Why Visit Australia? A Personal Journey Down Under
Australia isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. It feels wildly vast yet intimately welcoming. A land of sunburnt deserts, lush rainforests, surf beaches, and snow-capped Alps (yes, really). I had the chance to spend a month there with my wife, and let me tell you, that only scratched the surface.
First, a few fun facts to get you started:
Australia has more kangaroos than people.
It boasts over 10,000 beaches.
The Australian Alps get more snow than Switzerland.
Melbourne has the largest Greek population outside Greece.
The Dingo Fence is longer than the Great Wall of China.
Over 30% of Australians are immigrants, mostly from the UK, China, the Middle East, and Vietnam.
It’s home to the world’s oldest continuing culture—the Aboriginal Australians, who have lived there for over 50,000 years.
And that’s just the tip of the boomerang…
A Land Too Big for One Trip
Australia is a country and a continent. Think of it like planning to see the entire United States in two weeks—you just wouldn’t. When I started planning our trip, I quickly realized the key was focus. I chatted with a few of our fantastic Spence Connection experts and we agreed: pick two or three regions and take the time to really experience them.
Our Journey
Sydney was our launchpad. We stayed over a week and were fascinated by how diverse it is—not just in people, but in neighborhoods. From coastal walks with sweeping ocean views to tucked-away suburbs filled with cafés and quirky shops, Sydney surprised us with its depth and charm. I didn’t expect such a strong sense of history either—exploring cemeteries along cliff walks, reading stories of early settlers, and learning about the Aboriginal heritage brought a real richness to our time there.
From there, we flew to Tasmania, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s like stepping into a postcard from the 1950s—rolling farmland, historic market towns, stunning wilderness, and a strong local food and drink scene. Hobart, the capital, has an unexpected edge with its arts scene, incredible MONA museum, and lively waterfront. I’d recommend giving Tasmania at least 8 to 10 nights, two weeks would be ideal.
Our final stretch was along the East Coast, flying from Tasmania to Brisbane and driving north to Noosa to see friends, then working our way down through Byron Bay (staying on a working farm, no less!) and continuing on to Newcastle before circling back to Sydney.
Each stop added a different flavor to the trip, with coastal calm, surf towns, national parks, and unexpectedly fascinating history.
What We Missed (and Will Go Back For)
Despite a month, we didn’t make it to Melbourne, The Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, Kangaroo Island, The Blue Mountains, or The Northern Territory. The list goes on. That just means we’ll have to return and plan smarter next time.
Why Australia Should Be on Your List
Australia is:
A year-round destination, although where you go depends on when you go. (That’s where our experts really come in handy.)
Incredibly diverse in landscape and culture.
Home to warm, welcoming people.
A culinary powerhouse from laid-back seafood shacks to fine dining with a view.
Vast, wild, and full of surprises.
Work with an Expert
Australia isn’t the place to "wing it." Your time is precious, and this country is too big to get wrong.Working with a specialist, someone who’s been there, understands the regions, and knows the seasonal sweet spots, is key.That’s where we come in…
I’d be happy to connect you with one of The Spence Connection’s trusted Australia experts who can help craft your perfect adventure.
Australia truly won my heart. If you’re even thinking about going, let’s talk. We can help make it the trip of a lifetime—because that’s exactly what it is.