 Australia has been isolated for thousands of years and thus plants have been able to develop independently to suit the often harsh natural conditions. Due to the wide range of different environments and plant communities, the native flora of Australia is the most diverse and varied in the world. It has been estimated there are about 20,000 to 25,000 different plants native to Australia. |
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 There are approximately eight thousand seven hundred species of birds living today. Bird species constitute the class AVES among vertebrates and are grouped into categories according to their similarities and differences. With 52 species Australia has the second largest number of parrot species. (With permission from Joseph M. Forshaw and William T. Cooper- Pattots of the World, Second Edition). Australian parrots feature in The Short Collection. |
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 The climate, soils and biota of Australia are different from those of the northern hemisphere. Australians need to embrace changes that must be maid to maintain a landscape that is capable of supporting people, production systems and the natural world. Australia is coming to terms with major environmental changes, and changes in relationships between rural and urban populations and economies, and increased demands for knowledge. |
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 Scientists estimate that Australia is home to more than one million plant and animal species. Many of these are found nowhere else on the planet. Since Australia was colonised in 1788, some 125 plant and animal species or subspecies are known to have become extinct. More mammals have died out in Australia in the last 200 years than in any other continent. Today, more than 360 of our animal species are considered threatened. |
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 Australia is a diverse country covering 7,686,850 square kilometres and a coastline of 25,760 kilometres. It is the 6th largest country in the world, and the only country to cover a continent. The landscape is unique and landforms are ancient, mountains low and rounded. The highest mountain Mount Kosciuszko is only 2228 metres above sea level. |
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 The Sydney Opera House, situated on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point, is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world. Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed under some controversy, it was opened in October 1973.The Opera House is one of Sydney's most popular icons with tourists and travellers from the world over visiting, photographing and standing in awe of the cultural centre of Sydney. Bennelong Point was in turn a fortress (1817), a tram depot (1902), and a bus station. |
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