I never had the chance and pleasure to go down under so far.
Maybe I can remedy that in 2010 if not earlier, sorry for sentimental and family reasons Europe comes first .
In any case January 26th, 2009 is Australia Day as I came to realize.
Thanks to the Official Site I learned that Australia counts no less than 25,000 species of plant life.

To be honest, I never paid attention to Australia's National Anthem until today, here it is.

Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free,
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare,
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share:
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.

A few kids from other shores offer Their Take on the Holiday and what it means to be Australian

Happy Holidays to you Down Under.

Writing this while listening to New Order 'Round and Round'