Some of Australia's world-changing inventions: plastic money, Google maps, latex gloves and the electric drill.
Australian inventors also created the cochlear implant – or bionic ear, and the Gardasil and Cervarix vaccinations that protect against certain types of cancer-causing HPV. Australian scientist David Warren is best known for inventing the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, also known as "the black box."
In recent years, Australians have been at the forefront of medical technology with inventions including ultrasound, the bionic ear, the first plastic spectacle lenses, the electronic pacemaker, the multi-focal contact lens, spray-on artificial skin and anti-flu medication.
Did you know that the work of a Sydney born, Australian engineer by the name of John O'Sullivan, led to the invention of wireless Internet? It's a technology used by billions of devices around the world every day, and it all started right here, down-under.
Australia is known for many things, including swathes of tropical beaches, marine reserves, Aboriginal culture, cute koalas, rolling wine country, and lush rainforests.
Australia is home to the oldest continuing living culture in the entire world. The richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia is something we should all take pride in as a nation. However it is important to look at our history with openness and honesty.
Australian English can be described as a new dialect that developed as a result of contact between people who spoke different, mutually intelligible, varieties of English. The very early form of Australian English would have been first spoken by the children of the colonists born into the early colony in Sydney.
Australia is colloquially known as "the Land Down Under" (or just "Down Under"), which derives from the country's position in the Southern Hemisphere, at the antipodes of the United Kingdom.
Varied landscapes
As well as the beautiful beaches, Australia is also home to snowy mountains, incredible national parks, rainforests and desert. The landscape truly differs from state to state, which is why this country is so fun to explore.
Aussies such as Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman, singing and acting legend Olivia Newton-John and actor, singer, dancer and all-round good guy Hugh Jackman have long been household names worldwide for their talent, abilities and that affable, down-to-earth quality that comes from growing up down under.
One of Australia's Finest Inventions
Although the process has been refined, and people no longer use ether as a refrigerant, Harrison's refrigeration system is still the blueprint for today's refrigerators. James Harrison has taken his place amongst the most significant scientific pioneers.
From July into early October 1918, the AIF took part in Allied offensive operations which pushed German forces back, including breaching the formidable defences of the Hindenburg Line. Over 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front, with some 46,000 paying the ultimate price.
From the telescope to Wi-Fi, Dutch inventions have built the modern world as we know it. As a country known for its forward-thinking and innovative culture, the Netherlands is credited with the creation of many devices we take for granted today.
Australia has plentiful supplies of natural resources, including the second largest accessible reserves of iron ore in the world, the fifth largest reserves of coal and significant gas resources.
Lamingtons. The national cake and the most beloved food icon in Australia; the lamington! This delicious square-shaped sponge cake is coated in chocolate icing and coconut, with a layer of jam hidden within. It was named after the Lord Lamington, a former Governor of Queensland.
The phrase 'the lucky country', originated by author Donald Horne in 1964, has been used in the past few decades to describe Australia as a land of economic opportunity and bountiful natural resources.
The GFP index denotes Australia as a Top 20 world power. For 2023, Australia is ranked 16 of 145 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. The nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 0.2567 (a score of 0.0000 is considered 'perfect'). This entry last reviewed on 01/05/2023.
After Dutch navigators charted the northern, western and southern coasts of Australia during the 17th Century this newly found continent became known as 'New Holland'. It was the English explorer Matthew Flinders who made the suggestion of the name we use today.
Australia is globally famous for its natural wonders, wide-open spaces, beaches, deserts, "The Bush", and "The Outback". Australia is one of the world's most highly urbanised countries; it's well known for its attractive mega cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Made to Australian Standards
Australia requires businesses to meet some of the world's strictest labour, business, safety and quality control standards. Because of this, when you buy Australian-made products, you know you are contributing to a business that; Provides well crafted top-tier goods.
“How ya goin'?” is the ultimate Aussie greeting. If you're not from Australia, this mash-up of “How are you?” and “Where are you going?” might leave you a little perplexed. If it helps, think of how the Brits say “y'alright?” - it requires no detailed response. In fact, a simple “hey!” will suffice.