The land down under is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Yet many Americans are hesitant to make the trip due to how long it takes to get there. If you can withstand the flight, though, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. Plus it’s not a bad idea to stay in the country for an extended period of time in order to make up for the long flight. Below are some of the top reasons why you should pack your bags for Australia.

Wildlife

Australia is home to some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. Kangaroos, crocodiles, and koalas all call the country home. Kangaroo Island, in a particular, is the perfect place to observe the country’s unique wildlife. A large portion of the park is protected so numerous species of animals have been able to flourish on the island. Kakadu National Park is another location where you can see the country’s animals in their natural habitat. If you really want an unforgettable experience, make sure you book a Jumping Crocodile Cruise tour along the Adelaide River.

Surfing

If you have never surfed before, Australia is the perfect place to learn. Australia’s top surfing spots include the beaches of New South Wales, Lucky Bay, and, of course, Surfers Paradise beach in Queensland. Read this article to learn more about Australia’s best-surfing spots.

Sydney

A trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without visiting Sydney, one of the country’s best-known cities. The city is famous for its beautiful harbor. While it’s free to visit the harbor, it’s not a bad idea to pay for a ferry ride so that you can really see the harbor’s beauty. One of the world’s most recognizable buildings, the Sydney Opera House, sits on the harbor. The opera house offers daily tours for visitors who miss out on catching a performance. Here’s a list of some of the top things you must do when you visit Sydney.

Perth

Most people have heard of Sydney and Melbourne, but Perth is another Australian city that’s worth visiting. The city is known for its majestic beaches and scenic parks. In fact, Kings Park is one of the largest city parks in the world. Not far from Perth you will find Rottnest Island, home to the Quokka. The Quokka has a reputation for being one of the world’s friendliest animals due to its lack of fear of humans and the fact that it appears to smile.

Want to learn more about Australia? Take a look at Lonely Planet’s profile.