10 Average Questions about Australian Landmarks

Answer: Sydney Harbour Bridge

It is of course, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Completed in 1932, it is one of the longest single bow bridges in the world with a length of 1,150 metres. The bridge takes its design from the Hell Gate Arch Bridge in New York City. Around 6,000,000 rivets and 53,000 tonnes of steel, were used in its construction.

Answer: Opera House

The Opera House opened in 1973. Like it or loathe it, its unique design, resembling a ship at full sail, is one of our most recognisable landmarks. These 'sails' are covered in approximately 1,056,000 tiles. The complex houses five theatres and has a total seating capacity for 2679 patrons.

Answer: Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains, so named due to the distinctive blue haze caused naturally, by tiny droplets of oil given off by eucalyptus trees and combining with the atmosphere.

Answer: The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland. It is the largest natural feature on earth stretching more than 3,000km and is visible from space. The area consists of more than 3,000 reefs and there are an estimated 1,500 species of fish and more than 300 species of coral.

Answer: Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is considered one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. Between the months of July and November, they can be viewed as they make their annual migration to the Antarctic.

Answer: Kata-Tjuta

Kata-Tjuta/The Olgas are situated less than 30 kilometres from Uluru/Ayers Rock and are made up of 28 rounded hills or domes, with the tallest being Mt. Olga at approximately 546 metres. There are a number of smaller domes and ridges outside the main grouping, making about 61 domes in total. Cathedral Rock is in New South Wales, Wave Rock is in Western Australia and a Brolga is a bird.

Answer: Coober Pedy

As well as opal mining, which began around 1914, Coober Pedy is also known for its unique style of underground living called 'dug-outs'. About 80 per cent of the population live underground. The main reason for this, is that the temperature can rise to up to 50°C in summer and is the best way to escape the scorching heat. There are even a few underground churches!

Answer: Broome

Broome was established as a pearling port in the 1880s. Although the industry suffered a major slump beginning with the First World War and right up until the 1950's, pearl farming continues to be a thriving operation to this day.

Answer: The Twelve Apostles

Originally named the Sow and Piglets, the Twelve Apostles are stacks of limestone rock that are thought to have formed over the past 20 million years. The Apostles range from 45 to 70 metres in height and as recently as July 2005, one of the stacks succumbed to the constant weathering and collapsed, leaving only eight remaining. Both Murphy's Hay Stacks and Remarkable Rocks are in South Australia and you'll find The Devil's Marbles in the Northern Territory.

Answer: Port Arthur

Port Arthur's penal settlement began life as a small timber station in 1830 using convicts as labourers. Around 12,500 convicts served their time at Port Arthur up until 1877.