Australia is a land of contrasts – sweeping golden beaches, coral reefs rich with marine life, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, vast grazing lands and sparse deserts. One of the oldest continents, Australia is the only country to occupy an entire continent. Some of Australia’s icons include Great Ocean Road, Opera House in Sydney, and Ayers Rock in the Northern Territory.
SYDNEY -New South Wales
Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbor front Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.
Climate
Sydney has four distinct seasons. Summer is dry with warm to hot daytime temperatures averaging 28 degrees C (82 degrees F). Winter is cold, crisp and wet with daytime temperatures averaging 14 degrees C (57 degrees F). Weather can affect you and your family while settling into Sydney or Australia. Some may get used to a much warmer climate. Some may get used to colder weather. Getting to know what the weather is like in Sydney can help you prepare and feel more settled. Sydney’s weather is highly unpredictable and is known to occasionally provide ‘four seasons in one day’. A range of clothing for all conditions is recommended for anyone planning to study in or visit Melbourne. A warm coat is essential for the winter months.
MELBOURNE – VICTORIA
Melbourne is the capital of the State of Victoria and set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay with its beautiful beaches and water sports facilities. The city itself, laid out in a large rectangle and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse, sits on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about five kilometers from the bay. Melbourne is a world-renowned for its cultural influence in its restaurants and cafés, and the home of major cultural events, and is also considered to be the sporting capital of Australia. Melbourne, once voted the world’s ‘most livable city’, enjoys clean fresh air and beautiful parks and gardens. Further information on Melbourne is available from http://www.visitvictoria.com
