b"OUR AUSTRALIA EXPERTMatt Doidgeenchantingtravels.com/australiaAncient rock art at Kakadu National ParkMatt at Grampians National Parktiny cafes and quirky restaurants. Melbourne has a huge food culture; whether youre vegan or looking for a big steak or local fish, you can enjoy fantastic food. One of the fun things I did in Melbourne was going to an Aussie Rules game. Aussie Rules is a fast-paced and exhilarating national sport. Fans from both teams sit together, and the atmosphere is electric. Everyone, including kids, shouts and screams and gets very involved PHOTOS: ANNIE SPRATT ON UNSPLASH (STREET ART), DAMIEN TAIT ON UNSPLASH (STADIUM), MATT DOIDGE (MAN AT GRAMPIAN'S)with the action. Its a family event, and everyone has a good time. The environment is so friendly and fun-lovinga fan sitting near me generously explained all the rules as the game went on.From Melbourne, you can be driving down the Great Ocean Road in no time. This is a gorgeous coastline with whales off the coast and beautiful little towns like LorneSporting event at a and Apollo Bay, where you can stop, eat, and meet locals.stadium in MelbourneOr, within two hours, you can reach Otway National Park, packed with wildlife. I love Grampians National Park; itRECOMMENDED TIME TO GO:has 90% of Victorias Aboriginal rock art. Yarra Valley andFor Melbourne and surrounding the wineries are close by, too. The magic of Australia isareas, January to late February youre never far from something exciting to see or do.or early March is better as its My other favored destination in Australia is Kakaducooler and there are fewer National Park, about 100 miles southeast of Darwin. If youtourists around. For Kakadu and take a flight over it, you can admire the stunning scenerythe area around Darwin, June to of sandy mountain ranges, rainforests, lakes, and tieredSeptember is best. Its winter, waterfalls. Its a place where you can immerse yourselfnot rainy, and the park will not beKoala in Otway in the history, art, and culture of the native people. Icrowded.National Parkjoined a nature walking tour with an Aboriginal guide to understand their ancient culture and traditional foods. One of the most memorable moments was being taught to throw a boomerang. I threw it, thinking that it would come right back. But there I was, desperately willing it to return to me, and it wouldnt. It takes a lot of practice to get that to happen, but I enjoyed trying. I've always found that immersing yourself in the local culture and getting involved in activities with residents is a wonderful wayto travel. I had a similar fascinating experience of meeting Aboriginal families when I went to the Tiwi Islands just north of Darwin. There, residents share their way of life with visitors, and you can see how they live off the produce of the land, and make their food, artwork, paintings, clothes, etc. Australia is a truly diverse destination, and the friendliness of the Australian peopleStreet art inmakes it even more engaging.Melbournes Hosier LaneENCHANTING TRAVELS\x1a37"