25 Unbelievable Australian Facts

Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman, earns $600 every second. Tweet This

In 1892, a group of 200 Australians tried to start a colony in Paraguay to be called “New Australia”. Tweet This

In 1856, local stonemasons made the 8-hour working days a standard, eventually recognised worldwide. Tweet This

Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke set a world record for drinking 2.5 pints (almost 1.5 l) of beer in 11 seconds. Tweet This

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The world’s oldest fossil (3.4 billion years old) was found in Australia. Tweet This

The country is 100 times more sparsely populated than the UK. Tweet This

Australia has the highest electricity prices in the world. Tweet This

Australians hold the world record for spending most money on gambling per capita. There are 20% of the world’s poker machines. Tweet This

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They built the longest fence in the world: 5,614 km, originally intended to keep dingoes away. Tweet This

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure worldwide. It has its own mailbox. Tweet This

Before 1902, it was illegal to swim at the beach during the day. Tweet This

Australia has three times more sheep than people. Tweet This

Prime Minister Harold Holt went for a swim at Cheviot Beach, and was never seen again. Tweet This

Until 1984, Australia’s national anthem was “God Save the King”. Tweet This

European settlers in Australia consumed more alcohol per capita than any other society in human history. Tweet This

The Australian Alps receive heavier snowfall than Switzerland. Tweet This

The Box jellyfish kills more people than stonefish, sharks and crocodiles combined. Tweet This

Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world. Tweet This

The average Aussie drinks 100 litres (26 gallons) of beer per year. Tweet This

Almost 50% of the adult Australians are overweight. Tweet This

Australia holds second place on the Human Development Index (based on life expectancy, income and education level). Tweet This

Australia is the only continent without an active volcano. Tweet This

The name ‘Kylie’ derives from an Aboriginal hunting stick, which resembles a boomerang. Tweet This

The roof elements of Sidney’s Opera House could form a perfect sphere. The architect got inspired while eating an orange. Tweet This

No native Australian animals have hooves. Tweet This