Being Aussie myself, I obviously think ‘Straya is the greatest country on Earth. Since traveling, I’ve found that it is also probably one of the most well-loved cultures in the world. Seriously, reactions to my nationality are unfailingly positive and promptly followed by a series of fist pumps and “BOO YEAH”s. So I thought it was appropriate to pay tribute to the country that birthed me and taught me the real meaning of the words “deadly animals”.
1. The Exchange Rate
The Aussie dollar is weak as a koala’s lower body strength at the moment which is great news for Americans (not so great news for Australian students living in California …) and flights are absurdly well-priced so if there’s any time to take the plunge and brush up on your Aussie lingo, it’s now.
2. Byron Bay
Hipster capital of Australia, this is a place where the words “raw”, “vegan” and “acai” are heard on the reg. A little hippie surfer town on the East coast, Byron is known for its dreadlocks, combi vans and strikingly SoCal lifestyle.
3. Surfing
Of course Aussies love a sweet sesh in the waves. There are far too many to name but suffice to say, Mick Fanning and Steph Gilmore surfed some sick beaches.
4. Melbourne
Hometown. I have a deep, burning love for this city so excuse me while I froth out over it for a second, I promise to keep it brief. One restauranteur said of it, “Melbourne is a great foodie city with very high standards. I always tell people that a hole in the wall in Melbourne can beat any restaurant in New York.” Alleys glutted with sick street art, men with beards, glasses, and top buttons done up, the greatest coffee culture in the world and cute little bars with live musicians and $4 pizzas. There’s nowhere better. Even Brunswick’s sketchy vibe and even more questionable residents have a firm place in my heart as being the Kings of Hipster. Beyonce even filmed her music video there – nuff said.
5. Music Festivals
Falls, Splendour, BDO, Groovin, Stereo, Bush Doof … There are actually too many fantastic, world class music festies to join in on. Nah you’re right, that’s blasphemy. There are never enough. Bonus is watching white males (particularly, Australian white males) attempt to dance, or flail their body in a pseudo rythmic fashion as seems to often be the case.
6. Booze
Full of wineries and micro-breweries, including the famous Margaret River region, Australia is the wine-maker and wine-lovers dream. Although we have been known to get a little too rowdy on the excellent selection of goon (alcohol) but it’s all part of the Australian charm. Plus the drinking age is 18 for all you American minors out there.
7. That Accent
Allegedly the result of being too drunk too often, ‘Strayans slur their words and swear like sailors. They will probably insult you at some point. It is also a hilarious accent (I know, I’ve been told) and full of weird and wonderful anachronisms.
For instance, “Crikey, it sure is a scorcher today. Better call the sparky mate, I think the air con is on the fritz.” “Might chuck on me cossies and pop in the pewl in a minny with a coupla frothies, waddaya reckon?” This would translate to “Oh, it is very hot today indeed. I need to contact the electrician because I think the air conditioning isn’t working.” “I may change into my swimwear in a minute and go for a swim in the pool with a couple of beers, what say you?”
Don’t worry, you’ll learn.
8. The Beaches (obvs) and Beach Towns
We’ve got some good ones. Swimming the Bondi Icebergs, sailing the Whistundays or just cruising up the West Coast and camping on a beach all to yourself. Many of our beaches are remote, untouched and pristine. A few hours drive from Melbourne, Squeaky Beach’s famous sand is so fine and so white that it squeaks as you walk over it.
9. Red Centre
The middle of Australia is admittedly a bit of a water-less, people-less hole but it is also unbelievably beautiful. Stretching from the Simpson Desert all the way up to Kakadu, there is so much to see and places to hike. Just make sure you watch sufficient Steve Irwin documentaries to ensure you know the proper manner of handling snakes before departure. Everyday in Alice Springs is a scorcher so be prepared to turn several shades darker (or redder) than your natural tone.
10. Cliff jumping
Probably one of my more dangerous vices but cliff jumping is super fun. Even just a itty, bitty 3 metre (9 foot) drop gives you a kick of adrenalin and sense of accomplishment. One of my favourite places is Mt Martha Pillars near Melbourne which is stunning though it has become more and more touristy in recent years.
There are so many more things I could write. Foodies, sports junkies, winos, surfers and hippies all find their yen in Australia. Granted the country has a lot of political problems like anywhere but it is definitely worth a visit if you like the outdoors and sunshine and ridiculously welcoming, laidback people. Be sure to hit me up if you want to go dune surfing in Fraser Island sometime …