Australia was originally part of the supercontinent Gondwana. The breaking up of this supercontinent resulted in Australia becoming separated, which in turn gave it a unique and diverse range of Flora and Fauna.

Flora

The Australian landscape has a bit of everything - mountain ranges, rainforests, deserts and coastal dunes. The main types of flora within these varied environments are:

Tropical rainforest
Temperate rainforest
Sclerophyllous forest (leathery and spiky)
Woodlands (both wet and dry)
Mulga scrubs (dry desert vegetation)
Savanna and Steppe (grasslands in tropical / sub tropical and semi arid climates)
Alpine grasslands (vegetation in the higher altitude Australian Alps)

Desert

The most common tree in Australia is the Eucalypt, of which there are about 500 different species. Eucalyptus trees are found in almost all regions of Australia, and have become known as the iconic 'Aussie tree'. Another family well known are the Acacia and Wattle species - the Golden Wattle is Australia's national floral emblem.

The desert regions feature beautiful, hardy flowering plants like the Kangaroo Paw and the Sturt's Desert Pea. Because of the unique bird and insect species who assist in pollination, flowers have developed unique appearances designed to attract particular creatures - such as the Grevillea and Hakea.

Species such as the Banksia, with hard, woody flower pods, are designed especially to germinate after bush fires - the flames burn the pod and release the seeds into the nutrient rich, post-fire soil where they successfully grow in the new generation bush-land.

Floral Emblems

Australia - Golden Wattle
Australian Capital Territory - Royal Bluebell
New South Wales - Waratah
Northern Territory - Sturt's Desert Rose
Queensland - Cooktown Orchid
South Australia - Sturt's Desert Pea
Tasmania - Tasmanian Blue Gum
Victoria - Common Heath

Western Australia - Red and Green Kangaroo Paw

Fauna

Australia is known for its unique animals. We've got it all. Dangerous spiders, venomous snakes, amazing birds, egg-laying mammals, beautiful frogs...

Birds

There are approximately 800 species of birds in Australia. Common backyard birds seen are Magpies, Kookaburra’s, pretty Eastern White Cheeked Rosella’s and noisy Lorikeets. Take a walk along the coast, within the rainforest or in the bush and you might see large sea birds such as Eagles & Falcons, Turns and Pied Oystercatchers or beautifully coloured Wrens & Finches, the Satin or Regent Bowerbird, a Catbird – that has a very distinct call, the elusive Lyrebird, or even a penguin, depending on where you are.

The legendary huge birds, Emus and Cassowaries , that run and don't fly, are definite Aussie icons. Grab a bird book and a pair of binoculars and tick them off as you spot them!

Amphibians and Reptiles

Australia hosts a mean team of creepy crawlies and sinister looking reptiles. Some are dangerous, and some are just plain fascinating. The lizards, such as the Blue-tongued Lizard, Frill-necked lizard, Goanna and Water Dragon lurk in all areas, and are beautiful creatures if you catching them basking in the sun. The legendary prehistoric Salt and Freshwater Crocodiles are found throughout the Northern Territory and Queensland, and are as dangerous as they are fascinating. Snakes to be weary of are the Brown Snake, Red-bellied Black Snake, Copperhead Snake, Death Adder, Taipan and Tiger Snake. The legends about the outdoor toilet - or 'dunny' as we call it - refer to the deadly Red-backed Spider. The other arachnid to watch out for is the even more deadly Funnel Web Spider.

When it comes to frogs, Australia has 4 families of native frogs and the introduced poisonous Cane Toad, which has become a pest and a large threat to native wildlife. Frogs are found all over Australia, with some being poisonous, such as the black and yellow Corroboree frog and some beautiful like the endangered Red-eyed Green Tree Frog. Frog populations are in decline so it is always best to have the attitude of look but don’t touch, so as to not transfer disease.

Marsupials

Through the temperate and semi arid to arid regions, there are plenty of unique Marsupials. Kangaroos, Koalas, endangered Bilbys, Bandicoots, Possums... All gorgeous and all very much synonymous with the word 'Australian'.

Monotremes

Australia is home to the only 2 monotremes on earth - a mammal who lays eggs. They are the Echidna; a spiky ant-eater, and the Platypus; a duck-billed creature who lives in fresh water. The platypus is an elusive creature, and is best seen at dawn or dusk in calm waterholes and creeks. Echidnas on the other hand are curious and if you are near the bush look out for them on the side of the road.

Marine Creatures

Australia has an array of beautiful marine creatures, from freshwater and tropical fish, Weedy Sea Dragons, Whales, Dolphins, Dugongs, numerous Turtle species and of course, sharks. During whale season, take a cruise or find a headland for sighting, there are plenty of places to snorkel or scuba dive and deep sea sports fishing is always a thrill!
Hero Inamge Photo Credit flickr: By Rachel Hendrick