A to Z Challenge: G

G is for Great Barrier Reef and G'day

G'day (good day) is the quintessential Aussie greeting. Although promoted around the world as being used in the form "g'day mate" most Aussies don't actually put the two words together, although both words are used often.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's 7 natural wonders. Found off the east coast of Australia it runs along the coast of Queensland (300km/1800miles) and is the only living thing visible from space. The impressive coral reefs are a must-see destination with diving and snorkelling letting visitors get up close and personal with the amazing coral and sea life.

A to Z Challenge: F

F is for Freddo Frogs, Footy and Fraser Island

Australian chocolate makers, Cadbury, are responsible for Freddo Frogs. A milk chocolate treat for kids of all ages (although these days there are a variety of flavours). Birthday parties aren't complete without pass-the-parcel and a Freddo Frog in-between each layer of newspaper.

Footy in Australia can refer to one of three codes - Rugby Union, Rugby League or Aussie Rules. To stay on my Aussie focus, though, I'll talk about Aussie Rules (or AFL). This Australian sport is played on a round field teams consist of 22 players and an oval ball is used.

World heritage listed Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island and is located off the south-east coast of Queensland. The island has rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, mangrove forests, wallum and peat swamps, sand dunes and coastal heaths (and is a fabulous place to visit).

A to Z Challenge: E

E is for Emu, Esky and Ekka

Emus are a large (up to 2m or 6'6"), fast, flightless bird native to Australia.

An esky is the name given to a cooler (also the trademarked name of a brand of cooler, but generalised into the Aussie vernacular). Thought to have been derived by shortening Eskimo.

If you follow my A to Z challenge you'll notice the Aussie tradition of shortening *everything* (Aussie from Australia). Another example is my last E word - Ekka. The Ekka is the name given to the annual Brisbane Exhibition where produce is displayed, animals and people put through their tricks (sheepdogs, cattle parades, sheep shearing, wood cutting etc), fair rides, show bags and so on. Every town has a show day of some sort, and to celebrate we get a public holiday during the time it is on.