Australia, the sixth-largest nation in the world and a continent unto itself, offers almost 2.97 million square miles for you to explore at your own pace. That is one of the reasons to visit Australia. There are many cities and little towns for you to hop between and discover, as well as plenty of wilderness and outback to camp in and enjoy in isolation. This is the location to venture off the beaten path if you want to! You could decide to spend several months traveling throughout the country and visiting each state, or perhaps just a few weeks focused on the eastern half of the country. Evenings could be spent on the island of Tasmania!

Take it leisurely and enjoy the spectacular vistas along this renowned length of road before driving inland to visit some of regional Victoria's most popular attractions. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most exhilarating drives, lined with breathtaking views of jagged coastline. You'll be in awe of the towering limestone rock formations known as the "12 Apostles," which are breathtaking at any time of day but especially as the sun sets and the cliff face glows a fiery red. Scale old lighthouses, seek for koalas as you approach Cape Otway Lightstation, and stop by cafes and bars with views of the Southern Ocean (Wye Beach Hotel is a local favourite).

But what if you don't have much time to travel by road? Between Melbourne and Sydney, you may take a road trip for three or four days down the coast. One of my current favorite road excursions is this one. It is lovely! Or, if you only have a day or two, you can travel the renowned Great Ocean Road by car! You must not miss this one.

Australia's indigenous populations, which include over 600 nations of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders, have been preserved, despite the fact that they only make up around 3% of the country's total population. These indigenous people were the first settlers in Australia before colonialism and have been there for more than 50,000 years.

Numerous customs and rites that are part of Australian Aboriginal culture are based on the Dreamtime and other myths. It is emphasized to revere and respect the land and oral traditions. Various groupings and more than 300 languages have produced a vast spectrum of distinct cultures. These civilizations were viewed as a single monoculture as a result of the colonization of Australia under the terra nullius idea. Aboriginal art in Australia has been produced for thousands of years and includes everything from prehistoric rock art to contemporary watercolour landscapes. Indigenous music has produced a variety of distinctive instruments. There are numerous types of contemporary Australian Aboriginal music. Before colonization, Aboriginal peoples did not have a writing system, although they did have a great range of languages, including sign languages.

Many of their sacred sites are still accessible today, including Uluru, the most well-known and revered of them all. Indigenous ceremonies have been held at this monolithic sandstone rock, also known as Ayers Rock, for over 10,000 years. The nearby Anangu people believes their ancestral beings still reside there. Imagine enjoying the sunset from Uluru; what a wonderful experience! There are numerous other sacred Aboriginal locations worth visiting, including Kata Tjuta, Birrarung Marr, Wilpena Pound, Lake Mungo, and Grampians National Park.

Australia experiences warm, sunny weather almost all year round. Tropical weather prevails in the country's north, where grasslands and deserts alternate, which is one of the reasons to visit Australia. Australia boasts a number of heat-related records, including the maximum sunshine duration, the places with the hottest summer climate, and the hottest extended region. The north has summer-like weather all year round, although the south can turn chilly in the winter (May–June). Both visitors and residents will be moving northward from the south at this time of year. There, you can spend any day of the year camping, hiking, surfing, and sunbathing at the beach.

There are four seasons in much of Australia, with a wet and dry season in the tropical north. The climate differs widely among the eight states and territories. The seasons in Australia run counter to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer lasts from December to February, followed by fall from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. Use this weather and rainfall statistics to make advance plans for Australia's capital cities.

Australians are justifiably proud of their beaches! Australia's beaches run the gamut from world-famous surf spots to secluded coves, drawing families, couples, adventurers, and solo travelers alike. The beaches in Australia are some of the nicest in the world! You will without a doubt locate the ideal beach for you along the 23,000 kilometers of coastline. Australia has a whopping 11,011 beaches, among them family-friendly coasts, beautiful white sand beaches, and havens for large wave surfers.

On unspoiled seashores and stretches of sand tucked away in the wilderness, nature enthusiasts find nirvana. Surfers prefer gleaming green-barrel breaks, while city dwellers appreciate a lovely beach that is close to dining, shopping, and attractions. Even the most jaded beach lovers will be captivated by Australia's alluring stretches of sand and sea, which range from coral-fringed bays in Western Australia to blonde-bombshell beaches in New South Wales and Queensland to a curvaceous cove in Tasmania and even a tropical island fantasy in the remote Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

There are many unusual animals that only exist in Australia, which makes Australian wildlife incredibly interesting and diversified. Australia's wildlife has a distinctive and individual appearance since it has evolved independently. This indicates that the animals have also successfully adapted to the diverse and frequently harsh climate variations throughout Australia. Gondwana, which Eduard Suess gave the name to, was a landmass that included many of the "today's" countries, with the majority remaining in the "Southern Hemisphere" and a few moving to the "Northern Hemisphere," approximately 55 million years ago.

The most significant and unforgettable aspect of a journey to Australia is probably its natural beauty. It makes for some fantastic photographs, no doubt. Both the animals and the natural sceneries, which include gorges, rock formations, caves, coral reefs, and much more, are incredibly diverse. Animal lovers will appreciate the interaction between dolphins, majestic whales, stunning koalas, and the distinctive kangaroo, not to mention wombats, dingos, Tasmanian devils, and so many other lovely creatures. Additionally, there is a large variety of plants and birds.

Australia's northeast coast is home to the Great Barrier Reef, a place of extraordinary beauty and variety. That is one of the reasons to visit Australia. With 400 different types of coral, 1,500 different fish species, and 4,000 different types of mollusks, it has the biggest collection of coral reefs on earth. Additionally, it is of significant scientific significance since it protects endangered animals like the dugong (commonly known as the "sea cow") and huge green turtles.

One of the most remarkable natural wonders in the entire planet is the Great Barrier Reef. It is the only living thing that can be seen from space and has the world's largest coral reef system. To give you an idea, it is larger than the combined areas of the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland! You won't find a better diving and snorkeling experience anyplace else than here. From the city of Cairns, you can take a day trip to go snorkeling or scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or you can go on a liveaboard diving excursion.

Indigenous peoples of Australia have lived on this continent for more than 65,000 years, during which time they have developed a rich variety of cultures, dialects, and histories that have been passed down through the generations. For anyone visiting Australia, experiencing some of these ancient customs firsthand, even for a brief period of time, offers a rare and profound look into some of the oldest continuously existing societies on the planet.

Australians are reputed to have a very relaxed culture. They all refer to one another as "mates," and they never miss a holiday. Australia has festivals for everything, including food, art, film, music, and anything else. Due to its beauty, unique vibes, and extravagant fashion, many of their major events draw attention from all over the world. And have you been to Sydney Harbour for their New Year's celebration? You cannot not miss this one! See how the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is situated near to the famous Sydney Opera House, shoots out thousands of fireworks.

Unbelievably, Australia has a lower population density than Europe despite having a land area that is greater. In actuality, the majority of Australians (around 85%) reside in coastal cities. Sydney, which many people mistake for the country's capital, has the most alluring and vibrantly multicultural atmosphere. Sydney is a must-visit location for every vacation because of its beach lifestyle, exciting nightlife, and dynamic culture.

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is a fascinating destination for museum and architecture enthusiasts. With its lovely European flair, gastronomic scene, and coffee culture, Melbourne, in the south, is the ideal contrast to Sydney while still being in a bustling metropolis. Travelers seeking adventure will love Cairns' ideal location between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

While Darwin, a quiet and distant city to the north, has some fantastic local markets, Adelaide's pleasant coastal city vibes are matched by its stunning beaches and lovely parks. Last but not least, Perth is a smart and laid-back city in the west that blends delicious food, the arts, and beach fun. Australia's cities are beautiful because of their scattered placement amid mountains, rivers, and wide-open plains, which gives us access to so many fantastic activities, sights, and experiences nearby.