This vast country, the sixth largest in the world (about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe) has the lowest population density on Earth - only two people per square kilometre.

For more than 50,000 thousand years, Australia's Aboriginal people have lived and thrived in Australia's unique and challenging natural environment. It wasn't until Captain James Cook arrived in Botany Bay in 1770 that Europeans officially discovered the land.

Australia is made up of six states and two territories, each with their own parliament, flag and floral emblem. Australia became a federated nation after the union of the six colonies on 1 January 1901 bound by one parliament and one constitution.

Australia is becoming ever more popular with foreign property buyers as a place to invest or to emigrate, and has always enjoyed a close affiliation to the UK.

The climate is warm all year round and this huge and diverse country has much to see and do. Property prices vary greatly, from the European priced cosmopolitan city of Sydney to cheaper locations outside other main towns in great areas.

The availability of land has allowed real estate to be spacious, within un-crowded areas, something we are generally not used to here in mainland UK.

Specific information needs to be looked into if wishing to purchase property in Australia or if planning to emigrate there.