Australians call their homeland the Lucky Country. The combination of the high standard of living and laid back way of life have led them to believe that they are truly the most blessed on the planet. Could they be right?
This massive country has a geographical size rivaling the US. While there are more than 320 million Americans running around, Australia has a population of only 23 million people. And, you can feel it. From the barren Outback to the comfortably spacious cities, Australia will give you room to breath and a wildly diverse landscape to explore.
While it would be nearly impossible to take in everything that Australia has to offer in one visit, here are a few attractions that will make it well worth the trip .
The Great Barrier Reef
Welcome to the largest living thing on the planet. This 2,300km-long ecosystem can be seen from space but it’s best viewed from one of the many tour boats that leave from Queensland. There are more than 600 different types of coral that make up the Great Barrier Reef and it is home to countless forms of sea life. It’s truly one of the greatest sights on the planet. Sign up for a full day excursion and spend the afternoon snorkeling and lounging deckside.
The Outback
This barren land is the closest that most of us will ever come to visiting another planet. Drive until see the red ground meeting the blinding blue sky. Nature lovers will be in awe of unique ecology and the local history is fascinating. Did you know that humans have been roaming the Australian Outback for more than 70,000 years? Take a moment to simply lie in the sun and try to imagine all those who have come before you.
Face off: Sydney vs. Melbourne
Both Sydney and Melbourne have been awarded with the title of the world’s most liveable city. Never overcrowded yet always packed with things to do, they both perfectly represent everything that a modern city should be. So, which should you visit?
Sydney Harbour is home to one of the most picturesque cityscapes in the world.The Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison are picture perfect visions of Australia in our collective minds and the city doesn’t end there. The streets of Sydney are packed with street entertainment, gardens, galleries and museums. And the beaches! Each one is more stunning than the last and no one would blame you for spending every day of your Australian journey there.
On the other hand, Melbourne is considered to be Australia’s capital of culture. From the National Gallery of Victoria to hole-in-the-wall jazz cafes, Melbourne is effortlessly chic and artsy. Victoria’s coastal capital with its tree-lined boulevards and colonial 19th-century architecture is known for its European atmosphere. Stroll through Queen Victoria Market, the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere, and grab yourself a treasure from down under. Wine lovers definitely won’t want to miss Yarra Valley, the stunning vineyards just outside of the city. If you end up dragging along any non-winos, be sure to treat them to the locally renowned hot air balloon ride of the valley.