Australia Resorts | 20 Timeshare Resorts in Australia

Australia: A Land Of Extremes

With major cosmopolitan and cultural centers, deserts and wild lands mingling together in its vast expanse, Australia is truly a land of extremes. Fittingly, the country that is a continent is as much a major tourist draw for five-star travelers as it is for those who enjoy high adventure and roughing it in the wilds. Broken up into several distinct territories, Australia is a playground for divers, sports lovers, cultural travelers and even history buffs and beyond.

Covering nearly 3 million square miles, the landmass of Australia is just smaller than the mainland United States by a smidge. Those who visit it, however, will find this arid country is not quite as crowded. The entire population of the country is estimated around 21 million people. New York City alone is home to more than 8 million. The wildlife is a little different than New York, too. Within the wilds of Australia, visitors will find some of the most unique animals in the world. From kangaroos and koala bears to wombats and beyond, some of the country's most interesting attractions are of the animal persuasion.

Tourists will find Australia's many territories offer their own reasons to visit. They include:

• South Australia: Here visitors will find the Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island and the city of Adelaide. This region is noted for its incredible beaches and major tourist draws. The region around Adelaide is home to the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery in the South Australian Museum, the National Wine Centre and Adelaide Botanical Garden. It is also blessed with miles of pristine beaches. Shoppers and diners will not be disappointed in this destination either. The region is home to more than 700 restaurants, and the Rundle Mall, which features some 800 shops.
• Northern Territory: This area is home to Katherine, Tennant Creek and Darwin. World famous Alice Springs is also found here. In this territory visitors will find some of the famous wild lands Australia is home to. It features cattle stations, country towns and honest to goodness outback pubs. The landscape is loaded with natural wonders, from the World Heritage parks at Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta, visitors can see desert landscapes that are awe inspiring. Watch out for the saltwater crocodiles that make this area home. Those interested in learning more about Aboriginal life will find this region is perfect. Much of the footage for "Ten Canoes" was shot in this region's Arnhem Land.
• Western Australia: This region is home to Australia's famous Golden Outback, the Coral Coast and legendary Perth. Here visitors can experience everything from serious Outback adventures to underwater adventures. The city of Perth is a metropolitan center that offers beaches, parks, fine dining and more. It is noted for its architecturally breathtaking waterfront downtown with high-rise buildings that seem to touch the stars.
• Queensland: This region is home to Brisbane, the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Isa and miles and miles of Outback. Visitors here can explore miles of beaches, underwater sights like no where else in the world and the famous World Heritage Rainforest. Many visitors say the Queensland region offers some of the country's and the world's most breathtaking natural sights.
• New South Wales: This territory is home to Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Newcastle. Its expanse covers miles and miles of beaches and seemingly endless Outback. Here visitors can explore the world famous Sydney Opera House, historic sites and more. Beyond the major metropolitan city, visitors will find all the wild experiences Australia is famous for. From Outback adventures to deep sea diving, New South Wales offers it all.
• Victoria: The home of Melbourne is also noted as being one of the most green areas within the mainland of Australia. Here visitors will find everything from shopping, dining and cultural events within the tamed boundaries of Melbourne and an extreme juxtaposition outside. The region is home to gold mines, Phillip Island and its famous penguins, the Yarra Valley and plenty of aboriginal art.
• Tasmania: Located south of Melbourne, Tasmania is Australia's only island state. It is maintained almost entirely in its pristine form with roughly 40 percent of its lands protected as reserves and national parks. Although it's known for its wildlife and wild landscapes, Tasmania is also home to a half-million people, its own symphony orchestra and a bevy of history towns and even seaside villages.

From the upscale opera and symphony houses Australia is noted for to the rough, rugged and adventurous Outback, Australia is truly a land of contrasts. Drawing tourists from all over the world, this country features attractions like no where else.