#Guestpost: 5 of the Most Unique Things About Oz

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, there’s no denying it. Home to incredible beaches, vast desert, and lush rainforest, it’s like no other.

It’s also one of the most unique places on Earth as there’s plenty to see and do which differs from the rest of the world.

1. The Coast (Click here for pictures)

First things first, Australia has a coastline to rival those of the Caribbean and the Maldives.

85% of all Australians live within 50km of the coast, and it’s not hard to see why.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is a sight to behold in itself, and something Australia is very proud of. It stretches over 2,000km off the coast of Queensland and is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting.

You’ve also got the Whitsundays, including Whitehaven beach, as well as Bondi, and Wineglass Bay, all of which are fantastic for exploring.

2. The Wine Regions (Click here for pictures)

Famous for its delicious wine, Australia has over 60 separate regions, believe it or not.

The majority of these can be found in Victoria and New South Wales, but there’s also a potential for exploring those between Sydney and Melbourne if you want to make a real holiday out of it. (Just remember to book your hotels each evening, and ensure you’re fully recovered before driving anywhere the next day!)

Here, you can sample some of the world’s finest Shiraz, crisp and refreshing Chardonnay, and rich Cabernet Sauvignon right on their home turf.

3. The Great Ocean Road (Click here for pictures)

One of the most stunningly scenic roads in the country, the Great Ocean Road was originally built by soldiers returning from the First World War and it had two main purposes. The first was as a way of connecting the closed-off communities on the coastline, and the second was as a memorial to those who died during the Great War.

Today, the Great Ocean Road is enjoyed by millions of tourists who flock to experience its beauty, where you get to take in infamous sights such as the Split Point Lighthouse, the Twelve Apostles, and plenty of wonderful coastlines in-between. Check out the Secret Traveller for some hidden gems and tips when travelling along the way.

4. The Wildlife (Click here for pictures)

Australia has some interesting (and deadly!) wildlife. When you think of Oz, it’s probably the huge spiders, snakes and sharks which spring to mind – as well as its koalas, tropical birds, and kangaroos.

Interestingly, 80% of the animals are unique to the country, and you can see most of them in the wild. There’s also your fair share of zoos if you prefer not to get too up close and personal.

5. The Mountains (Click here for pictures)

Sure, Australia conjures up more images of beaches than it does mountains, but the Australian Alps receive more snow than Switzerland. Crazy, right?

Venture up to the mountains come the colder seasons, and it’s the perfect winter getaway. Better pack those snowsuits and book those skiing lessons in, pronto, as there are not many other places on the planet which give you the best of both worlds when it comes to snow and sunshine.