Looking past the debate over the date and all of the cultural issues, let's just celebrate Australia in all of it's glory. Here are some of the reasons why Australia is great and should be celebrated, not just on 26 January, but every day.
1. The Beaches
Honestly, Australia has some of the best beaches in the world and I've only seen a few of them, relatively speaking. White sparkling sand going as far as the eye can see, quaint bays surrounded by imposing cliffs, gentle waves undulating in water that goes from turquoise to the deepest violet - we really are spoiled. When I lived in Canada, all I ever wanted to do when I went overseas was to go somewhere with beaches. Now that I live in this blessed country, beaches are not my overseas holiday priority because I have amazing ones right on my doorstep.
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| 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island - one of my favourite spots |
2. The Weather
People always think that Australia is warm and sunny all the time. In fact, the weather across this vast country is more varied than people overseas realise. We get snow, we get hurricanes, we get blistering heat, we get cold (okay, definitely not as cold as Canada or anywhere near it, I'll admit that), we have dry air, we have humid air, we have it all. It can feel like you have travelled to a completely different country when you travel domestically, nothing beats the variety.
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| Weather Diversity |
3. The Wildlife
Australia is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. Whoever thought up the platypus must have been enjoying some pharmaceuticals, I think. You don't have to go far to see the wildlife either. Wallabies and kangaroos are often spotted in suburban areas, and the most beautiful birds are at your back door.
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| What are you looking at? |
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| Rainbow Lorikeets We see this in our yard every day. |
4. The Scenery
Like the weather, Australia has some of the most diverse scenery in the world. From gorgeous ocean vistas to sweeping, endless views of red sand dunes, stretching to the horizon. Uluru rises out of the desert, the monolith commanding attention from every angle. Rainforests in the north are lush and flowing with water during the rainy season. The Outback is either very dry in drought, or extremely wet during the rare rains, with plants and flowers greedily raising to the sun from the rare treat of water. You can drive two hours in any direction and the scenery will change. It's fascinating and hypnotising.
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| Uluru - nothing compares |
5. The Great Barrier Reef
It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It's accessibility makes it a tourist staple, and whether you dive, snorkel or view it from a glass bottom boat, there is always something to see and be amazed by.
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| Magnificent! |
6. The Food and Drink
Politics aside, the Australia of today was built on the back of immigrants. Their desire to leave their homes and build a better life has made the country what it is today. They brought their traditional food and drinks with them, and we are richer for it. You can get any kind of food that you want, and of course our beer and wine industries are booming (I like to help the economy in that respect). You can't go wrong with an Aussie wine or beer (and our beer is 100X better than that American stuff).
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| Mmmmm, two of my favourite things |
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| Just a very, very small sample of beer available |
7. World Class Cities
I don't think that you can fly into Sydney and not have your breathe taken away. The Harbour Bridge and Opera House shine like jewels in the harbour, with sailing boats and yachts dotting the bays. Flying into Sydney is one of my favourite things and an iconic view. Melbourne rivals any major city in the world, Brisbane is a big city with a country heart, Perth and Adelaide enjoy almost a boutique feel, Hobart has a great historic vibe and Darwin is a unique mix of cultures sweating it out in the tropical heat. Our nation's capital, Canberra, was purpose built as the centre of government. Apart from the big cities, the country is littered with quaint small towns with big hearts.
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| Iconic Sydney |
8. Big Things
No other country has embraced 'big things' more than Australia. We have the Big Prawn, the Big Banana, the Big Pineapple, the Big Guitar, the Big Sheep, the Big Gumboot...the list goes on. The make 'em big in Australia! Apparently my butt is starting to follow in the great Aussie tradition....partially due to #6.
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| Big Banana |
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| Big Prawn |
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| Big Gumboot |
9. The Language
The Aussie twang is recognised around the world, and the slang is colourful and sometimes undecipherable to outsiders.
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10. The People
Anywhere you go, the place is only as good as the people. A friendly smile and a G'day are common. Sure, we have nasty people here - bludgers, criminals and the ever-present asses, but overall, Aussies are good people, willing to lend a hand, give it a go and embrace you.
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Have a wonderful Australia Day, whatever you are doing. I will be on the beach enjoying the sun, sand and surf, and maybe a sneaky beer!
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