My First Impressions of Australia.
Three days ago, I  woke up to pristine blue waters as my Singapore Airlines flight hovered over the coast of Australia. Five years after my first trip to Melbourne, I am back in the land down under – ready to experience more and drink less (yes, that trip’s a bit of a blur).
So far, I’ve spotted kangaroos and koalas in the wild,  indulged my taste buds, and seen some of the country’s most pristine beaches. These are my first impressions:
South Australia is seriously underrated.
Most people think of Melbourne and Sydney when planning a trip to Australia, but the state of South Australia has been a real discovery for me. Its capital Adelaide has a laid-back vibe, bohemian art scene and colonial architecture at the same time, with pretty mountains and beaches at its doorstep. And Kangaroo Island is where I fell in love. It’s an island with more kangaroos than people, 3 policemen, 5 doctors, and stunning white sand beaches, including Vivonne Bay, rated the best in Australia.
It’s a treat for vegetarians.
There is no joy like discovering delicious, locally grown, organically sourced vegetarian food in a meat-loving country. International restaurants and neighborhood organic cafes are aplenty in Adelaide and on its countryside, the veggies used in burgers, sandwiches, dips and such ooze with freshness, and the eggs are mostly free range; such culinary delights. And I haven’t even gotten to the breads, cheeses and chocolates yet.
It’s expensive!
When I travelled to Seychelles last year, I realized that its perception as an expensive, premium destination is primarily due to its branding (Read: My First Impressions of Seychelles). But that’s not the case in Australia. It’s almost impossible to have a meal in Adelaide for less than 10 AUD a person, although I must admit the food is worth the price. And budget hotels start at 70-80 AUD a night. Luckily the first leg of my trip is covered by South Australian Tourism Commission as a Facebook contest prize. I’m trying not to think of the second leg just yet!
Australians are really chilled out, but…
Surprisingly particular about following rules! Think seat belts in buses that tread on velvet smooth roads. Or nailing everything down to the smallest detail, much more so than the rest of the developed world I’ve travelled in. I’m reminded of the Singaporean word “kiasu” – someone who follows rules to the dot; almost a culture shock compared to the “jugaad” (everything goes attitude) in India.
The countryside is a wildlife haven.
I’ve associated Australia with beaches and kangaroos, but didn’t expect the wildlife haven I am in. We’ve spotted the rare Echidna – a hedgehog-like creature, the oldest mammal on earth (older than even dinosaurs), and found only in Australia and New Guinea. We’ve walked through bush lands, spotting kangaroos, koalas and wallabies. We’ve hung out on the shore with Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals. And gorgeous endemic birds are everywhere you look.
It’s rather welcoming towards Indians.
I have to say this because of the number of people who warned me about it – no thanks to relentless and misleading media reports. So far, I’ve experienced nothing but friendliness and warmth from the locals. And you really have to experience their sense of humor in person.
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Have you been to Australia? What were (are) your first impressions?
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Welcome to my blog, The Shooting Star. I’ve been called a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, “sustainability influencer,” social entrepreneur, solo traveller, vegan, sustainable tourism consultant and environmentalist. But in my heart, I’m just a girl who believes that travel – if done right – has the power to change us and the world we live in.
another wonderful post. i often wondered on the fact that a developed country like australia keeping its country side pristine and untouched. you know as you had already visited kerala my home state. even rural areas are not spared from indiscriminate constructional activities thrashing its ecological balance . what was your inference . less population helps them do that or planning with discernment
Thanks Sarath. I think a lot of the western countries have evolved over time – giving in to the evils of development at first, then having enough money to clean up the mess. India is going down a similar path, and I hope it won’t be too late by the time we make it to the latter phase.
sounds like external heaven that i haven’t been to yet 🙂 loved the descriptions and the organic vegetarian delight makes my mouth want to water. Enjoy!
Nothing short of heaven I tell you. I still salivate thinking of the food I ate there!
Yes. Had a nice time overall.
That’s great. Which parts did you visit?
Sydney, Cairns, and the Outback.
Nice post, Shivya 🙂
Thanks Sreejith!
Great shares as usual!!!
Thanks Roberto 🙂
I’m pleased you have had a good impression of Australia. It is expensive here…even for us.
I can imagine, Debra. Though I got talking to a cabbie and he said he lived a very comfortable life, working 5 days a week, making good money, and gambling over weekends!
Great to read your post, Awesome.
Thanks 🙂 Glad you enjoyed reading it!
A nice read! Yes, I have been to Sydney and Melbourne, and I agree there is much more to Australia. I am now even keener to revisit Australia and explore its South zone.
I hope you get to visit SA soon, Renuka!
Lovely post Shivya! I’ve added Australia to my travel list for 2014.
I’m glad, Patrick. I know you’re going to love it, especially the state of South Australia!
really interesting. i have never been to Australia. but now I really wish to visit the place!
I hope you get to visit it soon, Sandhya! It’s really a different world.
I loved Australia too, but you’re right- very expensive! I’m happy you spotted an Echidna. I was so excited when we found one in the forest too! Thanks for sharing
Worth it though 😉 Spotting the echidna was a spectacular moment indeed. Haven’t seen anything like it before!
You’re good at finding the best places Shivya! The beach at the top looks simply idyllic. Only had a brief visit to Aussie but that southern coastline’s on my list. If you get the chance to get over to NZ it’s worth it. One of my favorite countries in the World.
Most of the places in this post were actually planned by the South Australian Tourism Commission, and I have to say it was one of the best ‘planned’ trips I’ve been on! NZ’s really high on my wishlist. Hope to visit it soon, and I hope you get to go to SA soon, Pete 🙂
Beautiful pictures! Lovely post, too. Especially loved the pics of the rainbow and that of the koala in the wild. 🙂
Thanks! Glad you liked the post and the pictures. Spotting the koala was a beautiful moment indeed 🙂
Hey Shivya! Hope you doing well.
I have read your blog and like your objective description about your experiences in Australia. Keep it up Shivya…:)
Hey beautiful post as always. Amazing description, I live in Melbourne and indeed South Australia is really beautiful, especially the country side.
Any plans of coming back to Oz anytime soon?
You need to see Western Australia!
well… so how many countries you have been to so far Shivya? Its a pleasure reading your blogs
I love traveling. thanks to giving this place information. this is very nice article.