Oceania

Australia

Traveling Around Australia

Australia is a gigantic country. It is a country with many places to discover and many things to do. From the tropical north to the desert-like interior to the rugged south, Australia is extremely diverse and has many fantastically beautiful sights. To do this country justice, you would have to spend at least a month here. In this article, we will list the most beautiful places in Australia.

Things to Do in Australia

As mentioned above, Australia is an incredibly large country. It is simply impossible to visit the entire country, and it will certainly take weeks to check out the best spots. However, we are going to check out the must-visit places in this wonderful country. These are the four spots in Australia that you cannot miss on your vacation!

The Great Barrier Reef

Visiting Australia certainly means that you also must go diving at the Great Barrier Reef. This is the largest coral reef in the world! It stretches for thousands of miles, but it is said that the best spot to dive is in the clear waters around the city of Cairns. It is possible to book a liveaboard, which is basically a boat where you can spend the night. This would allow you to go diving for multiple days and really get to explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Also note that the Outer Barrier Reef is the best place for diving because the coral reefs there have not really been affected by overfishing, global warming, or other drastic changes.

Kings Canyon

If you are traveling to the Northern Territories of Australia, we definitely recommend visiting Kings Canyon as well. The landscape here is littered with rocks, and the desert has a beautiful red and orange color. Kings Canyon often gets compared to the Grand Canyon in America, but they both have their own charm and are very impressive. After a steep climb, you will get to enjoy the magnificent views over the seemingly endless desert that stretches out in front of you. You can take the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which takes you all the way around and offers non-stop beautiful views. Kings Canyon is certainly one of the most spectacular sights in Australia.

Daintree Rainforest

All the way in the north of Australia, you will find the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. With landscapes that seem straight out of Jurassic Park, you'll immediately wonder if you're still on planet Earth. Daintree Rainforest has dense vegetation that overgrows almost everything, and it is such a thrill and adventure to drive through it.

Among all that rainforest, you will also get to see many beautiful birds, mammals, and scary insects. If you are very lucky, you might even get to see one of the largest flightless birds in the world: the cassowary. You should definitely visit Cape Tribulation as well. This is perhaps the most beautiful beach in this national park.

Sydney

Large cities always attract tourists. Sydney is of course no different! This city offers dozens of things to do that makes it worth to stay here for a few days. For starters, it is an excellent city if you enjoy shopping. There are many beautiful malls, as well as cute little boutiques. Be sure to keep an eye out for the endless street art.

The many beaches around Sydney is what makes the city even more attractive. From Sydney Harbor, where you will be able to see the world-famous Opera House, you can take the ferry to one of those beaches. Highly recommended is to also do the Bondi to Coogee urban coastal walk. An easy walk, taking in some of Sydney's best views.

Foods to Try in Australia

The origins of Australian cuisine can be traced back to England. Stereotypically, England is not exactly the culinary highlight of Europe and the world. However, immigration has had a major effect on traditional Australian food. This led to the emergence of flavors from all around the world, especially Asian and the Mediterranean. Here are some of the best foods that you have to try in Australia:

  • Chicken Parmigiana: A local favorite, especially for those who are fans of chicken. This meal is a combination of breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce, and three types of cheese: parmesan, provolone, and mozzarella.
  • Lamingtons: Lamingtons are spongy cakes covered in chocolate and grated coconut. Super airy and very tasty. They are also known as the national pie of Australia and can be found in almost all bakeries all over the country.
  • Pavlova: A classic that is often served during Christmas in Australia. Pavlova is a common dessert in both Australia and New Zealand. It is made of egg white and sugar, and the outside is wonderfully crispy. The inside has a marshmallow texture. It is often served with whipped cream and strawberry, kiwi, raspberry, or peach.
  • Anzac Cookies: These yummy treats have long been associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, established in World War I. Because the ingredients in the biscuits—oats, sugar, butter, and coconut—have a long shelf life, they were able to cope with the long journey from Australia to Europe. The cookies are still widely sold.

Australia Travel Tips

  • It is already mentioned several times in this article, but you should know that Australia is huge. Therefore, you should never underestimate how long it will take for you to go from one place to another.
  • Australia is surrounded by beautiful and clear ocean water. However, it is not recommended that you go for a swim in unattended areas. The water can be very dangerous.
  • Stay clear of the local wildlife. While not every animal and insect is dangerous in Australia, it is still recommended that you do not harass the local wildlife.
  • If you happen to travel through Australia, you should always respect the cultural sites of the Indigenous people.