274 People and Places
WHICH GIANT DESERT ROCK IS A SACRED SITE?
The giant block of red sandstone named Uluru,
meaning “great pebble”, stands in the middle of
Australia’s desert. The rock is held sacred by the
Aboriginals of this region and features in their beliefs
about the creation of the world.WHICH SPORTS ARE POPULAR IN AUSTRALIA?
Outdoor sports are a large part of the Australian
lifestyle. The majority of Australians live near the
coast where the sunny climate, sandy beaches, and
warm water make sailing, swimming, surfing, and
diving popular activities. Australians also enjoy
spectator sports, and their tennis players and cricket
and rugby teams all enjoy great international success.WHO LIVES IN AUSTRALIA?
Australia has a diverse, multicultural society. Many
people are of European origin, but the population also
includes people from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Australia’s oldest inhabitants are the Aboriginal
people who settled here over 50,000 years ago.Australia is both an island country and
continent, lying between the Pacific and
Indian Oceans. Its varied landscapes
include a hot, dry centre (known as the
outback), tropical rainforests, snow-capped mountains,
and beautiful beaches. New Zealand lies about 1,500 km
(932 miles) southeast of Australia. On the North Island
there are forests, volcanoes, and hot springs. South Island
is more mountainous with glaciers, fjords, and lakes.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
1 ULURU, AUSTRALIA
Uluru was formed more than 570
million years ago. This giant rock
rises 867 m (2,844 ft) above the
desert and is 3.6 km (2.2 miles)
long. The rock seems to glow and
turn orange at sunrise.1 KANGAROOS, AUSTRALIA
Kangaroos, the largest of
Australia’s marsupial mammals,
can reach speeds of 56 km/h
(35 mph). The animals live in
herds in the outback, sheltering
from the Sun by day and feeding
on grass at dusk.SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 3
Sydney is Australia’s largest city.
It is an important cultural centre
and home to four million people.
The landmark Sydney Opera
House stands on the harbour.
Its roof design mirrors the sails
of passing boats.WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT AUSTRALIA’S WILDLIFE?
Many of the animals in Australia are found nowhere
else in the world. Marsupial mammals, such as
kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, and egg-laying
mammals, such as the duck-billed platypus, are
unique to this country. These creatures evolved
here because they were isolated by vast oceans for
30 million years.1 ABORIGINAL WAY OF LIFE
Some Aboriginals still live a
traditional life, travelling through
the outback on foot in search of
food. The men hunt animals, such
as kangaroos and possums, with
boomerangs and spears.Australia