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SIGHTSEEING IN AUSTRALIA

The Australian continent is washed by the Arafura and Timor Seas in the north, by the Tasman and Coral Seas in the east and by the Indian Ocean in the south. It is the world’s driest continent. Here are description of some unique phenomena of nature of Australia, which are known worldwide.

Great Barrier Reef

One of Australia's greatest sights is the magnificent reef, which runs along the entire coast of Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef stretches about 2000 km. Considered one of the world’s natural wonders it is the most extensive reef system and the biggest structure made by living organisms on earth. There are more than 350 species of corals.

In the north, the reef is virtually continuous and is located only 50 km from the shore. In the south, individual reefs are more common, and in some places up to 300 km offshore. Hundreds of islands dot the reef area. About 20 of them have resort facilities, but it's possible to camp on many others. 

Uluru

Uluru is a site of deep cultural significance to the local Anangu Aboriginals and the most famous icon of the Australian outback Uluru is the world's largest sandstones monolith. Now it has a smooth round shape.

A pilgrimage to Uluru and the climb to the top was an entrenched Australian ritual, but the aboriginal owners would prefer visitors not to climb the rock and many visitors are now respecting their wishes.

The 3.6 km long rock rises a towering 348 m from the pancake-flat surrounding scrub, just in the middle of the country, and is especially impressive at dawn and sunset when the red rock spectacularly changes colour.

There are walks around the base of the rock which pass caves, rock art and sacred Aboriginal sites. Nearby Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) 32 km west of Uluru, are equally impressive monoliths and Mt Olga is actually much higher than Uluru. The Valley of the Winds also attract the tourists. 

Great Ocean Road

This route along the south-western coast of Victoria is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. It winds around cliffs, windswept beaches and tall bluffs, passing through lash rainforest and towering eucalyptuses.

The most outstanding section is the Port Campbell National Park which features an amazing collection of limestone sculptures, including the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Art Gorge. The other highlight is the section through the forest of the Otways Ranges, between Apollo Bay and Lorne.

The best towns along the coast at the resort town of Lorne and the quaint, historic Port Fairy, west of Warrnambooll. The road officially starts at Torquay and ends at Warrnambool, but the road follows the coast to Portland.

Answer the questions.

1. What is the Australian continent washed by?

2. Name some unique phenomena of nature of Australia.

3. How many kilometers does the Great Barrier Reef stretch?

4. How many species of corals are there?

5. What is Uluru?

6. When is Uluru especially impressive?

7. What can you see walking around the base of the rock?

8. Where does the Great Ocean Road pass?