Australia is the world’s largest island and is similar in size to all of Europe combined.
Within the boundaries of the nation lie plenty of landmarks and things to see, although some are more renowned than others.
Here, we take a look at what makes these landmarks famous, as well as exploring some of the history behind them.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
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Dominating the landscape of the harbour in Sydney is the imaginatively named Sydney Harbour Bridge. The steel through arch bridge is capable of carrying rail, vehicular and pedestrian traffic between the city’s central business district and the North Shore.
The bridge was designed and built by British firm Dormon Long and Co under the direction of Dr J.C.C Bradfield of the New South Wales Department of Public works. It opened in 1932 and is currently the sixth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world, as well as being the tallest steel arch bridge. From the highest point to the water level is 134 metres.
Sydney Opera House
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The multi-venue arts centre on Bennelong Point dominates the skyline alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Danish architect Jorn Utzon designed the building which opened in 1973, although the construction process took a considerable length of time and went way over budget. Utzon ultimately resigned as a result.
To give you an idea of how long it took to develop, works started in 1958! More than 1,500 performances take part at the centre every year with around 1.2 million people in attendance.
In addition to that, more than seven million people visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site every year.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
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Another UNESCO site, Uluru (or Ayers Rock) is a giant sandstone formation in the southern part of Australia’s Northern Territory. It dominates the landscape but it miles from the nearest main town – Alice Springs in 280 miles away!
It is a major landmark in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is considered sacred by the Aboriginal people of the area.
Bondi Beach
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One of the most visited tourist hotspots in Australia, Bondi Beach is a Sydney suburb around four miles to the east of the main business district. Famed for its surfing, Bondi also houses many sculptures and artwork, including the Stairway to Heaven.
The Twelve Apostles
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A set of limestone stacks off shore from the state of Victoria, the Twelve Apostles are popular with tourists who appreciate the natural world in all its glory.
Although only eight apostles remain and erosion is occurring on a daily basis, the site off the Great Ocean Road still attracts people to take in its natural splendour.
Great Barrier Reef
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The world’s largest coral reef system is located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is made up of more than 2,900 individual reefs and covers an area of approximately 133,000 square miles.
Rich in sea life, it can be seen from outer space and is the world’s largest structure that is made by living organisms. The World Heritage Site supports a diverse set of organisms and some of reef is even protected to minimise human impacts upon it.
Cape Byron
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Cape Byron marks the easternmost point in Australia and is around two miles for Byron Bay. British explorer Captain James Cook named the area when he passed in 1770, in memory of another Brit explorer, John Byron, famed for circumnavigating the world.
The Cape Byron lighthouse was built in 1901 and remains the final of many 19th century Victorian-era lighthouses managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Devils Marbles
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The Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, also known as Karlu Karlu, is in the Northern Territory of Australia and carries much cultural and spiritual significance.
It is one of the oldest religious sites in the world and the name refers to many of the large round boulders that can be found across the reserve. The large granite boulders have been affected by weather and erosion over time, producing a diverse range of shapes.
The Great Ocean Road
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The Great Ocean Road is a stretch of road that runs between Torquay and Allansford in the state of Victoria. It is more than 150 miles long and was built by soldiers following the First World War. It was dedicated to those who lost their lives in the conflict which makes it the world’s largest war memorial.
It provides access to several major landmarks and is seen an important tourist attraction for the region.
Port Arthur
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A former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Port Arthur is now a heritage area with an open-air museum. Much of the site was developed during the 18th and 19th centuries and stands as a reminded of Australia’s past.