Wide open spaces
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's
about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA
and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population
density in the world - only two people per square kilometre.
Beaches galore
Australia boasts over 7,000 beaches - more than any other
nation.
Little beauties
Australia produces 95 per cent of the world's precious opals
and 99 per cent of black opals.
Opal capital
Coober Pedy in South Australia is known as the opal capital
of the world. Its population is made up of more than 40
nationalities and, with year-round extremes in temperature,
more than 50 per cent of the population live in below-ground
'dugouts'.
Golden city
Kalgoorlie in Western Australia is not only Australia's
largest producer of gold, but has the world's largest political
electorate - covering a mammoth 2.2 million square kilometres.
Aussie icon
The kangaroo is unique to Australia and one of our most
easily recognised mammals. There are more kangaroos in Australia
now than when Australia was first settled. Estimates suggest
around 40 million.
Merinos en masse
Australia's 140 million sheep (mostly merinos), found on
around 53,000 properties, produce more than 70 per cent
of the world's wool.
Beef exports
With 24 million head of cattle, Australia is the world's
largest exporter of beef.
Long haul
The longest stretch of straight railway track in the world
crosses the Nullarbor Plain. From Nurina in Western Australia
to near Watson in South Australia, the track is dead straight
for 478 kilometres.
Long drive
The Eyre Highway at Caiguna in Western Australia has the
longest stretch of straight road in Australia - 148 kilometres.
Crossing the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, it is
the only sealed road from Perth to Adelaide, a 2700 kilometre
drive.
Long fence
The world's longest continuous fence known as the 'dingo
fence', runs through central Queensland for 5,531 kilometres.
It is 1.8 metres high and is designed to keep sheep safe
from Australia's native dog.
Flourishing flora
Australia supports at least 25,000 species of plants, while
Europe only supports 17,500.
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