Before even arriving in Australia I knew I was going to love the country. I had heard so many good things about the place from friends and family I was sure it was going to be amazing.
And boy was I right, but I didn’t realise how much I’d actually fall in love with the down under.
Of course, it has a bonus, that everyone speaks English. You don’t have that language barrier which makes it super helpful, not needing to worry about learning to say hello or thank you to the locals in some terrible attempt (which never sounds quite like what it should)!
The Aussies
All the people we spoke to throughout Australia, this being shop owners, reception staff, locals or people we were camping next too, everyone was just so helpful and friendly. People who had never met us before would be offering us tips on places to go, what places to avoid and what we must make sure we do or just general chit chat. And coming from locals these were some brilliant tips that we just wouldn’t have known otherwise. People will say hi to you as you walk the street, asking how you are or walk past with a friendly smile. The people just make the place, everyone appearing as just relaxed and happy as each other. There’s no rushing or stressing as we get in the UK when crossing a busy road either, everyone just glides across, no pushing, no speed walking past. All this really makes such a difference to your own mood and your surroundings. I think you could approach anyone in Australia for help and 99% of them would be more than happy to oblige, maybe’s it’s that sun that keeps them so happy go lucky.
Speaking of which.. the sunshine
You don’t get bored with that sun or heat. Waking up in the morning and applying that factor 50 (which I’ve never had to wear before) became part of my routine. Walking down a street or on the beach with the heat on your face is just the best feeling, putting you in an instant good mood. Now we visited in their summertime so it was reaching between 30 and 35 degrees each day, some places in the outback at 40 degrees plus! But even in their winter it still reaches a cooler 18 degrees, nothing compared to what we experience in the UK with -3 degrees! So sitting in a rubber ring in February on a day off from exploring, having a pool day is wonderful.
Pool days, Brisbane
The beaches
We were travelling the east coast so of course saw many many many beautiful beaches which again never got boring at all. I could only imagine the beaches on the West coast are just as beautiful.
But being able to walk or get a short bus ride to the local beach is something of a luxury. I grew up with a stoned beach with a grey looking water to walk to, so being able to have these golden beaches and clear blue sea just minutes down the road was a personal highlight. I also love the fact that on Christmas Day a lot of Australians head to the beach in their Santa hats to have a festive bbq. But of course, I do love the English Christmas dinner with the open fire roaring and a glass of mulled wine in the hand, you can't beat that.
Noosa heads
Food Food Food
We ate some pretty good food everywhere we went. Of course on a budget, we didn't go crazy but we did indulge every now and then. Wherever we went we could find a whole mixture of different foods. From traditional Australian food, Mexican, Chinese, Indian to Italian they offered it all. We did try some kangaroo burgers which I feel terribly guilty about now but have to admit they were delicious. But once was definitely enough because, as I state below they are super cute animals! We didn't get a chance to try crocodile as it wasn't sold in supermarkets like kangaroo were. I local also insisted we should try a witchery grub (like in I'm a celebrity) but again we couldn't find these anywhere so next time...
Beef salad & cooked breakfast
Mexican bowl
Chicken & beef kebabs
The wildlife is pretty cool
Kangaroos and koalas that’s all I need to say.
But seriously I could never get bored of seeing a mummy kangaroo with her baby joey hopping along beside her as you’re casually walking past. Or looking out for wild koalas whilst on a coastal walk.
Even their bats are cool. Before Australia, I don’t think I had ever seen a wild bat. However, we were lucky enough to see a whole swarm of them over our campsite one night which was just amazing to see. I later discovered they were called flying foxes (a type of bat), they were huge.
And well, of course, you have the not so cute animals such as snakes and spiders... and we’ve all heard the stories about the size of those. However, we didn’t actually witness big spiders or wild snakes (lucky for us)! But I have heard plenty of stories to know that I wouldn’t want to. It’s just about being careful and curious around your surroundings when it comes to those sort of animals, and to make sure you always flush the toilet before you use it.. just in case! (That also became a part of my daily routine too).
Koala santuary
First time meeting a Kangaroo
Places
We were lucky to visit the main cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane which are all bubbly, exciting places. As well as the cities you’ve got the coastal towns, big and smaller ones and of course, the well-known places such a Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and Noosa Heads all offering their own vibe.
After you’ve visited some pretty cool places you have some even cool attractions to visit. For one, the Australian zoo, home to the crocodile hunter, absolutely amazing. I have never seen so many crocodiles and interesting animals at a very well kept, and spacious environment for the animals. You’ve also got plenty of water parks to chose from to cool off on those hot, summer days. Seas to explore in your snorkelling gear, endless boat rides, bridges to climb, beach restaurants/bars to try and countless photos to be taken!
Now if that’s not enough to convince you to start saving for that trip to Australia I have one last word... Tim Tams.
They are the best biscuit ever!! It’s like a penguin but with more chocolate and more flavours to chose from. And if that’s not enough they have koala Freddo’s which just top it off for me, they even come in larger sizes.. win-win!
Will I be returning to Australia? Hell yeah!
Do I miss it already? So much!
Could I see myself living there? 100%!
But for now, I’m feeling extremely lucky to have experienced such an exciting and happy country with so many great memories made. Plus it’s given me a great tan which is always a nice bonus!
And until next time Aus...
Amy x