Australia is a continent, a country and an island! It is nicknamed the "Land Down Under" because it is below the equator. Australia is made up of six states and two territories but the only country in Australia is Australia! Australia is the smallest continent.

Countries of Australia

The only country in Australia is Australia. Australia is a country, a continent and an island.

	The original people of Australia are called aborigines (a'-boh-ri-jinees). Even though they have no written language, they pass their history from one generation to the next through their songs and artwork. Aborigine people play an instrument called a didgeridoo.

Interesting facts, places to see, things to do in Australia!

	Go beyond the beach and below the waves to the Great Barrier Reef! The Great Barrier Reef, is the largest coral reef on Earth.
The Outback is in central Australia. The outback does not get very much rain and is very dry. Not very many people live in the outback.
	The world's largest monolith, Uluru (formerly called Ayers Rock) is located in central Australia, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is a sacred aboriginal sight and a world-famous landmark.
Today Sydney is Australia's largest city. The Sydney Opera House is one of the most unique buildings in the world. Its roof reminds many people of the sails of the boats that cruise there. What do you think?

Animals of Australia

There are many animals on mainland Australia. Many animals are unique to this part of the world.

The most famous animals in Australia are marsupials. A marsupial is a mammal that has a pouch to carry its young.The Kangaroo is a common marsupial from the islands of Australia.
	The Koala is a small marsupial that lives in eucalyptus (gum) trees in Australia. Koalas are not bears.
The Kookaburra is a large bird from Australia. The Kookaburra is known for its laughing call. Listen to the Kookaburra! Then click your BACK button to come back to this page!
	The dingo is a wild dog from Australia.
The Duck-billed Platypus is a mammal from Australia. The platypus is a naturally shy animal, not often spotted during the day. Because of this, not much is known about the platypus.
Just for fun.. Australians speak English just like you and me, but there are some words that Australians use that are very different.  Click here for some Australian words.

Want more information about Australia?

Check out:
CCSD'S The Continents: Australia

PICTURE CREDITS:

Nigel's World
Pics4Learning
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia