The great down under, Aus, the island continent – whatever you want to call Australia there is no denying the world’s only isolated continent has all the perks of multiple international travel destinations rolled into eight million square kilometres. These five reasons you have to visit Australia before you die encompass all the nation has to offer and a little bit more.
In one country you can watch the sun set and rise over the ocean, explore the Red Centre aboard a five-star train carriage, fly from one side to the other in five hours and get a tan while at the snow.
Bondi Beach, The Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, Tasmania and Australia’s iconic wildlife form the foundations of the ultimate Australian experience are making the cut of the top five reasons to visit Australia before you die are.
Bondi Beach
Home to the Bondi lifeguards since 1906, seagulls and a kilometer of white sand, turquoise water and blistering sun, Bondi Beach is a famous with the locals as it is with international guests. From backpackers to billionaires, tens of thousands of beach-goers flock to Bondi ever year and being only ten kilometers from Sydney CBD, the beach is one of Australia’s busiest – all year round. When the sun gets all too much, pop up the hill to Bondi Icebergs and join Sydney’s influencers for a drink overlooking the seascape. A Bondi Beach tan is a must-have souvenir from one of the nation’s most iconic seascapes but Australia’s burning sun means sunscreen and a statement hat are equally essential. There is no greater Australian experience than sandy feet, salty skin, windswept hair and the tang of lime in the neck of a Corona while mixing with the locals. And after a few hours at Bondi, you’ll feel like a local too. Our favourite bar you ask? Put The Bucket List on your bucket list.
Great Barrier Reef
Quite literally ‘world heritage in danger’, the Great Barrier Reef in all its natural beauty both above and below the water is under threat of becoming endangered. Climate change, catchment pollution and coral bleaching, coastal development and fishing is putting the North Queensland asset at risk of becoming endangered. So choose one of the 1500 vessel and plane operators, slip into your bathers and explore Australia’s coastal back yard before its too late. First-hand memories, your own photographs as opposed to post cards and the ever-lasting vibrancy of the Great Barrier Reef will live on long after its natural beauty fades. To say you saw Australia and the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory is reason enough to bite the bullet and make the trip to see it for yourself. Considered a must-do Australian experience, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, whether from below the water line, atop a cruise ship, from the banks of an island or sipping cocktails at a bar on the mainland, the destination is every part the sobering reality as the tropical paradise – for now. [Related Post – Palm Cove Photo Diary]
Hamilton Island
One of many islands nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island owes its five star travel rating to its rich and interesting history. Although habituated for almost 8,000 years the island only developed as a luxury world-renowned tourist destination in 1970’s and 1980’s. More recently, since 2003, owner and Australian wine maker Bob Oatley has invested millions of dollars into improving the accommodation services. And it shows. Like the Great Barrier Reef, it is only an amount of time before Hamilton Island’s almost-secret beauty is discovered and commercialised beyond what it is best known for. Make the time while in tropical North Queensland to dip your toes into some of Australia’s most pristine waters off the island’s shores and absorb the natural yet luxe serenity before its too late.
Tasmania
Vineyards, wine cellars, lavender fields, sobering historic sites and snow-capped mountains – Tasmania is the combination of some of the best elements of a European vacation neatly packed into the island Australian state. Tasmania hosts some of the country’s best wine, coffee and produce with specialties like cheese and figs popular menu items. Besides a foodies retreat, Tasmania is home to world-class Bread and Breakfasts and county style holiday accommodation. It’s Australia’s very own hideaway and offers an alternative experience to the classic Australian countryside. Every part Australian as the nation’s Red Centre, Tasmania is the ultimate taste test of Australian hospitality, community and values. [Related Post – Tasmania Travel Diary]
Wildlife
Lions and tigers and bears oh my – Koala bears anyhow. Australian wildlife is as iconic as Uluru itself and vast terrain in establishing the nation as a nature lover’s paradise. Whether observing form a distance or getting up close and personal, watching in the wild or in the safety of one of the many Australian wildlife zoos, petting a koala, bird watching or whale watching is every bit part of an Australian adventure as a tasting Vegemite and sipping cocktails at a private island resort (not at the same time obviously). It’s not the real Australian without the odd koala or bird song of a morning and an experience you won’t fine anywhere else.
From hotels and campsites to bars and wildlife, Australia has literally millions of kilometers to offer beside the top five reasons to make you want to visit before you die. So pack the suitcases, bathers, binoculars and get to work discovering the country before it’s too late.
Words: Emma Clarke
Art Direction: Kurt J.
Photo Credits: GarryPepperGirl//Palm Cove Photos: Bloggers Boyfriend
