A Final Look at Australia

*The first human habitation of Australia is estmated to have occurred 42,000-48,000 years ago by people from present Southeast Asia.
*In 1770, James Cook sailed along and mapped the east coast of Australia and claimed it for Great Britain.

Our hotel in Port Douglas

*Between 1768 and 1886, 162,00 people were transported to Australia from England as convicts to create numerous settlements. In 1788 the first fleet of 11 convict ships arrived at what was called Botany Bay, present-day Sydney.
*The Commonwealth of Australia is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government.  Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Australia.  There are 3 branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.

*Australia is one of the most expensive country's in the world to live in.  US $1 =AUS $1.25.  3 Krispy Kreme donuts cost Aus $10
A burger,  fries and a soft drink costs between AUS $15-20.
*The school year runs from February -December with 4 terms of approximately 10 weeks each.  The UN Education Index rates Australia first in the world along with Demmark and Finland. Government schools are free and educate 65% of the country's students.  Catholic and Independent schools educate 34%.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

*The socialized medical care is funded by a 1.5% tax on income over $15,000.