The capital of the country is Canberra. Other important cities are Sydney and Melbourne. Australia has got unusual and interesting flora and fauna. The most famous animals are kangaroo, koala, dingo, emu, echidna and platypus. The national symbol of the country is Australian acacia or mimosa. Formally the Queen of Great Britain is the head of the state because Australia is a member of British Commonwealth of Nations. But, in fact, Governor-General, appointed by the Queen, is the real head of the state.