A to Z Challenge: T

T is for Tasmania, Thongs and Two-Up

Tasmania is our only island state. Found off the tip of the south-eastern mainland, about 37% of Tasmania is national parks and World Heritage sites. It is also the home of the Tasmanian Devil (that's right, the Looney Tunes character is based on a real animal).

Thongs is another of those words that has a unique meaning in Australia. Down Under a thong is a type of footwear, called a flip-flop in other parts of the world.

Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game. To play a 'spinner' throws 2 coins in the air and players gamble on whether the coins fall with both heads up, both tails up or one head and one tail. The game is illegal in Australia except on Anzac Day. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand on 25 April (this Wednesday) every year. It honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli during World War 1 (although it now commemorates all those who died and served in military operations).