This week: Australia is a land of surprises, offering far more than meets the eye
| Nearly 20 years ago, as a young Canadian backpacker clutching my guidebook, I arrived in Australia for the first time. I didn’t waste a moment: I went to Sydney Opera House. I learned to surf in Byron Bay. I sailed through the Whitsundays and snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef. I drove across K’gari (known at that time as Fraser Island) in search of dingoes. Really, I did it all. Or so I thought.
Four weeks later, I ticked Australia off my “to-visit” list and swore I’d never return.
Yet, Australia kept pulling me back, and I eventually moved here. Each of my following trips revealed that I’d barely skimmed the surface on my first visit. I’d been a classic victim of what people think they know about Australia. Things like…
1. The best attractions are on the East Coast
Yes, Melbourne and Sydney are world-class cities and bohemian Byron Bay is beloved by celebs. But Lonely Planet’s top-selling Australia title is actually our Tasmania guidebook. The island state wins fans for its wildlife encounters, farm-to-table culinary scene and rich Aboriginal and convict-era history.
2. Australia is only for ocean lovers
Sure, there are 12,000 stunning beaches, but Australia also boasts a 180-million-year-old rainforest, one of the world’s largest tropical savannas and a mountain range that runs 3700km (2300 miles) down the East Coast’s spine.
3. Boomerangs, dot paintings and didgeridoos define Aboriginal culture
Australia’s Traditional Custodians are far from homogenous, with more than 250 Aboriginal groups whose diverse cultural traditions often reflect the surrounding landscape.
4. Koalas and kangaroos are the cutest animals
Australia is home to dozens of cute animals you’ve probably never heard of, from potoroos, numbats and quolls, to bilbies and tree kangaroos. In fact, 87% of Australia’s mammals are found nowhere else.
5. Everything in Australia is out to kill you
You’re much more likely to get trampled by a horse than to have a dangerous or deadly encounter with a snake, shark, crocodile or spider. What you really need to watch out for? Kangaroos, jumping out in front of cars. | | | Lonely Planet Author & Destination Editor | | | Wild encounters on the guidebook trail | Our guidebook authors often meet the most unexpected characters on the road. This month, our Melbourne writer recounts a surprising emu encounter while researching for the Australia guide. | The Outback of NSW is what Australian road trip dreams dreams are made of. Coming across this magnificent 2m-tall (6.5ft) male emu with juvenile chicks in tow — each the size of a large dog — in Mungo National Park is right up there with my favorite wildlife encounters anywhere in the world. Fun fact: after the female emu has done her part in reproduction, it’s the male who incubates the eggs and raises the chicks once they hatch. | This month, we are offering 15% off all orders* with code ######. You have until September 30, 2024 to use it! We've selected three popular titles to feature as we approach the fall season. | | | | | Pocket Guide: New York City – New! | Sail past the Statue of Liberty, stroll along the High Line, and enjoy the sweeping views of Manhattan from Brooklyn's vibrant waterfront park. Shop now | | | | | Spend an evening in one of Lisbon's many fado houses, discover stunning architecture in Porto and soak up the sun in the Algarve; all with your trusted travel companion. Shop now | | | | | Classic Guide: Belgium & Luxembourg | | | This week's most-read articles | | | | Photography by:
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