There are probably more famous Australians than you might think. The land down under is a place filled with interesting creatures, beautiful landscapes and the birthplace of many famous people. Famous Australians are responsible for bettering the lives of people around the world, whether it be through medical advancement, artwork or actors and actresses. Here are some of the more memorable famous Australians, many of which you may recognize.

Errol Flynn

Even the very young are likely to have heard of Errol Flynn, a charismatic actor who caroused his way to infamy while enjoying extreme popularity in film. It would be his appearance in the 1935 film, Captain Blood. He was an instant sensation and typecast as a swashbuckler. It would be his role as Robin Hood in 1938 that most people would remember, along with his fantastically wild life, carousing with women and pretty much being the life of the party. Errol Flynn died in a West End apartment in 1959 after partying with friends.

Mel Gibson

Fans have been enjoying the rakish good looks of Mel Gibson for more than two decades. Although born in the United States, New York to be exact, Gibson would spend a good deal of his life in Australia. The Gibson family moved to Australia when Mel was about 12 years old. Nine years later, he would begin his journey into the world of acting with the National Institute of Dramatic Art.

His film debut would occur in 1977 when he played the lead role in Summer City for which he was paid a whopping $400. Two years later he would see his fortunes much improved when he landed the starring role in Mad Max for which he earned $15,000! Throughout his career, Gibson would play a variety of roles in movies and productions such as Lethal Weapon, one through four, Maverick, Braveheart and What Women Want.

Today Mel Gibson is probably most well known for his production The Passion of the Christ and his notorious temper. There are even domestic allegations, though they are yet to be founded and according to his wife of 26 years, she had never experienced any violence.

Steve Irwin

The phrase By Crikey was made known the world round by Steve Irwin, better known to some as the crocodile hunter. Steve did not actually hunt the animals in the traditional sense, but instead participated in conservation, first in Australia and then the world round. He believed that the way to preserve the worlds natural treasures, endangered species was to educate the people and share his excitement.

In 2006 during a seemingly innocuous snorkelling trip on The Great Barrier Reef Irwin was stung by a stingray. The barb is believed to have sunk into the heart resulting in cardiac arrest. This of course is mostly speculation, as a coroner's report was not released to the public. It is sadly ironic that the man who wrestled some of the biggest crocs, handled deadly snakes and swam with reef sharks would lose his life to this type of freak accident.

Conclusion

Australia has indeed given the world a multitude of interesting and entertaining people; the above examples are but the tip of the iceberg. Famous Australians have also won Nobel prizes, sang in the opera, worked on T cell research and so much more. The people down under definitely have a lot to offer the world.