Ask anybody for trip ideas in Australia, and you're likely to get a limited range of answers that includes a trip to the beach, petting a kangaroo, and taking a photo in front of the Sydney Opera House.
But with a landmass twice the size of Europe and climates ranging from sweltering desert to tropical rainforests, there's much more to Australia than koalas and a souvenir didgeridoo.
Matador has compiled firsthand knowledge about volunteer opportunities in the country, favorite road-trip routes, and nightlife guides to Australia's metropolitan areas to help you learn more. But if you really want, definitely purchase that souvenir didgeridoo.
This guide will help you blend in without having to pretend to like Vegemite.
Crossing Australia by luxury train is a lot easier than by car.
Say hello to Australia's west coast capital.
The perfect mixture of cool, kangaroos, and koalas.
All have exceptional views of either the city, the coast, or Sydney Harbor.
Swap the big blue for the serene green.