7 Reasons to Love Australia

January 1 marks the 115th anniversary of the formation of modern-day Australia. On January 1, 1901, the six colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory were united into the Commonwealth of Australia.

As every Australian knows, there are plenty of things to love about the Commonwealth–some popular, and others peculiar.

#1 Australia has some amazing places to visit

There’s almost no end to the list of spectacular sites to see in Australia. It boasts breathtaking natural wonders, and beautiful man-made cities. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Sydney
   Sydney is one of Australia’s largest cities and is the capital of New South Wales. It’s best known for its famous Opera House, a majestic architectural marvel located prominently on the waterfront.
2. Perth
   Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is located far from most of the population of the country. But it’s still home to 1.8 million residents and it features beautiful beaches and breathtaking parks and gardens.
3. Tasmania
   Tasmania is a rugged and isolated island located off the south coast of Australia. It’s home to just a half million inhabitants, who enjoy its natural beauty and wonder.
4. Fraser Island
   Located just off the eastern Australian coast, Fraser Island stretches over 120 kilometers, making it the world’s largest sand island. It has numerous scenic points, including the famous Indian Head rocky outcrop, making it a very popular destination for eco-tourists, campers, and ocean-lovers.
5. Kakadu National Park
   Located in the Northern Territory, Kakadu is an expansive nature preserve that is home to thousands of plant species and a multitude of diverse wildlife. It covers just under 20,000 square kilometers and was established in 1979.
6. Uluru
   Also known to many as Ayers Rock, Uluru is one of the most-recognizable natural landmarks in Australia. This massive sandstone monolith rises high above the desert in the Northern Territory. Located close to Alice Springs, Uluru is considered sacred to the Aborigines, or original inhabitants of Australia.
7. Kangaroo Island
   Of course you’ll find plenty of kangaroos on this aptly-named island off the coast of South Australia. It’s also home to plenty of koalas, wallabies, and more birds than you could possibly ever identify.
8. Pink Lake
   Officially known as Lake Hillier, this is the largest of several pink-colored saltwater lakes in Western Australia. From above, the color of the lake appears to be a bright shade of pink, and it is surrounded by dense woods of eucalyptus trees. Scientists still have yet to determine what gives the lake its distinct color.