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. Australia boasts over 7,000 beaches - more than any other nation. Australia produces 95 per cent of the world's precious opals and 99 per cent of black opals. 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'. 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. 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.

Air: The national airline is Qantas. About 25 international airlines fly to Australia. Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. All airports have a duty free shop, bank/bureau de change, restaurant/bar, tourist information kiosk, car hire and taxi stand; these will almost always be available on arrival and departure of international flights. Sea: Cruise liners dock at Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. International cruise lines calling at Australian ports include Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Orient Lines, P&O, Princess Lines and Silver Sea.