Many students, when choosing Australia as an exchange destination, are worried about being “stuck” in the country during the period of study, and not being able to explore new places. However, this is not true. When you decide to live in the land of kangaroos, you will have several other countries to discover and enjoy during your exchange.
Australia has an excellent geographical location, being in the centre of Oceania and very close to Asia. So, during your vacations, or even holidays and weekends, you can explore different countries and cultures, living incredible experiences. Therefore, in this article, we selected the 6 most incredible countries for you to visit during your exchange in Australia.
Check it out!
1. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of Australia’s neighbouring countries. The country is so close, that if you leave from Sydney or Melbourne, you can get there in less than 4 hours. Therefore, New Zealand is a great destination for travel during weekends and holidays. Between 2018 and 2019, New Zealand was the number one destination for Australians for short-term travel.
Once there, you can explore incredible natural landscapes, wineries and even famous movie sets, such as the set of “Lord of the Rings” and the “Hobbit”. There, it is possible to make a special visit to all the locations where they filmed both trilogies.
But it doesn’t stop there, you can also visit Wai-O-Tapu, one of the largest geothermal parks in the world, where there are still active volcanoes and large glaciers. So, if you are a nature lover, you cannot miss visiting New Zealand!
2. Indonesia
Indonesia is the perfect destination for anyone who likes to explore new cultures. With breathtaking natural scenery, the country has more than 17 thousand islands, being the largest archipelago on the planet. If you are visiting the country, be sure to include Komodo National Park and the Sacred Monkey Forest in your travel bucket list, which is a natural sanctuary and one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country.
Also, according to the Australian Embassy in Indonesia, Australians make up a quarter of all visitors who pass through Bali every year. And this fact is due to the proximity and also to the ticket promotions that always occur, so keep tracking the prices on Google Flights.
3. Thailand
Thailand is the perfect destination for those looking for natural landscapes, nighttime events and delicious cuisine. So, don’t forget to list the most famous restaurants in the country, such as Blue Elephant, Bo.Lan and Nahm! However, the country is worth a visit for longer stays, as there are so many amazing places to visit and just a weekend might not be enough for those who want to explore Thailand.
When you get there, also be sure to visit the main cities in the country, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, in these cities are located the main sights and attractions. In fact, in Chiang Mai is located the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for the care and preservation of elephants.
4. Japan
In addition to the impeccable natural beauty, Japan has one of the most famous cuisines in the world, so the destination cannot go unnoticed during your exchange in Australia. And yes, Japan is very close to Australia. A good tip is to visit the country during March and April, as the entire country mobilizes to see the cherry blossoms and incredible festivals take place throughout the country.
In addition, restaurants with robots have increasingly become a tourist attraction for visitors, because, in addition to the natural beauty, Japan is a very technological and developed country. So, be sure to set aside a little extra time to visit it.
5. Philippines
The Philippines is made up of over 7,500 islands with just 2,000 inhabitants. Can you believe that? When visiting the islands, you’ll find everything from stunning beaches, and jungle trails to even grand luxury resorts. Therefore, the type of trip will depend on the amount of time and budget.
However, be aware of the dates, as during November and December the country gets quite rainy and cloudy, so choose to visit The Philippines from April to July. Once there, be sure to visit the caves in Sagada, Luzon Island and also the Pinatubo Crater, which today is a stunning lake!
6. Fiji
You’ve probably heard of Fiji, right? After all, the country is known for its beaches full of palm trees, beautiful landscapes and also for coral reefs with crystal clear waters. The country is small, but it is an archipelago with more than 300 famous and stunning islands. Also, what few people know is that the capital of Fiji, Suva, is a port city that is home to British colonial architecture.
When you arrive in Fiji, be sure to visit the Fiji Museum, which offers incredible ethnographic exhibits. In addition, this museum is located in Thurston Gardens, which has some Victorian-era buildings that are true relics.
Now tell us, which of these countries will you visit first during your exchange in Australia? We want to know!