Australasia & Oceania

Overview

Australasia and Oceania consists of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and numerous islands extending into the South Pacific. Due to the remote nature of the continent, evolution has led to many species that cannot be found elsewhere. The most notable of which are the marsupials of Australia, including the koala often found in a Eucalyptus tree and the kangaroo roaming the bush. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's natural wonders, the myriad of fish and other marine life can only be appreciated under the sea.

Although initially discovered by Willem Jansz in 1606, it was not until 1770 when Captain James Cook claimed the southern lands in the name of Great Britain that Western influences were introduced.

Today, despite the former maltreatment of the indigenous peoples, such as the Maori, Aborigines and Polynesians, they play an important role in the cultural heritage of the region and provide an insight into some traditional ways of life.

The tropical nations such as Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga offer a blend of island culture with the realisation of the romantic image of a south seas. In contrast, Australia and New Zealand are packed with adrenaline pumping activities, such as bungy jumping, parachuting and the bizarre zorbing. However, the visitor might prefer a glass of local wine or watch a game of rugby with a beer.