Australia has been a place on my travel Bucket List for a few years now. After graduating last year, my sister took a job as an au pair in Sydney, and I was lucky enough to fulfill my dream and go and visit her last September. Along with my mom and aunt, I made the roughly 16-hour journey from Portland, Oregon—and boy was it worth it.
On our two-week journey, we experienced the city of Sydney, New South Wales, some smaller, neighboring beaches including Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, and Cairns, Queensland, home of The Great Barrier Reef. Each was unlike any place I had ever been, and exceeded my expectations and imagination.
Here are just a few of the incredible things I experienced while I was there that give me reason to confidently say that everyone should add “Travel to Australia” to their own Bucket List. Words and pictures simply cannot do it justice, but this is my attempt to plant a seed of desire in your mind so that, one day, you too might experience it for yourself.
1. Pools built into the ocean:
You don't have to decide between swimming in a pool or an ocean with this two-in-one experience. While some pools are built into inlets—and are therefore much stiller and more relaxing, as shown above—others take the full beating of the ocean waves, such as the pool at Bondi Beach, pictured below. With salty, ocean-temperature water, it feels like swimming in the ocean, except way cooler and without all the sand. If you decide to sit under the crashing waves, be sure to hold on to your top—it was an experience both terrifying and exhilarating (and a little exhausting).
2. Walks with views at every turn:
We took so many different “walks” (what we Americans might call hikes), each with views even more breathtaking than the last. Many of the walks led to secret beaches or incredible viewpoints, but the journey was always equally as enjoyable as the destinations.
3. Unbelievably clear waters:
I'm talking crystal clear. You can see the changes in depth as the hues of blue intensify, and even the coral reef below the water’s surface. #nofilter
4. The Great Barrier Reef:
Pictures cannot do justice to this (my first) wonder of the world. Try imagining the most amazing fish tank or aquariam you can think of, full of fish of all varieties and colors, and you might get close to how surreal of an experience swimming feet above the reef was.
5. Fish and chips (and other foods from the sea):
Nothing really beats fresh seafood, and with so many beachfront restaurants serving the local catch of the day, we were not disappointed. An added bonus: the number of amazing venues is never ending, with views of beaches, the harbor, and the city.
6. And other cool foods, like Sushirittos and kangaroo pizza:
I don’t know how I’d never encountered a Sushiritto in my life before this moment, across the world; it's like your typical sushi-roll, but left uncut and wrapped so it can be conveniently eaten on the go. Also, pizza toppings aren't limited to sausage and pepperoni down under, but rather include local cuisine like kangaroo and crocodile.
7. Gondola rides over the Kuranda:
From here you get a birds-eye view of the lush rainforest and the stunning Barron Falls. It takes you to the Kuranda Village, where you can explore and learn more about the fawn and flora Australia has to offer, as well as the Aboriginal culture.
8. And other cool experiences in the Kuranda:
From butterfly exhibits, Army Duck tours of the forest, and a zoo exhibiting some classic Australian creatures--including free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies--we had endless "firsts" in the Kuranda. Amongst my favorite memories of the day? A selfie with a kangaroo.
9. It's one of the few places in the world where you can cuddle a koala:
My mom's biggest goals of the whole trip was to hold a koala (and get the pictures to prove it), and we made sure it happened. She'll treasure the brief moments she got with the sleepy little guy forever.
11. Luna Park (like Mary-Kate and Ashley in Our Lips Are Sealed):
Do you need a reason beyond, "Mary-Kate and Ashley did it?" There's no better place to take a Ferris Wheel ride with awesome views or to get some "Fairy Floss," what we tourists know as cotton candy. Fairy Floss sounds way more fun, though.
12. Oh yeah, and the city is pretty amazing, too:
The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House are two of the main attractions of the city, evident from their striking presence; the Sydney Opera House is like that annoying friend who looks good from all angles. Walking (or climbing!) the Bridge, you can experience the city from an entirely new perspective, taking in the awe striking manmade structures Australia has to offer.
13. Plus, you're guaranteed an incredible sunset every night:
Ugh, can I just go back already?
