Bucket List: Australia

As I’ve been having massive wanderlust lately, I’ve been working on my bucket list of countries that I’d like to visit over the next couple of years (how I’m going to do that has yet to be decided!)  Some of these countries I’ve already been to, such as Greece and Italy.  Others are places that I’ve been longing to visit for the first time, such as Bali and South Africa. One country (and continent) in particular that’s in the top five on my bucket list is Australia.

The culture of Australia is so different than other parts of the world. Residents really enjoy their lives, are immensely supportive of one another, live in the moment and have an understandable love for the great outdoors. The country used to even provide a free college education to its residents, but had to change that policy as enrollment increased, though the cost of a college education is still extremely low compared to other parts of the world like the U.S. I’m particularly jealous of the concept of a gap year that Australians have implemented, whereby soon to be college students take an entire year off to travel the world before they begin. If anything, I would have loved to take a gap year in Australia myself through a company such as http://theleap.co.uk/ (too late, unfortunately, for that!).

There are so many reasons I want to visit Australia, but I’ve delved into a few of these below.

Wildlife

The first thing many people think of, including me, when you hear the name Australia, is the fascinating wildlife on the continent/country.  Australia is the native country for Koalas, Kangaroos, Platypus, Wombats and various sea creatures in the Great Barrier Reef. As I’ve been vacationing in beach/island areas more and more, I’ve slowly started exploring scuba diving as well, and diving in the Great Barrier Reef would be a dream come true!

Breathtaking Scenery

Another one of the wonderful things about Australia is the scenery. Australia ranks among one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Deserts, plateaus and fertile plains make up the terrain of this large island. In particular, places like the Northern Territory and the wide open spaces of the Outback are incredibly beautiful.

One place in particular that is so aesthetically unusual but breathtaking is the area of western Australia that is home to the Pink Lake. It is crazy that scientists aren’t 100% sure what makes this lake actually pink, believing it has to do with bacteria in the lake and algae. Regardless, how mind blowing would it be to see? The Pink Lake is also a very important home to many unique and important birds of Australia. Of course, it’s important to go at the right time (summer) because the lake is not pink year-round.

Passionate Sports

The Aussies are a passionate group of people, and nowhere is this more the case than when it comes to their sports. When you visit Australia, you should make sure you attend a sporting event. I would recommend Aussie Rules Football, rugby, or cricket, which are the three national sports of Australia and the three most popular.

Local Legends of the Indigenous

I love going to places that have extensive history and some mystery about them, and Australia definitely ticks this box. Australia has a well represented indigenous population, full of stories and traditions passed down through generations. In particular, well known are the legends of the Bunyip and the Rainbow Serpent. I would really enjoy learning about the culture of the indigenous population of Australia, the true inhabitants of the country before British colonization in the 1700s.

Beaches

There are so many beaches in Australia; in fact, it’s famed for its golden, sandy beaches.  As y’all know, I’m a beach baby, and I love an opportunity to sunbath on golden sand and swim in deep blue water. And of course, taking advantage of all of those snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities!

I could go on and on, but these are just a few of the amazing things that Australia has to offer. I can’t wait until I get the chance to visit, and hopefully you all will too! XOXO