Page 38 - WORLD TOURISM DESTINATION

AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA

Australia, sometimes known as the Island
Continent, is the world's sixth largest country and
smallest continent. Sunshine, vast areas, and
vibrant modern cities describe Australia. The
Western Plateau, Central Lowland, and Eastern
Highlands are the three physical divisions of
Australia.

The Western Plateau is a huge Australian Plateau
that covers two-thirds of the continent. In some
instances, the isolated mountain ranges rise
above the usual level. The Plateau is mostly
desert.

Between the Western Plateau and the Eastern
Highland sits the Central Lowland, a large length
of low-lying territory. The average elevation is 150
metres above sea level. Lake Eyre is 12 metres
below sea level and is part of an interior drainage
system. The Murray and Darling rivers run
through the central lowlands' southern reaches.
Much of the lowland is dry due to a lack of rainfall.

The eastern highlands run parallel to Australia's
east coast. In the winter, some of the peaks in this
area are covered in snow. A lengthy ridge-like
feature known as the "Great Barrier Reef" spans
off Australia's north east coast. It was formed by
the deposition of rock in the form of the skeletons
of microscopic sea animals living in colonies.

The climate in Australia is quite dry. Winds
moving from the sea hit the eastern, north-
eastern, and south-western sections of the
country, resulting in severe rainfall. These rain-
bearing trade winds are blocked by the eastern
mountains. Rainfall reduces dramatically as one
travels west. There is no rain in large sections of
central and western Australia, resulting in a
scorching desert environment. The climate in the
south-western part of Australia is Mediterranean.

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