The Land Down Under: My guide to Australia

Twelve Apostols Beach, Australia

Photo by Pablo Londono

Twelve Apostols Beach, Australia.

Australia is a wonderful place to visit when traveling but people don’t know much about it. The culture, the landscapes, and the cities are phenomenal, so many things to do in a paradise on the other side of the planet.  

Australia is like a dish with all the things you need for the best meal of your life. Australia is a vast and diverse country located in the southern hemisphere, known for the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the incredible outback. This country has a rich cultural heritage and is home to the majority of the cultures of the world including indigenous ancestral culture. Overall, Australia is a fascinating and complex country with much to offer both to its residents and visitors.

Adventure

Byron Bay was great, it had a chill and hippie vibe to it, full of surfers and people going to the beach to hang out and listen to singers perform. When I was in Byron bay two Argentinians were singing Cumbia in the plaza surrounded by people doing picnics and singing along with them. The beaches were beautiful, had great coastal walks where nature abounds. It was a very special experience because it was a very different culture than in Colombia, it was such a small town that everyone knew each other so it created a very cozy and welcoming ambient that made Byron Bay very enjoyable.  

Airlie beach is a great coast to visit but it has a few activities to do. The highlight of visiting Airlie beach is taking the ferry to visit the Whitsundays; a few islands of incredible beaches with crystalline water and amazing weather perfect for tanning. The site also offers hikes where one can enjoy the peace of nature and appreciate the unique settings. This is something that I had never seen, I enjoyed a nice cold plunge in the transparent water of the beaches, then quickly dry-up, and to end the days went on hikes with my family where we got the island feeling where we felt free and we also got to appreciate the wildlife.

Port Douglas is perfect for active people who seek adventure. The must-do activity is going to the Great Barrier Reef, a unique experience where people get to admire the largest coral system in the world. On the other side of the town, it has the Daintree Rainforest, which has a powerful aura and exotic wildlife to enjoy. The Daintree Rainforest is a lush and ancient ecosystem in Australia’s northeastern region.

With a history dating back over 135 million years, it is considered one of the world’s oldest and most diverse rainforests. The forest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the area. When we arrived and the forest you could enjoy the vibes that it had to offer, and you could feel the oldness of this beautiful place.

The Daintree also has numerous creeks and rivers that are home to a diverse range of aquatic life, including fish, turtles, and crocodiles where we went on diverse tours in little canoes to appreciate them. Visitors to the Daintree can explore the forest via guided tours, self-guided walks, and river cruises, among other options.

Sydney has fantastic beaches, shopping, and an overall mixed city that will fulfill and exceed people’s expectations with its remarkable diversity and uniqueness. Sydney has the gastronomy, malls, and cultural mix of New York City; but the warm and crystalline beaches of Hawaii; the stunning vineyards of Tuscany; as well as the nightlife of Madrid; and the excellent and efficient public transportation system of Singapore. But when you arrive on the other side of the city you go to these beautiful beaches like Bondi beach and manly beach when you feel like you are enjoying amazing cold waters on a Caribbean island.

Bondi was a very special experience because prior to visiting Australia I used to watch the Bondai Rescue tv show which showed the abundance of accidents that happened at this beach, but when we arrived the vibes were unmatchable, it was so calm and I learned that these accidents shown in tv happened once a month maximum.

A Cultural Experience

Australia is a place of different cultures and experiences, providing a diverse and unique cultural environment. The Aboriginal culture, which dates back over 60,000 years, is one of the most fascinating aspects of Australian culture. The Aboriginal people are Australia’s native inhabitants and have a strong connection to the land and the natural world. Their spirituality and connection to the environment are reflected in their art, music, and storytelling.

Australia is also known for its multiculturalism, which attracts people from all over the world. As a result, every major city has a thriving food scene, with cuisines from all over the world. There is something for everyone, from traditional Chinese dumplings to spicy Indian curries.

Furthermore, Australia has a vibrant sports culture, with many Australians devoted to cricket, rugby, and Australian Rules Football. Attending a live match can be an exciting experience, with fans cheering on their favorite teams and the atmosphere being electric.

Overall, the cultural experience in Australia is a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern diversity, with something for everyone who visits.

Gastronomy

Australian gastronomy is a diverse and exciting fusion of indigenous, European, and Asian influences, resulting in a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. With access to fresh produce, meat, and seafood, Australian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors. The meat pie, a savory pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and gravy and often served with tomato sauce, is one of Australia’s most iconic foods. Another popular dish is the Australian barbecue, which consists of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, often served with salads and sauces.

Seafood plays an important role in Australian cuisine, with prawns, oysters, and fish being prevalent. The Sydney Rock Oyster is a native Australian oyster prized for its distinct flavor, and the Barramundi fish is popular for its delicate, buttery flavor. Australia’s multiculturalism is reflected in its cuisine, with Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisines, as well as Italian, Greek, and Lebanese, being particularly popular.

All in all, Australia is a recommended travel destination, such a rich place, with delicious food, amazing settings, welcoming people, and unique culture.