I could wax lyrical about my visit to Australia for as long as anyone will listen. It’s a bucket list destination for a lot of people, including me, so I decided to get a year’s working visa to give me the opportunity of not just travelling around and seeing as much as I could, but to live there and see what the Country really has to offer.
With statistics telling us it’s the world’s 6th largest Country, the world’s largest island and the only island that is a continent & country, distances between destinations are vast.
But what is it about Australia that has me and plenty of others talking about it years after they have visited?
Like I said, I could talk about how much I loved Australia all day but to give a less biased opinion, I decided to ask top bloggers who also have a fond affection for this Country for their views and experiences.
With statistics telling us it’s the world’s 6th largest Country, the world’s largest island and the only island that is a continent & country, distances between destinations are vast.
But what is it about Australia that has me and plenty of others talking about it years after they have visited?
Like I said, I could talk about how much I loved Australia all day but to give a less biased opinion, I decided to ask top bloggers who also have a fond affection for this Country for their views and experiences.
The amazing wildlife - by Tracy from Tracy’s Travels in Time
In my childhood Australia was all about “Neighbours” and “Home and Away”. I remember visiting my grandparents on holiday from South Africa one year to find them literally addicted to these two Australian soaps! So for me for a long time Australia meant sunshine, beaches, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan!
After settling in the UK in 1995 and spending too many winters in the intervening years wondering where the heck the sun had gone (I lived in Africa during my teenage years and early 20’s) I realised that my occupation and qualifications held the key to permanent residency of that country of endless sunshine and beaches!
So we applied and moved to Australia! We have been in Northern Queensland for three months and yes the sun shines every day and the beaches are beautiful. But for me what I love are the animals and birds!
There are so many unique species of animal found in Australia and I am enjoying seeing them – some on a virtual daily basis!
For example:
Kangaroos – and one of the most beautiful spots to see them is Cape Hillsborough. All those stunning shots of kangaroos on a beach at dawn? That’s Cape Hillsborough!
Platypus – we took a trip to Eungella National Park and Broken River, we were able to get close to these bizarre but special animals.
Koala – OK so far I have only seen these beautiful animals in a sanctuary but I have passed signs by the roadside on the way to the outback saying to watch out for them as it is mating season!
For example:
Kangaroos – and one of the most beautiful spots to see them is Cape Hillsborough. All those stunning shots of kangaroos on a beach at dawn? That’s Cape Hillsborough!
Platypus – we took a trip to Eungella National Park and Broken River, we were able to get close to these bizarre but special animals.
Koala – OK so far I have only seen these beautiful animals in a sanctuary but I have passed signs by the roadside on the way to the outback saying to watch out for them as it is mating season!
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And of course there are snakes and other reptiles here. In Northern Queensland there are quite a few and some of them are highly venomous. So far I have seen three including one which decided to have an argument with our dog but they were all harmless. Beautiful though.
Birdsong wakes me up every morning and I love spotting the coloured lorikeet and galah’s as I drive to work.
Birdsong wakes me up every morning and I love spotting the coloured lorikeet and galah’s as I drive to work.
Gorgeous brightly coloured Rainbow Lorikeets
If you love wildlife then Australia will not disappoint! We are loving it and I can’t wait to see more of the beautiful animals – a quoll anyone?
Port Douglas - by Garth from Phil and Garth
We took a whirlwind “City, Rock and Reef” two week self-guided tour of Australia back in 2015, our favourite place was easily Port Douglas. Situated in the tropical North East tip of Queensland, this pretty coastal town is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling the reef had been on Garth’s bucket list for years, so having saved up, we were beyond excited to finally be realising our dreams in Port Douglas - a bucket list adventure of a lifetime with some rest and relaxation over three days.
As we landed into nearby Cairns, we were struck by the beauty of the rainforest covered mountains, this region is green and lush, a world away from the harshness of the Australian outback and busyness of the big cities.
We love tropical destinations and found Port Douglas was the perfect place for us to relax and unwind after visiting Sydney where we got engaged watching the fireworks on New Years Eve. Port Douglas is chic, upmarket with a laid back vibe and perfectly small enough to explore by foot. We enjoyed lazy walks along the gorgeous Four Mile Beach, the breeze here is a welcome relief from the heat and humidity, just heed the signs about crocodiles and jelly fish and only swim in designated netted areas. Our other favourite activity was tucking into fresh seafood in many of the sophisticated but unpretentious restaurants, then relaxing with a few beers at one of the marina bars and just watching the wildlife as the sun set.
Time for the main event of our stay in Port Douglas - our once in a lifetime experience to find Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef! We took the Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruise - a full day experience aboard a giant sized catamaran that takes you to the only moored platform at the Agincourt Reef. On arrival we made a quick change into wetsuits to avoid being stung by jellyfish. Armed with a handful of noodles, we swam out and found a spot to float above some coral. It was a serene moment as we stuck our heads into the turquoise water for the first time, another world, we were rewarded with crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. It was enough to just float and watch the incredible scenes beneath us, the colour of the fish and coral was amazing too, I don’t think we were prepared for that. Before we knew it our whole day on the reef was up, It was a truly unforgettable experience! We were so happy on the way back to Port Douglas, that we’d experienced and achieved a big bucket list tick, as we've dreamt of doing this for years.
Time for the main event of our stay in Port Douglas - our once in a lifetime experience to find Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef! We took the Quicksilver Outer Reef Cruise - a full day experience aboard a giant sized catamaran that takes you to the only moored platform at the Agincourt Reef. On arrival we made a quick change into wetsuits to avoid being stung by jellyfish. Armed with a handful of noodles, we swam out and found a spot to float above some coral. It was a serene moment as we stuck our heads into the turquoise water for the first time, another world, we were rewarded with crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. It was enough to just float and watch the incredible scenes beneath us, the colour of the fish and coral was amazing too, I don’t think we were prepared for that. Before we knew it our whole day on the reef was up, It was a truly unforgettable experience! We were so happy on the way back to Port Douglas, that we’d experienced and achieved a big bucket list tick, as we've dreamt of doing this for years.
Australia will always hold special memories for us, not only because we got engaged in Sydney, but we got to see some of the world’s most iconic natural wonders like Uluru and The Great Barrier Reef. Having had a taster we will definitely go back, but next time factor in a longer stay!
Melbourne - by David of Travelsewhere
Despite always being on the move, there’s one place I call home – Melbourne. The city where I was born and lived in (with a few gaps) until I was 23 left an indelible mark that no amount of travel can scrub off. Having recently just returned for a visit, I was overwhelmed with reminders why I love Australia’s second city so.
So what makes Melbourne so great? I think the best way to put is this – Melbourne is weird. This is a city where on some streets you have to be in the far left lane to turn right! It’s a city where the weather changes every 15 minutes. It’s a city that came up with its own form of football and obsesses over it to religious levels, as was clear during my last visit (Go the Tiges!). It’s a city where the best tourist attractions are a train station, a market and some laneways with graffiti. A city truly certain that its coffee is the best in the world. Melbourne thrives on the fact that it does its own thing and is convinced it’s better for it. And that’s the kind of mindset that encourages someone to quit their job and travel the world.
Beyond this defiant streak, it’s also important to remember that Melbourne is a large, multicultural city. Again, I think it’s this exposure to different cultures that stirred my interest in travel. While I was last there, I had everything from Australian pub food to ramen, pho, and Mexican. Just like the unending food options, you’ve got an infinite number of choices for watering holes. In the span of a few days I visited a hipster bar in a loft, a stylish whiskey bar and a secretive East/West Berlin themed bar with craft beer. People always talk about the coffee culture here but the food and bar scene here deserves a lot of praise too.
In the end, I love my hometown for its bizarre eccentricities, its inflated self-confidence and ability to satisfy whatever worldly food I’m craving from the comfort of home.
In the end, I love my hometown for its bizarre eccentricities, its inflated self-confidence and ability to satisfy whatever worldly food I’m craving from the comfort of home.
Adelaide & South Australia - by Kelly of Trippin’ Turpins
Although I was born in New Zealand I have spent the majority of my life, so far, in Adelaide, South Australia. The other Trippin’ Turpin was born in South Australia. In spite of the fact that we were very eager to leave South Australia, in May of 2014 to begin our world journey, it is still one of our favourite places. In fact, the more we travel, the more we realise how special South Australia is. Adelaide is a lovely city, and South Australia has beautiful beaches, the best wines, fabulous wildlife, scrumptious local products and it even has the Australian outback!
Adelaide
Adelaide is often overlooked as an Australian destination, probably because it was known as the ‘City of Churches’…. it does make it sound kind of boring! However, Adelaide has so much more to offer. Adelaide is a sophisticated city, jam packed with culture, a pumping live-music scene and beautiful beaches. This multicultural city has a plethora of international cuisine and the Central Market is one of Australia’s largest fresh produce markets, selling a huge range of fresh and multi-cultural products.
Wineries
Further afield you will find some of Australia’s best wine regions. South Australia has more than 15 wine regions, many of which are only an hour away. Barossa valley is only 60km NE of the city and the McLaren Vale is 41km south. Other superb winery regions include Clare Valley and the Coonawarra.
Adelaide is often overlooked as an Australian destination, probably because it was known as the ‘City of Churches’…. it does make it sound kind of boring! However, Adelaide has so much more to offer. Adelaide is a sophisticated city, jam packed with culture, a pumping live-music scene and beautiful beaches. This multicultural city has a plethora of international cuisine and the Central Market is one of Australia’s largest fresh produce markets, selling a huge range of fresh and multi-cultural products.
Wineries
Further afield you will find some of Australia’s best wine regions. South Australia has more than 15 wine regions, many of which are only an hour away. Barossa valley is only 60km NE of the city and the McLaren Vale is 41km south. Other superb winery regions include Clare Valley and the Coonawarra.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island; furthermore over a third of this island is protected as nature reserves. It is home to native wildlife like sea lions, koalas and wallabies. It is also known for its striking coastal rock formations such as the sculpted Remarkable Rocks. However, what I want to tell you about is all the wonderful artisan produce made on the island.
Kangaroo Island produces some of Australia’s finest gourmet delights. Visiting one of the Farmer’s Markets on Kangaroo Island will unveil a profusion of produce including organic honey, sheep cheese and yoghurt, wine and liquors, olive oil, fig syrup, curry pastes, chutneys and relishes. As well as home-made soap, candles, and lavender and eucalyptus oil products.
Flinders Ranges
Lastly I would like to mention the Flinders Ranges. If you want to explore the Australian Outback you can’t go past the Flinders Ranges. Popular for four-wheel driving, hiking trails and bush walks. This is also a great place to try some of the local food. The Prairie Hotel in Parachilna serves up kangaroo, emu and camel, using native herbs such as saltbush, pepper-leaf, and lemon myrtle.
The Flinders Ranges is also a fascinating geological area. The rocks of the Flinders Ranges are more than 500 million years old, and contain some of the earth's oldest fossils, representing the earliest evidence of complex life on Earth!
South Australia is really very special - don’t miss it when you visit Down Under!
Uluru - by Angie of Feet Do Travel
The red centre, Uluru, Ayers Rock, people refer to this semi-arid desert in the middle of the Australian outback in many different ways. The land bakes all year round from the intense scorching heat, it’s a harsh and unforgiving land, a remote place miles from anywhere, but is a trip here worth it? You bet your bottom dollar it is!
I visited Uluru for an amazing long weekend when I was living in Brisbane on a working visa. I spent good money then, but now there are some interesting apps you can use that offer backpacker discounts such as Aussiety...but for me I guess it will have to wait until my next visit!
I adore Brisbane, it’s country-town feel, streets lined with charismatic Queenslander houses, the man-made beach in the middle of the City, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Mount Coot-tha for amazing night time city views, this place holds a very special place in my heart, but I’m not going to talk any more about “Brissie”, I will leave that to Travel Lexx as he loves this place as much as I do! I want to share my trip to Uluru with Adventure Tours.
Flying into this vast area was spectacular, I was able to see just how remote it really is. I would like to quickly mention the indigenous people of Australia as they are often forgotten. For 40,000 years the Anangu have lived off this land and, despite being here for thousands of years before “modern day Australia”, it wasn’t until 1962 that they were recognised as Australian citizens. In the cultural centre, we learnt so much about the Anangu people, their beliefs, laws, behaviour, social interaction, how they use this harsh land to live and hunt, it was absolutely fascinating.
Lastly I would like to mention the Flinders Ranges. If you want to explore the Australian Outback you can’t go past the Flinders Ranges. Popular for four-wheel driving, hiking trails and bush walks. This is also a great place to try some of the local food. The Prairie Hotel in Parachilna serves up kangaroo, emu and camel, using native herbs such as saltbush, pepper-leaf, and lemon myrtle.
The Flinders Ranges is also a fascinating geological area. The rocks of the Flinders Ranges are more than 500 million years old, and contain some of the earth's oldest fossils, representing the earliest evidence of complex life on Earth!
South Australia is really very special - don’t miss it when you visit Down Under!
Uluru - by Angie of Feet Do Travel
The red centre, Uluru, Ayers Rock, people refer to this semi-arid desert in the middle of the Australian outback in many different ways. The land bakes all year round from the intense scorching heat, it’s a harsh and unforgiving land, a remote place miles from anywhere, but is a trip here worth it? You bet your bottom dollar it is!
I visited Uluru for an amazing long weekend when I was living in Brisbane on a working visa. I spent good money then, but now there are some interesting apps you can use that offer backpacker discounts such as Aussiety...but for me I guess it will have to wait until my next visit!
I adore Brisbane, it’s country-town feel, streets lined with charismatic Queenslander houses, the man-made beach in the middle of the City, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Mount Coot-tha for amazing night time city views, this place holds a very special place in my heart, but I’m not going to talk any more about “Brissie”, I will leave that to Travel Lexx as he loves this place as much as I do! I want to share my trip to Uluru with Adventure Tours.
Flying into this vast area was spectacular, I was able to see just how remote it really is. I would like to quickly mention the indigenous people of Australia as they are often forgotten. For 40,000 years the Anangu have lived off this land and, despite being here for thousands of years before “modern day Australia”, it wasn’t until 1962 that they were recognised as Australian citizens. In the cultural centre, we learnt so much about the Anangu people, their beliefs, laws, behaviour, social interaction, how they use this harsh land to live and hunt, it was absolutely fascinating.
A postcard I purchased showing our flight route over Uluru
To get a feel for how rural the area is, we slept underneath the stars around a camp fire in a traditional Aussie swag; the night was so still and peaceful with absolutely no noise, not even from bush creatures. It’s a very special memory.
Our tour started with a visit to “the Olgas” or to quote its real name Kata Tjuta meaning "many heads". It was discovered in 1872 by explorer Ernest Giles who also “found” Uluru and King’s Canyon.
Our tour started with a visit to “the Olgas” or to quote its real name Kata Tjuta meaning "many heads". It was discovered in 1872 by explorer Ernest Giles who also “found” Uluru and King’s Canyon.
Kata Tjuta, the "Olgas”
 | The Olgas and Uluru were formed at the same time about 650 million years ago when the earth moved and created these mountains. At 546 metres high, Mount Olga is very impressive and to stand next to these huge, beautiful, red rocks made me feel so small and insignificant. If the land in Lord of the Rings was real, I imagined it would look like this. For sunset and sunrise, we went to Uluru. Uluru is thought to mean “great pebble” in Anangu. "Ayres Rock" as it is famously known was named after Sir Henry Ayre, the South Australian Premier back when it was discovered. |
Uluru is a sacred object of worship and only the initiated men are allowed to climb. As it’s considered disrespectful for a foreigner to climb, I chose to take the 8km circular walk around the base. For three leisurely hours, I admired what Mother Nature had created and the fascinating depressions caused by weathering including one which looked like a skull.
Do you think this depression looks like a skull?
My favourite little creature in the outback is a Thorny Devil and our guide spotted a rarely sighted 3 inch little cutey. I find them fascinating; they walk with their tail in the air and look like a leaf to passing birds. They have a fat cell on their “shoulder” which acts as a decoy for their head, so when a bird swoops down thinking it has caught its lunch, it really has the little devil’s fat cell. To blend in with the environment, they change colour but also turn a darker shade when scared which is what our little friend was doing, it was time to leave it alone.
Yes the red centre is a long way from anywhere, but if you want to know the “real” Australia, if you want to feel what it’s like for the indigenous people of this harsh and beautiful land, you simply have to visit Uluru.
Brisbane - by Alexei from Travel Lexx
Why do I love Brisbane? It’s a question that I haven’t really pondered over the last decade or so, during which I’ve studied, holidayed, lived and worked in the Queensland capital. For Brisbane is a place that’s been such a huge part of my life, that I never stopped to consider just what exactly it means to me.
Brisbane might not be the most beautiful city in the world. It doesn’t have an abundance of sights. It doesn’t even have a proper beach (it’s in Australia, how can it not have a beach, I hear you exclaim). What it does have, however, is something that I can’t quite put my finger on.
Brisbane - by Alexei from Travel Lexx
Why do I love Brisbane? It’s a question that I haven’t really pondered over the last decade or so, during which I’ve studied, holidayed, lived and worked in the Queensland capital. For Brisbane is a place that’s been such a huge part of my life, that I never stopped to consider just what exactly it means to me.
Brisbane might not be the most beautiful city in the world. It doesn’t have an abundance of sights. It doesn’t even have a proper beach (it’s in Australia, how can it not have a beach, I hear you exclaim). What it does have, however, is something that I can’t quite put my finger on.
South Bank, the man-made beach in the City
It could be its laid-back atmosphere, in contrast to bustling Sydney and Melbourne. Or its multitude of cafes and bars, packed with locals on warm evenings. Or its year-round warm weather which makes it one of the best places for outdoor pursuits. And BBQs with friends.
It could be the wind rushing through my hair on board the CityCAT ferry speeding up and down the Brisbane River. It could be the tennis courts at University of Queensland where I spent most of my free time. Or the soccer pitch at Tarragindi where I proudly put on my team’s jersey.
Was it driving to Mt. Coot-tha at night for ice cream and breath-taking views of the city? Or evenings spent laughing with friends at Tinbilly’s Hostel. Was it the day trips to Surfers Paradise, Sunshine Coast and hiking in the Glasshouse Mountains?
It could be the wind rushing through my hair on board the CityCAT ferry speeding up and down the Brisbane River. It could be the tennis courts at University of Queensland where I spent most of my free time. Or the soccer pitch at Tarragindi where I proudly put on my team’s jersey.
Was it driving to Mt. Coot-tha at night for ice cream and breath-taking views of the city? Or evenings spent laughing with friends at Tinbilly’s Hostel. Was it the day trips to Surfers Paradise, Sunshine Coast and hiking in the Glasshouse Mountains?
View of Brisbane City from Mount Coot-tha which is even more spectacular at night
It could have been selling candy floss at the EKKA or cheering for the Maroons during Origin. It could have been jogging along South Bank or strolling by the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. Or having breakfast set menus at the Pancake Manor in the middle of the night. And who could forget the cakes at The Three Monkeys?
It could be any of those things. Or all of them. Or it could be the Streets Beach (Brisbane SORT OF has a beach). Yeah, it was probably the beach.
By Travel Lexx whose love for Brisbane is unconditional even though finding good food in the CBD after 9pm is an exercise in futility.
Have you been to Australia? What was your favourite City and what impression did it leave on you? Tell us in the comments below - we would love to hear!
You can book your hotels for your Australia visit and any other holiday destination through our website as we have an affiliate partnership with Booking.com. Visit our Hotel Booking Page then search as normal. There is no extra cost to you but you will be helping FeetDoTravel run a little longer.
It could be any of those things. Or all of them. Or it could be the Streets Beach (Brisbane SORT OF has a beach). Yeah, it was probably the beach.
By Travel Lexx whose love for Brisbane is unconditional even though finding good food in the CBD after 9pm is an exercise in futility.
Have you been to Australia? What was your favourite City and what impression did it leave on you? Tell us in the comments below - we would love to hear!
You can book your hotels for your Australia visit and any other holiday destination through our website as we have an affiliate partnership with Booking.com. Visit our Hotel Booking Page then search as normal. There is no extra cost to you but you will be helping FeetDoTravel run a little longer.
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