Australasia
From YourTravelGuide
The term Australasia originated in 1756 by French geographer, Charles de Brosses. As he charted and labeled maps of the area, he described it as southern Asia, Austral being Latin for southern.
In modern times many consider Australasia to be in the confines of Australia, including Tasmania, and New Zealand. Botanists include Papua New Guinea in the group. In all actuality, if one were to peruse any map today, Australasia includes: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Fiji Islands, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.
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[edit] Introduction
[edit] Current Events
[edit] History
[edit] Culture
Both Australia and New Zealand have their roots in indigenous people and Britain. Where Australia has adapted English as their official language, albeit with far different colloquialisms than other English speaking countries, New Zealand has kept Maori as their official language. Although most New Zealanders cannot carry on an every day conversation in Maori, more and more of them are educating themselves in speaking the language. Papua New Guinea is a land of many cultures. Current statistics suggest more than one thousand, each with their own language.
[edit] Geography
Australasia is the name used to denote a region of Oceania, particularly Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding islands. Physical geography describes it as being all land that lies between the equator and latitude 47 degrees south.
[edit] Countries and Territories
- Australia
- Fiji Islands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Vanuatu
- Kermadec Islands
- Lord Howe Island
- Norfolk Island
[edit] Transport
[edit] Get There
[edit] Get Around
[edit] See
[edit] Highlights
[edit] World Heritage Sites
Australia The Great Barrier Reef is located on the northeast coast of Australia. It is home to the world’s largest assortment of living coral, with over 400 types. The reef supplies a habitat for 1500 species of fish, 4000 species of mollusks and threatened sea animals like the dugong (sea cow) and the large green turtle.
New Zealand Tongariro National Park was the first entry in the World Heritage list when it began including natural landscapes in 1993. This is due to the park’s many ecosystems, magnificent landscapes, with both active and extinct volcanoes, and it’s importance to the history of the Maori people.
[edit] Itineraries
[edit] Stay Safe
[edit] Health
Since most of Australasia is a highly developed area, health risks are low. However, standard precautions should be taken with any travel. Make sure vaccinations are up to date.
Parts of northern Australia and all of Papua New Guinea have a slight problem with malaria and Japanese encephalitis, so make sure the vaccinations for these diseases are included.
Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common complaint for most travelers. These food and water born diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites that are found throughout Australia and the South Pacific. Avoid eating and drinking products sold by street vendors, make sure all meat and seafood is cooked thoroughly and avoid eating raw fruits and vegetable unless they are peeled first. Tap water, ice and all unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided. Safe drinking products include: bottled water, hot tea or coffee, beer, wine and spirits (if mixed with safe products) and bottled carbonated beverages.
