Your first visit to Australia starts in Sydney

Australia is a vast and isolated landscape surrounded by lore and tall tales. Before actually visiting Australia for the first time, many people believe Australia is a country of deadly creatures lurking around every corner and kangaroos so large that Aussies can ride in their pouches. For this reason, some of the bravest world travelers have been intimidated by landing on the lonely southern continent of Australia. If that is your impression, and you have visited countries like Turkey, Netherlands or Mexico, then read on. You will be surprised.

Tall Tales

Are there really spiders in every toilet and sharks in every body of water? Will it really be 50°C, or is there a misprint in my guidebook?

In reality, what you’ll actually find when you arrive in this modern, progressive country is world-class beaches, perfect year-round weather, ever-smiling locals, and a lively nightlife scene. Australia consistently ranks in the top 3 healthiest, wealthiest and safest countries to live in. The country is nothing but a welcoming host to its millions of international visitors a year.

Bondi Beach is one of the world’s most famous beach destinations.

There are a few things you do need to know before you land in Australia, though. Firstly, all Australians shorten their words. So be sure to ask for the direction to ‘Maccas’ instead of ‘McDonald’s.’ Secondly, the sense of humor can be confusing at first for a foreigner. If in doubt, assume everything an Australian says is sarcasm. And third, because this is a country of leisure, all the shops open late and close early!

Now I know what everyone is thinking, Australia itself is a continent. This country is enormous, so how do you decide where to visit for your first trip? Given its size, not many visitors backpack.

How to get the authentic Australian experience when visiting Australia

There are three cities you have to visit. Melbourne for the art, music, and sporting cultures, Sydney for the high-end beach lifestyle, and Cairns for access to one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef. Cross these three locations off, and you have a great cross-section of the beauty Australia has to offer.

Melbourne Australia at night