Off the northeast coast of Australia is the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is over 1,200 miles of coral. It has developed over the last million years, and is now the largest living structure in the world. It is home to many sharks and thousands of different types of tropical fish. Major Industries Top of Page Australia's major industries are mining and farming.
Mining includes bauxite, coal, copper, gold and iron ore.
Most of the land is too dry for planting crops, although some areas do grow sugercane, grapes and wheat. The grape vineyards help to support a growing wine industry. Australia is probably best known for its sheep farming. Large numbers of sheep are raised for their wool and meat. There is also some cattle ranching to provide meat.