-----Tourism in Australia is an important sector of the national economy.
Australia, the sixth largest country in the world, was settled late and rich in natural resources.
The landscapes of the various states are very diverse: white sandy beaches, stretches of desert, rain forests and mountains; the Australian flora and fauna are very rich and very specific. In 2003-2004, the tourism industry accounts for 3.9% of Australia's GDP, or about $ 32 billion in national economy1. In recent years, the share of tourism in GDP declined slightly. In 2002, 2003 and 2004, Australia was among the first Top 10 destinations in terms of revenue.
In 2006, it was the 41st most visited country (number of tourists).
Beachgoers and surf will be served: the best known is the region of New South Wales particularly around Sydney (the most famous beaches Bondi Beach Byron Bay surfers). Sydney is a culturally vibrant city, in the surrounding area you can visit the Blue Mountains and caves of the Hunter Valley.
In South Australia, the wild coast of Victoria has numerous impressive beaches, but there are beaches all along the coast of Australia.
Canberra, the capital, is a modern city without much interest but you can explore around the bush in national parks Namadgi and Tidbinbilla.
In Queensland, you can explore the beautiful coral reef, diving enthusiasts can indulge.
In the northern territories, approach more closely the aboriginal culture through the country leads to Alice Springs and the famous site of Mount Uluru (the most famous image of Australia, characteristic for its ocher), Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon national Park Kaladu or you can experience the culture of the original inhabitants of Australia.
Melbourne and Victoria will help you discover the colonial atmosphere of Australia, the coastal road is superb.
Finally, off the beaten track you can go to discover Western Australia: Perth, the wilderness of the Kimberley region, the gigantic forests of Pemberton ...
Nature and Australian wildlife:
Australian wildlife is unique because of the isolation of the island continent for millions of years. It is distinguished by the presence of marsupials (mammals with a pouch like kangaroos) and monotremes (mammals that lay eggs like the platypus).
Charismatic animals are kangaroos, wallabies and koalas.
A visit to Australia would not be complete without taking the time to see some of these animals in their natural environment and failing in zoos in the country, as in the great Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
You should not be too difficult to spot kangaroos, are found in abundance everywhere on Australian territory. Koalas live in these forests around Australia, but they are difficult to spot. Emus, birds walkers are more common in central Australia.
Because of its diversity, Australia has many natural sites to discover. Head to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or move in Northern Territory, encor wild. The 'Red Centre' or Kakadu National Park are emblematic of the beauty of the Australian nature, without forgetting the beaches of the east coast, battered by the Pacific simply spectacular!
Useful Information
Plan your trip in Australia:
For a destination the size of Australia, genuine country-continent on the other side of the globe what is more, it makes sense to allow time for travel! From less than a month is of course possible, but it will then limit his stay to a particular Australian region. Otherwise, the more we have a long service trip (two / three months ...), and more opportunities are numerous routes!
The concept of distance in Australia takes on a whole different meaning in Europe: by train, bus or car, we rediscover meaning the 'time travel'. Sometimes the plane and domestic flights are becoming essential.
Australia is an expensive destination overall, and all expenditure items are concerned. Expect some serious savings is better to take advantage of all the alternatives available to you on the spot, unless perhaps work on site with a working holiday visa. ------
