Australia or New Zealand - Which Down Under? Quiz

Answer: 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'.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: Newcastle

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

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.