7 Things You Didn't Know About Australia

Australia is full of exciting surprises. Although often thought of as a rural, backwater nation, it is one of the most diverse and interesting countries in the world. There are many things that tourists and locals alike don't know about this fascinating destination.

Let's discover them below.

It’s the smallest continent

Yes, the Land Down Under is the smallest continent in the world. This fact is often surprising to people, as Australia is such a large country. But when you compare it to other continents like Europe or Asia, Australia is actually quite small.

Home to the world’s most dangerous wildlife

Australia is the habitat of some of the most dangerous animals in the world. From snakes and spiders to sharks and crocodiles, there are many deadly creatures that call this country home. However, these animals are not as dangerous as they may seem. In fact, only a handful of people are killed by animals each year in Australia.

Australians love gambling

Australians are big when it comes to gambling. Statistics show that more than 80 per cent of adults in the country take part in gambling of some kind. Specifically, around 4 per cent of the population play pokies once a week, which accounts for 62 per cent of the local's yearly gambling expenditure. Of course, online Australian casino is a popular choice for most of them.

No active volcano

It's also fun to know that Australia is the only continent without an active volcano. And, speaking of volcanoes, the world's largest monolith is found in the country. Mount Augustus, situated in Western part of the country, is twice the size of Uluru.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the planet’s biggest coral reef. It's home to over 1500 species of fish, including the clownfish made famous by Finding Nemo. The reef spans over 2000 kilometres and can be seen from outer space!

600 types of eucalyptus trees are found in Australia

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia and make up the majority of the country's tree population. There are more than 600 different species of eucalyptus trees in the country. Hence, they are an important part of Australian culture and history. They have been used by Aboriginal Australians for centuries as a source of food, medicine, and shelter.

Today, the eucalyptus tree is an iconic symbol of Australia. The tree is featured on the Australian 20-cent coin and is also known as the ‘gum tree’.

The Nullarbor Plain

This is a huge area of land that covers more than 200,000 square kilometres. It's one of the most isolated places on Earth, and it's also one of the driest. In fact, it hasn't received any significant rainfall in over five years. What's more, it's the world's largest area of limestone. It's also home to the world's biggest population of camels.

Australia is a true gem. No wonder, it is a dream travel destination for many. Visit the country to discover more about it.