Australia - Islands of Australia

Australia, the smallest continent in the world, can be found south of the equator. It lies southeast of Asia, between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Originally called Terra Incognito, or Unknown Land, by early explorers, many people still do not know what the land Down Under is all about or what it has to offer.

The name “Australia” comes from the Latin word “Australis,” which means “of the South.” The name was first used in a 1692 novel by French author Gabriel de Foigny. It became even more popular in the 1814 writings of Matthew Flinders. The name was officially adopted by the British Admirality in 1824.

Just off of the north eastern coast of Australia lies the Great Barrier Reef which is the world’s largest coral reef. Australia is also home to the largest monolith in the world, Mount Augustus.

Australia boasts a tropical climate in its northern part and a temperate climate in the southern corners. It is also known to be the driest continent that is inhabited. Despite the fact that Australia is mostly semi-arid or desert, it is home to everything from tropical rainforests to alpine heaths.

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Two mainland territories and six states compose the continent of Australia. The territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.

Clickable Map of Australia

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Do you have any photos of Australia ?  Please email me your photos (Minimum 800x600 Pixels), I will credit you as the photographer under each photo.

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