Australia

                                                                 
Australia officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is the country comprising the mainland of  Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Neighboring countries include the Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north and the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to the north-east and New Zealand to the south-east.

For at least 40,000 year before first British settlement in  late 18th century, Australia was inhabited by indigenous Australians, who spoke the languages grouped into roughly 250 language groups.
It is the developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, with the world's 12th-largest economy.

Australia's military expenditure is the world's 13th-largest. With the second-highest human development index globally, Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom and the protection of civil liberties and political rights.

Geography and Climate:

Australia's landmass is of 7,617,930 square kilometers are on the Indo-Australian Plate. It is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Australia is separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor seas, with Coral Sea lying off the Queensland coast and the Tasman Sea lying between Australia and New Zealand. The world's smallest continent and the sixth largest country by total area, Australia—owing to its size and isolation—are often dubbed the "island continent".  Apart from Macquarie Island, Australia lies between the latitudes 9° and 44°S, and longitudes 112° and 154°E.
Australia experiences the temperate weather for most of year but the climate can vary due to the size of continent. The northern states typically experience warm weather much of time, with the southern states experiencing cooler winters. Australia is also one of the driest continents on earth with an average annual rainfall of less than 600 millimeters.

Culture:

Since 1788, the basis of Australian culture has been strongly influenced by the Anglo-Celtic Western culture. Distinctive cultural features have also arisen from Australia's natural environment and Indigenous cultures. Since the mid-20th century, American popular culture has strongly influenced Australia particularly through television and cinema. Other cultural influences come from neighboring Asian countries and through large-scale immigration from non-English-speaking nations

Cities 

Melbourne:

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The name "Melbourne" refers to an urban agglomeration area (and census statistical division) spanning 9,900 km2  that comprises the greater metropolis – as well as being a common name for its metropolitan hub, the Melbourne City Centre. It is a leading financial centre in the Australia, as well as the Asia-Pacific region and has been ranked the world's most livable city . Melbourne is rated highly in the areas of education, entertainment, healthcare, research and development, tourism and sports.

Canberra:

Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of 381,488, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 280 km (170 mi) south-west of Sydney, and 660 km \ north-east of Melbourne. A resident of Canberra is called as a "Canberran".

Where to stay:

Sydney Harbour YHA 110 Cumberland Street, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia +61 2 8272 0900

Any qualms about the unhostel-like prices will be shelved the moment you head up to the roof terrace of this singular, custom-built YHA and see Circular Quay laid bare before you. All of the rooms, including the dorms, have private bathrooms. The building, hovering over exposed foundations, incorporates a major archaeological dig into its footprint.

Rocky Hills Retreat 11901 Tasman Highway, Rocky Hills TAS 7190, Australia +61 1300 361 136

This hideaway in the hills overlooking Oyster Bay bills itself as a place for contemplation and retreat. The architecture is masterful and the remote setting has astounding panoramas over ocean and bush. Bring a loved one here for a few days: the fridge is deliciously stocked, so there's really no need to leave.