Australia: Land of Wonders Australia is one of the largest countries in the world by surface area, yet also one of the least densely populated. It offers an incredible variety of natural wonders, where deserts, bushland, vast green spaces, vineyards, coastlines, and islands rise from enchanting turquoise waters. The country spans three time zones—compared to Italy, that’s +10, +9.5, and +8 hours—and is divided into eight states and territories, each with its own unique character: Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. Australia is famous for its breathtaking natural attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island, the Red Centre, and the Great Ocean Road. But beyond its untamed landscapes, unique wildlife, and the fascinating traditions of Aboriginal culture, Australia also boasts vibrant cosmopolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin, along with many other towns with a special character. Take, for instance, Coober Pedy, deep in the Australian Outback. Known as the opal capital of the world, this unusual town features underground hotels, restaurants, bars, and even a golf course (naturally, without a single blade of grass). In fact, about half of Coober Pedy’s residents live in underground homes carved into the rock to escape the searing summer heat. The Outback hides truly one-of-a-kind treasures—perfect for bold adventurers. Australia is so vast and full of things to see and experience that offering a complete overview is nearly impossible. Every region has its own unique beauty. Come and discover Australia—let yourself be captivated by its travel inspiration, routes, and the many experiences this extraordinary land has to offer.
LANGUAGE: The official language of Australia is English. However, Australia is a multicultural nation, and you will hear many other languages spoken in Australian cities.
RELIGION: 17.1% of Australians practice Anglicanism, while 25.3% identify as Catholic. There is also a significant missionary presence of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Christian Adventist Church.
TIME ZONE:
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST).
AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) is UTC +10 hours.
ACST (Australian Central Standard Time) is UTC +9.5 hours.
AWST (Australian Western Standard Time) is UTC +8 hours.
AEST applies to the eastern states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory (UTC +10). ACST is observed in South Australia, the town of Broken Hill in western New South Wales, and the Northern Territory (UTC +9.5). AWST applies to Western Australia (UTC +8).
DOCUMENTS: A passport, along with a visa, is essential to enter Australia for students, tourists, or workers. To travel to Australia, you must have a valid passport and the appropriate visa. There are three types of visas: the Student Visa for those coming to study; the Tourist Visa for those visiting for tourism; and the Working Holiday Visa, which allows you to work and travel. Some visas can be applied for through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
SPORT: Australia is a nation passionate about sports such as rugby, football (Australian rules football), cricket, surfing, golf, and tennis. The Australian Open tennis tournament, held in the summer season, is a major event not to be missed by tennis fans. You can check the full sports events calendar on the official tourism website: https://www.australia.com/it-it/events/sports-calendar.html
CURRENCY: Australian Dollar (AUD).
Curiosity
When to visit Australia?
All seasons are suitable for visiting.
Given Australia’s vast size, the climate varies greatly across its eight states and territories:
Most of the country experiences four seasons, while the tropical north has two: a wet season and a dry season. Australian seasons are opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere.
From December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring.
Our advices
TO READ: Before embarking on a trip to Australia, it’s important to understand its complex history, especially regarding Aboriginal culture. Bruce Chatwin’s “The Songlines” introduces readers to the Aboriginal culture—a nomadic society rich in myths connected to every stone, waterhole, river bend, animal, and rock crevice, each believed to have been sung into existence by some ancestral totemic animal, thus shaping the world as it is today.
Another poignant autobiographical account is “My Place” by Sally Morgan, an Aboriginal descendant who recounts the era when Aboriginal children were taken from their families to be raised in missions.
For those looking for lighter reading, we recommend “Australian Cargo” by Italian author Alex Ruggero. It’s a blend of novel and travelogue that takes readers through much of Australia and its stunning landscapes.
TO WATCH: Australia is a 2008 film directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The movie portrays the struggles faced by Aboriginal Australians.
TO LISTEN TO: AC/DC is an iconic Australian hard rock band famous worldwide. Another globally renowned artist is singer-songwriter Kylie Minogue, originally from Melbourne, where she is honored with a bronze statue in the city center. Other famous Australian artists include Holly Valance, known for “Kiss Kiss”, Natalie Imbruglia, and Delta Goodrem. The progressive rock band Karnivool is also Australian and highly acclaimed. Nick Cave is one of the leading figures of the Australian music scene; he founded the historic rock band The Birthday Party and is currently the frontman of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
