Australia - An introduction

A while ago I asked what non-Australian people wanted to know about us. Then I got to wondering - how much do I know? I mean, I haven't been many places. I shaded a map to see just how far travelled I am, and I was shocked at the result: On square mileage, I reckon I've seen more of Britain! But I will persevere. I've been as far north as Brisbane (Expo 1988) and as south as Tasmania (1987). Both when I was very little, and my recollection is shady at best and fabricated at worst. In between is New South Wales, my homestate, and even there I've only been as far west as Cobar, but I daresay that's a lot further than most people get. Because, once you hit there, you can pretty confidently claim you're in dry, tough terrain. Not 'The Outback', because (I think) you only really hit that once you reach the named deserts. In between is also my current homestate of Victoria, a place I've barely seen, apart from the car window along the Hume Highway on the many car trips we've made to Sydney. This is shameful as I've lived here seven years now! As you read this, I will be flying over a good proportion of the shaded map I've just described, trying not to look out of the window too much (I am not a good flyer), but will do so anyway, to point out landmarks and such to Keira and Riley, such is my motherly duty. So there you have it. Whetted your apetite? Put you to sleep? Stay tuned for Part Two: Australia - the inhabitants.