Flora and Fauna

By being such an isolated continent, Australia has developed a unique animal and plant wildlife over the centuries. Many of the plants and animals that can be found in Australia, cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
The Eukalyptus tree belongs to one form of plant life that is typically associated with Australia. There are more than 1'000 different types: the «Gum Trees», the Blackboys (short black trunk with a big grass bush growing out of it), the Spinifex Grass (found mainly in the Outback, with very sharp blades which can cause dangerous cuts if you're not careful). In the north of Western Australia there is the Boab Tree (short fat trunk that is used to store water with few, short branches in the upper part of the tree) and the Wattle Bush with its bright yellow flowers (the colours yellow and green, worn by the Australian sport teams during official matches, are taken from here).
The animal life in Australia is just as unique as the vegetation. The most famous animal would have to be the Kangaroo. There are approx. 50 different types of Kangaroos with the biggest growing to be two meters high. However. the smaller Wallabies are more common. There are many many Emus (by the way, the male of the species take care of their offspring…) and Koalas (the «Koala Bär» is not a real bear, but a marsupial) can be seen as you drive along the desserted streets from one town to the next. In the Aboriginal native tongue, Koala means "he, who does not drink", as the Koalas never drink, but get the moisture they need from the Eukalyptus leaves.
There are many other interesting and unique animals inhabiting the fifth continent. For instance the Possum, the Tasmanian Devel, the Dingo, the Wombat, the Platypus, the Kookaburra, many, many Parrots and Cockadoos and even more Lizards, Goannas and Frogs.
It is possible to go snorkeliing or diving in the oceans around Australia, and see an immense variety of fish, including the elegant Manta or Sting Ray. Depending on the time of year, you may also encounter a few Whales (in north Queensland between July and October), and Delfines and Whale sharks (West Australia). The sharks and jellyfish belong to the less popular species found in the oceans around Australia. Make sure that you observe and follow the flags set by the Lifesavers on the beaches. Swimming is only permitted between the red and yellow flags. The tide is often much stronger than you think, and can carry you out to sea. You don't have to worry about the Jellyfish except the extreme poisoness Box Jelly Fish. They are active between November and March in the very north of Australia. Swimming is forbidden in these areas at that time of year.
Many of the most poisoness spiders and snakes in the world live in Australia. However, you rarely come in contact with them. In the Outback, the most dangerous spider is the Red Back Spider. The Funnel Web Spider raises its ugly head in summer in the city as well, mainly in Sydney. Cockroaches can be found all over Australia. They are harmless, but not very attractive...

The Australian Flora and Fauna is very fragile. Please take care of this unique environment. Obey the rules when you are in the bush, and follow the saying: «Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints».