Fun Facts About Australia For Kids

Australia or the land down under, is a historical and a multicultural land that does not capture many people’s attention because of its location. Australia is a large country that is near the bottom of the world. Despite the location, it is still a popular tourist destination, a country with an interesting history and cultural background. These are some fun facts for children wanting to learn more about Australia’s history, culture, and how it is doing today.

Key Areas Covered

1. Quick Facts
– Most Important Facts
2. Fun Facts About Australia For Kids
– Interesting Facts and History

Quick Facts

Population (as of 2018): 24,772,247

Currency: AUD – Australian Dollar

Capital City: Canberra

Largest Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane

Ranking by Size: 6^th

Ranking by Population: 53^rd

Native Animals: Koalas, Kangaroos, Dingoes, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Wallabies

Latin Origin: Australis meaning southern

Continent: Oceania

Fun Facts About Australia For Kids

Did You Know?

Australia is the only continent covered by a single country.
Australia has a range of landscapes, including mountain ranges, deserts, rain forests and urban areas.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is considered as the world’s largest living structure.
Kangaroos are the national symbol of Australia. There are more kangaroos than humans in Australia.
Koalas are native to Australia, they are found in the eucalyptus forests of eastern Australia.
33% of Australians were born in another country.
91% of Australia is covered in natural vegetation.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is considered to be the world’s largest steel arch bridge.
Sydney Opera House is the most recognizable building in Australia.
Australia hosted the Olympics in 1956 (Melbourne) and 2000 (Sydney).
Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.
Australia has a larger population of camels than Egypt. In fact, Australia exports camels to the Middle East.
Australia is the only continent on earth that doesn’t have an active volcano.

History

1. The first settlers of Australia were the indigenous Aborigines. They have been in Australia for nearly 60,000 years. This is a really long time. However, these rightful owners will face some difficulties in the future.

Fun Fact: Did you know Torres Strait Islanders also lived in Australia a long time ago. Around 10,000 years ago.

2. The first Europeans to discover Australia were the Dutch. In 1606, Dutch Navigator Willem Janszoon sighted Australia. In the 17^th Century, 29 other Dutch Navigators explored the Western and Southern Coasts of the continent.

Fun Fact: The Dutch previously named Australia “New Holland” as a reminder of their home country.

3. In 1788, the British arrived and set up the first colony in Australia.

Fun Fact: Australia was first a Penal Colony. A Penal Colony is a settlement of convicts who have been separated from the general population to remote locations.

4. The name Australia as we know today was only given in 1824.

Fun Fact: The name Australia comes from the Latin words terra australis incognita meaning Unknown Southern Land.

This is how Australia came to be, from a Penal Colony to a developed country.

Now Australia is a popular tourist destination. Many people from around the world visit this amazing place.