How Big Is Australia?

Hello! Nine days until the adventure begins. I still have yet to fully pack, I've managed to stock pile a few things here and there but that is the extent. However, my friend did bring me a converter the other night so now I don't have to worry about getting one once I land in Melbourne.
During orientation some very interesting information was presented and after persuading the speaker to lend me his power point, I am now able to share this information.

Australia is approximately 7,686,850 Sq. Km. Verses the United Staes which is 9,629,091 Sq. Km. 

Australia has a range of climates: from mountains, to deserts, to beaches and beautiful coastlines.

New Zealand is approximately 268,680 Sq. Km.

The climate in the north island is similar to that of southern California, while the southern part of the island is more like Washington and Montana. The tiny south tip of the island has a similar climate to the arctic circle and contains ice caves that are available to explore.

Australia and New Zealand are so far south that there's a place in Melbourne where you can take a boat out and watch the penguins return from their nightly feed.
Seems really odd that a place that's hot and dry would have a place to watch penguins. This is definitely on my list of things to do.