With so many good reasons to visit Australia, like its diverse landscapes, friendly locals, and a long list of amazing ‘bucket list’ experiences, it’s clear why so many backpackers head here first. It’s unbelievable size and vastness means that there is a little something for every kind of traveler, whether you are looking for an island getaway, a unique cultural experience, an adrenaline fix, to get in touch with nature or an all-round party!
But, is it worth it taking that long flight to visit one of the world’s most remote countries? Yes!
The East Coast alone stretches a gigantic 4000 km from Melbourne to Cairns and would take you around 50 hours of nonstop driving to cover the entire coastline. Australia is home to over 10,685 beaches, over 500 national parks and, drum-roll… 8,222 islands. Here are some of the MANY reasons why everyone should visit Australia at least once in their lifetime…
15 Reasons to Visit Australia
1. Perfect Roadtrip Destinations
There’s a lot of outback and wild nature to camp and enjoy in solitude, and there are many cities and small towns for you to hop and explore.
If you want to go off the beaten path, this is THE place to do it! You could choose to spend months circling the country, as you visit each state, or maybe just a couple of weeks concentrated to the eastern side of the country. You could even spend weeks on the island of Tasmania!
But, what if you don’t have a lot of time to road trip? You could spend three or four days road tripping along the coast within Melbourne and Sydney. This one is one of my favorite road trips so far. It is beautiful!
-> 25 Best Road Trips in Australia
2. Beautiful Beaches
There are 11,000 beaches to choose from!
Coral Bay full of visitors
With over 50,000km of coastline, there’s no way this country could exist without beautiful beaches. The ones on the East Coast are far busier than the deserted beaches on Australia’s western coastline. But with so much to choose from, you’ll always find a spot to relax by yourself. My favorites include Coral Bay, Cable Beach, Noosa, Manly, and any beach in Perth
Do you know: If you were to visit a new Australian beach every day - it would take you 27 years to see them all!
3. Surfing
Australia may not have invented surfing, but it might as well have, given how ingrained it is in Australian culture. The best surfing is on the East Coast, and there are a million places where you can catch a good wave. You can head to Sydney and places like Bondi Beach, but I find the best surfing is up in Queensland.
Stuffing is a must-try when you arrive at Australia
While this is not entirely true, surfing is still very popular here and you should try it during your stay!
-> Read more: The completed stuffing guide at Australia ( From beginner to expert )
4. World-Renowned Wildlife
You can get a selfie with some of the strangest and unique animals in the world - the Kangaroo, Emu, Koala, Echidna, Quokka and the Platypus
Other endemic animals to Australia include the Koala, mostly found in coastal areas; or the echidna, a spiny anteater that is considered the rarest animal in the world (also, interestingly, one of the egg-laying mammals); the platypus, that perplexing combination of duck, beaver, and otter; as well as wombats, wallabies, and dingoes (and who can resist saying those names out loud)—all of which are best observed in their natural, wild habitats.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Australia without seeing at least one of these fascinating, endemic creatures!
5. Coffee
If you travel to Australia, you may well become addicted to coffee. Australians, particularly those in the cities, love fancy coffees. It’s made in a delicious way to a very high standard, with perfectly frothed milk and rich-tasting beans.
And if you can’t consume dairy, do not worry; I haven’t been to a café yet where soy or another plant-based milk isn’t an option.
6. The Largest Barrier Reef in the World
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders. It is its largest coral reef system and the only living organism that can be seen from space.
The Great Barrier Reef
Just so you have an idea, it is bigger than the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Switzerland combined!
The snorkeling and diving here is a world-class experience you can’t find anywhere else.
You can visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders, by doing a snorkeling or diving day trip from the city of Cairns, or by doing a liveaboard diving experience.
7. World-Class Wineries
Australia is home to burgeoning wine culture. No matter where your Australian travels lead you, you can expect to find a world-class winery just about anywhere. Even if you are visiting the country for a different reason, the wineries themselves offer many reasons to see Australia. The best wineries offer full-day experiences that incorporate tastings, tours, classes, chocolate, cheese, and more, all while enjoying delicious wine and beautiful scenery. If you fancy yourself a wine aficionado, Australia's wineries belong on your bucket list.
8. The Pink Lakes
One of the most unusual and striking water features anywhere in the world, Lake Hillier has an unmistakeable pink color. And when I say pink, I'm not talking like a faded salmon or anything subtle, I'm talking full-on bubble gum, dollhouse hot pink. Scientists have a few ideas, but we still aren't entirely sure what causes the lake's unique color. It's considered to be safe to swim in, but you probably won't get a chance to the Lake Hillier is a protected area.
There are, however, scenic airplane flights and cruise lines that can take you near the pink lake, allowing you to observe it with your own eyes. Located in Western Australia just a stone's throw from the Southern Ocean, this one-of-a-kind pink lake is certainly one of the most unique attractions in Australia.
9. Aboriginal Culture
The Indigenous Civilization of Australia is the oldest continuous culture in the world, dating back between 61,000 and 52,000 years ago. Central to Aboriginal ceremonies and traditions is the spiritual connection to the land and the belief of the Dreamtime. Today, Ingenious Culture is preserved through sacred sites, music, and art and there are a number of tours and experiences which provide an insight into Aboriginal history.
10. Dreamy islands
Many people aren’t aware that Australia is the world’s largest island; however, the country is surrounded by a further 8,222 islands many of which are idyllic vacation havens. Among the best islands, Australia has to offer is Lord Howe Island, Kangaroo Island, Hamilton Island, Fraser Island, Rottnest Island, and Phillip Island.
Do you know: Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island
11. Amazing architecture
A local library at Melbourne VIC, Australia
While Australia may be known for its diverse natural landscape the architectural feats coloring Australian city skylines are worth noting. Arguably the most recognizable building in Australia is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House which overlooks the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In Melbourne, The Royal Exhibition Building is also UNESCO World Heritage-listed and the controversial Federation Square is often a talking point. One of the most significant buildings is Parliament House, Canberra while the tallest is Q1 in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast
12. Friendly locals and backpackers
Australians are internationally known as lovely people, and generally, they live up to their stereotype very well. People in Australia are incredibly friendly and talkative and love speaking to travelers to their country. Aussies are often super chilled and keen to share travel advice and tips for travelers to the country.
Forrester Station, Alpha, Australia
And the busy backpacker scene in Australia means that there’s always someone new to meet. Australia has such a diverse range of nationalities and people, making it one of the best places in the world to make travel friends.
13. Weather
Mount Buffalo, Australia
Australia has desert and rainforest, Mediterranean and temperate climates, and even ski resorts that run in the winter. In the summer, the entire country can sweat; but often southern New South Wales and South Western Australia are cooler and the island state of Tasmania is always a welcome break from the heat. This hugely diverse range of climates makes it a fascinating reason to travel to Australia.
14. Natural Beauty
When a country is untouched by developing societies for thousands of years, the most breathtaking scenery remains to be admired. Aboriginal Australians worked with the land, not against it, and therefore a colossal amount of Australia’s natural beauty has been preserved.
Koala in the sun, Belair National Park, Belair SA, Australia
With only 3.1 people per square kilometer and huge sections of the country with no inhabitants, it’s not surprising that Australia’s beauty remains completely unpreserved.
Visit Australia to marvel at the gorges of Karijini National Park, bask in watering holes in the Kimberley region, be taken aback at stretches of never-ending coastline, and to look out onto rich red soil in the outback. There’s nowhere else where you can enjoy such vast and unscathed beauty.
15. Living Outdoors
Australia is the perfect place to not just enjoy the great outdoors, but live in it. Whether you’re hitting the road in a campervan or simply living in a tent, the great weather and laidback way of life make it one of the best places in the world to do so.
Kings Creek Station, Kings Canyon, Australia
Of course, it does rain in Australia; but in some places, such as the Northern Territory and North Western Australia you can time it right so you only visit during the dry season. Alternatively, invest in some high-quality camping gear (there’s a lot of it available in Australia) and relish in the rain as much as the sun!