1. The ‘big things’ in the little towns.
All across Australia there are ‘big things’, approximately 150 in total. These ‘big things’ are both novelty attractions and sculptures, erected to signify some important aspect of the town they’re found in.
You can’t miss them, they are in every state and the vast majority of them are on the tourist highways. Because of their unique nature, they have become something of a cult item, a must-see for visitors to the land down under, an excuse for a road trip.
Counted among their numbers are:
● The big avocado
● The big banana
● The big prawn
● The big cheese
● The big chook
2. The world’s oldest tropical rainforest
The Daintree rainforest in Far North Queensland is the oldest living tropical rainforest in the world, one of earth’s greatest botanical treasures. And if that isn’t enough to get you up there for a visit, consider this: it is an estimate 180 million years old, it was around before the dinosaurs. It’s a living museum cataloguing the evolution of plant life on our little green planet.
3. The massive rock in the middle of nowhere
Uluru, the fascinating geological landform is more than just a rock. It is a cultural landmark, a sacred place for the Aboriginal people who consider themselves its guardian. This iconic part of Central Australia is not one to be missed, it truly is a sight to behold.
4. Great Ocean Road
This spectacular stretch of coast in Southern Australia, from Torquay to Allansford, is one of the world’s greatest coastal road trips. There is so much to see and do along the way, but the most famous attraction of all is the 12 Apostles, the infamous remains of limestone cliffs. (Don’t forget you pass Bells Beach too, scene of the 100 year storm from Point Break, if that’s your thing…)
5. The opera house and the bridge
If you’re in Sydney these iconic structures will be yours each and every day. Set in one of the world’s most beautiful, natural harbours, you don’t have to be an architect to appreciate the wondrousness of these erections.
6. Prospecting
There is gold in them there hills. Seriously. Just last week the biggest ‘nugget’ of gold in history was dug up in Western Australia. It was so large it took three men two days to remove the 200lb lump, worth $3 million from the earth.
7. Fresh air
Australia has one of the lowest air pollution levels in the world. Fact.
8. Laid back lifestyle
Not only to Australians have a reputation for being laid back and friendly, they actually are. Resulting in a comparatively low crime rate, compared to the rest of the world.
9. Incredible slang
If you haven’t heard the Australian slang yet, you’re in for a treat. “Bonza mate, stop by the servo and pick up some ice for the esky. Then nip to the bottle-o and pick up a slab, we’ll want them later with our barbie”.
Seriously, it is stupendous.
10. The year long summer
The best reason to move to Australia? The weather. It’s hot.
And even in winter it’s still warm.
And because it’s the other side of the world it’s upside down, so their summer is our winter which means christmas is actually scorching and your turkey dinner is prawns on the barbie, followed by a dip in the pool.
