Australia
“Australia; a journey to vast horizons, ancient whispers, and the endless discovery of yourself.”
Australia
Of course, it was bound to happen someday, and at the end of 2022, it finally did—we traveled to Australia for the first time, flying in from Bali. Visiting down under to discover Australia had always been part of our plan, but just before Christmas 2022, we were offered the opportunity to house-sit in Melbourne for an extended period.
We spent two incredible months in Melbourne. During that time, we embarked on a camping road trip along the Great Ocean Road, and Geert experienced the Australian Open firsthand. After three months in New Zealand, we returned to Australia to spend the winter (European summer) there. Over the course of five months, we traveled with a car and rooftop tent from Melbourne along the east coast to Cairns. On the way back, we ventured through the interior and the iconic outback, embracing Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes.
At the end of 2023, following another three months in New Zealand, we returned to Melbourne for another house-sit. Once again, Melbourne welcomed us with open arms, and we cherished the chance to deepen our friendship with Ellen and Han. In the spring of 2024, we embarked on another road trip t0 discover Australia. Starting with nearly a month in Tasmania, we then crossed the expansive Nullarbor Plain, covering 1,200 kilometers of breathtaking isolation, to reach Western Australia.
In Western Australia, we completed two house-sits in Perth, where Geert prepared for his trek in the Himalayas scheduled for April and May.
Who would have thought we would find ourselves back in Australia by the end of 2024? Yet, the country, its awe-inspiring nature, and its warm people have captivated us. The pull is undeniable. And so, as 2024 came to a close, we returned to Melbourne—a city that has truly found a place in our hearts, much like Australia itself.
Discover Australia
English
Australian Dollar
Warm to Hot
UTC +8 to UTC +12
Australia is a vast and extraordinary destination that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. It is a country of extremes, contrasts, and incredible diversity—and one we have grown to love deeply. Whether you are planning a quick trip or an extended stay, Australia offers a lifetime of experiences, landscapes, and adventures that will leave you in awe (and possibly sunburned). But be aware, Australia is huge, it is 185 times the size of the Netherlands. And basically there is no such thing as a quick trip.
For first-time visitors, we suggest dedicating at least three weeks to explore this sprawling continent. If you have more time, even better! Australia’s size means that a relaxed pace is key to truly appreciate its wonders. From the rugged Outback to vibrant coastal cities like Sydney and Perth, and from lush rainforests to world-famous beaches such as Bondi Beach, every corner of Australia has its own unique story to tell. Further highlights include the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the mystical landscapes of Uluru, the dramatic Great Ocean Road, and the wild beauty of Tasmania.
But again, Australia is huge, so there are so many more highlights.
Craving adventure? Dive with sharks in Port Lincoln, hike through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, or camp under a sky full of stars in the Red Centre. Prefer something a little more low-key? Stroll through Melbourne’s eclectic laneways, sample world-class wines in the Barossa Valley, or enjoy a lazy afternoon (or two) on the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach.
Australia is, despite potential distances, easy to travel—just make sure you have got your sunscreen and sense of humor. English is widely spoken (with an Aussie twist), the Australian dollar is the currency, and their coffee culture is world-class. Climate-wise, it’s a land of opposites: summer down south is winter up north, so plan your trip accordingly.
Ready to explore the Land Down Under? Check out our blogs for travel tips, top destinations, and practical advice. Whether you are chasing kangaroos, surfing iconic waves, or simply soaking up the Aussie vibes, you will find everything you need to discover Australia and to make your Australian adventure unforgettable here.
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