5 curiosities you might not know about Australia

Did you know why a kangaroo is called a kangaroo?

Winter is knocking on our doors here in Europe, while the warmer weather is heading over to the other side of the world. This is also why many Europeans leave for Australia in this period, taking advantage of the Working Holiday Visa!

Australia is a fascinating country, the immense spaces, the outback that still reserves a bit of mystery indeed - and what is this outback overall? It is defined as the largest inland in Australia, as the vast desert where the majestic Uluru, a monolith with a diameter of 8 km lies. In a country like this, don't you think there are plenty of curiosities to know?

1. PEOPLE MOSTLY LIVE ON COAST

Because of this internal desert, Australians settled down along the coast, leaving most of the continent uninhabited. It's not really such a bad thing to live in a sunny and warm city on the coast, do you think?

2. "KANGAROO" MEANS "I DON'T KNOW"

Strange but true, the word "kangaroo" appeared for the first time after a the following question "What's that?" asked by an English colonist to an aborigine, referring to a kangaroo he probably had just seen. The native Australian replied to the colonist "Kangaru" which in his language means "I don't know".

3. NO SPEED LIMITS IN THE OUTBACK

Partly true, because there were no speed limits in the outback till 1977, when they were first introduced. So nowadays you need to be careful though!

4. IT WOULD BE BETTER NOT TO CLIMB ULURU

Uluru is the largest monolith that rises in the outback. It's an Aboriginal sacred site where according to aboriginal myths, some spirits live. This is the reason why tourists are adviced not to climb on it, to respect the native population beliefs.

5. THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

The largest barrier reef in the world is right there.

It was added to the World Heritage List in 1981. If you are planning to explore it we suggest you to stay in Cairns or Airlie Beach, where there is Whitehaven Island to see as well.

IN CAIRNS:

Flying Monkey Backpackers: A hostel mostly with private rooms, due to its size. Prices from € 12.73 per person per night.

Globetrotter international: a hostel that has neither pub nor bar, but regarding tours this hostel is really the best! Prices from 12.86

Nomads Esplanade Bakcpakcers: In the heart of Cairns city, this hostel provides dormitories and private rooms with breakfast always included! Prices from € 13:54.

Gilligans Bakcpacker Hotel & Resort: a luxury hostel at a low price. Rooms from € 15:48.