Every country differs in terms of culture, social conventions, geography, food, and climate, but some are genuinely unique. Australia is one of them. Australia is also known as the “Land Down Under” since it was discovered by explorers looking for a continent beneath Asia in the Southern Hemisphere.
Aside from being the continent’s largest country and having a distinct English accent, Australia has a number of characteristics that endear it to and draw people from around the world. Although it will be difficult to cover everything in one piece, we will attempt to throw light on what distinguishes Australia from the “rest.”
What is Australia well known for?
Australia is well-known for its natural wonders, wide-open areas, beaches, deserts, “The Bush” and “The Outback”. Australia is one of the world’s most urbanised countries, with popular megacities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
The Continent Nation!
When discussing Australia’s uniqueness, we cannot overlook its most visible manifestation: the country’s geography. Let’s look at all of the interesting aspects of Australian geography. For starters, mainland Australia is the world’s largest island and continent.
In fact, Australia is regarded as the second driest continent after Antarctica. The bustling Sydney Harbour or the skyline of urban Melbourne make it seem impossible that over 40% of Australia’s territory is uninhabitable. The lack of rainfall is one of the reasons why this enormous area is so arid. More than two-thirds of the country receives less than 500 mm of rain annually.
This arid, inhospitable region of Australia is located in the center of the continent (the Outback), distant from the coasts. This is also why more than 80% of the country’s population lives within 50 miles of the coastline.
If you’re fascinated by the crimson and blue grandeur of the Grand Canyon, you must visit Australia’s huge Outback. It is one of such locations that still has the environment that existed 5000 years ago. The huge rocky environment, searing hot heat, and animals unique to that region make Australia’s Outback the most natural place on the planet. It remains mostly undisturbed by human sins.
Uluru
Tall sandstone stands out amid the vastness of the Outback’s Red Centre. If you’ve seen 2001: A Space Odyssey, you may notice that this granite monolith is quite identical to the one left by aliens in the film. Uluru also resembles Mars due to its red color and location in the vast no-man’s land.
Kakadu National Park
If you want to view the complete range of species, you must visit Kakadu National Park. It is one of the world’s largest national parks, located in the Northern Territory. The park contains some of the most distinctive living creatures and artifacts, including flatback turtles, native rock drawings, saltwater crocodiles, and thousands of flora.
Long coastline
Australia, as an island, is also known for its extensive coastline, which is home to immense rain forests. The vegetation of the coastal region, which allows for plant and animal production, contrasts dramatically with the barren, red, and hot Outback.
The Australian English accent
As previously stated, Australians have sculpted their distinct accent. It has more flair and fluency than other English accents, making it harder to understand for newcomers. Similarly, Australian humour and vocabulary differ from their English counterparts. It is dry, caustic, self-deprecating, and filled with sarcasm.
Australians are also masters at converting words into conversational abbreviations. “Chewie” for chewing gum, “arvo” for the afternoon, “ambo” for ambulance paramedics, and “Maccas or Mackers” for McDonald’s are just a few of the shortened words found uniquely in the Australian dialect. People who have recently arrived to study in Australia must become acquainted with the local customs in order to rapidly integrate into society.
The Australian food
A country that can provide delicious food and drink is always an excellent host. Australia is one of the hosts. Australia’s huge coastline makes it the world’s third-largest fishing zone. If you enjoy eating seafood, Australia offers a savory constant party. From shark flesh to banana prawns, wild-caught crabs to fresh oysters, you can get your dietary proteins from a variety of marine sources.
Australia has some of the best cities in the world
Australia has around 40 cities scattered across several states and territories. The majority of them are at the seaside or in close proximity. This city cluster includes Melbourne and Sydney, two of the world’s most important metropolitan districts.
Because Australia is a country of immigrants, you will see cultural diversity on full show in major cities. Any hardwired urbanite from anywhere in the globe will feel at home in Australian cities. Those cities are home to some of the world’s greatest universities and institutions, which attract students from all over the world.
What distinguishes Australia’s metropolises from other similar urban areas is that they are not overcrowded. We perceive that cosmopolitan towns all around the world have developed a claustrophobic atmosphere. However, this is not the case in Australian metropolitan areas. They are buzzing with bustle but not suffocating.
For a student considering studying in Australia, all of these distinctive characteristics make the country a more appealing study option. Living and seeing a country with so much to offer can help you develop into a better student and person.
