The world's smallest continent has been inhabited by it's indigenous people know as Aboriginals for over 42,000 years. Although Terra Australis Incognita (unknown land of the south) was originally discovered by Dutch explorers in 1606, the Eastern States were claimed by the British in 1770 and the colony of New South Wales was established as a penal settlement. As exploration progressed another five Crown Colonies were established which were Federated into the Commonwealth of Australia on 1st January 1901.
With a total land area exceeding 7,600,000 square kilometers - 58 times bigger than England and 80% the land area of China or the USA - this is truly a land of contrasts from arid deserts to pristine beaches to rain forests to millions of hectares of grain cultivation to attractive modern cities. From a tourism perspective it offers almost everything except ancient buildings. Depending upon the increments of the ruler used, the coastline is estimated to be between 19,320km to 132,000km long (for the mathematically minded check out www.maths.mp) but suffice to say the beach is big enough. Some beaches are named "Two People Beach" for obvious reasons.