of the world’s precious opals and 99 per cent of black opals. Coober Pedy in South Australia is known as the opal capital of the world.Kalgoorlie in Western Australia is not only Australia’s largest producer of gold, but has the world’s largest political electorate – covering a mammoth 2.2 million square kilometres. The kangaroo is unique to Australia and one of our most easily recognised mammals. There are more kangaroos in Australia now than when Australia was first settled. Estimates suggest around 40 million. Australia’s 140 million sheep (mostly merinos), found on around 53,000 properties, produce more than 70 per cent of the world’s wool.

With 24 million head of cattle, Australia is the world’s largest exporter of beef. Australia supports at least 25,000 species of plants, while Europe only supports 17,500. The longest stretch of straight railway track in the world crosses the Nullarbor Plain. From Nurina in Western Australia to near Watson in South Australia, the track is dead straight for 478 kilometres.The world’s longest continuous fence known as the ‘dingo fence’, runs through central Queens land for 5,531 kilometres. It is 1.8 metres high and is designed to keep sheep safe from Australia’s native dog. There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time (EST), which includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queens land, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory; Central Standard Time (CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) – Western Australia. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST.