The Land of the Southern Hemisphere, as well as an independent state, whose official name - Australia. The composition of the State, except the mainland, includes o.Tasmaniya and other islands. The Land of washed by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Indian Ocean - in the west and south.
Australia extends 3180 km from north to south and 4000 km from east to west, or between 10 ° 41 ¢ to 43 ° 39 ¢ S and from 9 ў 113 ° to 153 ° 39 ¢ E This is the smallest mainland: its total area, including the island of Tasmania, is 7682.3 thousand Apt. km. The length of the coastline 36 700 km. In the north, deeply vdaetsya land in the Gulf of Gulf of Carpentaria and to the south - Australian Grand Bay.

PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA
The descendants of indigenous inhabitants were displaced during the colonial period in special areas - Reserve, and their number now stands at approx. 375 thousand people, or 2% of the total population. Currently residing in Australia almost 19 million people, of which 72% of Anglo-Celts, 17% - of other Europeans and 6% - Asians. Approximately 21% of current Australian residents were not born in this country and another 21% - second-generation descendants of immigrants who have at least one parent was born in this country.

CLIMATE OF AUSTRALIA
The Australian continent is located within the three major warm climatic zones of southern hemisphere: subekvatorialnogo (in the north), tropical (in the central part) and subtropical (in the south). Only a small part of the island of Tasmania lies within the temperate zone. In winter, which falls on June, July and August, sometimes falling snow, but he did not long remain.
Subekvatorialny climate, smooth progress of different temperatures (during the year, average temperature 23 - 24 degrees) and plenty of rain (from 1000 to 1500 mm. And places more than 2000 mm.). The farther to the south, the more noticeable change of seasons. In central and western parts of the mainland in summer (December-February) average temperatures rise to 30 degrees, and sometimes above, and in winter (June-August) are reduced to an average of 10-15 degrees. At the heart of the continent during summer daytime temperatures rising to 45 degrees at night falls to zero and below (-4-6 degrees).

REST IN AUSTRALIA
Australian continent - the ideal place to hold any water sports. Surfing, windsurfing, surfing, diving, water skiing on skis, rowing and yachting - all of these services to holidaymakers on the coast. If you are not prelschaet, go hiking on one of the many reserves, ride a bicycle or horseback. In addition, you can go on safari or engage in rock climbing.

WHAT PRIVEZTI FROM AUSTRALIA
In the souvenir shops you can buy various products handmade established Aborigines, clothing from the finest wool sheep, and in jewelry stores - ornaments of the famous Australian opals, pearls or a fine pink diamond.

POINTS OF AUSTRALIA
Ayers rok.Neobyknovenny in red colour rock monolith Uluru long ago became the emblem of central Australia. This is the oldest and largest monolithic rock on the ground (her age about 500 million years). It produces a surprising impression and because rises midst absolutely flat surface, and because it is changing its hues at sunset and sunrise. Many tourists and photographers come to admire the magic of this game of light. Scala, this also has been and remains a sacred place for Aboriginal. It can be seen rock carvings.
Great Barrier rif.Odna of Australia's most famous sights - the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral structure in the world. This is a huge system of reefs and islets, stretches for 2 010 km. along the eastern shore of the country, from Cape York almost to Brisbane. For more than 20 years Barrier Reef is a national park.
Gory.Golubye Blue Mountains (Blue Mountains) - a unique nature reserve near Sydney. Here, as in many other corners of Australia, the nature of carefully preserved as it was thousands of years ago. Covered eucalyptus forests, mountains afar seem really blue - because of evaporation eucalyptus oils. Since the inspection sites opened magnificent panoramas wooded mountains, steep cliffs, deep valleys and canyons.
Harbor Bridge Bridzh.Ego are called "koat hanger" - because of what it is like a giant hanger. This is one of the longest bridges in the world (503 feet). Opened in 1932 and by the time of completion of the construction cost of 20 million dollars. And today, motorists heading south of Sydney, paying 2 dollars for travel, covering the costs of the bridge. The closest to the Opera House pylon bridge opened to visitors. For a viewing platform opens circular panorama of Sydney, is a convenient place for photo and video shooting.
Sydney Bashnya.Sidneyskaya Tower - the tallest building in the southern polushvrii (height 304.8 m). There is a lookout area, rotating shops and restaurants.
Opera.Iz all the sights of Sydney Australia Sydney Opera attracts the largest number of tourists. Famous Opera House sails is a symbol not only Sydney but throughout Australia. Some believe Opera House magnificent samples of "frozen music". The architect himself said that he created the sculpture, inside which locates theatrical space. "You never from him (buildings) ustanete not, it will not one day get tired of you" - he predicted. And he was right - the opera house does not cease to excite, but neither would we admire them.
Akvarium.Sidneysky Sydney Aquarium (Sydney Aquarium) - Magnificent Marine Park. Here you can observe Zool fish and marine animals in aquariums or paintings of underwater tunnels, where over one's head

CUISINE OF AUSTRALIA
Australian cuisine - one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan "world kitchens. Based on the Anglo-Irish tradition, it incorporated a huge number of culinary techniques Asian cuisine, especially Japanese, Chinese and Malay.
Meat products play a key role - along with the traditional Australian steak with blood, as well as yagnyatinoy pork and all kinds of ways of cooking, are widely used rabbit meat, kangaroo, ostrich em, crocodile, Opossum or "local delicacies" from the beetles and larvae "uitchetti." Popular meat pie from foliation test - "share", marinated fillet of beef with curry and spinach-thick sauce "bitrut" great steak "capital" of kangaroos in the sauce "kvandong" ( "sweet peach"), dishes from the series "bush takker (on the corner), chickens "Melbourne" under the sauce, steak of kangaroo meat with mushrooms, as well as salad closed tubes thin slices ham and Asian "sate." Smoked ribs are popular, along with bacon or pizza, Chinese fried rice with chicken comes in addition to acute soup "Volume-pit" and Mediterranean "dolma" meets at least Russian ravioli. As a light snack popular "roll-sandwiches" - twisted to roll sandwiches stuffed with all kinds, as well as "vegemit" - thick dark mass of dough and vegetables, bread plaster.
The fish, oysters, mussels, scallops, octopus, crabs, shrimp and other seafood as diverse constitute an integral part of the Australian table. Modalities their innumerable multitude of cooking, but growing popularity in this sector are becoming Asian recipes, when the product is consumed almost raw, or vice versa - to complete the processing takes place beyond recognition, but necessarily accompanied by a repeal sauce or rice. Australian national dish is considered barracuda (especially caught in the Cleveland area), as well as baked in herbs and coal trout, salmon and fish from Tasmania "barramandi." For fish or meat usually served "Chutney" - spicy seasonings of apples, with the addition of ginger, cloves and wine vinegar.
National desserts are considered "pavlova" - and without the Kiwis with fresh cream, covered by chocolate cake and coconut cakes obsypanny "lamington" sponge Arnott, as well as "antsaks" - biscuits from oat flakes with coconuts.
Australian wine is not inferior in quality the best European varieties. Such class "Semillon from the Hunter Valley," Muscat "and" Tokay "from the north-east of Victoria, or" Ennis Lane "from the Clare Valley-are widely popular and in the world. Of the red wines are good "Kangaroo Ridge, Shiraz, Merlot," "Dark Horse", "Lindemans," "Valentine" and "Cabernet". Popular white "Chardonnay, Riesling Ryan", "Lindemans," "White Shark", "White Shiraz," "Traminer Riesling, Semillon Chardonnay" and "Miranda". Beer is also excellent, and even supplied to many countries in the world. The most familiar class Bougz "," Victoria Bitter "," Carlton Kould "," Keskeyd "," Coopers, "Redbek", "Swan", "Powers", "Tuiz", "Fosters", "Foreks" etc. . In many areas produce local beers, do not surrender to anything known brands.

RELIGION OF AUSTRALIA
In a country dominated by Christians - 12.6 million people (71% of the population), among them - Catholics (38%), adherents of the Anglican Church (31%), United Church (11%), Presbyterians (5%), Orthodox (4%), Baptists (2%) and Lutherans (2%). Among Christian denominations largest number of followers of Buddhism and Islam are different (for 200 thousand people in each, or 1.1% of the total population). Then followed Judaism and Hinduism (by 70 thousand people, that is to say 0.4%).

AUSTRALIAN HOLIDAYS
January 1. -- New Year
January 26. -- Australia Day
February 13 .- Day Regatta
February 21 .- Day Cup Lansestona
March 5 .- Labor Day
March 12 .- Day Eight Hours
March 12 .- Labor Day
March 12 .- Canberra Day
April 13 .- C trastnaya Friday
April 16 .- Easter Monday
April 25 .- Army Day
May 1-May Day
7 May-Labor Day
21 May-Adelaide Cup
June 4-Day
July 6-Alice Springs show
August 6 .- Bank Holiday
August 6 .- Day Picnic
October 1 .- Labor Day
Nov. 6 .- Melbourne Cup
December 25 .- Christmas
December 26 .- Boxing Day
December 26 .- Day Proclamation Day Declaration
December 31 .- Additional Day

TRANSPORTATION OF AUSTRALIA
The territory of Australia is so enormous that 80% of travel is by air. For many years the company "Qantas" and "Ansett" monopolists remained in the area of domestic flights and their cooperation has resulted in the prices of domestic flights were greatly overstated. But recently the company "Ansett" and its regional companies went bankrupt, and the company "Qantas" forced to compete with the newly emerged small airlines. Few people in Australia are paying the full cost of the ticket, because they have a lot of discounts.
Australia has developed a network of interurban bus, which serves several private and one public company "Greyhound Pioneer Australia". The buses are comfortable, but if you travel between major cities, prepare for a long trip. In Australia, there are rail network, which connects all major cities, except Darwin. Few people prefer to travel long distances by train, as though this is a cheap mode of transportation (and more convenient for night crossings), but more slowly. Many travelers to cooperate with others and buy or hire a car. Buying a car not so bad option for the trip to Australia, if you will not have breakdowns and accidents. Broadband Highway 1 runs along the circumference of the continent along the coast. But to closely monitor the road because road travel frequently, which can bring you a lot of trouble.

COSTS IN AUSTRALIA
If you are coming from Europe or the United States, Australia seem just a cheap country. Prices for housing are reasonable, and if you stay in boarding houses or camping sites and prepare yourself, you'll be able to meet the 20-25 dollars a day. The cost of road will be your basic expenses, because the distance is great, but if you travel only short distances, eat in a restaurant once or twice a day and live in an inexpensive hotel, the cost of your day to about 50 dollars. If you came for a couple of weeks and plan to commit several internal flights, the count no less than 100 dollars a day. You will not be any problems in the exchange of foreign currency, since it can be done in virtually any bank or exchange offices. Traveler's checks are usually exchanged at more favorable rate than the currency, although banks and taking a commission. Credit cards (including Visa and MasterCard) are accepted everywhere, and very useful to you if you decide to rent a car. ATMs throughout the country accept credit cards and maps Cirrus. Australia has taken to give tips, especially in cafes and restaurants of big cities; 5-15% of the amount of accounts would be sufficient. However, you will not be in resentment, if you do not let them. Taxi drivers will be grateful to you if you leave them to surrender.

VISA AVSTRALIYU
Citizens of Russia to visit Australia requires a visa.

The personal presence at the Embassy of the application is not mandatory. You can send a statement by mail, courier or use the services or an authorized person, such agent.
To obtain a visa are required to complete an application form and pay a fee for the appropriate type of visa.

Necessary documents:
-- Passport, valid 6 months from the date of travel;
-- Photo passport sample (new);
-- A copy of the internal passport;
-- All previous passports or copies;
-- Your completed application form with 48 R personal signature. Reply to all questions must questionnaire;
-- Completed and signed "power of attorney to obtain my passport";
-- Podverzhdenie financial consistency for the whole stay in the country: an excerpt from bank accounts, certificate of the last three salaries, buying a certificate of currency, the guarantee of the sponsor, traveler's checks, documents confirming the existence of property (apartment, car, etc.);
-- Of the projected trip: a programme of stay and an invitation from the Australian tour operator or a voucher from the hotel;
-- An original certificate from the employer on letterhead indicating business office, length of service, salary for three months, the duration and nature of (paid or unpaid) leave. This certificate must stamp and signature of the manager or chief accountant;
-- Private entrepreneurs should be provided with a certificate of registration, certificate of place of business on tax accounting, information on income derived from business, and documents the existence of any significant assets on the balance sheet of the company;
-- Students and students must provide a letter from place of study to confirm the status of the student and (if applicable) approved term lack of education for travel to Australia, copy of birth certificate, a statement on the financing of travel from their parents, help with their place of work, a copy of the Russian passport;
-- Birth certificates for persons under 18 years old;
-- Health insurance, valid for the duration of stay in Australia. Persons who have attained 70 years of age, must pass a general survey on the form, which can be obtained at the Embassy. Also, you must provide a certificate, completed an accredited physician, and confirming that from a medical point of view, the applicant is able to travel to Australia and back;
-- For children travelling, accompanied by a parent or a third party, you must provide a notarized power of attorney from the parent (parents) to leave, as well as a letter from the responsible person in Australia, undertakes to provide accommodation, support and welfare of the child. Personalities that have signed power of attorney and a letter from a responsible person in Australia, must be confirmed by official documents.

The fee for the application shall be paid at the time of application and is 75 Australian dollars (1700 rubles, banknotes can not be less than 50 rubles). Australian Embassy in Moscow accepts payment only in cash or by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB and STB card) only in Russian roubles.
If you plan to submit a statement by mail and pay for the collection of visa credit card, the card holder must print the attached form, fill it and attach to the Visa statement.
Dates for visa applications installed consulate and can reach two weeks.

Embassies
Australian Embassy in Moscow:
109028, Moscow Podkolokolny lane, d. 10 A / 2
Phone: (+7 495) 956 6070
Fax: (+7 495) 956 6162
E-mail: immigration.moscow @ dfat.gov.au
WWW: http://www.australianembassy.ru

Russian Embassy in Australia:
d. Canberra, Canberra Avenue, 78, Griffis (78, Canberra Avenue, Griffith ACT2603, Canberra, Australia)
Phone: (8-10-61-62) 95-90-38, 95-18-47