If I found myself in Australia for the weekend according to the topic given by 
My first priority upon landing in the land down under? Making a beeline for a koala sanctuary! I want to see those tree-hugging cuties snoozing away or lazily nibbling on eucalyptus leaves up close. I'll gladly help out by feeding them if it means getting to hug one of those fuzzy marsupials. Their soft gray fur and round fluffy ears call out to be pets. Koalas always look so chill and content, I bet they give great hugs. I want to experience that total zen feeling for myself. Checking cuddling koalas off my bucket list would make the long flight totally worth it.
Next I would make it my mission to find a kangaroo to feed by hand or maybe even give a little head scratch. I know they may look harmless lounging around, but kangaroos are quick and powerful when they want to be. As long as I listen to guides' instructions and avoid getting clobbered by their strong back legs, befriending the bounciest animal on Earth sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime chance! Do you think I could convince one to give me a piggyback ride? Just kidding...unless one offers! 馃槈 Their cute little joeys peeking out from their pouches look so snuggly too. Fingers crossed I get to witness one hopping around or learning independence from mom.
Assuming I have time after koala cuddling and 'roo rubbing, I'd absolutely want to hit the beach or tropical coastline while visiting Australia. Even if I can't surf those epic waves or lush rainforests, just admiring their unspoiled beauty would be enough. I can already envision walking barefoot on nearly deserted beaches, dipping my toes into impossibly azure waters. With swimmable temps year round, you bet I'll be wading in for a refreshing splash! Good thing Australia has so much pristine coastline that leaves plenty of ground for my nature explorations.
There are the postcard-perfect Whitsundays Islands I've always dreamed of visiting in the Coral Sea. Maybe I'll even glimpse the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef! Then there's the idyllic Byron Bay, with its laid back surf culture and breathtaking lighthouse views. And I can't forget to mention the famous 12 Apostles rock formations along the scenic Great Ocean Road. Soak up that seaside magic? Yes, please! Each region surely offers vastly different beach vibes, but sum it up by saying Australia knows how to do the coast right.
Between beach-bumming, my adventurous spirit longs to get lost in Australia's rugged natural beauty. My ideal Aussie weekend would have to include some Outback off-roading, four wheel driving through the remote red rock landscapes. Imagining standing in the ancient gorge of Kata Tjuta and gazing up at sacred Uluru under starry night skies gives me goosebumps. Encountering wildlife like wild camels or maybe even dingos out there seems likely. As long as I stick close to my guide, I say bring it on!
If my awesome Australian weekend itinerary allows even more exploration before my return flight, visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest or Tasmania's wilderness would be the cherry on top. But even just a day spent cuddling koalas and beaching alongside kangaroos would satisfy my cravings. From cute and cuddly creatures to epic scenery, Australia's natural wonders never disappoint. Its rare flora and fauna have captured my heart without even witnessing them in person yet. So if I do miraculously wind up on Australian soil this weekend, you know where you can find me out immersed in nature from dawn to dusk.
Images used here are mine
