Island, country, continent… Australia
is a big'un whichever way you spin it. The essence of the place is diversity:
deserts, coral reefs, tall forests, snow-cloaked mountains and multicultural
melting-pot cities.
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| The Sydney Opera House |
Hip Cities Most Australians live along the
coast, and most of these folks live in cities. In fact, Australia is the
18th-most urbanised country in the world, with around 70% of Australians living
in the 10 largest towns. It follows that cities here are a lot of fun! Sydney, the sun-kissed
Harbour City, is a glamorous collusion of beaches, boutiques and bars. Melbourne is all
arts, alleyways and Australian Rules football. Brisbane is
a subtropical town on the way up; Adelaide has
festive grace and pubby poise. Boomtown Perth breathes
west-coast optimism; Canberra transcends
political agendas. If you're looking for contrast, the tropical northern
frontier town ofDarwin and
chilly southern sandstone city of Hobart couldn't
be more different. But whichever city you're wheeling into, you'll never go
wanting for a decent coffee, live bands, art-gallery openings or music festival
mosh-pits.
Food and Drink Australia has broken the binds of
its Anglo meat-and-two-veg culinary past, serving up a
multicultural fusion of
European techniques and fresh Pacific-rim ingredients. 'Mod Oz' (or Modern
Australian) is what the locals call it. Seafood plays a starring role − 'Hardly
surprising on an island this big!', we hear you say…but from succulent Moreton
Bay Bugs to delicate King George Whiting, there's a lot of variety in the
ocean's bounty. And of course, beer in hand, you'll still find beef, lamb and
chicken at traditional Aussie BBQs. Don't drink beer? Australian wines are
world-beaters: punchy Barossa Valley reds, McLaren Vale Shiraz,
Hunter Valley Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc from Tasmania's cool-climate Tamar
Valley. Need a caffeine hit? Italian cafes have always known how to make the
perfect espresso, but now there are coffee machines in pubs and petrol
stations, and baristas in downtown coffee carts − you're never far from a
double-shot, day or night.
It's a Wide Open Road There's a heckuva lot of tarmac
across this wide brown land. From Margaret River to Cooktown, Jabiru to Dover,
the best way to really appreciate Australia is to hit the open road. Car hire
here is relatively affordable, road conditions are generally good, and outside
of the big cities there's bugger-all traffic. If you're driving a campervan,
you'll find well-appointed caravan parks in just about every town of any size.
If you're feeling more adventurous, hire a 4WD and go off-road: Australia's
national parks and secluded corners are custom-made for down-the-dirt-road
camping trips. So embrace your inner road warrior and sing it loud: 'Get your
motor runnin'…Head out on the highway…'
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| Gold Coast, Australia |
