G’day mate and welcome to Australia, a country where thongs are worn on your feet instead of your butt, where mates love to get together for a few cold ones and a barbie, and possibly the only country in the world where it’s a good thing to be called a c**t as that generally means you’re a good mate!
Aussie already sounds pretty interesting, doesn’t it? Luckily for you there are a bunch of exciting things to do and see here in the land down under, see below my top 10 recommendations.
1. Have you ever had shrimp on the barbie?
If not then you need to stop what you are doing, head to your local Coles (or local seafood supplier if you are lucky enough to have one close by), grab a kilo of prawns and throw them on the hot barbie. These are best served with some garlic butter or a good ole thousand island dressing! Please know you need to remove the head and the shell before you eat the prawns. I’d be slightly concerned if you didn’t know that already.
2. Take a selfie with a wild animal
Just be careful that it doesn’t kill you! Especially those drop bears (Wild Koalas), fear for your life if you see one of those cute cuddly buggers!
3. Try the Bunnings Snag!
Ok the last mention of a barbie I promise, (also if you haven’t clicked by now barbie means bbq…) this scenario provides some hot competition as to whether the shrimp on the barbie is the best… or wait for it… the Bunnings snag!
It’s a Saturday morning, the sun is shining, Christ, your wife wants you to fix the fence, build a new garden, hang the pictures on the wall, to keep her happy (happy wife, happy life, don’t forget that) you agree. Little does she know you’re more than happy because now you need supplies so, off to Bunnings you go.
You arrive, you open the car door and the sweet-smelling aroma of snags and onions whiff up your nose, you rumble through your wallet and pull out a few gold coins, potentially you might be about to eat the most flavoursome thing all weekend, a sausage & onions in a bun, sounds bloody delightful doesn’t it! Only question is do the onions go on top or below the snag?
4. Check out Dunsborough in WA
Being a Dunsborough (Western Australia) local, it would be a bit rude to not mention things to do in Dunsborough. I could think of a million things, however, my favourite would be to see the Blue whales on their migration through Geographe Bay.
Did you know Blue Whales are the largest living animal on the planet! Yes, even bigger than dad’s beer belly after drinking bush chooks all his life, crikey! The best way to experience this is to join a local operator on a whale watching tour or head down to Point Picquet where you might even sight one from land.
5. Eat a vegemite sandwich
I like mine with a small spread of margarine, white bread, and a medium kind of layer of that weird looking but oh so delicious vegemite. Breakfast of champions.
6. Gold Coast Theme Park
Have you ever feared for your life, been thrown around to a point you may feel like vomiting or squealed so loud that your ex-boyfriend’s neighbour thinks oh no she’s back… If not then I’d highly recommend a visit to a Gold Coast theme park, that will help you tick all the boxes.
But on a more serious note, the Gold Coast is the ideal family holiday destination. There are multiple theme parks with roller coasters and thingy bobs that will spin you round, take you high, up and down, maybe even get you wet but there are plenty of options that are sure to keep you and the kids entertained for the day. Whether you are a thrill seeker or just trying to prove a point that you’re not scared there is plenty of fun to be had… perhaps just a light breakfast this day though.
7. Get your swag out and head to the bush or the sea!
A swag is a super easy sleeping device that you use when you head out bush. These ain’t for the faint hearted, you need to be a real man (or woman) to agree to sleep in one of these. Prepare yourself, you’re going to need to bend your knees and get a little awkward to climb in and out these bad boys! Whilst it might seem romantic to snuggle up with your bae in your single swag, I’d recommend you splurge out and be sure to buy a double swag. Nothing too romantic waking up in the morning with 10 different cramps from trying to be cute and snuggly! Trust me though swagging is a great experience and a must try!
8. Listen to Triple J’s hottest 100
This is played on the Triple J radio station prior to Australia Day. This is an epic countdown of the best 100 bangers of the year. Activities to do whilst listening to the hottest 100 might include chilling at the beach, maybe some backyard cricket, and if you’re lucky enough to have a mate with a boat, go for a fish. If you miss the hottest 100 on the station, you can generally find the countdown on Spotify. I’d just recommend perhaps skipping 2022 though… People may have been slightly crazy when casting their votes as somehow The Wiggles won… not even sure how that happened.
9. Explore the wilderness in a 4WD
Go for a 4WD, be prepared, take some mates and explore the wilderness. There are thousands of designated 4WD tracks in this country. It’s an amazing feeling escaping the rat race and exploring rugged coastlines, you could find your own private beach or explore the bush, just be sure to soak in the serene atmosphere.
10. Have a beach day with your mates.
The summer can be stinking hot here but one way to offset this is by having a beach day! Take your gazebo, chairs, towels, refreshments, hats and sunscreen and set up for the day. Swim when hot then back to your gazebo to chill out for a bit, eat and drink then repeat! It’s a much nicer feeling than being stuck inside with the air con blasting.
Australia is an amazing country and there are so many things to see and explore. Whether you are doing things with your mates or having a bit of “me” time, I hope you can enjoy some of my top 10 recommendations!
