Australia is special: it is its own continent, has deadly, venomous spiders the size of your hand, and hosts a Grand Slam (one of the largest annual tennis tournaments in the world) called the Australian Open. However, while tennis is the 4th most popular sport in the nation, Australia has lots more to offer in terms of athletics, culture, and people to round out its high-ranking position in my mind of future places I wish to travel to.

Sports are a large part of Australia’s national identity. Melbourne is famed for hosting many famous sporting events other than the Australian Open such as the Olympics and Melbourne Cup; it’s also considered one of the world’s sporting capitals. Another popular sporting city is Sydney, where the Olympics was held in 2000, and Brisbane, where the 2032 Olympics will be.

The most popular sports there include rugby, cricket, football and tennis; all of which were some of the first sports to arise in Australia. Cricket, while not popular in the Western world, has prominence in the East. It’s even regarded as the national summer sport. There are many football and rugby leagues in Australia that include both genders, and I appreciate how popular tennis is in Australia. One day, I would love to play recreationally on the courts where they hold the Australian Open.

Another unique aspect to Australia’s sporting culture is their love of surfing. While it may seem obvious that they embrace surfing-they’re water locked-I think it’s such a beautiful and exhilarating way to connect with nature. They boast many surfing amenities, such as surfing hotels, camps, and beaches notorious for roaring waves. Learning to surf is on my bucket list!

Like many countries in the East, the British introduced sports to Australia. The first sporting competition on the continent was in 1810. Early sports in Australia were heavily discriminatory and were separated by class: the upper class played sports on Saturdays while the lower class were only allowed to on public holidays. But since the merging of social structures, sports have boomed in popularity.

The facet I love most about Australia, however, is their friendly and nature-loving lifestyle. Their unique way of communicating through their belief in “mateship” (“no worries, mate” or “g-day, mate”) added to Australia’s laidback and welcoming social identity. Due to their miles of natural coastline and ancient Aboriginal culture (that valued a connection with the earth) Australians are also typically passionate for the environment and sustainability—just like me! Their general embrace of environmentalism also means most Australians live a healthy and active lifestyle. Favored outdoor activities there include kayaking, surfing, and hiking.

With every column I write, my desire to travel grows; I’d love to visit Australia with my dad one day and go to the Australian Open. Australia is a stunning continent filled with lively people and nature, as well as a thriving sports culture.