Australia Facts

The Commonwealth of Australia sits in the Southern Hemisphere, and is the world’s smallest continent. Discovered by explorers in the 17th century, this relatively young state is on of the world’s most visited countries, and has a diverse landscape and eco-system, and is home to some unique species, such as the kangaroo and the koala, who are only found in Australia.

Australian Climate Facts

Australia has one of the best climates in the world, in fact it has ten months of dazzling sunshine and high temperatures year-round. An extremely arid country, rainfall is variable and even though precipitation has increased in recent years, there are still water shortages during the summer months. While Christmas sees snow, rain and ice in western Europe, for Australians it means sun, sea and summer. Check out the average temperatures in Australia.

Summer	December - February
Autumn	March - May
Winter	June - August
Spring	September - November

Australian Geography Facts

One of the best ways to describe Australia is huge. Covering an area equivalent to that of 48 American states, the country is the sixth largest in the world, and 50 per cent larger than the whole of Europe. Conversely, it has the lowest population density in the world, of only two people per square kilometre.

Bordered by the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Australia’s coastline stretches for almost 50,000 kilometres and is dotted with more 10,000 beaches more than any other country in the world. Over 80 per cent of the Australian population live within 50 kilometres of the beach, and just off the north east coast you’ll find the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef which stretches for 2,000 kms.

While much of Australia is semi-arid or desert, the tropical climate of northern Australia gives rise to forests, wetlands and mangrove swamps.

Australian Economy Facts

The Australia economy is strong, with healthy GDP and annually economic growth rates seeing it ranked along with the UK, France and Germany in terms of economic strength. Exports of raw material and agricultural products are high, and the Australian mining industry is particularly strong. The service sector is the largest employer and GDP producer, and inflation has been historically low, helping encourage economic growth.

Useful Aussie Facts

• Total area: 7,686,850 sq km
• Length of coastline: 50,000 km
• Population: 21,007,310
• Population growth rate: 1.221%
• Capital: Canberra
• GDP growth rate: 4.3%
• Currency: Australian dollar

AUSTRALIAN STANDARD EASTERN TIME = GREENWICH TIME MINUS 10 HOURS

(Australian Capital Territory, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria.)

CENTRAL STANDARD TIME = GREENWICH MEAN TIME MINUS 10 HOURS 30 MINS

(South Australia, Northern Territory)

WESTERN STANDARD TIME = GREENWICH MEAN TIME MINUS 12 HOURS

(Western Australia)

Vaccinations

In terms of vaccinations you don’t actually need any, unless within the six days prior to your arrival in Australia, you have stayed overnight or longer in a declared yellow fever infected country in Africa or South America. In this instance you will need a yellow fever vaccination before entering the country.

Visa Advice

Unless you are a citizen of Australia or New Zealand you will need a visa to enter the country. Securing a visa to Australia is no easy task, and navigating the red tape can be a long and complicated process. Below is a guide to the Australian visa system to help you realise the dream of migrating to Australia.

The following are the most regularly used visas:

ETA (visiting or business)

This allows you a three-month stay for certain citizens holding valid passports, including those from the UK and Ireland. ETAs can be applied for online and through travel agents and airlines.

eVisitor visa

This visa allows a three-month stay for tourism or business purposes for passport holders from all EU and other European eligible countries.

Tourist e676 visa

This visa allows a longer stay in Australia of between three to 12 months. It’s restricted to certain passport holders, including those from the UK, Ireland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Working Holiday Maker

This is a 12 month work and travel visa, specifically for young persons under the age of 31. This only extends to certain citizens, and includes those from the UK and Ireland.

Student visa

Certain passport holders, including those from the UK and Ireland, can apply for this visa if they are enrolled in an eligible course.

For more details on visas, visit our more in-depth visas guide, or the Australian Government Visas & Immigration website.

Visa eligibility varies depending on your nationality, training and job circumstances and the duration of your stay. You can find the right visa with the Australia Visa wizard.

You can apply online at the Australian High Commission.

For something more light-hearted, have a read of our fun facts about Australia.