G’day, mate! So, you’re thinking of heading to Australia, eh? It’s a long trip heading Down Under but if you needed some convincing this list ought to help you out.
Crocodile Dundee may have given you an idea about Australia but there’s more much to it than the outback, kangaroos and hunting knives. Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Australia.
10. Vegemite
Don’t mock it till you try it. Vegemite is both adored and feared and requires an acquired taste, so you might need to try it ten times before it’s somewhat palatable.
There’s more to Australia than just the soy sauce-flavored energy bar flavors of Vegemite. If you really want to impress the locals, mention that you want to experience an Aussie “barbie” (barbecue) with an ice cold beer like a Victoria Bitter.
9. Beer
Did someone mention beer? Try an American beer, and then try an Australian beer and you’ll find out why Aussies are among the happiest people on earth.
It could be the combination of the scorching hot Aussie sun and an ice cold beer. Maybe it’s because American beer is made out of fermented urine instead of high quality malted barley and hops. Whatever it is, if you’re Down Under you better head to the pub and have a frosty.
8. The Wom Wombats
No, I wasn’t going to say the women. The wombats are a great reason to visit Australia and they’re often overshadowed by the cuter koala and cliche kangaroo.
There’s around 100,000 wombats which are endemic to Australia, which means they’re not found anywhere outside the country for the dummies. They’re big fellas too, growing up to 1.3m (4.2 ft) long and 36 kg (79 lbs).
7. Beaches
The surf, sand and sunburn is a must do experience when visiting Australia. Bondi Beach is where the hype is at but where there’s a coastline, a world class beach won’t be too far away.
Australia in fact has well over 11,000 beaches so even for those lucky enough to live within the sandy shores, there’s no way in hell you’re ever going to visit them all. Just watch out for the sharks!
6. Dangerous Wildlife
Don’t worry too much about sharks. Since records began there’s been an average of about a single death per year from shark attacks. Australia’s biodiversity is one of the most endemic and dangerous in the world and that’s what makes it interesting.
Among the estimated 200,000-300,000 species in Australia, some of the deadliest animals in the world sit within that list including funnel web spiders, saltwater crocodiles, brown snakes and the Box Jellyfish.
5. Great Australian Cities
There’s more to Australia than just Sydney and its iconic landmarks. Melbourne is a cultural hub with its Victorian-era architecture taking you back in time. Adelaide is booming and is the “City of Churches”.
Brisbane is hot and great for the outdoors, Darwin is for the brave and where you’ll find much of Australia’s dangerous wildlife, Hobart is the place to go for natural beauty, and Perth is just too far away.
4. Kangaroos and Koalas
Australia isn’t all about deadly spiders, crocodiles, snakes and jellyfish. There’s a cute side to the country and kangaroos and koalas, as cliche as it is, are a national icon. Kangaroo’s also outnumber people, so be vigilant.
And don’t be stupid, you won’t see kangaroos or koalas in the street. You’ll need to go to a zoo or their natural habitat to see them. Koala’s also eat 10% of their body weight and sleep for about 20 hours a day though, so they’re as boring as they are cute.
3. Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is not dying according to the Queensland Government, so there’s no need to panic. Governments are never wrong and we should take everything they say as gospel.
One of the best reasons to visit Australia is to see the wonderful Great Barrier Reef in all its glory. It’s the world’s largest coral reef system and can be seen from space. In fact it’s bigger than the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Holland combined. Lots to explore.
2. Harbour Bridge and Opera House
The most iconic landmarks in Australia, the Harbour Bridge is more than just a glorified coat hanger, and the Opera House more than just segmented oranges. These buildings are one of the biggest reasons to visit Australia.
Sydney Harbour Bridge is the most climbed bridge in the world and will get you 134 metres (440 ft) above sea level. The Opera House will have you marvelling at how a simple idea of cutting up oranges led to one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings in history.
1. The Outback
The great Aussie Outback made famous by Crocodile Dundee is a world away from every Australian city, the Great Barrier Reef and the beaches. You’ve got to pack vegemite and beers for days because there’s nothing near here.
Australia’s version of the Wild West really is just the middle of nowhere and that’s why people love it. Only your own inner thoughts and demons, plus the dangerous Aussie wildlife to battle with.
