Australia

Recently it was banned from a playground in England, the topic of a sex convict’s confession in New Zealand, the subject of a child’s funeral here in the United States and the reason for a 911 call in my own back yard.

Popularly referred to as "The Alice" - the city of Alice Springs is the third largest town in Australia's Northern Territory.

Lions and tigers and bears...oh, my! Plus plenty of native Australian animals to meet: wallabies, cuddly koalas, and kangaroos.

Just 31 miles west of metropolitan Sydney, the foothills of the beautiful Blue Mountains begin with sandstone plateaus, and you're entering the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site, a vast area consisting of seven national parks and a conservation reserve.

Canberra became the capital of Australia as a compromise choice to the bickering of rival cities Sydney and Melbourne that both competed for that honor.

Located in Western Australia is what many native Australians consider the country's last frontier...and a spectacular World Heritage Site in Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungles mountain range, a rugged area that includes restricted Aboriginal lands and eerie rock formations.

Distinctive cultural influences in Australia come from the beautiful natural environment and the indigenous native people, although American and neighboring Asian influences have become much more prevalent since the mid-1920's, particularly through television and cinema.

A quarter of the population of Australians over the age of 15 years old actively participate in sports.

The space outside of the populated urban areas of Australia, that vast and arid stretch of land is known as the Outback.

As an English-speaking country, many Australian terms come directly from the British, so it's easy to understand when an Aussie refers to the trunk of their vehicle as the boot and the hood as the bonnet.

Just 150 miles south of mainland Australia, the island of Tasmania is a wonderful place to explore with kids. 

Often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia, the second largest Australian city of Melbourne has a population of over 4 million residents.

The city of Perth endeared itself to the world, and particularly to America and became known as the “City of Light” in 1962 when the residents there lit house, business and street lights as American astronaut John Glenn passed overhead orbiting in Friendship 7.

More than 4.5 million people make their home in Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales.

Whether you're planning a new baby nursery or just looking for something new to spruce up the kid's playroom, this set of 4 typography prints might be just the thing to help get you started.

Any one of these bold graphic print fabrics, would be just perfect to update your child's room for use as decorative pillows, or if you are really inspired, to coordinate together for a cool keepsake quilt that your child will totally love!

Any one of these beautifully handcrafted handbags would be the perfect accessory for updating your Spring 2012 wardrobe.

Any one of these gorgeous beads might just provide you with the perfect inspiration to make your own DIY earrings or any other piece of DIY jewellery that you might have in mind.

Any one of these 5 beautiful handspun yarns could be the perfect motivation for launching you off onto your next knitting project.