Monuments in Australia with names. The most beautiful places in Australia

June 3 is Australia's founding day. We advise you to go on a trip in the summer and see a lot interesting places fifth continent.

1. Uluru. This orange-brown rock, towering in the middle of the desert, is a true symbol of Australia. This rock has been a place of worship for the natives since ancient times, and this is not surprising. After all, the rock consists of red sandstone, which miraculously changes color depending on the lighting, so it looks like different time days differently. In addition, many springs flow from under the mountain, which is amazing for a desert and the only place where you can find water for tens of kilometers in the area.

2. Great Barrier Reef . This reef is the largest coral reef in the world, so it is - favorite place divers. Actually, the Great Barrier Reef consists of more than 2900 small reefs surrounded by offshore islands. Nowhere else is there such a natural ecosystem in which many corals (more than 400 species), fish, including several species of sharks, and sea turtles coexist. This reef is visible even from space and is the largest structure created by living organisms.

3. Kakadu National Park . It is cultural and natural monument Australia. The park is surrounded on all sides by mountains, has a vast territory, equal in area to the territory of Israel. Kakadu Park has a unique nature, it is inhabited by animals and plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And the animals of Australia themselves are the pride of the continent, because all the known marsupials on Earth are its inhabitants.

4. tasmania island is one of the Australian states. This is real earthly paradise. Tasmania has preserved rainforests, which are home to two-thirds of the animals that inhabit the planet. It is believed that the forests of Tasmania are home to up to a million species of living creatures not yet known to science. The island is home to such rare species as the marsupial marten and the wombat, the largest burrowing mammal on Earth. The island is also famous for the tallest eucalyptus trees in the world. In Tasmania, eucalyptus trees grow up to a hundred meters high. An impressive sight!

5. Port of Sydney. It is here that the famous Sydney Opera House, which has become a UNESCO heritage, and the Sydney Botanic Gardens are located. The Opera House attracts not only connoisseurs of vocal art, but also lovers of interesting architecture. This unique building will be remembered by the traveler for its majesty and unusualness. On three sides, the theater is surrounded by water, and the roof of the tetra resembles either huge sails or the wings of a giant swan. The theater boasts the largest curtain in the world and the largest organ. The theater building covers an area of ​​more than two hectares.

6. sydney aquarium . Recently opened after renovation, the aquarium is one of the main attractions of Australia. This amazing collection of ocean creatures has about 13,000 animals. Here, in conditions close to natural and convenient for viewing by people, both giant sharks and turtles, as well as thousands of species of fish, rays, crabs live. The aquarium is built so that sharks and other terrible inhabitants of the ocean swim in close proximity to visitors. These deliver a lot of thrills! More than $10 million has been spent on refurbishing this giant aquarium.

7. Purnululu National Park . This park can only be reached during the dry season and only by off-road vehicles, but these inconveniences will be rewarded by the contemplation of the amazing striped rocks. Alternating bands of gray and orange sandstone attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to these places.

8. sydney tower . On this tower you can visit observation deck, which is located at an altitude of 305 meters. It offers a beautiful view of the city. The tower has a restaurant, and for the most courageous - Sky Walk. This is a walk along the glass corridor at an altitude of 260 meters. The floor in the corridor is also transparent!

9. pink lake Hillier . Located in Western Australia and is another mystery of the continent unsolvable by scientists. The fact is that it is still completely incomprehensible what gives the water a pink color. Previously, there was an opinion that these were some special algae, but this conjecture failed - there are no algae in the lake at all.

10. Horizontal waterfall at Talbot Bay . This amazing waterfall not only falls horizontally, but also changes the direction of the water flow several times a day. This invariably delights all tourists. The secret of the waterfall is in a very narrow distance between two rocks, between which the water is squeezed. And given the powerful tides in the bay, everything becomes scientifically explainable. But still incredible!

Australia is an amazing and unfamiliar place for Europeans. After all, you see, except for a kangaroo and a marsupial bear, nothing immediately comes to mind. But, in fact, there are many miracles on this continent.

In addition, there are several other interesting places that you should definitely visit. For convenience, here - can be used to quickly find the desired object.

Lichfield National Park

It is located in the North of Australia, not far from the city of Darwin. Was founded in 1986. It is named after Fred Lichfeed, the discoverer of these lands. The area of ​​the park is 1500 square kilometers. Lichfield draws attention amazing landscapes, as well as unique plant species and a wide variety of animals, birds and fish. The main attractions of the park are the waterfalls, the lost city, and the magnetic and cathedral mounds.

Ford Discovery Center

The famous Museum of Australia, located in the city of Giglong. It opened at the end of the 20th century. The exhibition is dedicated to Ford cars. It consists of two floors, on which cars of different years are placed, thereby describing the history of the development of the automotive industry of this model. The museum also has a cinema hall and a playground for themed games, which makes it more creative. This center will definitely be of interest to car enthusiasts, as in it you can get acquainted with the manufacture and design of cars.

stone wave

Rock located in Western Australia. It got its name because of its unusual shape, reminiscent of a sea wave. It was formed almost 60 million years ago. The height of the rock is fifteen meters, the length is one hundred and ten meters. It is made up of granite. A feature of the attraction is the color change depending on the time of day. Thus, it can be seen in reds, grays and yellows.

Royal Flying Doctor Service

The idea of ​​​​creating the world's first aeromedical organization belongs to the priest John Flynn, who was worried that in remote communities of Australia, parishioners do not receive proper medical care, and often get sick and die. And in 1928, the Flying Doctor organization appeared in the city of Alice Springs. In the first year of operation, 50 sorties were made with a total length of 20,000 miles. But until the 1960s, the Flying Doctor was forced to lease planes and hire pilots and maintenance personnel. Later, with the help of the government, the organization acquired its aircraft and workers. Now this organization has created a whole network of health points to serve patients in the farthest corners of Australia, and is the largest medical aviation organization, without which life in many of the Australian outbacks would be difficult.

Fitzroy Island

Approximately 10 thousand years ago, a flood from the melting of glaciers flooded the valley between the island and the mainland, and Fitzroy Island was formed 30 kilometers from present-day Cairns. He received his name in 1778 from the discoverer James Cook. Surrounded by coral reefs and lush vegetation, the island is perfect for underwater sports and recreation. The island is inhabited by the Gungunji tribe, who are engaged in hunting and fishing, as well as pearling. Interestingly, the island has an almost exact copy of it, a small “twin brother” called Little Fitzroy, with amazing flora and fauna and a small lighthouse on top. Even more amazing is that in the diverse fauna of Fitzroy, poisonous animals are completely absent, which makes it very attractive for outdoor recreation. Today the island is used as a unique nature reserve where several different ecosystems coexist peacefully.

Australia Bicentenary Park

In 1988, Australia celebrated its 200th anniversary with the opening of a national park. The construction of the park also solved the problem of removing 47.4 hectares of landfill. 53 hectares of water areas on the Parramatta River were taken under protection. Now there is a zone for the most diverse recreation, and 100 hectares body of water included in the list natural heritage. There are many attractions in the park: Belvedere Lake, Lattice Tower, Monument of Peace and Sundial, Memorial Complex"Silent Hearts". To the east, Powells Creek runs through scenic countryside, and Homebush Bay is home to numerous animal species.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

It was founded in 1880. In 1897, the Gallery in Sydney's Domain Park was officially opened, which today is the largest public gallery in Sydney and the fourth largest in Australia. In 1897, Vernon designed the current Classicist gallery building, and has been constantly expanded ever since. The gallery's collection includes a wide range of Australian art, European and Asian art, including photography, Native and Torres Island art, prints and drawings from the late Renaissance, and of course contemporary art.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

In 1987, an unusual butterfly sanctuary was opened in the town of Kuranda, with more than 1,500 specimens that are grown right on the spot. The nature of the tropical forest is completely recreated in the reserve: lush vegetation, water streams with waterfalls, tropical plants of incredible beauty and color. Since its opening, more than a million tourists have visited the reserve. The world's largest Herculean moth lives here; "Cairns Birdwing", an iridescent butterfly with a fluorescent glow; Ulysses, whose image has become an informal symbol of North Queensland. The reserve has a museum displaying butterflies from all over the world.

Australian Museum

First public museum natural history and anthropology, rightfully considered oldest museum Australia. It was opened in Sydney in 1827, and was called the Colonial Museum. The Australian Museum received its modern name only in 1836. Then it was located in the post office building, and moved to a modern building designed by architect James Barnet in 1857. Since that time, it has been renovated several times. The museum has collections that introduce exhibits of animals, mineralogy, paleontology, anthropology. A scientific study of the culture and history of the indigenous population is being conducted.

Western Australia Aquarium

The idea of ​​​​creating a terrestrial underwater world belongs to Maurice Kahn, who injured his eardrums while diving in the Hallariz Boat Bay and was forced to temporarily abandon diving. Then he decided to move part of the life of the ocean to the shore so that everyone who cannot dive could enjoy it. In 1991, he bought the Underwater World park in Perth, and in its place built a huge aquarium in which he reproduced the life of the flora and fauna of the underwater life of Western Australia. The aquarium features 5 different ecosystems showcasing amazing marine animals, unique devil fish, ancient Coral reefs and many fantastic life forms of the inhabitants of the deep.

Brisbane Botanical Garden

The opening of the Botanical Garden (originally the Mount Kutta Garden) took place in 1976. Covers an area of ​​52 hectares, has a large number of thematic expositions: Cactus Garden, Japanese Garden, Tropical Dome, Bonsai Garden, rainforest, Fern Alley and many others. The Japanese garden, which is made of Australian plants, but with strict observance of Japanese canons, is especially distinguished by its attractiveness. A special attraction of the garden are stones depicting mountains and symbolizing the eternity of time.

Hyde Park

Australia's first park was founded by Sydney Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1810. Previously, the park was used exclusively for sporting events and training of army units, and became public only in 1856. It got its name by analogy with London's Hyde Park. On an area of ​​16 hectares, there are several gardens, including 580 species of trees, especially the beautiful fig trees. Sights include huge chess pieces and the Archibald Fountain (architect François Sicard), donated to Australia for heroism in the First World War. The park has a ban on alcohol.

Art Gallery of South Australia

It was established in 1881 and has been constantly updated and expanded ever since. Until 1967 it was called National Gallery South Australia". Located in the state of South Australia in Adelaide, and is considered the second in the number of artworks after the state of Victoria. On this moment the gallery has about 35,000 works. Since 1996 it has been housed in a new Victorian building. The gallery constantly holds exhibitions, every 3 years the expositions are updated.

Jenolan Caves

On the slopes of the Blue Mountains, in the Genolane region, there are extraordinary limestone caves, discovered in 1841 by a fugitive convict hiding from the authorities, but for a quarter of a century they did not arouse public interest. At the end of the 19th century, Jeremy Wilson, inflamed with a passion for extraordinary limestone sculptures, settled in caves for 35 years and devoted himself entirely to their study. In 1866, due to the rush of tourists, the Jenolan Caves were taken under state protection, funds were allocated for their research, but their total length is still unknown and some of them have not been studied.

Government Building

The Australian Government Building was built in Sydney in 1835 and is one of the architectural monuments Sydney. It was originally intended for the residence of the governor and government meetings, but today it is used only for government receptions. The building was built in a romantic neo-Gothic style, the interior houses portraits and costumes of the former inhabitants, and today it is more like a museum. Since 1996, the government has moved to the more modest building of the General Secretary.

Hyde Park Barracks

They were designed by the architect Francis Greenaway and opened in 1819 to house convicted men awaiting sentencing. From 1848-1886, the building housed the Immigration Station for women moving to Australia in search of work. Since the end of the 20th century, court sessions have been held here and state administrative and legal institutions have been located. After a major refurbishment in 1981, the barracks were turned into a museum and listed as a public treasure in Australia and World Heritage UNESCO.

Lamington National Park

It was established in 1915 and named after the Governor of Queensland. The park is located between New South Wales and Cleveland, on the plateau of the same name, which is part of the ancient extinct volcano Tweed, over 23 million years old. The virgin protected nature determines the composition of the flora and fauna, some of which live only on the Lamington Plateau and do not exist anywhere else on the planet. The true miracle of the park is represented by about 500 waterfalls cascading into a vertical canyon.

National Park "Naravtapu"

It was renamed to "Asbestovy Ridges", but in 2000 it returned to its original name. Amazingly peaceful place wildlife and clean sea ​​waters, real paradise for wild inhabitants of the plains and forests. Several dozen species of birds live here, there are kangaroos, philanders, wombats. All animals are very friendly, and allow you to approach them at a minimum distance, but feeding them is strictly prohibited. The park is also home to the largest colony of the Tasmanian devil. Here you can ride a horse and take walks, however, only with an escort.

Freycinet National Park

oldest of national parks Tasmania, along with Mount Field, was founded in 1916. The park is located on the peninsula of the same name, in the stunning beauty of Wineglass Bay, whose beaches are considered one of the the best beaches peace. The Tasmanian devil was once a local inhabitant, but today its population is very small. The vacated niche was occupied by various types of marsupials. The park's attractions include rock formations made of red and pink granite, as well as jagged peaks lined up and dubbed "Danger".

Skyscraper Q1

The skyscraper Q1 (which means No. 1) has a height of 322.5 m. The opening took place in the fall of 2005, and it still remains the highest residential building on the globe, and of the high-rise buildings of the Southern continent, it is second only to the Sky Tower, located in New Zealand. For the price of rooms, it is one of the most expensive houses in the world. To give Q1 maximum strength, 26 piles with a diameter of up to 2 m were driven in. The skyscraper has a swimming pool, a gym, and its own stage. At 230 meters above the ground there is an observation platform that can accommodate up to 400 people.

Burley Griffin Lake and James Cook Memorial

An artificial lake located in the center of the city of Canberra and being its main decoration and cultural and historical center. The lake opened on October 17, 1964, although its design began in the 1920s. In the center of the lake, a grandiose fountain rises daily, 147 meters high, which is part of the James Cook memorial. Sometimes the fountain is illuminated with illumination. The memorial also includes a model of the Earth, on which are marked routes of three Cook's expeditions.

Amusement park "Dreamworld"

Theme park Australia. The founder is John Longhurst. The amusement park began its work in 1981. To date, it presents twenty-seven amazing attractions that amaze with their diversity, including four types of roller coasters. Fans of extreme sports will like such entertainments as the Tower of Terror or the motto jump. Children can meet their favorite cartoons. In addition, the park has a zoo with many species of animals. The park will appeal to both kids and adults.

Australian Parliament

The supreme legislative body of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is located in the capital of Australia - Canberra. The Parliament began its activity at the beginning of the 20th century. It consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The parliament building looks modern. An interesting triangular structure is placed on its roof. It is interesting that the Parliament is underground. In addition, an unusual phenomenon is free entrance meetings where even tourists are allowed to attend. Also in the Parliament you can visit the gallery of paintings of prime ministers and see with your own eyes one of the copies of the Magna Carta.

Sydney Luna Park

Amusement park, which is under state protection. It is located on the cape Milsons Point. Attractions are represented by roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and a wide variety of carousels. In addition, costumed performances are often held in the park, which will not leave anyone indifferent. You can also buy souvenirs in a small shop there. The opening hours of the park may vary depending on the days of the week and holidays.

sydney museum

Australia's oldest museum It was founded in the first half of the 19th century and is located on College Street. Museum exhibitions are devoted to history and anthropology. To date, it has more than eighteen million cultural and scientific objects, which are sorted by department. Many of the exhibits are designed for a children's audience and, therefore, it is allowed to contact them. In addition to exhibitions, the museum is engaged in research work.

Arts Center "Araluen"

A kind of art gallery in Australia. The center was founded in the second half of the 20th century. This center is located in Alice Springs. It is divided into four galleries and a theater. The specificity of the gallery is that it exhibits works by Aboriginal artists from Central Australia, as well as works by contemporary artists. The main part of the exhibition is the work of Albert Namatjir, who promotes the work of the natives.

Wine Center Australia

A kind of wine museum that opened fifteen years ago in Adelaide. It acquaints its visitors with the development processes and a set of techniques for making wine. A distinctive feature is the active use of modern technology, such as holograms. The building itself is very original and attracts attention. Its walls look like bottle storage boxes. Various types of vineyards grow around the museum. There are a huge number of varieties of different wines. Wine lovers will definitely enjoy this museum as there are wine tasting tours.

Flinders Street Station

oldest railroad station in Australia. It is located in the center of Melbourne city. The station began its existence at the beginning of the 20th century. Every day, about one and a half thousand trains pass through it. The station building is recognizable. It used to be printed on postcards. The attraction of the station is the clock hanging at the main entrance to the building. The locals use it as a popular meeting place.

Yarra River Valley

Recognized as a famous wine region in Australia. The climate of the territory allows the cultivation of different varieties of grapes. A huge number of tourists come to taste the unique Australian wine. But there are other entertainments in the valley, such as visiting the reserve, waterfalls, galleries and markets. You can also fly there hot-air balloon and admire the beautiful bird's eye view.

Fremantle Arts House

Cultural institution of Australia, which has been operating since 1972 and is a kind of museum. It works on several profiles. Exhibitions, music lectures, and courses are organized there. Today, the house of arts, attracts everything more tourists. Summer concerts are popular, where you can hear the performances of popular bands.

Seal Bay Reserve

The habitat of the last colony of sea lions, which has been under state protection since the seventies of the XX century. Tourists can visit the reserve both independently and with a guide. In closed access are areas where seals nurse their cubs. In addition to sea lions, you can see kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and opossums in the park.

Henbury Meteorites Preserve

Located in the south of Australia northern territory. The reserve shows the places of collision with the earth of meteorites. Craters were discovered at the end of the 19th century, but at first they did not attach much importance to them. They attracted attention to themselves at the beginning of the 20th century, when a meteorite fell again. Then began a comprehensive study of the collision areas.

Perth Zoo

It was founded at the end of the 19th century and has never been closed during its existence. It is divided into three parts, in which natural climatic conditions for animals. In the Australian zone, you can see black swans, cormorants, turtles, crocodiles, ostriches, kangaroos and marsupial anteater. In the zone of the African savannas, there is an acquaintance with lions, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, rhinos and many others. The Asian rainforest zone is home to endangered animals such as red pandas, elephants, tigers and many more. In addition to exhibitions, the zoo is engaged in breeding animals and growing various types of plants.

Queensland Center for the Performing Arts

It was opened thirty years ago. It is located in the center of Queensland. The center consists of a lyric theater and a concert hall, which can accommodate a huge number of people. There are frequent concerts, ballet, opera, and award ceremonies. The attraction of the arts center is the organ, which consists of six thousand five hundred and sixty-six pipes.

kingscote

Most Big City on Kangaroo Island. The city was founded in 1836. In the same year, a mulberry tree was planted, which still bears fruit. Today, the population of the city is about one thousand eight hundred people. Among the attractions can be noted a museum called "House of Hope". It details the history of the island. You can also visit a dairy, a cheese factory and a eucalyptus oil factory.

Royal Botanic Garden Tasmania

Located near the center of Hobart. The garden continues its existence for one hundred and ninety-eight years. Unique plants are located on an area of ​​fourteen hectares. Some plants are the same age as the garden and are endangered. Special climatic conditions have been created for them. IN royal garden you can see the largest collection of coniferous trees, a greenhouse with fountains, as well as a pond with lilies.

Captain Cook's Cottage

One of the main Australian attractions. It is located in the city of Melbourne. The house was built at the end of the 18th century in England, but at the beginning of the 20th century it was transported to Australia. It is known that it belonged to the parents of the famous conqueror of the seas. The captain himself only occasionally stayed in it, coming to visit his relatives. The house is surrounded by a garden, made in the English style. To date, the cottage is a museum, which contains everything related to the traveler Cook.

Queensland Museum

Location - Brisbane, Australia. Modern exhibition complex consisting of five floors. In 2003, it was completely refurbished after the flood. Entrance to the museum is free. In the museum you can see various exhibits, ranging from dinosaurs to models of tanks and aircraft. The Museum has a tropical area where you can see exhibits of Australian animals and reptiles. There are slot machines on the first floor, this is the only paid part of the exhibition, here children are offered to learn new things, solve riddles.

Museum of South Australia

The South Australian Museum is notable for the fact that large skeletons of whales flaunt in the window on the side of both entrances. The museum is located on six floors of the Northern Terrace. Contains more than three thousand exhibits, including a huge collection of minerals and meteorites. The museum has been working on the collection for about 150 years. Here you can see stuffed animals and birds, including extinct ones. The hall with ancient Egyptian culture is popular. The museum contains many pieces of Aboriginal art.

Circular Key promenade

Semi-circular embankment in the northern part of Sydney. In the ports on the embankment, ferries flaunt that depart to different parts of the city, as well as boats that take you on excursions around the bay. Various events, carnivals and processions take place here. Along the perimeter of the entire embankment are tallest skyscrapers, business centers and towers. Sydney's only surface railway station is located here, the rest are underground. Walking along the embankment, you can see the City Library and the Museum of Modern Art.

National Zoo and Aquarium

Location - Canberra, Australia, next to Lake Barley Griffin. The aquarium is located on the territory of the zoo. It is inhabited by various species of tropical fish, sharks, freshwater, reptiles in large numbers. The zoo itself has animals both local and imported from other countries. From the locals you can see a kangaroo, a koala, a dingo dog. A large number of predators - tigers, lions, cheetahs, leopards. It is possible to feed a tiger, a bear or a dingo dog.

National Carillon (Chimes)

This is one of the largest and, perhaps, the most unique belfry, located in the capital of Australia and consisting of 55 bells. The fifty-meter giant appeared in Canberra as a gift from the British government in the second half of the 20th century and quickly gained worldwide fame. The uniqueness of the Carillon lies in its very design. The creators of this marvel placed triangular columns on a base that is quite narrow, but nevertheless stable. The bells themselves are located in only one of the three columns and weigh from six kilograms to six tons.

Nitmiluk National Park

The territory of the park is made up of thirteen gorges formed several million years ago. In such ancient place In Australia, you can find the remains of rock art, admire the reddish slopes and even canoe along the gorges. Since ancient times, Nitmiluk (or Katerin - as it was called before) has been known as an inexhaustible source of fresh water, so attractive to travelers, cattle breeders, and farmers.

Dandenong National Park

Walking through this park is a real journey into the past. After all, the entire territory here is dotted with thickets of ferns, some species of which can boast a hundred million years of history. You can also see eucalyptus groves here. Dandenong received the status of a national park only in 1987, although it has existed for much longer, and boasts not only rich flora, but also fauna. Koalas, lyrebirds, numerous parrots, and even the Tasmanian devil will not leave anyone indifferent!

Finke Gorge National Park

Relatively "young" national park was created in 1920 and named after the philanthropist William Fincke. The park stretches for almost 500 kilometers and attracts tourists and local residents with its desert and palm oases. You can admire in the Finke Gorge not only natural beauties - there are also several old buildings - a Lutheran church, on the basis of which a museum was created, and a school. Tourists are usually offered not only walks in the park, but also acquaintance with the legends of the ancient tribes that once inhabited this territory.

Cottsloe

A small town in Australia is also the hometown of the head of the Australian government, John Curtin. There is still a house on that street, the territory of which is provided for walking, and the house, by the way, was built by him back in 1923. The population in the city is small - 7000 people. The city is popular for its beaches, small cafe atmosphere and leisurely life. Houses in which the population lives occupy almost the entire city, and the commercial zone stretches along the entire length of the highway.

Monkey Mia

A resort in Australia located on the territory marine park which is quite popular among tourists. The main attraction is that there is a chance to feed the dolphins, who happily approach the beach, with the hope of tasting a new treat, for 40 years now. The resort is also a laboratory for studying the general biological aspects of dolphin life.

Port Philip Marine Park

Square located near Melbourne. Its area is 35.8 sq. km. The territory of the park is divided into six sectors: Swan Bay, an island, and two capes. In the bay, navigation is quite developed, which does not affect the ecology of these areas in the most favorable way. At the beginning of the XXl century, a park was built to protect the inhabitants of the waters of the bay. At 5 kilometers from the town of Portsea is the "Eye of the Bishop" - the foundation of the fortification at the entrance to the bay.

Victoria Bridge

Bridge located in Australia, designed for movement by car and on foot. It is divided into three roads, the first is for transportation, the second is for pedestrians, and the third is for cycling. The bridge unites the Park " South Shore" And Cultural Center Queensland with the center located on the waterfront. The bridge was opened in 1969 and is still in operation today.

Bridge "Story"

Bridge connecting the banks of the river. John, who was a builder at the time, was persuaded by the state to build the bridge. The name of the crossing was given in honor of John Douglas, at that time a well-known politician. Scientist Roger Hawken wanted to build a set of bridges along the river, construction began in the 40s of the nineteenth century. At the end of the 20th century, traffic on the bridge was suspended, and passers-by could safely mark the date of 50 years from the date the first bridge was built. Eleven years ago, for the first time in history, climbing competitions began to take place on the bridge, and now any of the travelers can feel like a rock climber and even receive an award.

Australia is one most interesting countries for tourists. Combination of unique natural objects, National parks, Aboriginal cultural monuments, modern architectural gems - beautiful places in Australia can be listed indefinitely. Among them there are several natural and man-made objects that can be called symbols of the country, and this primarily concerns the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is unique natural object, a beautiful place listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. The BBR is considered an underwater mecca for divers around the world. It stretches along the entire east coast of Australia and consists of the most beautiful coral reefs (about 2900) and atolls (more than 300).

Gorgeous beaches, amazing tropical nature, beautiful undersea world reef - amazingly beautiful corals of bizarre shapes, colorful fish of all kinds do not leave anyone indifferent. The BBR is a reserve for marine animals and birds of rare breeds. It is in this incomparable place in Australia that the most beautiful shells are found, reaching a weight of more than 200 kg!

Sydney - the pearl of Australia

Sydney, although not the capital of Australia, is considered the most beautiful city in the country. It harmoniously combines advanced technologies and natural beauty. In the neighborhood of the skyscrapers of the City, there are many parks and green spaces, which is only worth the Royal Botanical Garden located on 34 hectares!

Excellent beaches and a picturesque promenade, magically glowing with neon at night, numerous museums and art galleries, beautiful places, restaurants and bars inviting you to enjoy the original Australian cuisine.

The visiting card of the city - Sydney Opera theatre, a majestic building, as if sailing under full sail along the coastal waves, is recognized as one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in Australia and the world. Its roof, shaped like 4 shells, is covered with millions of tiles that, in different lighting conditions, create an indescribable and constantly changing color picture.

Its theatrical curtain made by French masters is the largest in the world. First place and a huge mechanical organ concert hall, it consists of 10500 pipes.

Kakadu National Park

Another a nice place Australia - Kakadu Park, which got its name from the name of the language of the local aborigines. It occupies about 20 thousand km 2 and is home not only to rare plants and animals, but also to 500 indigenous Australians. Steep cliffs, bewitching with their impregnability, frame and protect the landscapes of this place.

On the territory of the park there are caves and sites of ancient aborigines. rock painting The ancient Australian peoples are considered the best in the world and date back to 18 thousand years.

The beauty of the Australian Kakadu Park is in its nature. Everything around looks as if a human foot has never set foot on these hills, no one has wandered in virgin forests, no one has drunk water from numerous rivers and reservoirs.

Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains are one of the most beautiful places in the world. The park got its name due to a rare optical phenomenon - sunlight is refracted on drops of oil from huge eucalyptus trees that cover most of the mountains, and acquires a delicate blue hue that turns the mountain range into a beautiful mirage.

Trees characteristic of the tropical zone of Australia grow in the park: acacia, mint, tree ferns, blue eucalyptus. The fauna is represented by the majority of marsupials - gray and mountain kangaroos, opossums, swamp wallabies. There are also many beautiful tropical birds.

The most popular places in the park are observation platforms that offer a view of the valleys, the famous rocks of the Three Sisters, which were named in the legends of the natives, Echo Gorge.

Underground city Coober Pedy

Opals of unique beauty were mined and mined in Australia. The first prospectors developing the mines were so tired of the 50-degree heat of the desert that they decided to place their dwellings in the old exhausted mines. Underground, the temperature rarely reached above 20-25 0 C, and the miners' families perfectly took root underground, organizing the city of Coober Pedy, which became the world capital of opal mining.

The city is fully equipped for a comfortable life. Its tunnels housed restaurants, a museum, shops, pottery workshops and even an Orthodox church. The only cave hotel in the world, Desert Cave, is also located in this place. Beautiful and surreal desert landscapes and original underground houses have become the setting for many famous science fiction films.

Reserved Island Tasmania

Tasmania is the most beautiful place in Australia, it is a separate state on the island, which is a wildlife sanctuary for more than 50% of its territory. Due to the significant elevation above sea level, the island has created a unique climate for evergreens and other plants that can be found only in Australia and in a few places in the southern hemisphere.

Many unique animals and birds live on the island - the Tasmanian devil, the Tasmanian marsupial wolf, the orange-bellied parrot, etc.

You can talk a lot about the beautiful places in Australia, each of them is interesting and attractive in its own way. Sometimes one gets the impression that even a lifetime is not enough to enjoy all the beauties of this mysterious and distant country.

Australia is not only an interesting country, but also a whole continent. It is quite simple to visit there, but first you should study the peculiarities of culture, the best sights and opportunities for pastime - this will allow you to relax in comfort in any season.

Briefly about Australia

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere on the mainland of the same name. About 24,067,700 people live here, and the territory of the state is 7,692,024 km 2. Desert areas, large modern megacities, tourist areas, local farms, rivers and much more are spread on this area.

Australia has a hot and dry climate

Thanks to its distinctive culture, an abundance of attractions and ample opportunities for a varied holiday, tourists from all over the world seek Australia.

Full official name of the country

In advertising, tourism, information sources, as well as in colloquial speech, the country and the continent on which it is located are called Australia. The full official name of the state is the Commonwealth of Australia. This combination is used in political, scientific documents and other similar situations.

Capital and geography of the country

Australia ranks sixth in the world in terms of area and includes the mainland and several islands: Tasmania, Cartier and Ashmore, Christmas Island, McDonald, Heard, Cocos Islands and others. The eastern and northern coasts of the country are washed by the small seas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans: Coral, Tasmanovo, Arafura. Along the northeast coast of the continent stretches the most famous coral reef in the world - the Great Barrier Reef.


Australia is the smallest continent, most of which is occupied by deserts.

Canberra, with a population of 391,645, is the country's capital and has a satellite town of Quinbian. The Australian Capital Territory also includes Namadji National Park and a small agricultural area.

What language is spoken in Australia

Several languages ​​are spoken throughout the country. Australian English is the official language. It differs from international English, as it appeared as a result of the transformation of British English by the inhabitants of the colonies of Australia. There are also people here who speak Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin and Spanish.

Currency in the state

The country has its own currency - the Australian dollar (AUD). This monetary unit is divided into 100 cents and is valid on the continent and islands.


Dollars are valid throughout the country

Before traveling, you can exchange another currency for Australian dollars or purchase these currencies directly in the country. Payment by credit card is also available.

Religion in Australia

There is no official religion in the state - it is multi-confessional. One of the largest religions is Catholicism, which is followed by about 25.3% of the population. The canons of Anglicanism are followed by 17.1%, Buddhism is practiced by 2.5% of the population, Islam by 2.2%, Hinduism by 1.3%. Non-religious are 22.3% of the inhabitants.

Time zone and time

There are several time zones in the country:

  • UTC+8 - in Western Australia;
  • UTC + 9:30 - in Northern (year-round), South Australia (April - October), part of the state of New South Wales (April - October), Yankovinna district and the city of Broken Hill;
  • UTC+10 - in Queensland (all year), the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria (April - October).

  • Several villages in Western Australia use UTC+8:45

    Some areas of the country switch to daylight saving time and time zones change to UTC+10:30 and UTC+11. In winter, the difference between Sydney and Moscow is +8 hours.

    The best places for tourism

    The hot and dry climate of the country does not prevent it from becoming popular for tourism. There are several cities and regions that are especially frequented by travelers. This is due to the fact that the infrastructure is highly developed here, there are famous sights and ample opportunities for recreation.

    In Australia, the following places are worth visiting:

  • Sydney, located on Port Jackson Bay, is the largest and oldest city in the country. From the height of the Sydney Tower, you can see the modern neighborhoods, while the Thoronga Zoo, the aquarium, the opal factory, the Museum of History and many other places will make walking around the city extremely exciting. You can try local cuisine in restaurants of different levels.
    The oldest in Australia, but at the same time ultra-modern Sydney is a city of contrasts
  • Canberra is located in the central part of the continent, closer to the southeast coast. Tourists visit here the Australian War Memorial, the Black Mountain National Botanical Garden, Haig Park, old mansions, and the dinosaur museum. In the central part of the city there is an artificial reservoir and the fountain "Captain Cook".

    On the streets of Canberra there are many modern buildings immersed in greenery.
  • Melbourne is considered the cleanest, most cultural and modern city in Australia. There is Port Campbell Park, Lock Ard Gorge, museums and shopping centers, and the surrounding area is accessible on the vintage Puffing Billy train. Restaurants and hotels offer a high level of service.
    Ancient buildings on the streets of Melbourne are hiding in the shadow of skyscrapers
  • The city of Perth, which is in the south-west of the country, is younger than Melbourne, but business and night life is in full swing here, various exhibitions and conferences are held, there are casinos, famous restaurants and shopping centers. One of the most popular activities in Perth is diving. In coastal waters, you can meet with a whale shark, whose diet consists of plankton - a person is too tough for her. The petrified forests and gorges along the Fitzroy River are also attractive travel destinations.
    Perth - a city of millionaires and a developed economic center
  • From Alice Springs, located in the north of the country, many hiking trips and excursions to gorges, lakes and abysses begin. Here you can look at the "ghost town" Arltang - it was abandoned by the locals during the "gold rush".

    Aboriginal village and sacred sites near Alice Springs
  • Not far from the small town of Darwin - the capital of the Australian northern region - are the most picturesque national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield. You can also take a tour of Katherine Gorge, visit the Gallery of Aboriginal Art and Culture, the Military Museum, a farm with combed crocodiles, and the Darwin Botanical Garden.
    In modern Darwin there are memorials, museums and a monument from the First and Second World Wars.
  • Famous landmarks of Australia

    Cultural objects, architectural masterpieces, interesting entertainment centers, natural wonders - all this is in Australia. When planning a trip, it is better to plan a route in advance, choosing the most preferred places to visit.

    natural attractions

    The following natural objects have gained the greatest popularity:

  • The Great Barrier Reef is a world famous natural site, the largest on the planet and consisting of 2900 reefs and 900 islands in the Coral Sea. It stretches along the northeastern coast of the continent and reaches 2500 km. Pleasure boats equipped with special viewing windows regularly go here.
    The reef is huge and is a popular tourist attraction.
  • The sacred mountain of the natives - Uluru or Ayers Rock - is the second most popular attraction in Australia, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. An oval rock with a flat top, formed as a result of erosion, is located southwest of the city of Alice Springs. Aboriginal ritual drawings have been preserved in the local caves.
    At sunrise and in the rays of the setting sun, Ayers Rock seems to light up with a mystical scarlet flame.
  • In the state of Victoria, on the Great Ocean Road, there is a famous group of limestone rocks called the 12 Apostles. They are huge pillars on the coast, formed from limestone by the force of the waves. There are not 12, but 8. The ninth building collapsed in 2005 under the onslaught of the water element.
    Natural formations carved by water and wind look very impressive
  • To admire the amazing natural landscapes and get acquainted with rare animals, birds and reptiles, tourists from different countries come to Kakadu National Park. There are two caves here, the walls of which are decorated with rock paintings dating back about 18,000 years.
    The national park got its name thanks to the Kakadu tribe, who have lived in the thick of virgin forests since ancient times.
  • The Great Ocean Road stretches along the coast of Victoria for 243 km. Although there is a hiking route that is in demand for tourism, it is better to travel by rented car or tourist bus. Along the way, you can see a variety of natural features, such as the Lock Ard Ridge, the Shipwreck Coast and the London Arch.
    The road runs along the coast through beautiful countryside.
  • Horizontal waterfalls are located in the northwestern part of the continent, namely in Talbot Bay. Waterfalls are not permanent, but occur only when tidal currents act for a long time. As a result, powerful streams of water rush through the narrow clefts of the rocks, creating the effect of a waterfall.
    In Talbot Bay, you can go boating or enjoy the wonderful views from the helicopter window.
  • Cultural attractions

    In addition to natural sites, Australia is famous for its architectural and cultural attractions. One of the most famous is the Sydney Opera House. The structure is made in the form of a sea shell and is located on the shores of Sydney Bay. Concerts, exhibitions and other events are regularly held here.


    The building of the Sydney Opera House has long been a hallmark of Australia.

    The museum, located in the building of the former Port Arthur prison in Tasmania, offers historical exhibitions of those times when prisoners lived here. Well-groomed and beautiful area creates a contrast with the interior.


    It was almost impossible to escape from this prison, and one of the most sophisticated tortures was a long-term stay in solitary confinement in deathly silence and darkness.

    St. Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne, built in the 19th century, is a large Anglican church. The ancient building, contrasting with modern skyscrapers, has a majestic view, rich history and is made in the Gothic architectural style.


    While walking around Melbourne, you should look at St. Paul's Cathedral, famous for its organ

    At the Queensland Zoo you can see many rare animals and birds, as well as witness a show with crocodiles. All conditions for pleasant walks are created here, and local cafes offer dishes of national cuisine.


    Crocodiles are the main inhabitants of the zoo in Queensland

    In Melbourne, there is the National Sports Museum, which contains everything related to the history of the development of various sports in Australia. It hosts exhibitions dedicated to the winter and summer Olympic Games, tennis, golf, rugby, etc.


    The museum presents sports equipment and equipment for different types of games.

    There are museums in all large and small Australian cities, which contain collections of exhibits that characterize the culture and important stages in the development of the state.

    Holidays in different seasons

    When planning a trip to Australia, it is worth considering that the change of seasons here occurs differently than in the Northern Hemisphere. From June to September, the country is quite cool. Thus, the average air temperature in Sydney in August is +13 °C, and in January - +22 °C.


    Temperatures in Australia vary by region - the farther from the equator, the cooler

    There is no scorching sun in Australia from June to August, although hot weather persists in the northern part of the continent. At this time, you can take a hiking trip through the caves, a trip along the Great Ocean Road, a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef, as well as visit the Tasmania region, where many famous attractions are located. During the summer months, there is a lot of rain in the country, which is especially true for the northern part.

    September and October are optimal for a beach holiday. There are many comfortable and clean beaches in Sydney and other coastal cities. Museums, shopping centers, amusement parks and water rides can be found in all major cities.

    In December, hot weather reigns here and therefore tourists rarely travel at this time. Even a beach holiday will not be pleasant in January, but it is worth visiting the Christmas sales, the Sydney Opera House and taking tours of Tasmania, where at this time it is about +20 °C.

    The beginning of spring in Sydney is characterized by rain - in Melbourne there is no such amount of precipitation. Beach holidays are comfortable in April and May, excursions, hiking, car trips and sightseeing of historical sites are also possible.

    Rest for a few days

    If your stay in Australia lasts no more than 1-2 days, you should not make hikes and excursions in the gorges, valleys and mountains - during this time it is best to see the sights of the city. For example, in Sydney it is worth visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, the art gallery of New South Wales.


    Parks in Sydney attract tourists with well-groomed and interesting fountains.

    A full trip around the country in 3 days is impossible, but it is worth visiting several interesting places nearby. There are many cities on the south coast, each of which has interesting museums, natural sites and entertainment centers. It is also worth sailing to nearby islands, such as Kangaroo Island, where there is Flinders Chase National Park.

    For 5 or 7 days, you can make more distant trips, for example, go to the Great Barrier Reef, visit the city of Darwin, fly by plane to Canberra or Sydney. Depending on the season, it is worth learning water sports with professional instructors or taking a hike to the caves.

    Traveling with children

    A trip to Australia with children is best spent in the summer months, as it is hot here in winter and the rest will not be comfortable. During the trip, you can visit the following places:

  • Luna Park in Sydney, where there are rides, cafes and areas for children of all ages;
  • the Sydney Aquarium, located in Darling Harbor on the east side;
  • Carlton Gardens in the suburbs of Melbourne;
  • Kounu Koala Park in Western Australia, which is a few dozen kilometers from the city of Perth;
  • Perth Zoo;
  • Big Pineapple Amusement Park near Woombye, Queensland.
  • With children in Australia, you can visit the beaches, which are varied and comfortable here. It is important to consider travel safety when avoiding extreme hikes.

    Photo gallery: tourist maps of cities

    Canberra has an airport and developed infrastructure Sydney is popular with tourists and is a modern city The city has few streets, but there are interesting sights

    Australia is one of the best and favorite travel destinations. This country consists of the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and several other small islands. Australia is estimated to be the sixth largest country in the world. It has some wonders that make it different from the rest of the world. Below is a list with photos and short descriptions of the top ten attractions in Australia.

    The Kakadu National Park, whose name comes from the Kakadu tribe who lived in this territory, is located in the northern part of Australia, 171 km east of the city of Darwin. Was created in 1981. It covers an area of ​​19,804 square kilometers (equivalent to the size of Slovenia, or almost half of Switzerland) and is the world's largest protected area. The park is home to over 280 bird species, about 60 mammal species, over 50 freshwater fish species, over 10,000 insect species, about 117 reptile species, and over 1,600 plant species. The main attractions of Kakadu Park are the picturesque Jim-Jim and Twin Falls.


    In ninth place in the ranking of the main attractions of Australia is located Kings Canyon (Kings Canyon), which is part and the main attraction of the Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia. Kings Canyon is located 1316 km south of the city of Darwin. Ernest Giles was the first to discover it in 1872. The canyon is made up of impressive, over 100 meters high stone walls that range in color from red and yellow to white. Part of the gorge is sacred to the natives, so tourists are advised not to deviate from the footpaths.


    Uluru or Ayers Rock is a large orange-brown oval-shaped rock located in the north-central part of Australia in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, 18 km from the city of Yulara. It is one of the most famous visiting cards of Australia and is famous, first of all, for its ability to change color depending on the incidence of light at different times of the day and at different times of the year. It is also of great cultural importance to local landowners, who organize walking tours to acquaint tourists with the local flora, fauna and stories of the aborigines who revere Uluru as a sacred place and believe that under its surface there is a huge cavity in which the owner of the mountain lives - water python. The cliff is 3.6 km long, about 3 km wide, and 348 meters high.


    The seventh place in the list of the main attractions of Australia goes to the Outback. This is a vast sparsely populated arid region in Central Australia. It covers an area of ​​about 5.36 million square kilometers, or approximately 70% of the area of ​​the entire continent. According to the 2006 census, there were 690,000 people living in the Outback, 17% of whom were Australian Aboriginals.


    The Pinnacles is a desert located within the Nambung National Park near the city of Cervantes in Western Australia. It got its name from the towering 1-5 meters of free-standing stones, which are a combination of the remains of trees that once grew here, as well as the remains of sea shells and marine life deposited during previous geological epochs when this territory was covered by the sea. According to the legend of the natives, these rocks are the enemies of the ancient tribes, which were turned by the Gods into stone pedestals.


    Lord Howe is a small volcanic island located in the Tasman Sea (Pacific Ocean) about 600 km east of Australia. On the island, whose age is estimated at about 20 million years, there are 2 national parks, occupying 70% of its entire territory. Lord Howe was opened on February 17, 1788 by Briton Henry Lidgbeard. Its area is 14.6 square kilometers and its shape resembles a boomerang. About 300-350 people live here permanently. At the same time, 400 more tourists are allowed on the island. In 1982, along with the offshore islands, Lord Howe was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.


    Mount Olga or Kata Tjuta is a group of 36 massive rounded rocks and many gorges and valleys. It is located approximately 365 km southwest of the city of Alice Springs, in the southern part of the Northern Territory, in central Australia. The name "Kata Tjuta" in the language of the natives means "many heads" and among the locals this mountain is sacred. Many rituals have been and are being held here. One of the former ceremonies held in this place were public executions in extremely harsh forms. The European name Olga, the mountain was given in honor of the Queen of Württemberg, Olga Nikolaevna Romanova, by the English traveler Ernest Giles in October 1872. The height of the mountain is 546 meters. Area - 21.68 km. sq.


    The Twelve Apostles are a group of limestone rocks located in the ocean off the coast of Port Campbell National Park in the Australian state of Victoria. At first this place was called "Pig and Pigs". However, in the 1950s, the name was changed to "The Twelve Apostles" (although then there were nine rocks) in order to attract more tourists. The height of some columns reaches approximately 45 meters. The continuous process of erosion leads to the fact that these columns are gradually destroyed. So, on July 2, 2005, at about 9:00 am local time, in front of many tourists, unable to withstand erosion, one of the highest (about 50 m) collapsed. Currently, there are 8 of them left. Due to their appearance and small distance from each other, these rocks have made this place a popular tourist attraction in Australia.


    The Sydney Opera House is a Modern Expressionist musical theater located at Bennelong Point in Sydney. This is one of the most famous, most modern and easily recognizable buildings in the world, designed by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon, who was awarded the most prestigious award in the field of architecture - the Pritzker Prize. The construction of this modern architectural marvel began in March 1959, and its official opening took place on October 20, 1973 - Queen Elizabeth II attended the ceremony. In June 2007, the Sydney Opera House was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with such attractions as the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal in India, etc.


    The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea, along the east coast of Australia. This is the largest single structure on earth, created by living organisms, which is visible even from space (in the form of a white stripe against the background of the blue ocean). Its total area is 348,698 km², larger than the area of ​​Great Britain. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of millions of tiny organisms called coral polyps that are found underwater and exposed at low tide. This is the main attraction of Australia, bringing the country about 1 billion US dollars a year. Included in the list