Many students, when choosing Australia as the destination for their exchangeHowever, many people are worried that they will be "stuck" in the country during their study period and won't be able to visit any other country. After all, this is an erroneous belief held by many people. But if you decide to live in the land of the kangaroos, you'll have plenty of other countries to visit and enjoy during your exchange.
Australia has an excellent geographical location, being in the center of Oceania and very close to Asia. So, during your vacation, or even holidays and weekends, you can explore different countries and cultures, living unique experiences. That's why, in this article, we've selected the 6 most incredible countries to visit during your exchange in Australia.
1- New Zealand
New Zealand is one of Australia's neighboring countries. The country is so close to the land of the kangaroos that if you leave from Sydney or Melbourne, you can get there in less than 4 hours. New Zealand is therefore an excellent destination for weekend and holiday travel, and between 2018 and 2019, New Zealand was the number one destination for Australians for short trips.
Once there, you can explore incredible natural landscapes, wineries and even famous movie sets, such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit, both of which were shot in Matama. There, you can take a special tour of all the locations that were the sets for the two 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're a nature lover, you can't miss New Zealand!
2 - Indonesia
Indonesia is the perfect destination for those who like to explore new cultures and learn new stories. With breathtaking natural scenery, the country has more than 17,000 islands, making it the largest archipelago on the planet. If you visit the country, don't forget to include Komodo National Park and the Sacred Monkey Forest, which is a natural sanctuary and one of the country's most famous tourist attractions.
And don't worry about the distance, Indonesia is also very close to Australia. What's more, according to the Australian Embassy in Indonesia, Australians account for a quarter of all visitors to Bali every year. This is due to the proximity and also to the ticket promotions that are always taking place, so keep an eye out!
3 - Thailand
Thailand is the perfect destination for those looking for natural landscapes, nightlife and delicious cuisine. So don't miss out on the country's most famous restaurants, such as Blue Elephant, Bo.Lan and Nahm! However, the country is worth a visit for longer stays, as there are many incredible places to visit and just one weekend may not be enough for those who want to really explore Thailand.
When you get there, don't forget to visit the country's main cities, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where the main sights and attractions are located. In fact, Chiang Mai is home to the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for the care and preservation of elephants.
4 - Japan
In addition to its impeccable natural beauty, Japan has one of the most famous cuisines in the world, so the destination can't 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 whole country is mobilized to see the cherry blossom bloom and there are incredible festivals all over the country.
In addition, restaurants with robots have increasingly become a tourist attraction for visitors, because in addition to its natural beauty, Japan is a very technological and developed country. So be sure to set aside some extra time to visit.
5 - Philippines
The Philippines is made up of more than 7,500 islands with only 2,000 inhabitants. Can you believe that? When visiting the islands, you'll find everything from stunning beaches and jungle treks to large luxury resorts. So the type of trip will depend on the amount of time and budget you have.
However, keep an eye on the dates, as during November and December the country gets very rainy and cloudy, so opt to visit The Philippines during April through July. When you get there, be sure to visit the caves in Sagada, Luzon Island and the Pinatubo Crater, which is now a stunning lake!
6 - Fiji
You've probably heard of Fiji, right? After all, the country is known for its palm-fringed beaches, beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear coral reefs. The country is small, but it is an archipelago of more than 300 famous and stunning islands. What few people know is that Fiji's capital, Suva, is a port city with British colonial architecture.
When you arrive in Fiji, be sure to visit the Fiji Museum, which offers incredible ethnographic exhibitions. 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 really want to know!
