Australia

The Land Down Under Where Everything Wants to Kill You (But You’ll Love It Anyway)

Ah, Australia—a place where the beaches are stunning, the wildlife is deadly, and the accents are so charming you’ll forgive them for calling flip-flops “thongs.” Known for its unique fauna, this is the only place on Earth where a boxing kangaroo feels less like a cartoon and more like a legitimate risk. And don’t even get us started on the spiders. They’re so big they could probably pay rent.

Australia is a continent of contrasts. You’ve got the iconic Sydney Opera House looking all chic by the harbor, while a few miles inland, you’ll find the Outback—a sprawling, red desert where kangaroos and emus roam free, and every rustle in the bushes makes you wonder if it’s a snake, a spider, or something worse. Speaking of which, did we mention crocodiles? Croc-infested rivers in the Northern Territory add a whole new level of excitement to a casual swim.

Tourist attractions abound. There’s the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on the planet, where you can snorkel among fish that look like they’ve escaped from a Crayola factory. Ayers Rock, or Uluru, rises dramatically from the desert, a sacred site that’s as mesmerizing as it is massive. And for city slickers, Melbourne’s coffee culture and Sydney’s Bondi Beach offer urban vibes with a side of sunshine.

But it’s not all danger and desert. Australia’s people, known for their laid-back attitude and love of a good barbecue, are some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet. Just watch out for drop bears (Google it… or don’t).

Australia: it’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s wonderful. Come for the views, stay for the adrenaline, and leave with a new appreciation for just how many ways nature can try to kill you.