Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the world's smallest continent and a number of islands in the Southern, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the French dependency of New Caledonia to the northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast.

Owing to its unique geographical character, there is much to see in Australia that you can't see (easily / in its natural setting) anywhere else:

• Australian flora and fauna is essentially unique to the island continent, the result of having been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years. Amongst Australian animals are a large group of marsupials (mammals with a pouch) and monotremes (mammals that lay eggs!) Just some of the animal icons of Australia are the kangaroo (national symbol) and the koala. A visit to Australia wouldn't be complete without taking the chance to see some of these animals in their natural environment.

There are many tour companies around Australia that offer tours to see many of these unique creatures in their natural habitat such as NatureTour Australia Alternatively, there are many wildlife parks and zoos that exhibit excellent displays of native animals including the Warrawong Fauna Sanctuary in South Australia.

Top photos chosen by u all:

The Zoo
Made by positivelypurple
One of the many creatures we saw at the zoo, unfortunately it was dead. Anyone know what it is I'd love to know.


Crocuses In Amsterdam
Made by positivelypurple
We went to the Artis Zoo in Amsterdam and were greated by a carpet of purple and white crocuses, beautiful. xx


That's the one
Made by willyf
One of the handlers pointing out some feathers. He was very careful, to avoid a very painful nip.


Hold it
Made by willyf
Some kids were allowed to hold the birds, in this case a barn owl


Goodbye winter, Hello Spring.
Made by positivelypurple
Yesterday was the Vernal equinox. Isn't it great to be alive. xx


Curiosity
Made by willyf
Barn owl was intently looking at the bag with all the goodies


Hawk
Made by willyf
The hawk was screening a little piece of meat with its wings


Oranges and Butterflies.
Made by positivelypurple
Just two of the many butterflies we saw at the Zoo.


Answering questions
Made by willyf
The handlers answered questions from the audience


Fly over preparation
Made by willyf
Vulture almost flying over the heads of the kids