Australia's beautiful beaches and constant sunshine draw many visitors, but for skiing enthusiasts, the Australian Alps, which span across New South Wales and Victoria, are also a popular destination. Typically, snowfall occurs between June and September, making it an ideal location for skiing during the summer months in the northern hemisphere. What most people don’t know is that there is more snowfall in the Australian Alps than the Swiss Alps!
Located near Canberra, two prominent ski resorts are Thredbo and Perisher, with the latter being the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere. Blue Cow Mountain is a well-liked area with an extensive selection of accommodation options and ski runs, as well as breathtaking views of the Alps.
Australia's vast central deserts have resulted in the majority of the population residing on the coast of this immense country, with approximately 90% of Australians living seaside. The bustling metropolises of Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne are well-known destinations, offering lively city centres and a plethora of beaches, including Bondi's sandy shores and Trigg's surf.
Beyond these major cities, there are numerous smaller beach towns to explore and enjoy Australia's stunning coastline. For instance, one can venture to Port Macquarie in New South Wales and try their hand at catching dinner or visit Airlie Beach in Queensland for a festive atmosphere. Given Australia's insular location, one can find thousands of surf towns and beaches by simply following the crowds and making their way to the coast.
Tasmania, an island located off the coast of Australia, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Its air quality is so pristine that its freshness has been compared to that of Antarctica! Roughly one-third of the state is designated as a national park or World Heritage site, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Hiking enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, as the island boasts an extensive network of trails and paths that wind through its entirety, providing stunning views of Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires along the coast.
For those who prefer alternative outdoor activities, kayaking, mountain biking, and exploring the island's caves are all excellent options. Tasmania's wildlife is an extension of Australia's unique animals, with the Eastern Quoll, once considered extinct on the mainland, now frequently sighted in the fertile farmland of Tasmania.
While most think of the Amazon rainforest as the most iconic ecosystem, little realise that the Great Barrier Reef takes the title of the largest ecosystem on the planet. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is a source of national pride and a natural wonder, comprising nearly 2,500 individual reefs that can be seen from space. Spanning halfway down the eastern coast of the country, there are numerous points from which to embark on a journey to discover the vibrant coral.
Cairns is the most well-known city from which to begin a reef excursion, but there are other options such as Townsville, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach, which offer fantastic beaches and a variety of tours to explore the reef. Snorkelling and diving amidst the colourful fish and sea turtles that call the Great Barrier Reef home is undoubtedly a trip highlight for any visitor to Australia.