The Aussie Compass.

Amazing marine life, the depths of the outback, exotic and dangerous creatures, fantastic cities, varied people, wonderful beaches and tropical rainforest, this is Australia. To explore every corner of this vast and varied land in the truest sense, you need infinite amounts of time. For the majority of us this unfortunately just isn’t possible. We have to pick and choose which parts we want to see. The north, south, east and west each has something slightly different up its sleeve. So use the Aussie compass to help you choose which area you want to visit first.

North

Known of course as the Northern Territory, this is the hottest part of the country. The epitome of the Australian Outback, where the red dessert competes valiantly with the greenery. Home to the amazing Uluru, or Ayers Rock if you choose to use its former name, as well as a great number of truly impressive national parks such as Kakadu and Gregory to name but a few. The landscapes are unarguably its greatest offering. It’s also the centre of Aboriginal culture and ideal if you want to become acquainted with the unique nature of the outback. Venture here and you will find just a spattering of small settlements focused mainly along the Stuart Highway. A few quirky pubs here are there and ginormous cattle stations. Most people live in Darwin, the capital of the state towards the top end where the weather becomes more tropical. In short, the Northern Territory is raw and powerful but incredible and certainly not for the feint hearted.

South

If I dare say it, South Australia is probably the most normal part of the country, but by no means any less impressive. The state prides itself on its production of fantastic wine, wonderful beaches and its friendly cities. That’s not all it has to offer though. As with the rest of the country, there are stunning landscapes and natural beauty aplenty to be enjoyed. Kangaroo Island and Flingers Ranges for example are exceptional. There are sites of huge cultural importance to be explored too such as the UNESCO listed Naracoorte caves. There’s intriguing towns, plenty of culture, yet more national parks and heaps more to see in South Australia.

East

Encompassing the states of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, the east is home to the famed cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Don’t forget the glorious sands of Bondi Beach, the beautiful depths of the Great Barrier Reef, fabulous tropical islands, incredible rainforests and an all-round fun loving attitude. That’s without even considering the many other towns and tourist attractions inland. Australia Zoo, owned and managed by deceased legend Steve Irwin’s family, the gorgeous Blue Mountains, and Paronella Park add other appealing elements to the area. It’s no wonder really then that the east coast is unarguably the most popular destination for visitors.

West

Dominated by wild, sparsely populated landscapes, Western Australia is similar to the Northern Territory in some respects. It has a rugged appeal, again with varying landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and fantastic national parks. The city of Perth, which is actually closer to Asia than any of the other cities in Australia, also proves popular with visitors thanks to its laid back atmosphere great beaches and big city feel yet contained within its compact shell. Some unique experiences can be had in Western Australia. Take a trip to Monkey Mia for example and you will relish in the opportunity to frolic with wild dolphins than swim freely right onto the shores every day. The Kimberley, one of the world’s largest wilderness areas, boasts truly awesome and breath-taking landscapes and its pearl is the town of Broome on the north-west coast. Come to Western Australia if you seek rugged beauty, plenty of seclusion, magnificent scenery and an unforgettable trip.

Whichever part of the country you choose to visit first won’t satisfy the itch – as soon as you leave you will be ready to come straight back and explore every inch of this fascinating and beautiful country. I guarantee it!