The supporters are native Australian fauna - a kangaroo and an emu. A yellow-flowered native plant, the wattle, also appears in the design. Phillip formally took possession of the eastern part of the continent for Britain and established a settlement, now Australia s largest city, Sydney. Air travel and the great variety of Australia s attractions are combining to bring more international tourists to Australia every year. Overseas tourists are drawn by Australia s sunshine, sandy beaches, the vast outback, rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, unique flora and fauna , the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, the attractions of the cities, Australia s friendly multicultural society, and the safe and welcoming environment.
Tourism is one of Australia s largest and fastest-growing industries.
In 1992, 2.6 million international tourists visited Australia. Much of the information on this page has been gleaned from Australia's International Public Affairs branch of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is available in much more detail at About Australia .