Why visit Australia?

Australia. One of the newest countries in the world. Full of down to earth blokes and fair dinkum Sheilas, it truly is a remarkable place to visit. Kangaroos, koalas, lizards, snakes, spiders all live there too, but don't worry, the chances of you seeing any of those in the wild are quite small unless you know where to go. Being so large (it is pretty much the same geographic area as Europe), it can be difficult to decide which part to visit and see. But there are many reasons to visit Australia as a holiday destination, and you will be warmly welcomed by the natives there.

So, we'll look at several key areas of Australia and look at their merits.

We'll start off in New South Wales, home to the most famous Australian city, Sydney. Sydney is a remarkably clean city with its main features being the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House. Tours around the opera house are possible, but why not get the full impact by seeing an opera there? The bridge that spans the harbour offers walks actually over the main bridge structure. The views from there are amazing. Then of course, if it's the beach you're after the world famous Bondi Beach is very nearby. A couple hundred k's inland you'll find the Blue Mountain region which is absolutely stunning, and if you're lucky you might find some snow.

Travelling down to Victoria, the city of Melbourne is one of the main attractions. It has the highest populous of Italian immigrant there, and so restaurants and coffee shops abound in both quality and quantity.

Over in Western Australia, Perth is the prominent city, and the general feeling on this side of the coast is the feeling of going back in time. It is very laid back and relaxed there and it's no wonder that Australians on the east coast have the saying about WA, "WA - 2 hours and 20 years behind the east!" And this isn't always a bad thing!

Over in sunny Queensland, you have a lot of options and things to see. Over on the Sunshine Coast an hour or so above Brisbane, you have Australia Zoo, home of the late 'Crocodile Hunter', Steve Irwin. Despite this sad loss, the zoo is going from strength to strength and is well worth a visit if you're in that neck of the woods.

Just south of Brisbane, you have the wonderful Surfer's Paradise which features one of the best surfing beaches in the world. And if you go at the right time of year, you could also be lucky enough to see the Indy car race that goes through the main streets of the town.

There is so much to see and do in Australia that simple words cannot begin to describe. It is a wonderful place and the people are very hospitable and friendly. This is down to the relaxed state of the average Australian who takes life day by day. Visit Australia and you'll have a fair dinkum time. No worries mate!