Australia is a truly surprising place. Not only is it home to some of the cutest (and deadliest) animals on the planet, modern cities, and the world’s largest coral reef. Check out the best facts about Australia and don’t let yourself be surprised!

Even if you think you know a lot about Australia, we’ll try to surprise you! Ready for a compilation of fascinating facts straight from the land of kangaroos and koalas?

 

2.5km Uluru is underground

The massive rock of Uluru is located in the red centre of Australia, surrounded by scrub and sacred to the various Aboriginal tribes in the area. It is one of the few places on earth to have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site twice, both culturally and naturally. It is believed that around 2.5km of the rock is underground and is connected to the Olgas, where it re-emerges 16 miles further on.

Viewing Uluru at sunset is the best way to appreciate its stark beauty, and after dark the pitch-black sky reveals a multitude of twinkling stars. Uluru is easily accessible from Alice Springs, which can be reached by plane or as a stopover on the Ghan, the railway line from Adelaide to Darwin.

 

90% of Australians live on the coast

The large deserts of central Australia mean that the vast majority of the population live on the coasts of this vast country. The big cities of Perth, Sydney and Melbourne are iconic places to visit, with vibrant city centres and a wealth of beaches, from sandy Bondi to windsurfing-friendly Trigg. Beyond the main resorts, there are hundreds of smaller coastal towns where you can appreciate Australia’s beautiful coastline.

Explore Port Macquarie in New South Wales and catch your own dinner, or head to Queensland and discover the party scene at Airlie Beach. Australia’s island status means there are thousands of towns and beaches to surf, so… head to the coast.

 

Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world

The island of Tasmania is the perfect place to spend time outdoors – with air as clean as Antarctica, around a third of the island is a national park or World Heritage Site. It’s a walker’s paradise, with trails and paths winding across the island, and coastal paths revealing impressive views of Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires.

If walking isn’t your thing, enjoy kayaking, mountain biking, and exploring the island’s caves.

 

The Australian Alps have more snow than the Swiss Alps

While many people visit Australia for its great beaches and year-round sunshine, the Australian Alps, stretching between New South Wales and Victoria, are a true mecca for skiing enthusiasts. Snow usually falls there between June and September, meaning Australia is the perfect place to ski during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

Thredbo and Perisher are two major resorts near Canberra, with the latter being the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Blue Cow Mountain is one of the most popular areas, with a wide range of accommodation and skiing, as well as stunning views of the Alps.

 

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest ecosystem in the world

The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s pride and joy, made up of almost 2,500 individual reefs and… visible from space. It stretches halfway down the country’s eastern coast, meaning there are plenty of places to use as a starting point to explore this incredible, massive coral.

Cairns is the most popular city to start your reef tour from, but Townsville, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach all have great beaches and various tours that can take you to the reef. Snorkelling and diving among colourful fish and turtles is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Australia.

 

Australia has over 60 distinct wine regions

You can’t go to Australia and not sample some wine! With such a huge variety of wine regions, it’s hard to pick the best ones. Most wine regions are located in New South Wales and Victoria (making a road trip between Sydney and Melbourne – a journey through the best wines – ideal).

Take your time to explore the Southern Highlands, Tumbarumba and Alpine Valleys, one of Australia’s most scenic wine regions, producing wine from a variety of grapes from Sauvignon Vert to Chardonnay. Western Australia is also home to a number of wineries that can be reached from Perth, making it a great day trip out of town to enjoy Australia’s wine regions.

 

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world

The sandy shores of Fraser Island are a highlight of any trip to Queensland. Hervey Bay is the base for exploring the island, so hop on a boat and discover the delights of this island paradise – the clear blue waters of Lake MacKenzie surrounded by white sand and the tranquility of the Champagne Pools, where you can swim in shallow pools at the edge of the ocean. The island is home to 150 dingoes, so it’s a great chance to see one of Australia’s famous wild dogs, but keep your distance as they are wild animals and can be aggressive and frightened if approached.

 

The Indian Pacific train has the longest straight stretch of railway track in the world

Australia boasts some spectacular train journeys. Between Sydney and Perth is the Indian Pacific, a railway line that winds across the country through the magnificent Blue Mountains and into the rugged Flinders Ranges.

A stop in Adelaide is a must – enjoy the city’s great food, art museums and open spaces. The journey back out takes you across the Nullabor Plains for a straight stretch, then through the fertile Avon Valley to Perth. The Indian Pacific is a great way to see Australia’s diverse landscapes while enjoying a luxurious train service.

 

The Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous roads, with stunning views and scenic vistas along the route. Built by returning soldiers after World War I, the road was dedicated as a memorial to those who died in combat and was designed to connect isolated communities that clung to the edge of Victoria’s rugged coastline.

The Twelve Apostles are a famous sight on this winding route, but the Split Point Lighthouse, the charming towns of Port Fairy and the Apollo Bay surf coast are all equally beautiful places to visit. Between June and September, you can see whales migrating along the coast during the winter months. The road stretches between Torquay and Allansford, making it an ideal day trip between Melbourne and Adelaide.

 

80% of the animals that live there are unique to Australia

Australia’s animals are some of the most interesting in the world, from cuddly marsupials to a huge variety of birds. There are many ways to explore the country’s wildlife, from zoos and parks to watching these unique creatures in the wild.

Kangaroos are easy to spot in the fields and farmlands of New South Wales, but koalas are a little more elusive, so if you want to see them in the wild, we recommend having a guide showing you where they often hide. Sydney Wildlife World in the city centre is another great place to see all the animals in one place.

Australia is a place just waiting for you to discover all its secrets. Take a trip and see for yourself if these facts are true! We hope you enjoy your Australian holiday!