It is the world’s smallest continent located in the Southern Hemisphere and has been inhabited by indigenous people for more than 42,000 years which includes the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aborigines of mainland Australia and was first settled by the British in 1788.
Australia is a vast continent and is home to many natural wonders including unique animal species, distinct flora and fauna and unique geographical formations that can only be found here. The world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef is located off the northeast coast extending for more than 2,000 kilometers (1,250 mi.) World famous Mount Augustus, the world’s largest monolith is located in Western Australia. By far, Australia is also the driest inhabited continent, the flattest and has the oldest and least fertile soils on the planet. Although this may be the case, it is home to a unique and diverse range of habitats and wildlife which are endemic to the region.
Australian cultures and traditions is basically a mix of several cultures but mainly influenced by Anglo-Celtic background with a distinctive mix of local indigenous traditions. Immigrants from all over the world who have flocked to the continent also had striking influences in the cultural norms of the Australians. However, majority of what is now the mainstream Australian culture is a result of major influences by American, British and European cultures.