Travelling to Australia is a substantial investment. Cost aside, the journey is long. This makes it less a long weekend travel destination, and more a place that you hang around for awhile. Although Australia is in a far-flung location, its diversity and laid-back vibes keep us coming back for more.
Here’s 3 reasons why when you’re coming to Australia it’s worth sticking around.
It’s big.
Obviously! It is the world’s largest island (and smallest continent). Australia’s vastness is matched only by a variety of lifestyles. Sure Melbourne and Sydney will deliver you arty and cosmopolitan inner city vibes and the absolute best coffee in the world, but head further afield to really see how other Aussies live. To do this – ROADTRIP! Whether you make your way by train, car or campervan you will need to plan ahead if you want to go remote. If solo or in a small group – back up navigation is essential as cell service can be unreliable in remote areas. Also don’t forget caravan spare parts, fuel and satellite phones. However, if this seems a little intense for you, check out a guided tour that can explain the history of the land and iconic ancient culture of Australia’s First Peoples. Small outback towns are often the highlight of many a traveller’s Australian adventures along with the many Australian festivals. Plus, the long term locals will love you if you shout a round at the pub to break the ice.
Sport Junkies welcome!
Inland Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania have great skiing and snow seasons in winter. Further north are the tropical rain forests and world heritage protected natural wonder – the Great Barrier Reef. Australian beaches are sandy and offer a mix of bay and surf swimming, paddling, surfing and down under sunsets. As with other places in the world, stick to patrolled beaches as they monitor bathing conditions with many family friendly beaches to explore.
photo by Lola on instagram
Competitive sport is somewhat of a religion with a large portion of football fans following a league called the Australian Football League (AFL) which uses a rugby-shaped ball which can be kicked, bounced and handballed. Actual football (called soccer in Australia) is also popular, as is cricket, basketball and netball. These are the big ones, but to really get a sense of how sport ingrains into an Australian’s life you’ll have to stay for awhile and play kick-to-kick in the park, indulge in some backyard cricket at a friend’s BBQ or partake in a charity run, marathon or half ironman event that even the most uncoordinated of us attempt at least once in our lives.
Digital nomads.
Stick with me on this one. Australia does not have the fastest internet or the lowest cost of living expenses. But it does have comparably high wages and a burgeoning co-working scene. If you snag some Australian clients while you’re here in person, you can learn to expense your future return trips– making it more lucrative. Because Australia is an island nation, companies and businesses know that having staff work remotely or outsourcing skills is often necessary, especially if you have a niche skill set.
