Fast facts on Australia

Thousands of expats relocate to Australia each year to enjoy a new life in the sun. The country is full of beautiful beaches, nature reserves and natural beauty such as the great barrier reef. It also houses iconic attractions like the Royal Opera House.

If you are thinking of relocating or just interested in finding out a bit more about this amazing country here are a few fun facts.

  • Australia has more sheep than people
  • The world’s largest cattle station (larger than Belgium) is in South Australia
  • The Australian Alps get more snow than Switzerland
  • 91% of Australia is covered in vegetation
  • Nearly half of all Australians today were either born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas
  • The Australian Lyre Bird can, among other things, imitate the sound of a mobile phone, a chainsaw, a camera clicking, and a car alarm
  • Emus and Kangaroos were chosen to feature on the Australian coat of arms because of the belief that they seldom walk backwards. They symbolize Australia as a forward moving nation. 
  • The first photos of the moon landing in 1969 were sent to the rest of the world via a tracking station near Canberra
  • The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure and one of the seven wonders of the underwater world
  • The architect of the Opera House was inspired to create it whilst eating an orange - if you were to combine all the sails of the Opera House roof it would create a perfect sphere.
  • Chinese explorers traveled to Australia long before the Europeans. As early as the 1400s Chinese sailors and fisherman came to Australia to trade with indigenous peoples and to find sea cucumbers
  • While it’s not a staple food Australians do eat Kangaroo meat. You can find it on the menu in some restaurants and you can buy it at your local butcher or supermarket.

For more information on Australia visit here.