Australia is a vast country of nearly three million square kilometres, stretching from the tip of tropical Cape York Peninsula in the Coral Sea down to the cold wilderness at South East Cape in Tasmania, from the beautiful beaches and semi-tropical forests of Cape Byron to the arid Steep Point in Western Australia by the Indian Ocean. For more than 60,000 years over 250 distinct Aboriginal groups lived in a sophisticated society harmoniously connected to every parcel of their sacred land. Today, most Australians live on the coastline of Australia, between the forests and the beaches, where the climate is warm in the summer and temperate in the winters. In the interior Australia is a vast desert, home to the ‘Red Centre' and some of the most dramatic and barren country on Earth.

Australia became known as the ‘lucky country’ during the twentieth century owing to seemingly endless supply of natural resources including iron ore, copper, gold and natural gas together with cattle and sheep that were so numerous that people said Australia moved forward “on the sheep’s back”! The excellent educational opportunities in Australia has ensured Australia’s success in scientific and cultural achievements, boasting Nobel Prize winners, Booker Prize winners, Academy Award recipients and everything in between.

The accommodating weather and striking landscapes has made Australia a favourite destination for international and domestic holiday-makers, ensuring Australia’s tourism industry is a vital part of the local economy. The fine weather and high standard of living is also responsible for Australia’s love affair with sports of all kinds.

If you have never visited Australia this Conference provides you with the perfect opportunity. Be sure to set aside at least a few weeks to see some of our wonderful country. From the magic of the city of Sydney and its Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to the spiritual heartland of native Australia at Uluru and the Olgas in the ‘red centre’. From the Tuscan like hills and vineyards of Victoria to the cultural, entertainment and gastronomic capital of Melbourne. From the breathtaking beauty of the wilds of Kakadu in the north, to the pristine white sands of the surf beaches of the central and northern coasts of Australia, the Whitsunday Islands and the famous Great Barrier Reef. There is too much of Australia to enjoy on a single visit so we encourage you to start your love affair with our country now!

• See Australia - www.australia.com
• Australian Tourism Directory – www.touristaustralia.com.au