Australia is an ancient island continent of contrasts and extremes, f rom lush tropical rainforests to the parched deserts of the inland. The continent's diversity of climates, landforms and habitats are home to an array of fauna and flora, many unique to Australia.

At sixteen s ites, the natural and cultural heritage values are so outstanding that t hey have been inscribed on the World Heritage List. In these, and in nat ional parks and reserves, the country's natural treasures are protected and preserved. These such wonders of Australia are exquisitely captured in Australia in Focus: Australia.