Australia

Another wonderful postcard from Steve - this time it's one depicting pieces of the Australian Great Ocean Road. It's actually an Australian National Heritage 243 kilometres stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I, the road is the world's largest war memorial. Thank you, Steve!

Australia

Kakadu National Park a protected area in the Northern Territory of Australia, 171 km southeast of Darwin. It covers a really huge area (it is the size of Slovenia!). Kakadu's flora is among the richest in northern Australia with more than 1700 plant species recorded which is a result of the park's geological, landform and habitat diversity. Kakadu is also considered to be one of the most weed free national parks in the world. 

As Aboriginal people have occupied the Kakadu area continuously for at least 40,000 years, there are also several Aboriginal rock art sites. The art sites of Ubirr, Burrunguy (Nourlangie Rock) and Nanguluwur are internationally recognised as outstanding examples of Aboriginal rock art. These sites are found in rocky outcrops that have afforded shelter to Aboriginal inhabitants for thousands of years. Many stories connected to Aboriginal rock are highly complex and linked to other stories. Often the true meanings have been lost, but they all have a purpose which is usually to serve as a lesson or a warning to the young or to those passing through the area.

Australia

All three Australian I've chosen for this evening are pre-paid cards in fact, publishes by Australian postal service. Steve says that this waterfall might not look as interesting as others he sent me, but I would disagree on that. I think it perfectly demonstrates the power of water and how it slowly shapes the rock and changes the landscapes. 

Australia

Although I haven't been receiving many postcards lately, the ones that have reached my mailbox are just lovely. I'm going to post several Australian views I got from a dear world traveler who never forgets to send me a card from his newest destination.  First Australian card of the evening is this majestic waterfall which is located in New England National Park (New South Wales). More than 1,000 plant species are found within the park, attracting prolific birdlife. New England National Park (NENP) was World Heritage listed in 1986 and forms part of the New England Group of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia as well.  

Australia

Every day mankind is getting more and more aware of its huge influence on the environment and ecosystem, and yet every day more and more forest are being cut, leading to an increased extinction of species. Here's what Wikipedia says about deforestation... Almost 90% of West Africa's rainforest has been destroyed. Since the arrival of humans 2000 years ago, Madagascar has lost two thirds of its original rainforest. At present rates, tropical rainforests in Indonesia would be logged out in 10 years and Papua New Guinea in 13 to 16 years. Several countries, notably Brazil, have declared their deforestation a national emergency. Amazon deforestation jumped by 69% in 2008 compared to 2007's twelve months, according to official government data. Deforestation could wipe out or severely damage nearly 60% of the Amazon Rainforest by 2030, says a new report from WWF.

However, I strongly feel that people are now closer than ever to realizing that our habits must be changed if we want to continue the lifestyle that we are used to. Thanks to Steve for this card, and I don't mind it being promotional at all :)

Australia

Relaxing Curtis Falls, Australia. Thanks, Irene!

Australia

Australia is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and many  smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area.The population of 22.7 million is heavily concentrated in the Eastern states (there are six states) and is highly urbanised.

Name Australia is derived from the Latin australis, meaning "southern". Legends of Terra Australis Incognita - an "unknown land of the South" - date back to Roman times and were commonplace in medieval geography, although not based on any documented knowledge of the continent. Following European discovery, names for the Australian landmass were often references to the famed Terra Australis.

After discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, Australia's eastern half was claimed by Great Britain in 1770. The population grew steadily; the continent was explored and an additional five self-governing colonies were established. In 1901, the six colonies federated, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. Since Federation, Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system that functions as a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. 

Just two more amazing facts... About 85 per cent of flowering plants, 84 per cent of mammals, more than 45 per cent of birds, and 89 per cent of in-shore, temperate-zone fish are endemic. Australia has the greatest number of reptiles of any country, with 755 species.

The stamp was issued, like many more in other countries, to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic games. I like both the card and the stamp. Thanks to Alison! 

Australia

If I ever decide to visit Australia, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park will be one among many must-see sites. I guess that would be a little problem because the Park is situated 335 km south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs, 450 km by road, in the very center of Australian continent. The area around the formation is home to a plethora of springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

It is sometimes reported that those who take rocks from the formation will be cursed and suffer misfortune. There have been many instances where people who removed such rocks attempted to mail them back to various agencies in an attempt to remove the perceived curse.

Thanks to Irene for this magnificent views over two wonders of nature! She says she's never been to Uluru-Kata National Park but plans to visit it one day, just as I do ;) Thank you, again!

Australia :)

Here comes a card from Apollo Bay, Australia that I received in August, 2011.

Apollo Bay, Victoria is a small coastal town in Australia. It was named after a ship which sheltered there from a storm in 1845. It is also tourist destination, especially visited in summer. It hosts the annual Apollo Bay Music Festival and the Great Ocean Sports Festival.

I always like to see many beautiful stamps on the postcard. These stamps represent the Clown Trigger fish and the Red-backed Kingfisher. Thanks to unknown sender from single view tag :)