As I prepare to embark on yet another Down Under adventure, it is evident that I love Australia. At the time of writing, I will be making my eighth trip to this country that has captured my heart and soul. While I have yet to hit every corner, I have covered a fair amount of ground, having visited six of the seven regions and states thus far, with several being my third or fourth trip to them.
A common question I receive is, “What is your favorite part of Australia?” It is almost impossible for me to choose. Each visit seems to outdo the last, and I fall in love over and over again. What I can tell you is why I love Australia.
Why I love Australia:
The people.
No matter where you travel, the destination’s people and culture draw you in. Australia’s people are kind, genuine, and laid back. They love life. And their indigenous history is so rich. My soul comes alive during each visit when I spend time with the Aboriginals. Their connection to the land and everything around them draws you in.
The wildlife.
Australia has the most unique and unusual creatures. These are animals that are native nowhere else in the world. You’ve got your Koala (my personal favorite), Kangaroo, Wombat, Tasmanian Devil, and the very peculiar Platypus, to name a few. And what is so unique is how you experience this wildlife on a visit. You can get so close to these animals even in their wild habitat. (Tip: go in their spring to see the babies.)
The coastlines.
Australia herself is an island. There is an abundance of white sands and crystal clear blue waters. Beneath those waters lie the most incredible color displays, from coral to sea life. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never had a bad day at the beach, and with more beaches than you can visit in a year’s time, that makes Australia one happy place.
The food.
You can get just about any cuisine your heart desires, but I enjoy some of their traditional fare. A meat pie is always a must. You have to try the Barramundi, a lovely white fish found off the coast of Queensland. Lamb, they do it right. Then there are the unusual, such as camel burgers with beetroot, kangaroo filets, and crocodile bites. And don’t cringe before you try it.
The list only covers the tip of the iceberg, the high-level overview of why I love Australia. You really need to experience it for yourself. One visit and you will soon discover why “There is nothing like Australia.” I, for one, will continue to visit and let my list grow.
Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.
She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.
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