• Year of Establishment: 1901

• Capital: Canberra

• Land Area: The sixth largest nation in land area with 7.69 million sq km

• Population: Over 20 million

• Climate: Features a wide range of climatic zones, from the tropical regions of the north, through the arid expanses of the interior, to the temperate regions of the south.

• Summer is from December to February with average temperature range from 26°C to 29°C
• Winter is from June to August with average temperature range from 10°C to 17°C


• Language: English



• Currency: Australian dollars ( AUD )



• National Colours: Green and gold



• Time: Australia has three time zones
• Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT +10
• Central Standard Time (CST): GMT + 9:30
• Western Standard Time (WST): GMT +8
• Flight Time from Hong Kong : 8.5 – 9 hours
  
  

Introduction of Australian major cities

Adelaide

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, and is the fifth largest city in Australia. It is a coastal city beside the Southern Ocean, and is a roughly linear city. Named in honour of Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV, the city was founded in 1836 as the planned capital for the only freely-settled British province in Australia. Today Adelaide is known for its many festivals as well as for its wine, arts and sports.

As South Australia's seat of government and commercial centre, Adelaide is the site of many governmental and financial institutions. Most of these are concentrated in the city centre along the cultural boulevard of North Terrace and in various districts of the metropolitan area.

Brisbane

Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland. The city is situated at the heart of south east Queensland, Australia's fastest growing region. Brisbane is the third most populous urban area in Australia after Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane has mild weather and many scenic spots.

Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia and is Australia's largest inland city. The city is located at the southwest of Sydney. Canberra was selected as the location of the nation's capital in 1908 as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne. The city's design was heavily influenced by the garden city movement and incorporates significant areas of natural vegetation that have earned Canberra the title "bush capital". Canberra is the site of Parliament House, the High Court of Australia and numerous government departments. It is also the location of several social and cultural institutions of national significance. Canberra is also a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.

Hobart

Hobart is the state capital of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony, it is Australia's second oldest and twelfth largest city, with a metropolitan population. The city is the financial and administrative heart of Tasmania , and also serves as the home port for both Australian and French Antarctic operations.

Melbourne

Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria, and is the second-largest city in Australia. Melbourne has twice shared top position in a survey by The Economist of The World's Most Livable Cities on the basis of its cultural attributes, climate, cost of living, and social conditions such as crime rates and health care. It has one of the highest numbers of international students studying in its universities, after London, New York City, and Paris. Melbourne is also home to Australia's three largest corporations, Telstra, BHP Billiton and the National Australia Bank. It is also home to the Business Council of Australia, and the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia, and is the fourth largest city in Australia . It is a coastal city, located beside the Indian Ocean, and situated on the Swan River in the lower south-western portion of the Australian continent. Perth is a vibrant city, with costal scenic attractions.

Sydney

Sydney is the most populous city in Australia. The metropolitan area is the state capital of New South Wales, and is located on the east coast of Australia. The city was established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip who led the First Fleet from Britain.

Because of its renowned beauty, the city of Sydney has been called the "Harbour City". It is Australia's largest financial centre and is also an international tourist destination, notable for its beaches and twin landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.