Australia is a land of contrasts: sweeping golden beaches, coral reefs rich with marine life, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, vast grazing lands and sparse deserts. One of the oldest continents, Australia is the only country to occupy an entire continent.
Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia has many animals and plants, which are unique on the planet. The surface geology is typically old and flat with a major mountain range stretching down the eastern coast and another mountain range in the north west of the continent.
Victoria
About 36 per cent of Victoria is forest. The Murray is the State’s longest river and there are a number of large inland lakes. Victoria’s vast coastline extends over 1600 kilometres, bordering the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait and separating the Australian mainland from Tasmania.
Victoria is the most densely populated of 8 States and Territories of Australia. Some 26 per cent of all Australians live in Victoria and, of those, most reside in Melbourne, the nation’s second largest city and capital of this state.
A Good Choice for Study
There are more than 50,000 overseas students studying in Australia and each year approximately 15,000 students from the Asia Pacific region arrive in Australia to continue their education.
They have chosen Australia for several reasons:
- Australia has a high quality education system, the equal of any country in the world.
- Australia offers traditional education in reputable schools, Institutes and universities.
- Awards from Australian institutions of higher education are recognized internationally.
- Australian universities, Institutes and schools have established networks of support to help overseas students.
- The Australian education system includes informality and accessibility of academic staff, the availability of computers, small group tutorials and close supervision.
- Living costs and tuition costs compare well with other countries and most overseas students are permitted to work part-time.
- Australia is a safe and stable country with a pleasant climate.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital of the State of Victoria. It is situated on the Yarra River, around Port Phillip Bay with its beautiful beaches and water sports facilities.
It is a beautiful spacious city with all the parks, gardens, sporting venues and scenic places that Australian space and natural resources allow.
Melbourne is a world-renowned cultural, artistic, financial and communication centre served by an international airport, passenger seaport and rail links to neighbouring States.
Melbourne, ranked as the world’s ‘most liveable city’, enjoys clean fresh air and beautiful parks and gardens.
Melbourne is considered to be the shopping capital of Australia and offers some of Australia’s biggest shopping complexes as well as sophisticated, exclusive boutiques and a host of lively and popular markets.
One quarter of Melbourne’s population was born overseas making it one of the world’s most multicultural cities. There are now people from 140 nations living harmoniously together. This broad ethnic mix has brought many benefits to the city including a wide range of cuisines and over 2,300 elegant restaurants, bistros and cafes. Melbourne has an excellent public transport system with trams, trains and buses providing an extensive network throughout the city and suburbs.
The population is approximately 4 million. Melbourne is a sprawling city with suburbs extending up to 50km from the centre of the city.