Whenever you're out and about, adventuring around the world, the most common question travellers will hear is "where are you from?". I love to hear about people's home country, where they come from and why they are travelling. Learning about someone else's lifestyle is quite fascinating, and I always love to tell people about myself too.

However, it doesn't seem to matter where I travel, who I meet, or what I learn, the one thing that will always remain the same is that Australia is my home! I'm so proud to be an English-Aussie, as are so many others who, like me, have migrated here for a better life. This country and the people in it are amazing and I hope each and every one of your gets to pay us a visit at some time in your life :)

The relaxed laid back lifestyle for one! I can't think of many places in the world where you'd meet a more chilled out bunch of people, whose attitude to life is "she'll be right mate" said with a beer in hand. Weekends here in Oz are a time to hang out with friends and family for a few sneaky beverages and a sizzling BBQ. We're also famous for our road trips, endless cruising between destinations with no hurry or stress in sight. 

I mean, that's not to say that there's no hustle and bustle in the city. But even though most people you meet will down-to-earth and easy to talk to. I do love my random conversations on the bus home or in the shopping queue. It makes you feel like we are all human who enjoy interaction, not just robots going about our everyday activities. You also can't go past the Aussie sense of humour. Don't say I didn't warn you ;)

Another thing I love about Oz is the wide open spaces! Whether we're talking inland Australia with its expansive desert, the rainforests and national parks, or my own backyard, one thing Australia has lots of is space. Unlike a lot of the Western world, Aussie's don't accept being cramped up and so we often have big yards and big houses to accommodate our love of freedom. It's quite common to meet someone here who lives on acreage, even just outside the city. My horse lives in my (big) backyard!

The best thing about having lots of space is that you don't get claustrophobic when sharing the luxuries. I remember a day at the beach in Spain where pitching you sun tent was like playing a game of Tetris. Our beaches stretch for miles and miles so there is always a free spot to sunbathe or paddle in the ocean. Tourist spots don't seem so crowded in this expansive country!

Oh, and I can't forget our unique wildlife! Australia is world-renowned for the kangaroo and koala, as well as our other wildlife including the kookaburra, possum, dingo, emu, wombat and echidna just to name a few. I love how so much of our natural wildlife is still out and about thriving in the wild. Many a time I've been driving and seen a kangaroo bouncing along in a paddock nearby, or a koala cuddled up sleeping in a gumtree. Travellers can visit one of our many wildlife sanctuaries to get up close and personal with these incredible animals (well... that includes locals like me too of course!). 

Finally, and undeniably, the best thing about Oz is Australia itself! This country has everything, from white sandy beaches and incredible exotic marine life to harsh desert terrain and rocky mountains. Whether you're after a break from life to relax and be pampered, or are in search of adventure and excitement, there's something and somewhere to suit everyone! Since Australia is so huge, even most Aussies haven't ventured out to explore it all yet. Next up on my list is a trip to Tasmania, with it's untouched wilderness and early Australian history. I frequently pay a visit to both the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast for much needed R&R or to take advantage of our theme parks and other amusement venues.

Australia is a unique country, with places you can only visit and things you can only see if you are here. There's so much to see and do, and so many amazing people to do it with, no wonder I will always call Australia home :)