17 Australia and New Zealand

Thanks to the climate and geographical isolation of the continent there are unique animal species such as marsupials like the kangaroo, the koala bear, the Tasmanian devil or the platypus, which is an egg-laying mammal. Typical Australian vegetation Is grass and eucalyptus trees.

National economy, industry

Main industries are iron, steel, textiles, electrical equipment, chemicals, car, aircraft, ship and machinery. Australia belongs to the top exporters of beef, lamb, wool, oats, hay, sugar, wine, fruit and vegetables. Natural riches contain mainly bauxite, coal, copper, iron, lead, nickel, silver, tin, uranium and zinc ores.

Natural resources: iron ore, oil, natural gas, coal, diamonds, gold, silver, precious metals

Agriculture: wheat, cattle breeding, important export of beef, mutton..., wine

Interesting facts, places

• Major cities: Sydney, Melbourne (the second largest city), Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide

• Patrick White - the first Australian to win the Nobel Prize for literature

• Peter Carey - an internationally successful novelist

• Sidney Nolan and Brett Whiteley - well-known painters

• Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Cate Blanchett

• Daintree National Park, Queensland

- A Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland is among the most ancient ecosystems on Earth.

- The park's astounding biodiversity includes more than 18,000 plant species and a vast array of animal species, including the cassowary, crocodile, giant blue Ulysses butterfly, and the secretive Bennett's tree kangaroo.

• Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

- It's the second largest national park in the world. Within its borders, you can explore monsoon rainforests, mangrove swamps, rivers, gorges, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and waterfalls.

- Kakadu is also home to an astounding diversity of wildlife. In addition to the many mammals, reptiles, and fish, more than 300 different species of birds make their home here, and both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles lurk in the wetlands.

- To explore the park's diverse ecosystems, hop aboard a cruise along the waterways, or hike the vast network of trails. You can also take a scenic flight.

• Bondi Beach, New South Wales

- Bondi hosts one of the oldest surf life saving clubs in the world.

• Melbourne

- Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, is a popular stop on many Australian itineraries – especially for culture vultures. Galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops. It's also a green city, with parks, gardens, and open spaces occupying almost a third of its total area.

- The cultural highlights of Melbourne are many. Gape at the masterpieces at the National Gallery of Victoria, watch a performance at Arts Centre Melbourne, or head to Federation Square. Here, you can browse Australian artworks at the Ian Potter Gallery and learn about the nation's screen culture at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

- Follow the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens. And if sports culture is top of your agenda, catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In summer, cricket is the sport of choice; in winter, it's Australian Rules football.