10 Things I Love About Australia
Australia is awesome! I know that word is overused and trite, but this is a case where it fits. After two months in Australia, I’ve barely scratched the surface, but here are 10 reasons you should consider going down under to Oz…
1) The people – Amanda & Maurice, Lenore & Lindsey, Soraya, Clare, and Derek, took me into their homes and their lives, and shared their country with me. Australia is full of good-hearted, friendly, helpful people.
2) The scenery – whatever your favorite scene, waterfalls, sandy beaches, calm lakes, or rocky shorelines, Australia has something to please your eyes.
3) The flora -Agapanthus, Grevillea, Bottle Brush, Sturt Pea, Kangaroo Paw, both red and gold, Banksia (alien-looking flowers), Christmas bush, Red tower ginger (that look like they have yellow beaks), Australia is chock full of exotic plants.
4) The fauna – kangaroos & koalas, pademelons, platypus & penguins, wallabies & wombats, cassowaries, cockatoos & echidnas, not to mention Tasmanian devils, they’re all here down under.
5) The food & wine – markets full of fabulous fruits, Peruvian restaurant Pastuso in Melbourne, Amanda’s pavlova, wine tasting (Yass, Yarra & Tamar regions, as well as the more famous Barossa), Bruny Island, Tasmania for local artisan producers, and the list goes on and on.
6) The accents – the way they call everyone dah-ling, and they might ask you to stand over he-ah…
7) The signs – when is a bowler hat not a bowler hat? When it’s actually a sign for a speed bump. And lots of the animal signs you won’t find in too many other countries.
8) The ocean – above & below, from water or land, it’s beautiful.
9) The art & architecture- classic and contemporary, whether in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne or Hobart, there’s bound to be something you love, or at least you’ll want to express an opinion on.
10) Iconic places- tourists flock to these places, but for good reason. The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, the Sydney Opera House, Parliament House in Canberra, wine country, Melbourne, Tasmania/Cradle Mountain, all are enriching in beauty, culture and history.
These aren’t necessarily in any particular order. And it’s not definitive. You’ll just have to go visit yourself and create your own list!
Txs for sharing my beautiful country. You are a special person. All the best in the next stage of your wanderings!!!
Thank you Soraya, for your kindness & generosity. The best to you too, as you journey forth, big sister!!
I am so glad that Amanda sent you! I really enjoyed showing you a little bit of my place in the world. You were great company, love your spirit, admire your strength and courage. There is more here to see. I hope on our journeys our paths cross again . Keep looking forward, keep challenging yourself, there are many good things yet to come! If you need reminding of why you are doing this drop me a line!
Thank you Derek, for showing me Tasmania! You’re a great host & I really appreciate all that you did to share your part of the world with me 🙂
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome!
I really do love these things too in Australia. I wish I could see and experience all of it when I go visit Australia this year.
I hope so too, Faye!