Special Sub-Topic: Australia or New Zealand - Which Down Under? Authored by: fijikiwi Sub-topic of: Australia

The popular Down Under food spread 'Vegemite' is a black goopy paste harvested from the Vegemite tree. This tree is native to which country?

Neither country. Vegemite is actually a yeast extract - made from the goop at the bottom of a beer brewer's vat. Very tasty to the dinkum downunder-ite (particularly on toast), it is an 'acquired taste' to the overseas visitor. It was immortalised in the 1982 mega-hit by the group Men at Work called 'Down Under' - oldies will recall the lyrics 'I said do you speak-a my language, he just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich'.

The legendary Down Under racehorse 'Phar Lap' died in the USA under mysterious circumstances in 1932, having won an amazing 37 of the 51 races in which he was entered. In which country are his remains kept?

Both countries. Phar Lap was born in Timaru, New Zealand, but raced mainly in Australia and the USA. His remains have been the source of a trans-national spat for decades. His skeleton is mounted in Te Papa Museum in Wellington, New Zealand, whilst his stuffed hide is in the Melbourne Museum in Australia.

In World War II, which Down Under city did the Japanese bomb?

Darwin, Australia. During the Pacific War, over 180 Japanese warplanes hit Darwin on 19th February 1942 - the same fleet that had bombed Pearl Harbour. The attacks killed over 240 people and are the most serious military attacks in Australian history.

New Zealand is often called the 'Shaky Isles', owing to the frequency of earthquakes it experiences. Australia - 'the Great Southern Land' is by comparison a stable continental landmass. The deadliest quake Down Under in the last 50 years occurred in which city, claiming 13 lives and injuring 162?

Newcastle, Australia. A magnitude of 5.6 earthquake hit Newcastle, the sixth largest city in Australia, on Thursday 28 December 1989. In addition to the numerous casualties, the damage bill was estimated at around A$4 billion dollars.

Russell Crowe is famous for his Oscar-winning performance in 'Gladiator', as well as appearing in numerous other box office blockbusters. In which Down Under place was Russell Crowe born?

Wellington, New Zealand. Russell Crowe is a Kiwi by birth, born in NZ's own 'Windy City'. He completed his acting apprenticeship in Australia, including a stint in the classic soap 'Neighbours'. He is a first cousin to Martin and Jeff Crowe, both of whom captained the New Zealand cricket side. When Russell wins Oscars, both countries' claim him, when he gets into drunken brawls, neither country wants him.

The Parma Wallaby was thought to be extinct in Australia by the end of the 19th Century. However, in 1965 a remnant population was found Down Under where?

Kawau Island, New Zealand. Kawau Island was once owned by the influential NZ leader George Grey, who kept a zoo on this fairly substantial island. Workers contracted in 1965 to exterminate some 'tammar wallaby' pests on this island, were astonished to discover 'extinct' Parma Wallabies thriving. They have since also been discovered back in their homeland, near Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

Australia and New Zealand both have inhabitants from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Which indigenous people were the first to colonise the Down Under region?

Australian Aborigines. New Zealand is thought to be the last major land mass colonised by humankind, with first arrivals between 800 and 1300AD. By contrast, Australian Aboriginals are a very ancient people, with roots in Australia dating back over 40,000 years. The Moriori originated from South Island Maori stock, whilst the Brumbies are better known as a wild horse.

Crowded House were a leading pop group in the 1990s, producing such worldwide hits as 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'Something So Strong', 'Better Be Home Soon', and 'Weather with You'. Where in Down Under do the members of this group hail from?

Both countries. Crowded House has a joint trans-Tasman flavour - Neil and Tim Finn are Kiwi born whilst Nick Seymour and the late Paul Hester are of dinkum Aussie stock. They boast an impressive musical pedigree - Neil and Tim Finn and Paul Hester were members of the iconic New Zealand rock band Split Enz, whilst Nick Seymour is the brother of Mark Seymour, leader of Australian rock group Hunters & Collectors.

Sydney hosted a very successful Olympics in 2000. The previous 'Down Under' Olympics were held in 1956 in which city?

Melbourne, Australia. The Melbourne Olympics highlights included Australian runner Betty Cuthbert becoming the games 'Golden Girl' by winning three track gold medals. Her performance was equalled by American sprinter Bobby Joe Morrow.

The Battle of Gallipoli in World War I was a bloody battle in the Dardanelles in Turkey, with 400,000 casualties on both the Allied and Ottoman sides. Which Down Under country contributed troops to the Allied side in this battle?

Both countries. The combined troops were called Australia and New Zealand Army Corps - or ANZACs. This battle has become a founding legend in both countries, signifying the sacrifice that troops in Australia and New Zealand made for their new nations. Anzac Day is a national holiday in both countries on April the 25th.