If you are looking for unforgettable travel experiences, then Australia should be at the top of your travel list. This diverse island nation is full of unique experiences and destinations, awaiting your exploration.

Many travelers take pause when they think about the long journey to reach Australia’s shores. Is it even worth it to make the trip to one of the furthest countries from North America?

The answer: YES!

As a seasoned traveler, I have navigated the shores, deserts, and vast landscapes of Australia, and I want to guide you through the country’s unique offerings in an attempt to convince you to book your plane ticket.

Whether you are a family on vacation, a digital nomad, or a couple looking for a romantic escape, Australia has a vast array of attractions to cater to every travel style (and budget).

Join me as I share 5 reasons to visit Australia, from the stunning beaches to the surprisingly rich cultural heritage.

Great Ocean Road, The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Australia

1. The Famous Australian Beaches

It probably comes as no surprise that you should visit Australia because of the beaches!

Australians are proud of their beaches and with good reason: Australia has some of the best beaches in the world! With a coastline that stretches over 23,000 miles, you’ll undoubtedly find the perfect beach for you.

In fact, there are no less than 11,011 beaches in Australia, including big wave surfer havens, pristine white sand beaches, family-friendly shores, and isolated romantic spots.

Among the most beautiful Australian beaches are Shelly Beach in Sydney Whitehaven Beach near the Great Barrier Reef, Cable Beach in Broome, Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, and the famous Hyams Beach – known for having the whitest sand in the world.

Teddy's Lookout, Australia

2. Perfect for Road Trips

Not only is Australia the 6th largest country in the world (and an entire continent by itself), but it is criss-crossed by 542,813 miles of roads – that’s a lot of potential driving!

Australia is THE place to go off the beaten path! You can go camping and enjoy the solitude, or explore many of the lesser-known towns and villages you come across. Seriously, it will take you months to explore all the hidden gems, beaches, forests, and inhabited areas.

But if solitude and roughing it isn’t your thing, don’t worry! A drive along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria makes the perfect short road trip adventure.

Speaking of short road trips – if you are in a pinch for time, you can also skip the isolation of the Outback and stick to a quick road trip between Melbourne and Sydney in South Australia – this is without a doubt one of the best road trips I did in Australia!

Uluru Rock in Australia

3. It Conserves Aboriginal Culture

Even though they just comprise about 3% of the population, Australia still has a strong Aboriginal identity through the preservation of the culture of its various indigenous people. Before European settlement, Australia had over 600 nations of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders (based on their languages).

These indigenous people have developed across Australia for over 50,000 years and were the original settlers before colonization.

Today you can visit many of their sacred places, including the most famous and sacred of all, Uluru.

Also known as Ayers Rock, this monolithic sandstone rock (or mountain!) has hosted Indigenous ceremonies for over 10,000 years, and the local Anangu community believes their ancestral beings still live there.

Other sacred Aboriginal sites worth seeing include:

  • Mount Borradaile
  • Ubirr
  • Windjana Gorge
  • Cave Hill
  • The MacDonnell Ranges
Beach by Lorne, Australia

4. The Great Australian Weather

If you are looking for great weather, look no further than the south coast. Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide have the best climate in the country – imagine mild winders of about 50°F and hot summers averaging between 77°F and 86°F.

But it is not just the big cities that boast brilliant weather.

Australia has golden-sunshine weather pretty much year-round. The northern states have comfortable, dry winters, although summers are rainy and humid (and VERY hot, reaching 104°F!)

Kangaroos in Australia

 Unique Marine Life, Wildlife and Nature

Because of its isolation from the other continents, the fauna and flora in Australia have taken a unique turn.

Marsupials (mammals with pouches) are abundant here, like koalas, kangaroos, wombats, quokka (specifically found on Rottnest Island in Western Australia), and the Tasmanian devil all evolved here and can be found nowhere else on Earth.

Most of Australia is still untouched and in its natural state. As already mentioned, Australia is the perfect place to sunbathe at stunning beaches, go diving at the Great Barrier Reef (more on that below), bask in wide-open spaces, and camp surrounded by wildlife.

Australia’s birdlife is also unique (and a bit hazardous). During Swooping Season you must duck for aggressive Magpies, while Cassowaries have been known to attack (and in rare instances, kill) people.

But don’t worry, you’re unlikely to be chased down by a “murderbird” in the streets of Syndey!

Australia has plenty of national parks where you can witness its natural beauty, like:

  • Kakadu National Park (it is a drive to the Northern Territory, but well worth it!)
  • Purnululu National Park
  • Blue Mountains National Park
  • Uluru-Katja Tjuta National Park (an UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Oh, and did I mention the incredible marine life?

I will discuss the Great Barrier Reef in detail below, but divers and snorkelers can expect to find a variety of cephalopods, crabs, sea lions, sea dragons, sharks, and even the little penguin.

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia