This is the first post in a new feature on WhyGo Australia called the Australia Blog Roundtable. For the roundtable, I’ve joined forces with other Aussie lovers and bloggers — yTravelBlog, Nomads Hostels, Hostelworld and Australia Rocky Travel — to touch on a specific topic from our own unique perspectives each month. Enjoy!
When I chose the topic of “Why I Love Australia” for the first Australia blog roundtable, the general response was that it would be easy to write about.
It is an easy prompt because loving Australia is really not hard at all! Ask any traveler and they will most likely have had a wonderful jaunt Down Under; some even do what they can to stay as long as possible, or move permanently! I, for one, have had a very personal and long-standing love for Australia, one that started long before I ever stepped foot inside the country. From the day-dreaming in high school of becoming a traveling photographer/surfer in Oz, to the planning of my round-the-world travels to end with a working holiday visa, even further on to meeting the love of my life – an Aussie bloke – over in Europe… yes, Australia has been a positive light.
And, it is a place that doesn’t disappoint when travelers, after years of dreaming, finally arrive.
One of the first things that struck me was how laid-back the culture is in Australia. I mean, you probably hear this a lot, but it is very true. Aussies are laid-back, even the city folk who think that Sydney living is over-the-top and fast-paced. To an extent, yes, but still, there is that “no worries” attitude frolicking in the background. Problems? What problems? It will always work out, eventually, so why not relax, grab a beer and have a barbie in the meantime.
I love this aspect of the culture. Even with about 22 million people in a massive country, Australians have a way of making it feel like you are a part of a small community (there hasn’t been the need to “try” to blend in).
Magnetic Island is the type of place you'd take a raft to... and not leave.
When I was on a recent media trip in Queensland with some American travel writers, the American PR representative actually told me that she couldn’t believe I get to live here.
With nearly 3 years of living here under my belt, I am sadly a little jaded by this amazing opportunity. It’s not until I’m sitting face-to-face with an out of this world type of scenery that I’m put back in my place. Like the time my boyfriend and I extended our stay on Magnetic Island two extra nights because we loved the secluded jungle/beach vibe. Or, like the time I went on a spiritual journey with Guurrbi tours in Cooktown, and the other adventure of riding the Indian Pacific for 3 days across the entire country.
From beaches to barren outback.
I am put back in awe’s arms, marveling at the natural beauty of Australia – and thankful I am so lucky to do just that.
The other members of the Australia Blog Roundtable have also shared their personal reasons for loving Australia. Be sure to check out these great write-ups for some more Australia travel inspiration!