This is Life in Australia

The Land Down Under is truly all it is hyped up to be. Life is wild, wacky and fun in Australia.

Forget about boring city center tours and walks around old buildings where you stare at ancient walls all day.

There is so much to see in Australia. From breath-taking expanses of the Outback to the bustling, invigorating underwater life in the coral reefs where you get to swim with the rainbow fish and maybe surf life a pro – Australia is filled with remarkable experiences that come in buckets of excitement for every traveler. Little wonder it is considered by some to be the quintessential all-in-one travel hotspot in the world.

So, keep your adventurous spirit handy and buckle up for an adventure that will leave your entire family thrilled by all the koala-ty that is Life in Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, is the world’s largest coral reef system. In fact, it covers an area of land larger than the entire United Kingdom. The Great Barrier Reef was the inspiration for Finding Nemo. And just like in the movie, there’s so much adventure to be had here.

The waters are crystal clear revealing the breathtaking coral formations, the mesmerizing underwater world and the vibrant marine life. The Great Barrier Reef is nothing short of a marvel of nature. It has been upgraded to a World Heritage site by UNESCO because of its ecological significance. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine species like Humpback whales, Clownfish and Dugongs. Marine Biologists say there are at least 1500 species of fish in this reef stretching over 2300 kilometers.

Here’s a quick fact for you, Humpback Whales travel thousands of kilometers from their colder feeding grounds to warmer waters when it is time to have children and raise a family.

Be sure to pack your snorkel when visiting the Great Barrier Reef, you could get to see a new humpback whale family.

The Australian Outback

The red deserts and dusty roads characterize the Australian outback. You see a wide expanse of land and quirky wildlife litter the entire horizon as far as the eye can see. The Outback is a fun trip for the entire family but watch out for the wombats.

When the sun sets, and the temperatures dip, a new spectacle begins to unfold. Imagine a million stars blinking clearly across the inky black canopy above. The dingoes howling in the distance as if to say, there’s a new sheriff in town.

Surfing Like a Pro!

No vacation to Australia is complete without a visit to a beach. But this time, you’ll not be sitting around just taking in the sun. We’re going to hit the waves dudes! Imagine the feeling of the ocean’s power pushing you up on a surfboard, the sun on your face and your half-terrified family and onlookers cheering you on as they watch from the shore. There’s no feeling quite like surfing on any one of Australia’s beaches.

Depending on where you are in Australia, you can take your pick from Manly beach or Bondi Beach if you’re in Sydney; Killick beach, or the five and half mile long, Lenox head beach if you’re in New South Wales.

Bells beach located in Victoria hosts one of Australia’s most iconic surf competitions the Rip Curl Pro in Victoria, you just might meet your favorite surf pro and take cool pictures.

If you’re in Queensland, there are 1711 beaches to choose from. But for you surf enthusiasts, be sure to visit Snapper Rocks, Kirra, Burleigh heads, North Stradbroke Island, Coolum beach, Double Island point, Agnes Waters among others for a time of your life.

Take a Tour of Brisbane – The River City

For our next stop, we go to Australia’s third largest city by population – Brisbane. It is the capital of Queensland but it is popularly known as River City. It offers a unique bled of city life and natural beauty Explore the South Bank Parklands where you can take a leisurely stroll along the river and marvel at the iconic wheel of Brisbane. You could also discover the city’s love for outdoor activities and sports.

As you travel around Brisbane, you will discover its truly adventurous spirit.

And yes, Koalas.

Brisbane is home of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Get up close and personal with the famous cuddly marsupial and wonder how life on earth would have been if we took wildlife conservation a little more seriously. You also get to see Wombats, Kangaroos, Emus and other adorable wildlife for an unforgettable experience.

The Aboriginals

Now for some time travel through the history of Australia.

We move our virtual tour to see the Aboriginals. When the Dutch Navigator Willen Janszoon got off his boat and set foot on the country down under in 1606, he found a native people with a rich cultural heritage living in tribes

Australian Aboriginal peoples, the continent’s original inhabitants, have a history of at least 45,000–50,000 years. Evidence suggests early agriculture and aquaculture practices. Traditional society constituted diverse social, family, and kinship structures. Over 200 languages were spoken, with distinct social categories and diverse cultural groups.

The Pitjantjatjara people constructed dome shaped homes called wilgi or gunya from spinifex grass and tree branches. They hunted kangaroos, gathered fruits and relied heavily on waterholes for potable water. In the rain forests, the Yidinji people built bark huts on stilts. This protected them from rains and flash floods. For transport, they made canoes. Their diets consisted mostly of fish, shellfish, possums and fruits.

The Dreaming forms the essence of Aboriginal spirituality, blending the past, present, and future. Population densities varied from 1 to 8 square miles per person in fertile areas and over 35 square miles in deserts. They lived in close harmony with the environment, communicating with the spiritual realm through rituals and dream states. Their social structure involved interplay between economic, ecological, and religious influences. Marriage was marked by reciprocity and the exchange of spouses, showcasing elaborate kinship systems. Children’s upbringing revolved around spiritual knowledge and practical skills. Australian Aboriginal art and music were significant forms of cultural expression. The impact of European settlement led to clashes, loss of autonomy, and forced adaptation.

Today, there’s a renewed emphasis on cultural revival and reclaiming traditions. Visitors to Australia should respect and acknowledge the rich heritage, spirituality, and complex social structures of the Aboriginal peoples, along with their enduring contribution to the continent’s cultural tapestry.

Uluru

For our next stop, we head to Uluru – the heart of Australia, we’ll see the awe-inspiring 500-million-year-old beauty also known as the Ayers Rock. This rock was of great cultural and spiritual importance to the aboriginal people of Australia.

The Uluru morphs into a mesmerizing mix of red and orange creating a true scenic spectacle. And as day turns to night, the skies above draw a picture that inspires the surreal and magical. You might find yourself drawn closer and closer. But don’t! You could get arrested for that. Because climbing The Uluru has been prohibited since October 2019. The custodians, the Anangu people ensure that their sacred grounds are preserved.

Uluru is deeply woven into the Dreamtime, a complex and sacred concept in Aboriginal Australian culture. According to Anangu Dreamtime stories, ancestral beings created the Uluru during their sojourns across the land. These stories are not just myths but integral to the cultural identity and spiritual beliefs of the Anangu people.

The Aussie Wildlife

Back from the time machine, we’re taking a look at the forests of Australia. The Eucalyptus forests, rugged mountains and endless dusty tracks. This is the home of the Australian mascot, the kangaroos. You could catch an Emu bird strutting along or even sight a dingo.

The Kangaroo

These marsupials, with their powerful legs and bouncing gait, are synonymous with Australia. Over 50 million kangaroos hop across the country, outnumbering the human population!

Kangaroos come in various sizes and species, from the giant Red Kangaroo found in the outback to the adorable Wallabies.

They’re herbivores, munching on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. Interestingly, they ferment their food in their gut, similar to cows!

Kangaroos are social creatures, living in mobs of up to 100 individuals. They communicate through body language, scent marking, and even thumping their feet on the ground.

The EMU

Towering at nearly 6 feet tall, the emu is the second-largest bird on Earth, next to the ostrich. Like kangaroos, they’re native to Australia and grace the nation’s coat of arms.

Emus are flightless birds, but they sprint like champions, reaching speeds of over 30 miles per hour. They use their powerful legs for both running and kicking, making them formidable opponents.

These feathered giants are omnivores, feasting on plants, insects, and even small animals. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to regenerate the bush after fires.

Emus are generally solitary birds, except during breeding season when they form pairs. They lay turquoise eggs, which are incubated by the male after being laid by the female.

The Dingo – Australian Wild Dog

Often referred to as wild dogs, dingos are Australia’s apex predator. They’re the largest land carnivore on the continent and play a vital role in keeping prey populations in check.

Dingos are thought to have arrived in Australia over 3,500 years ago, likely traveling from Southeast Asia by boat. They’ve adapted to a variety of habitats, from lush rainforests to arid deserts.

These intelligent canines live in packs of 4-12 individuals, led by an alpha pair. They’re primarily nocturnal hunters, using their keen senses of smell and hearing to track down prey.

The Royal Botanic Garden – Sydney

We’re winding out our trip with a mellow trip away from all the excitement of the wildlife in Sydney The harbor city of Australia. Yes, we’re familiar with the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

But now let’s explore the Royal Botanic Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, where you can stroll through lush gardens and learn about the native flora and fauna. And let’s not forget about Taronga Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with Australia’s unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and even the elusive platypus.

Here you and your loved ones can sit and relive the best sights of Australia in a peaceful picnic surrounded by exotic plants and lush greenery.

Conclusion

We encourage you to explore Australia’s beauty and diversity for yourself. Whether it’s immersing yourself in the beauties in Brisbane, the river city, getting entranced by the magic of Uluru, basking in the stunning vistas of Sydney, or diving into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, or riding the outback alongside the kangaroos, Australia offers something for everyone.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure through Australia. If you enjoyed this blog, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and stay tuned for more travel adventures. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and embrace the wonders of our world.