Last year, I was fortunate to spend some time exploring Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. What fascinated me the most was how often you see some incredible animals when just going about your day. When traveling through Perth and other places where you are in rural areas or surrounded by nature, you will encounter kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and colorful birds in parks, your land, or along the highways. Harder to spot are wombats and koalas, which sleep a lot. You often have to visit a zoo to be able to see these animals live and take pictures with them. You can also buy emu oil almost anywhere, which is great for healing and your skin. Australia also has beautiful beaches where you can scuba dive and is the home of the famous Great Barrier Reef. Learn more about the best places to explore in Australia in this article:
Beyond the Classroom: A TESOL Teacher’s Guide to the Best of Australia
For the adventurous educator with a newly minted TESOL certificate, the world isn’t just a place to teach; it’s a place to explore. And few destinations offer a more stunning combination of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique learning opportunities than the land Down Under. Australia is more than a country; it’s a continent-sized classroom waiting to be discovered.
As an ESL teacher, immersing yourself in a new culture is paramount to your professional development. It enhances your understanding of cross-cultural communication and enriches the stories and experiences you bring back to your students. So, pack your bags, grab your sunnies (sunglasses), and get ready to explore the best things to do in Australia.
1. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef
No list of Australian experiences is complete without the world’s largest coral reef system. A living masterpiece visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a dazzling underwater metropolis of coral gardens and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or a first-time snorkeler, exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site is an unforgettable experience.
Teacher’s Take: The Reef is a powerful, real-world lesson in biology, ecology, and conservation. Discussing its wonders and the environmental challenges it faces can lead to compelling and important conversations in your ESL classroom, covering vocabulary related to science, nature, and social responsibility.
2. Witness the Spiritual Majesty of Ulu?u
Deep in the heart of the Australian Outback lies Ulu?u, a colossal sandstone monolith that holds immense spiritual significance for the local A?angu people. Its surface seems to shift in color, from ochre and rust to deep violet and fiery red, especially during sunrise and sunset. Take a guided base walk to learn about the Dreamtime stories and ancient rock art from the traditional custodians of the land. It is a profoundly moving and educational experience. Remember to respect the local culture by not climbing Ulu?u.
Teacher’s Take: The stories of Ulu?u are a gateway to understanding Indigenous Australian culture, one of the oldest living cultures on Earth. This experience provides incredible insight into different worldviews and storytelling traditions, a fantastic topic for advanced language learners.
3. Explore the Vibrant Laneways of Melbourne
Sydney may have the iconic harbor, but Melbourne has the soul. Voted one of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne’s charm is found in its labyrinth of “laneways.” These narrow streets, once-forgotten service alleys, are now buzzing with world-class street art, hidden cafes serving exceptional coffee, and unique boutiques. Spend a day getting lost in places like Hosier Lane and Degraves Street to feel the city’s creative pulse.
Teacher’s Take: Melbourne’s laneway culture is a living example of urban transformation and artistic expression. Use photos of the street art as conversation starters or writing prompts in your class. The city’s multicultural food scene also offers a delicious lesson in global cultures.
4. Sail the Whitsunday Islands
Imagine 74 idyllic islands floating in the heart of the Coral Sea, boasting pristine white silica-sand beaches and turquoise waters. That’s the Whitsundays. The best way to experience this slice of paradise is by sailboat. Spend a few days hopping between islands, snorkeling in secluded coves, and walking along the swirling sands of Hill Inlet to the breathtaking viewpoint over Whitehaven Beach.
Teacher’s Take: Describing a place of such immense beauty is a perfect exercise for practicing descriptive adjectives and comparative language with your students. What’s the difference between ‘blue,’ ‘azure,’ and ‘turquoise’? A photo from the Whitsundays can show them.
5. Take an Epic Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road
Stretching along the southeastern coast of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic drives. Carved into cliffs that plunge into the Southern Ocean, the road winds past lush rainforests, sleepy seaside towns, and, most famously, the Twelve Apostles. These dramatic limestone stacks, sculpted by millennia of wind and waves, are a powerful testament to the force of nature.
Teacher’s Take: A road trip is a journey of discovery. This experience can be used to teach sequential language, planning vocabulary (e.g., itinerary, accommodation, route), and the past tense as you recount your adventure to your students.
6. Encounter Unique Australian Wildlife on Kangaroo Island
For an unparalleled wildlife experience, head to South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. A veritable Noah’s Ark, this protected environment is teeming with native animals. See sea lions lazing on the beach at Seal Bay, spot koalas snoozing in eucalyptus trees, and watch kangaroos and wallabies graze in open fields. It’s an intimate and authentic alternative to a zoo.
Teacher’s Take: Australian animals are fascinating to people around the world. Teaching the unique vocabulary—marsupial, joey, platypus—is a fun and engaging way to expand your students’ lexicon and teach them about the biological uniqueness of the continent.
Australia offers a journey that stimulates the senses and broadens the mind. For the TESOL-certified teacher, it’s the perfect backdrop for personal growth that will undoubtedly translate into a more dynamic and culturally aware teaching practice. So go ahead, embrace the adventure, and bring the world back to your classroom.
American TESOL offers you ways to receive a certification in teaching English so that you can teach abroad and have adventures worldwide. The following links are useful if you would like to know more about teaching English in Australia:
Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/koala-bear-australia-teddy-sleep-9960/
