Is Australia worth visiting? Boasting perpetual sunshine and more unspoiled sandy beaches than you can shake a BBQ at, I barely need to explain why Oz deserves a spot at the top of your travel wish list. In fact, there’s three reasons to visit Australia right there!
The journey there may well be long, but boy, is it worth the wait. A kaleidoscope of once-in-a-lifetime adventures offers something for every type of traveller.
Adrenaline junkies can ride the waves in Surfer’s Paradise, while culture cats can explore Melbourne, the capital of cool, and history buffs can immerse themselves in an indigenous way of life.
So without further ado, here are the top 10 reasons to visit Australia.
Unusual Wildlife
From kangaroos to koalas, Australia’s wildlife is as diverse as it is distinctive. In Western Australia, you’ll find hopelessly cute quokkas, grinning from ear to ear. The most concetrated population can be found on the breathtaking Rottnest Island, a short ferry ride from Perth.
Meanwhile, the South Australia is home to the endemic Tasmanian devil, who support native fauna by preying on introduced species.
Some not-so-cute critters include flying fox bats, saltwater crocodiles, and the formidable great white shark.
The Great Barrier Reef
Officially recognised as one of the seven natural wonders of the world as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef needs little introduction.
Teeming with marine life, this incredible ecosystem can be found off the east coast of Queensland and is a veritable paradise for those that love to swim, dive or snorkel.
There are many endangered species such as sea turtles, dugong, and even the coral itself, that call this place home. This wonder of the world is certainly one of the top reasons to visit Australia!
Breathtaking Beaches
With some 12,000 beaches along the country’s 60,000km coastline, you’re sure to find a sandy spot to yourself. It’s unsurprising really that beaches are often cited as the on of the top reasons to visit Australia.
Consistently ranking as the world’s best beach, Whitehaven Bay in the Whitsundays (pictured) is a sight to behold; a dazzling expanse of pearlescent sand backed by a glimmering turquoise sea.
Meanwhile, lesser-trodden spots such as Greenfield Beach, south of Sydney, offer equally dreamy oceanic vistas.
Important Indigenous History
Thought to be the world’s oldest civilisation, Aboriginal Australians have a fascinating and important role to play in the country’s history.
There are plenty of ways for travellers to learn about the indigenous way of life, from local-led experiences where you can try real bush tucker around a campfire, to urban festivals which celebrate native art, music, and dance.
Immense Road Trips
With so much to explore, there’s nothing quite like packing up a campervan with all the essentials and enjoying a road trip to remember.
A deservedly popular route traverses the east coast, taking in the legendary Grand Pacific Drive and iconic spots such as Byron Bay along the way.
Continue south past Melbourne and you’ll reach the jaw-dropping vistas of the Great Ocean Road, dotted with towering limestone formations known as the 12 Apostles.
Welcoming Locals
Known for their easy-going attitude, Australians are so laid-back they might as well be horizontal. The local way of life is incredibly infectious.
So much so, that you might soon find yourself heading to the beach for a few ‘tinnys’ and a ‘barbie’ with your newfound mates, with many locals keen to show tourists what being Australian is really all about.
Showstopping Scenery
From the atmospheric Blue Mountains – so-called for the characteristic blue haze that perennially lingers over them – to the largest sandbank in the world known as Fraser Island, complete with roaming dingoes and humpback whales breaching offshore, the scenery in Australia is truly to die for.
Whether you’re into tropical jungles, snow-kissed peaks, red-streaked deserts, or dramatic, craggy coastlines, there’s a showstopping view for every landscape lover.
Year-Round Sunshine
Many sunseekers head down under in search of reliably good weather, and those Southern Hemisphere climes rarely disappoint.
While the south does experience some colder temperatures during the winter (May to August), tropical north Queensland offers a more exotic climate, with the mercury rarely dropping below 25°C and often high humidity.
Meanwhile, summer (December to February) on the east coast is just sublime.
Incredible Outback Experiences
There’s something about an intoxicating adventure into the deep crimson plains of the bush that truly reveals the ancient beating heart of Australia.
Try camping under the stars at Uluru, or horseback riding along the legendary Gibb River Road for a foray into the wilderness you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Cool and Quirky Cities
While nature really does rule the roost in Australia, it’s hard to resist spending at least a few days in one of the country’s cool and vibrant cities, from the iconic surf beaches of Sydney to the dynamic street art of Melbourne.
Don’t miss the metropolis-meets-paradise known as the Gold Coast, where glitzy skyscrapers butt up against endless miles of perfectly gilded sand.
Any Other Reasons to Visit Australia?
Of course, I could go on and on and on, but this list had to end somewhere. In case you’re searching for even more reasons to visit Australia, consider the fact that it is a foodie’s paradise, taking inspiration from its Asian neighbours and revolutionising BBQs with sumptuous seafood. Or how about the wonderful wine regions, from Hunter Valley to the Margaret River?
There are also many logistical reasons to visit Australia, like the fact that everyone speaks English, the country is considered clean and safe, and a standard tourist visa is free for UK citizens.
Whatever reason you do choose to visit Australia, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Reasons to Visit Australia: FAQs
When is the Best Time to Visit Australia
Thanks to year-round sunshine and a covetable climate, Australia is a year-round destination for travellers. If it’s sunshine you seek, head there in the UK winter months, and enjoy beautiful sunny weather from Darwin to Melbourne.
If you plan to visit during the UK summer, you can still find tropical warmth up north, or enjoy less crowded sights in the south.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes, UK travellers must obtain an eVisitor visa for short-term visits to Australia. This quick and convenient tourist visa allows you to stay for up to three months at a time and is valid for one year.
How Much is a Visa for Australia?
The eVisitor tourist visa is free for British citizens and allows you to stay for up to three months of a time. Applications typically take between 1-2 days to be processed, so be sure to submit yours in advance of your trip.
For longer stays of up to 12 months, you can apply for a Tourist Stream Visa, which costs AUD150.00 (about £80). Applications for a Tourist Stream visa can take up to a month to be processed.
Can you Visit Australia with a Criminal Record?
No, you cannot visit Australia with a standard eVisitor visa if you have a criminal record. You may apply for a Tourist Stream Visitor Visa with a minor criminal record, but your record will be checked for specific and serious offences such as sex crimes, smuggling, war crimes, and many more.
Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Have other questions? Think I missed your favourite reasons to visit Australia? Let me know in the comments!
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