If you've ever wondered why there always seems to be an Australian in every corner of the globe—skiing in Whistler, backpacking through Southeast Asia, pouring your Guinness in Dublin—it's because Australians are, quite simply, big travelers. And Janice, a warm and well-traveled Aussie from Perth, helped explain why in our recent podcast conversation.
Janice shared that Australians don't just love to travel—they're encouraged to do so. It's common to take a gap year after high school or university, thanks in part to a generous four weeks of annual leave (the standard, not the exception) and the geographic reality that Australia is far from everything. "When it's quicker to fly to Bali than to Sydney," Janice said of her hometown, Perth, "you start looking at overseas holidays a little differently." Combine that with the fact that travel can be cheaper than staying put in Australia—yes, really—and it's no wonder you'll find Aussies everywhere.
But the focus of our conversation was on just how incredibly diverse, beautiful, and underrated her own country is. If you're planning a trip to Australia (and you should be!), she had some of her standout recommendations.
🎧 Click on the above link to listen to the interview or listen on “Mixtape Travels” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
When to Go
Timing matters, and Australia’s seasons are flipped from the U.S. Summer is December through February, and winter is June through August. If you’re headed to the southern cities—like Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart (Tasmania), or Perth—Janice recommends going during the warmer months (November to March) when things are lively and the beaches are in full swing. For tropical destinations in the northern half—like Broome, Cairns, or the Daintree Rainforest—aim for winter (June to August), when the temperatures are pleasant and it’s less humid.
First-Timer Itinerary?
Start with Sydney and Melbourne. Both offer fantastic food (yes, they compete fiercely on that front), iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, and easy access to nearby nature—like the Great Ocean Drive, a must-do road trip out of Melbourne.
Wine Country & Hidden Gems
If you’re a wine lover, head west. Margaret River in Western Australia and Barossa Valley in South Australia are internationally respected but somehow still under the radar. Janice recommends driving down from Perth to Margaret River—just three hours away—for world-class wine, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed small-town vibe.
Hiking Heaven
For cool-weather hiking, Janice loves Tasmania. “It’s almost like a mini New Zealand,” she said. Think lakes, trails, and mountains—but without the crowds. There's even a famous 7-day trek (on her bucket list) that winds through some of the state’s most scenic spots.
The Road Less Traveled
Want something more remote and wild? Broome and Kununurra in the northern part of Western Australia are worth the effort. Think red rock cliffs, camel rides on the beach at sunset, Aboriginal cultural experiences, and even a pearling museum where you can learn about—and maybe buy—some of the world’s most beautiful pearls.
Coffee, Brunch & Misconceptions
Australia’s food scene is as multicultural as its population—big Italian and Greek influence in Melbourne, for example—but if there’s one thing Janice says is truly Aussie, it’s brunch. "It’s not the mimosa-and-heels kind of brunch like in the States," she told me. It’s laid-back, avocado-toast-fueled, and fueled by world-class coffee. Forget diner drip—think flat whites and lattes with perfectly poured foam art.
And a few things Janice wants Americans to know:
No, it’s not always hot. In fact, Australia’s weather is often drier and more pleasant than a humid Texas summer.
No, not everyone sounds like Crocodile Dundee. (Though she did admit the stereotype is alive and well.)
Yes, Australia has incredible wildlife, but most of it won't kill you. Kangaroos, koalas, and even adorable little quokkas are far more likely sightings.
The Importance of Exploring Your Own Backyard
Lastly, we talked about the importance of exploring your own backyard—a lesson Janice learned firsthand during COVID lockdowns in Australia, when international borders were closed. She and her husband ended up honeymooning in tropical northern Queensland, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and discovering how rich their own country really is.
Sometimes the greatest travel stories don’t require a passport—just a fresh set of eyes and an adventurous spirit.
Meet Janice Kho
Janice Kho is a pharmacist from Australia but is currently on sabbatical, living in the U.S. and exploring the world. She writes about travel, photography and how to optimize points & miles to travel more on her Substack, Traveling Lens Insider. Janice believes creating memorable travel experiences is a smart use of time and money. She’s been to 28 countries so far, but believes travel isn't a checklist exercise rather a journey of personal growth, joy and exploration. Janice believes you learn so much about yourself and the world around you when you set foot outside your comfort zone and go somewhere unfamiliar. Some of her favorite destinations so far are New Zealand, Vienna, Scotland and Santorini.
Subscribe to Janice’s Substack here:
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