Everything you need to know about Australia: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Australia: The land of Kangaroos and Koala
Australia’s history dates back to the 17th century when the Europeans discovered this landmass, later on the British settlers occupied the Australian territory by uprooting the indigenous Aboriginals. In the early 1850’s, there was a gold rush in Australia followed by a rebellion against mining license fees, leading to civil disobedience. Since the past centuries Australia has progressed tremendously in terms of infrastructure modernisation and is now one of the most developed nations in the world. Australia with capital Canberra is a constitutional monarchy under the titular rule of the British Monarch.
Australia Fast Facts:
Deserts cover almost 40% of the total landmass of Australia. However, its southeast and southwest areas have temperate climate and are arable. In summers the temperatures may go up to 50 degree Celsius, while in winters the lowest temperatures fall to sub zero levels. Besides, in Australia, the occurrence of rainfalls is almost unpredictable along with cyclones and thunderstorms.
Australia’s economy is booming with the services sector alone comprising 68% of the total GDP. The agricultural and mining sectors contribute 10% of GDP but account for 57% of the exports. Australia has vast natural reserves and its major exports include wheat, wool, gold, coal, liquefied natural gas and iron-ore.
Culture and Cuisine of Australia:A traditional Australian dish includes meat pie and sausage roll and also the famous ‘Australian Hamburger’. Some of the typical dishes include Vegemite, Chiko Roll and Pie Floater tomato soup. The name of chocolates is unique; such as Violet Crumble, Jaffas, Tim Tams and a cereal named Weet-Bix. Besides this, it produces a variety of exotic wines that are world famous and are exported to more than 100 countries.
Tourist Attractions in Australia:
Australia is world famous for its enchanting beaches where a number of native and tourist people come for relaxation and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Sydney is one of the most prominent cities that comprise amazing architectural structures. Melbourne is the cultural hub of Australia and equipped with better transport facilities and universities. Some of the other attractions are located in Western Australia, which is known for having a wide variety of flowers and also ghost towns.
Some Other Tourist Sites in Australia:
There is huge response from the public and the movie 'Furious 7' is currently top movie in 67 courtiers where it is being running in box offices. It collection is already crossed $800 million marks which is a huge success.
Steve Smith scored superb century to set up a 95-run win for Australia over India in todays semi-final match at Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia.
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has announced his retirement from the Test cricket due to strain of playing all different types of crickets. Now Virat Kohli will lead the upcoming forth Test against Australia in the Sydney.
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New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): Following a high-level meeting with India's Overseas Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has claimed that Indian students were 'less likely' to be attacked vis-a-vis locals in Australia.
Melbourne, May 3 (ANI): Australian papazazzo Darryn Lyons has claimed that his agency sent naked photos of Lara Bingle on her balcony to her last week for her approval.
London, May 3 (ANI): A Canadian woman has set a new and unusual land speed record for the fastest motorised toilet.
New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): Following a high-level meeting with India's Overseas Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has claimed that Indian students were 'less likely' to be attacked vis-a-vis locals in Australia.
Melbourne, May 3 (ANI): Australian papazazzo Darryn Lyons has claimed that his agency sent naked photos of Lara Bingle on her balcony to her last week for her approval.
Melbourne, May 3 (IANS) Two British tourists have been fined $1,000 each by a court for becoming drunk and stealing a penguin from a marine park in Australia.
Sydney, May 2 (ANI): Australian researchers say they could be months away from offering hope to people with macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, the leading causes of sight loss in industrial countries.
London, May 2 (ANI): Chris Evans has credited Robert Downey, JR. with the success of their new movie 'The Avengers', insisting that his happy demeanour inspired the rest of the cast and crew.
New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) India and Australia will jointly set up a wool testing laboratory in Mumbai and collaborate in the production and trade of woollen products.
Singapore, May 2 (IANS) Singapore has moved up two spots to become the world's fourth most desirable place to live and work, while the US, Britain and Australia remained the top three relocation destinations, a survey revealed Wednesday.
Nay Pyi Taw, May 2 (IANS) Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party swept last month's by-elections, was sworn in as a member of Myanmar's parliament Wednesday.
Myanmar witnessed a memorable day in its history when leader of opposition Aung Saan Sue ki took oath
Perth, May 2 (ANI): Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard questioning the importance Australia gives China has warned that it should not get 'mesmerized' by the Asian nation.
Melbourne, May 2 (ANI): Lara Bingle has revealed that she felt "violated" and "embarrassed" by the paparazzi photos of her naked on her balcony.
Sheffield (England), May 2 (IANS) Stephen Hendry, widely recognised as the greatest ever snooker player, has announced his retirement from his glittering professional career.
Nay Pyi Taw, May 2 (IANS) Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Myanmar's National League for Democracy (NLD), took oath of office Wednesday.
Melbourne, May 1 (IANS) A young Indian family, including two children aged five and three, was found dead Tuesday in their home in this Australian city.
London, May 1 (IANS) The four-nation London Olympics Hockey Test event will commence at the Olympic Park here Wednesday with India pitted against World Champions Australia in their opening match.
Sydney, May 1 (IANS) The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced Tuesday that it decided to cut the official interest rate by 50 basis points.
London, April 30 (IANS) Being nice to your boss always pays, including better prospects and promotions, even if your are neither too bright nor suitable for the job, according to an international business survey.
London, Apr 30 (ANI): Dannii Minogue is reportedly in secret talks to make a sensational comeback on 'The X Factor'.
Madrid, April 30 (IANS) Rafael Nadal defeated Spanish compatriot David Ferrer 7-6(1), 7-5 to win his seventh Barcelona Open men's tennis title.
Sydney, April 30 (IANS) Blocking a protein that contributes to acute nerve damage could halt the development of debilitating Multiple Sclerosis (MS), says a new study.
Dominica, Apr 29(ANI): Australia has performed with enough distinction to force Argus' panelists to withdraw several comments from their last review, if they were to conduct another assessment this year.
Washington, April 29 (ANI): This week, step outside any night about an hour after sunset and you will get to see the brilliant planet Venus at the western sky.
Kabul, April 29 (IANS) A soldier with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) died Saturday in Afghanistan, a statement said.
Sheffield (England), April 28 (IANS) Welshman Ryan Day took a comfortable 6-2 lead over China's Cao Yupeng in the first session of their last-16 match at the world snooker championship here.
Sheffield (England), April 28 (IANS) Ryan Day of Wales took a comfortable 6-2 lead over China's Cao Yupeng in the first session of their last-16 match at the world snooker championship here.
Berlin, April 28 (IANS) Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka had to exert every ounce of her energy to beat German wild card Mona Barthel 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5 in a match that lasted nearly three hours at the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany.
New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) The Indian men's hockey team left here for London Friday to take part in a four-nation Olympic test event ahead of the 2012 Games.
Canberra, April 27 (ANI): Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith has said that it is impossible to contain India and China.
Sydney, Apr 27 (ANI): Australian Leader of Opposition party in Australia, Tony Abbott will use a speech in Melbourne on Friday to push for attracting more overseas skilled workers.
Canberra, April 27 (ANI): A research has called for ending the stigma associated with marriage between cousins, after discovering that health risks have been greatly exaggerated in such match-ups.
Tokyo, April 27 (IANS) The US will move 9,000 Marines out of Japan's southern Okinawa to Guam, Hawaii and other locations in the Asia-Pacific region, said a joint statement agreed by Tokyo and Washington Friday.
London, April 26 (ANI): A Swiss woman starved to death after embarking on a spiritual journey which involved giving up food and water and attempting to exist on nothing but sunlight.
London, Apr 26 (ANI): For many women, the prospect of shopping for a swimming costume can often prove terrifying, a new study has revealed.
London, April 26 (ANI): A good relationship with your boss will help you if you're aiming to climb the company ladder.
London, April 26 (ANI): A good relationship with your boss will help you if you're aiming to climb the company ladder.
Jakarta, April 26 (Xinhua-ANI): An Indonesian senior official said on Thursday that Indonesia will suspend imports of U.S. beef from Thursday because of a confirmed U.S. case of mad cow disease, a local media reported here.
Dominica, Apr 26(ANI): Australian opener Ed Cowan has slammed critics for judging players merely on the basis of a scorecard.
Washington, April 25(ANI): Taking fish oil may help reduce symptoms of Periodontitis, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth, say researchers.
Melbourne, April 25 (ANI): Cricket Australia (CA) has revealed it is set to overhaul its financial model and take control of venue arrangements for international matches.
Roseau (Dominica, West Indies), April 25 (ANI): Former Twenty20 specialist and batting tyro David Warner is patiently evolving his game away from the glare of Australia.
Melbourne, April 24 (IANS) Cricket Australia (CA) said Tuesday it would seek the approval of the state associations for a smaller board.
Dominica (West Indies), Apr 24(ANI): Australian opener David Warner has said he was frustrated with the pitch conditions in Dominica after West Indies spinner Shane Shillingford ripped through the top order to finish day one of the third Test with four wickets.
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) Animal rights group Humane Society International (HSI) has launched a global campaign - 'Be Cruelty-Free' - to end animal testing for cosmetics.
Colombo, Apr 24(ANI): Sri Lankan pace bowler Lasith Malinga has rejected claims that he had declined to sign this year's contract with Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) and stressed he will be available for all national commitments.
Roseau (Dominica), April 24 (IANS/CMC) A four-wicket haul by off-spinner Shane Shillingford underlined a disciplined West Indies bowling effort while an unbroken 43-run eighth-wicket stand rallied Australia on the opening day of the third and final Test here Monday.
Washington, April 24 (ANI): Scientists have discovered the first evidence of a non-human species cultivating plants for use other than as food.
Dominica, Apr 23 (ANI): Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has said that he has no intention of ending his Test career and is rather looking forward to taking on South Africa later this year.
Sydney, April 23 (IANS) Office-goers resigned to working in unsatisfactory jobs are more likely to suffer from serious, persistent lower back pain than those with a positive attitude.
Sydney, April 22 (IANS) Are you prone to fractures or trip often? If yes, then blame it on some unidentified genetic regions associated with osteoporosis and bone fracture, says a study.
Qingdao (China), April 22 (Xinhua-ANI): Chinese shuttler Chen Jin was only one step away from qualifying for the London Olympic Games after winning men's singles title at the 2012 Badminton Asia Championships here on Sunday.
Port Of Spain, Apr 22(ANI): Australian cricket coach Mickey Arthur cannot understand why questions are being raised over veteran batsman Ricky Ponting's international future.
Dominica, Apr 22(ANI): Veteran Australian batsman Ricky Ponting has said every Test gives a chance of victory.
Port of Spain (Trinidad), April 21 (IANS) Australia may again fall-back to the quicks, who were thrashed during the Ashes, as they attempt to reclaim the urn from Andrew Strauss and Co. despite the emergence of young fast bowlers, Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc.
Port of Spain, April 21 (IANS) Legendary West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding feels that Australia lacks the fire-power to reclaim the Ashes from Andrew Strauss's Englishmen.
Port of Spain, April 21 (IANS) Australia captain Michael Clarke feels that his predecessor Ricky Ponting was a victim of the high standards he himself set.
Port-of-Spain, Apr 21 (ANI): Australia captain Michael Clarke has vowed to keep making ambitious declarations in order to force a result even if it meant risking his plans.
London, Apr 20 (ANI): As opposed to an old saying that two heads are better than one, scientists have concluded in a new study that in many cases you are better off thinking for yourself.
Sydney, Apr 20(ANI): The Australian Government has urged Cricket Australia (CA) to speed up its advancement toward an independent commission after it issued a general warning to various sporting bodies to improve their governance.
Melbourne, Apr 20(ANI): Australia's fast bowling stocks have been stripped to bare essentials with the exit of Peter Siddle and James Pattinson, who have been home with back injuries.
Warsaw, April 20 (IANS) The organisers of the Euro 2012 football tournament will on Saturday inaugurate a training facility here for volunteers who will be working for the June 8-July 1 event jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine.
Port of Spain (Trinidad), April 20 (IANS/CMC) Australian fast bowlers Peter Siddle and James Pattinson have been ruled out of the remainder of the West Indies tour and will return home this week.
Port of Spain (Trinidad), April 20 (IANS/CMC) Persistent rain spoiled what could have been an enthralling finish to the second cricket Test between the West Indies and Australia, forcing a stalemate and leaving the hosts with a must-win scenario in the final Test next week.
London, April 19 (IANS) Former England all-rounder Adam Hollioake has said most of the cricket kit used by his late brother Ben, which was stolen from his parents' home in Perth, has finally been recovered.
Port of Spain (Trinidad), April 19 (IANS) Exciting young Australian fast bowler James Pattinson has injured his back and will miss the remainder of the West Indies tour.
London, Apr 19(ANI): Some of cricket's biggest stars waved an emotional Twitter campaign, which helped recover a part of late England player Ben Hollioake's stolen kit.
Washington, Apr 19 (ANI): The out-of-the-box scent of Apple's MacBook Pro has been made into a fragrance for an Australian art installation.
Dhaka, Apr 19(ANI): Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) cricket operations committee has reportedly called for the scrapping of the country's tour to Pakistan, saying it is not the right time to visit the country.
Washington, Apr 19 (ANI): A Canadian man who has been accused of impersonating teen idol Justin Bieber and coaxing a young girl to perform sex acts online may have victims in up to five countries, authorities in Canada and the U.S. said on Wednesday.
Sydney, Apr 19 (ANI): An Australian lawyer working for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has reportedly been placed on a watch list and would require permission from the country's Foreign Affairs Department to fly home from Britain.
Port of Spain (Trinidad), April 19 (IANS/CMC) An outstanding spell from speedster Kemar Roach was the brightest spot on the rain-wrecked fourth day of the second Test between West Indies and Australia at Queen's Park Oval here.
Sydney, Apr 19(ANI): The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) met Cricket Australia (CA) representatives met this week to discuss the new incentive-based pay system, as cricketers set their eyes on the considerable amount of revenue that could be generated from the 2015 cricket World Cup.
Sydney, April 19 (IANS) Buoyed by the number of Indian tourists flocking to Australia, an influential tourism promotional body has asked the Australian government to invest $1 billion to attract more visitors from India and other Asian countries in the next decade.
Washington, Apr 18 (ANI): The United States has announced that it would relax some financial sanctions against Burma to support humanitarian, religious and other nonprofit activities in the country.
Melbourne, Apr 18 (ANI): Shane Warne and Elizabeth Hurley have revealed that they keep their love alive online via Twitter.
Sydney, April 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced an early withdrawal of Australian troops from Afghanistan Tuesday, a day after the 18-hour terror siege of Kabul ended.
Melbourne, Apr 17 (ANI): Employers across a wide range of industries in Australia are more keen on hiring candidates who culturally fit their organisation than those with the right skills, experts say.
Melbourne, Apr 17 (ANI): Norah Jones will be releasing her new album 'Little Broken Hearts' on April 27.
Trinidad, Apr 17(ANI): Australia has clinched control of the second Test against the West Indies after Michael Clarke opted to open the bowling with left-arm spinner Michael Beer.
London, April 17 (IANS) Actress Elizabeth Hurley and boyfriend Shane Warne are planning to tie the knot in both Britain and Australia in 2013.
Dhaka, April 16 (IANS) Former Australian batsman Stuart Law announced Monday that he would quit as the Bangladesh head coach after his contract expires in June.
London, April 16 (IANS) A two-year-old girl in Australia survived on chocolate for five days after her mother died in their home.
London, Apr 16 (ANI): Marge, the fictional main character in the American animated sitcom 'The Simpsons', has three kids and lives in the US town of Springfield, just like her animated namesake.
Canberra, April 16 (ANI): Australia will have to import Asian workers, as the nation's farmers are about to retire in the next decade. The import of workers could lead to the draining of knowledge from Asian countries.
Melbourne, Apr 16(ANI): Australian batsman Ricky Ponting continues to struggle as his team's top order failed to click on the first day of the second Test against the West Indies.
Beijing, Apr 16 (ANI): Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton is determined to end his winless run after finishing third for the third successive time in the Grand Prix held in Shanghai this time.
Baghdad, Apr 15(ANI): Professional Footballers Association chief executive Brendan Schwab has said Iraq should remain a no-go zone for international soccer matches because of security concerns.
Canberra, April 15 (ANI): Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has disappointed the country's Olympic chief and athletes by turning down invitations to the London Olympics and the team's key fund-raising event.
London, Apr 15 (ANI): Almost half of the people in Britain are "seriously considering" moving overseas, a survey has found.
London, April 14 (IANS) A hacker has been unmasked after officials managed to trace the GPS data of his house from a photo of his girlfriend's breasts that he had posted online.
Melbourne, April 14 (IANS) An Afghan asylum seeker in Australia, who said he did not understand the concept of consensual sex, has been jailed for nine years for brutally raping two women.
Sydney, April 14 (IANS) Over 3,000 personal items - mostly wallets, photos and wristwatches - that were stripped from prisoners on their way to Nazi concentration camps in Germany will now be displayed at a Jewish museum here in Australia.
Bridgetown, April 14 (IANS/CMC) Captain Darren Sammy is convinced the West Indies will learn from Wednesday's three-wicket loss to Australia in the opening Test and bounce back strongly in Trinidad.
Shanghai, April 14 (IANS) Mercedes' Nico Rosberg took his maiden pole position in Formula One racing by topping the times sheets in the Chinese Grand Prix qualifying here Saturday. Force India failed to make the top-10.
Islamabad, Apr 14(ANI): Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar, who has won three consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011, has strongly backed the use of technology in cricket, and has called for its consistent utilization.
