The Best Things About Australia

I was born, raised and still live in Australia. Most people know Australia as 'The Sunburnt Country' and technically, that is exactly what it is. But hey, don't get me wrong, we do have grass and on occasion it is green. As for the dirt, well, we do have a lot of that. That's not to say you should be picturing a country that's made of dirt and not much else. In my opinion, Australia is an extremely beautiful country.

One of my favourite things about Australia is our beaches. I was born and raised in Canberra which is the Australian Capital Territory (or, ACT) which is in-land so I was at least a 90 minute drive from the nearest beach. I moved to the Gold Coast in Queensland (QLD) in December 2006 and it is absolutely fantastic. I currently live a street up from the broad water and about a 10-15 minute drive from Surfers Paradise Beach! What a change that is!

I have ever only been as far north as Brisbane, Queensland and as far south as Melbourne, Victoria. Australia has 8 states and territories. These are: Queensland, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory & New South Wales. I have been to 4 of them (QLD, VIC, ACT & NSW) but one thing is for sure, I have loved the travel and all the scenery that goes with the trips! That would have to be another one of my favourite things about Australia.

Our culture and people are another thing that makes Australia unique from all others (obviously this can be said for any country). Deep down we really are nice people and quite easy to get along with. I also love the fact that Australia is so multicultural!

Australia's 'Fair Go' Policy is yet another thing that makes this country so great. To me, a land built on democracy is a land of the free. Australia really does stick by their 'Fair Go' Policy and we really are a country that fights for equal rights and free speech.

Our wildlife here (as well as our tourist attractions) is definitely something special! Koalas look cuddly (but they ain't as cuddly as they look), kangaroos look capable enough to ride to school of a morning (I advise you don't try it... I got in a boxing match with one of them when I was 9 and I came out second best), emus look... well, kinda freakish actually, dingos look cute enough (especially the baby ones) to take home with you (but once again, not a good idea) and our weird but wonderful echidnas look extremely unhuggable (and, well, they are). Ain't it great?

No matter how I say it, the fact of the matter is, I love Australia and I wouldn't dream of moving overseas! Even though I have lived here all my life, I have been overseas and experiences other cultures and ways of life but none of those experience compare to a life in Australia. We really are 'The Lucky Country'.