It’s hard to find anything to dislike about Australia, with its beautiful beaches, year-round sunny weather, friendly people and high quality of life.
Sydney
Sydney isn’t the capital of Australia, but it feels like it. With iconic attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, Sydney is without a doubt Australia’s best-known city around the world.
If Sydney’s imposing skyline doesn’t impress you while you study English, its natural surroundings certainly will. Whether you hike with kangaroos in the nearby Blue Mountains, or hit the surf at world-class beaches like Bondi, Manly and Coogee, Sydney is the epitome of fun in the Australian sun.
Brisbane
Brisbane got put on the map in a big way in 1988, when it hosted the World Expo. Although Brisbane is still less famous than Sydney or even Melbourne. Take a breather from your English courses in Brisbane and enjoy a coffee in one of the charming cafés in quaint Southbank. Alternatively, travel north to the town of Beerwah and visit the Australia Zoo. Australia’s aptly-named “Gold Coast” is just an hour east by Greyhound bus.
Cairns
Australians speak English with one of the most pleasant accents in the world, but some of their pronunciations are questionable. You say the name of the north Queensland city of Cairns, for example, like the word “Cans.”
Cairns’ biggest claim to fame is, without a doubt, The Great Barrier Reef. Whether you just want to snorkel, or take the big plunge and scuba dive, make sure to hit up the Great Barrier Reef when you’re not hitting the English books.
Perth
Did you know that Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the most isolated metro area in the world? It’s true, although you certainly won’t feel isolated in this exciting, international city.
From sugar-sand beaches to thrilling outback excursions, taking a six-hour flight to Sydney will be the last item on your agenda once you land in Perth — the options for study breaks are simply endless!
Guest post by Kaplan International Colleges.
Hi. Nice story.
We Australians are more likely to pronounce ‘Cairns’ differently to your description. A more accurate mini-lesson is to liken it to “care” and then add the “ns” at the end. It’s definitely not pronounced as “cans” as the “r” is not silent.
Great Story and I loved Cairns and The Reef but if you want to get to the real heart of Australia you need to go inland to the red centre and take a tour from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon and The Olgas. This is where the true Aboriginal art and history lies. There are sacred drawings everywhere and it is frowned upon to climb the Rock. You should walk around it, you will learn a lot.
Another place worth visiting is Darwin and taking a trip to Kakadu National Park. The place is so beautiful. I stoppped in a hostel that was built partly in the trees!
I could go on but what I would say is: get out of the cities and into the countryside. You’ll meet far more interesting people – the Aborigines – in spite of the fact that the white people tell you to steer clear of them they’re absolutely harmless. You’ll also see more interesting wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabys, possums and if you go to Magnetic Island before leaving cairns you’ll see Koalas in the wild and sunsets to take your breath away.