By Sarah Megginson
Australia Travel Expert, about.com
Aussies have always been pretty confident that Australia is one of –
if not the best – location in the world. But now, it’s official! The Condé Nast Traveler has named Australia as its top place to visit in 2016.
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With
our beautiful and seemingly endless coastline, our pristine and rugged
bushland and the incredible red sand of the outback, Australia boasts a certain natural beauty.
Australian cities are almost as diverse as our landscape and are hives
of activity for tourists and locals alike, packed full of incredible
places to eat, shop, hang out and find a delicious coffee.
Whatever you’re looking for, here are our top 6 reasons to get your passport stamped in Australia in 2016.
1. The people are super friendly
Aussies
have a lot to be happy about, and it shows in our attitudes. Known for
being laid back and always up for a laugh, Aussies are some of the
friendliest people on the planet. Don’t be surprised if people smile and
say “G’day” as they pass you on the street – they’re not strange, just
Australian.
2. There’s much more to our fauna than koalas and kangaroos
Australian wildlife is known for being unique – and adorable. But there’re many more adorable animals than just the koalas
and kangaroos. Take the Quokka, for example, this tiny creature looks
like a wallaby or a small kangaroo crossed with a possum; it’s
essentially the Australian version of a racoon. Found only on Rottnest
Island in Western Australia, the Quokka always has a smile on its face,
and will even let eager tourists take selfies with it.
3. Aussies are outdoorsy, and for good reason
Australia boasts relatively mild winters and hot summers with plenty of sunshine, so it’s no surprise that Aussies have perfected outdoor activities. Wherever you are, you’ll no doubt be within driving distance of a bushwalking track, a beach, lake or river, or some other kind of outdoor activity.
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You can take a bushwalk or a hike through spectacular bushland, go rock climbing in the mountains, learn to surf or paddleboard, kayak down a river, or fish from the end of a jetty – the options are almost literally endless!
4. Australia has choice wine regions, and an ace beer game
From the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, to Margaret River in Western Australia, Australia is filled with beautiful – and delicious – wine regions. Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales all have booming wine regions, with plenty of cheese and wine tasting tours, or tours of the vineyards, and every variety of wine known to man. Tasmania also has a strong whiskey culture, with tours and tastings available.
Australia has also upped its beer game, with craft or microbreweries popping up everywhere making everything from a classic draught to beer infused with fruit or citrus. Many microbreweries offer tours and tasting, and some even have bars or cafes where you can truly appreciate the delicious and unique taste of your beer alongside a satisfying meal.
5. Australians know good food
When most people think Australia, the food doesn’t always spring to mind – but it should. Aussies know good food, and are always on the hunt to find the perfect brunch spot, or fine dining experience.
Aussies can be very passionate about their favourite brunch spots, so chatting to the locals will find you some fantastic French toast or pillowy pancakes. In general, though, everyone agrees that for fine dining Rockpool or est. (pronounced Establishment) in Sydney, Attica in Melbourne, and Esquire in Brisbane are all top class.
6. Beaches, beaches, beaches: enough said
Undoubtedly, Australia has some of the best beaches in the world, so it’s no wonder that Aussies have such a strong beach culture.
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White, pristine sand disappearing into crystal-clear blue waters of Whitehaven Beach in Hamilton Island; the wine glass shaped cove of white sand and calm water in the aptly named Wineglass Bay in Tasmania; the bustling stretch of coast that is Sydney’s Bondi Beach; and the golden sand and excellent surf of the Gold Coast in Queensland – Australia has it all and everything in between.
Even in winter, the beaches are some of Australia’s best and most well known 0tourist attractions, with whale watching, beach fishing, coastal cruises and beach walks on offer. And, of course, it’s never too cold to sit on the beach with an ice cream!
Australia boasts relatively mild winters and hot summers with plenty of sunshine, so it’s no surprise that Aussies have perfected outdoor activities. Wherever you are, you’ll no doubt be within driving distance of a bushwalking track, a beach, lake or river, or some other kind of outdoor activity.
[post_ads_2]
You can take a bushwalk or a hike through spectacular bushland, go rock climbing in the mountains, learn to surf or paddleboard, kayak down a river, or fish from the end of a jetty – the options are almost literally endless!
4. Australia has choice wine regions, and an ace beer game
From the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, to Margaret River in Western Australia, Australia is filled with beautiful – and delicious – wine regions. Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales all have booming wine regions, with plenty of cheese and wine tasting tours, or tours of the vineyards, and every variety of wine known to man. Tasmania also has a strong whiskey culture, with tours and tastings available.
Australia has also upped its beer game, with craft or microbreweries popping up everywhere making everything from a classic draught to beer infused with fruit or citrus. Many microbreweries offer tours and tasting, and some even have bars or cafes where you can truly appreciate the delicious and unique taste of your beer alongside a satisfying meal.
5. Australians know good food
When most people think Australia, the food doesn’t always spring to mind – but it should. Aussies know good food, and are always on the hunt to find the perfect brunch spot, or fine dining experience.
Aussies can be very passionate about their favourite brunch spots, so chatting to the locals will find you some fantastic French toast or pillowy pancakes. In general, though, everyone agrees that for fine dining Rockpool or est. (pronounced Establishment) in Sydney, Attica in Melbourne, and Esquire in Brisbane are all top class.
6. Beaches, beaches, beaches: enough said
Undoubtedly, Australia has some of the best beaches in the world, so it’s no wonder that Aussies have such a strong beach culture.
[post_ads_2]
White, pristine sand disappearing into crystal-clear blue waters of Whitehaven Beach in Hamilton Island; the wine glass shaped cove of white sand and calm water in the aptly named Wineglass Bay in Tasmania; the bustling stretch of coast that is Sydney’s Bondi Beach; and the golden sand and excellent surf of the Gold Coast in Queensland – Australia has it all and everything in between.
Even in winter, the beaches are some of Australia’s best and most well known 0tourist attractions, with whale watching, beach fishing, coastal cruises and beach walks on offer. And, of course, it’s never too cold to sit on the beach with an ice cream!
