Australia is a vast nation, as big as the United States, but
with just 20 million people. Parts of the continent are very
sparsely populated – think of the Outback, its climate
inhospitable to all but the hardiest creatures – but its
cities are modern and buzzing (think Sydney and Melbourne in
particular) , and, as Australia is a coastal country with
most people living 20 kilometres or so from the water, by
the seaside.
Ties between the UK and Ireland and Australia are strong and
go back hundreds of years to penal colony days. It's a
magnet for families catching up with far-flung cousins, for
young families exploring the national parks and Crown lands
as well as enjoying the beaches and for gappers young and
old taking a break from study or work.
The popularity of soap operas such as Neighbours and Home &
Away has whetted appetites for sunshine, barbecues, and the
easygoing gregariousness of Australians. We have our winter
while they are in summer so a holiday in Australia could be
the cure to the start-of-the-year blues. |
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