There are journeys we plan for years, destinations we dream about, and places we long to visit. That was exactly how I felt about my first encounter with Australia.

I remember travelling to the other side of the world to perform in the theatre production “Police Station”, better known today as “Kursadžije”. Little did I know that a country I knew almost nothing about would leave such a lasting impression on me. Instead of the European winter, I was greeted by the scorching Australian summer, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, along with warm and welcoming people, endless beaches, and natural beauty unlike anything I had ever experienced.

During my two visits, each lasting two months, I explored some of Australia’s most famous cities, enjoyed its spectacular ocean coastlines, discovered its extraordinary wildlife, and experienced a way of life that differs in many respects from what we are used to in Europe.

From a European Winter to an Australian Summer

I still vividly remember those performances on the world’s most distant continent with the theatre production “Police Station”. I was responsible for the musical part of the programme, singing and introducing the actors before the play. After the performance, we continued entertaining the audience with music and singing, sometimes for another hour and a half. We left Serbia in the depths of a freezing winter and arrived in Australia to temperatures of 40 degrees above zero. We were welcomed by friendly, smiling people and breathtaking natural scenery. It felt like paradise on Earth! At the time, I had not yet started a family, and my very first thought was: I’m staying here!

I also have unforgettable memories of celebrating New Year’s Eve in Australia for the first time. While Serbia was in the middle of winter, I welcomed the New Year in the height of summer, in temperatures I remember reaching an incredible 45 degrees Celsius. It was one of those moments when you truly realise just how far away from home you are.

Gold Coast on the Pacific Ocean – A Surfer’s Paradise

Australia is a country of remarkable natural contrasts, from its major urban centres to vast coastlines and landscapes that take your breath away. One of the places that left a particularly strong impression on me was Gold Coast, located on the Pacific Ocean, south of Brisbane, in the state of Queensland. Australia’s sixth-largest city, with a population of more than 600,000, is famous for its long sandy beaches and is a paradise for surfers and amusement park enthusiasts.

The Gold Coast is truly spectacular, especially when the weather turns stormy. The ocean takes on an unusual colour, while enormous waves crash against the shore with tremendous force, creating a sight that is both mesmerising and awe-inspiring. The sheer power of nature is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that waves exceeding ten metres in height have been recorded along the Gold Coast during severe storms. In moments like these, you realise just how small and powerless we are in the face of nature.

Our People Welcomed Us Like the Rolling Stones!

The wonderful atmosphere within our theatre troupe, the unexpected situations we encountered, and the extraordinary hospitality of our hosts made our Australian tour an experience I still recall with great joy. One particularly amusing memory is travelling in a limousine during our first tour. The man who welcomed us and drove us around was completely astonished by the amount of luggage and equipment we had brought. There were suitcases, keyboards, stands, and all kinds of other equipment, and no matter how hard we tried, we simply couldn’t close the boot. In the end, we had to tie it shut with a rope! Some of the equipment ended up inside the limousine, which meant we spent hours travelling with our legs practically raised in the air.

We stayed in beautiful hotels, and our fellow Serbians living in Australia gave us a truly unforgettable welcome. At the time, “Police Station” was an incredibly popular show, and interest in our performances was enormous. With all the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding our arrival, we felt as though we were the Rolling Stones! The venues were almost always packed, with audiences travelling from different parts of Australia to see us. What made it even more interesting was that our audiences included not only people from our own community but also people of other nationalities. After each performance, the evening continued with music, laughter, and entertainment, creating a truly unique atmosphere.

Sydney and Melbourne – Rivals for the Title of Capital

When I visited Sydney and Melbourne, I was captivated by their extraordinary yet completely different combinations of natural beauty, architecture, and urban lifestyles. Although the two cities have long been rivals and historically competed for the status of Australia’s capital, each offers a completely different cosmopolitan experience. If you are visiting Australia for the first time, I would definitely recommend seeing Sydney. Melbourne, however, is the city I would personally love to return to.

Sydney wins you over with its magnificent waterfront setting, beautiful light, and one of the world’s most recognisable architectural landmarks – the stunning Sydney Opera House, a symbol of Australia. With its distinctive sail-shaped roofs and the massive steel structure of the Harbour Bridge nearby, the Sydney Opera House forms part of one of the most beautiful harbour panoramas in the world. One of my most memorable experiences in Sydney was watching Aboriginal street musicians, whose performances offer a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s Indigenous cultural heritage. Their performances along the harbour promenade and in the historic district of The Rocks provide an opportunity to experience the ancient rhythms of Australia. These captivating musicians and dancers often perform barefoot, with traditional white and ochre body paint on their faces and bodies, reflecting cultural and ceremonial traditions of deep significance.

Melbourne, on the other hand, is a city of art, sport, and vibrant cultural life. With its lively rhythm, European charm, and strong creative energy, it is frequently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. They say Melbourne has one of the most passionate coffee cultures in the world, with countless local cafés serving exceptional espresso. Having experienced it myself, I can certainly agree!

In Australia, Rules Matter – But So Does Having a Good Time

One of the things that impressed me most about this distant country was its multicultural character. Over the decades, people from many different backgrounds and traditions have made Australia their home, including a large diaspora from the Balkans.

I met many people from our community, as well as Australians from different backgrounds. What particularly touched me was the strong bond among our people, their desire to spend time together, and the warmth with which they welcomed artists from Serbia. At the time, “Kursadžije” was enormously popular, and our performances were a special occasion for many members of the community. It wasn’t simply a night at the theatre. It was an opportunity to come together, listen to familiar music, share a laugh, and enjoy an evening that reminded them of home.

Despite their differences, people in Australia seem to function as part of one society. Our people, of course, tend to be a little more relaxed, especially at weekends. Weekends were reserved for having a good time. Just like in the famous song by Bora Đorđević about Saturday nights out, our people eagerly awaited the chance to get together, enjoy music, and unwind after a working week. I had the impression that they made every effort to enjoy their free time and make the most of every opportunity to socialise. Our performances usually ended around midnight, after which we would head out ourselves to discover Australian nightlife. What surprised me most was how well organised everything was, particularly when it came to safety. Young people could spend an entire night in one venue, enjoying music and entertainment, while everything operated according to clearly established rules.

One thing, however, stood out above all: in Australia, rules are respected, order is maintained, and people have the opportunity to work and earn a living if they are willing to make the effort. I particularly liked the idea of a certain kind of freedom within a well-organised system. If you want to achieve something, you have the opportunity to do so through your own hard work. I was also impressed by how much attention Australians devote to children, their safety, and their education.

Watching a Young Djokovic at the Australian Open

One of my most unforgettable experiences was attending one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments, the Australian Open. Between 2006 and 2008, Novak Djokovic made extraordinary progress on the international tennis scene, transforming from a promising young player into one of the world’s leading tennis stars. The crowning achievement of that rise came in Melbourne in 2008, when, at just 20 years old and ranked third in the world, he won the Australian Open and claimed his first Grand Slam title. To this day, I treasure photographs taken at the tennis courts, including pictures featuring our Novak, the greatest tennis player of all time!

Visiting the tennis complex in Melbourne was an experience in itself. After years of watching those courts and the tournament atmosphere on television, I finally had the opportunity to see everything in person. I also remember the strict security checks and restrictions on what spectators were allowed to bring into the venue. Everything was organised down to the smallest detail.

Australian Cuisine – Fish Prepared a Hundred Different Ways

Thanks to its geographical location and extensive coastline, Australia is a true paradise for lovers of fish and seafood, while its major cities also offer an exceptionally diverse cultural and sporting scene. Throughout our stay, we mostly ate fish, prepared in what seemed like a hundred different ways! Surrounded by seas and oceans, Australia offers an incredible variety of fish in its supermarkets and restaurants.

One of the local specialities worth trying is barramundi, one of Australia’s best-known native fish species. This delicious white fish has tender, buttery flesh and develops wonderfully crispy skin when grilled. It is a culinary experience I would certainly recommend.

Another interesting detail is that alcohol in Australia is generally sold in specialised liquor stores, partly as a way of regulating sales and preventing underage access.

Tasmanian Devils, Emus and Great White Sharks

Few countries in the world have wildlife as fascinating as Australia’s. Around 80 to 90 per cent of its mammals, reptiles, and frogs are found nowhere else on Earth. Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils are just some of the extraordinary creatures that capture visitors’ imaginations. The Tasmanian devil, the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, is particularly remarkable. Known for its black fur, incredibly loud and eerie screams during feeding, and exceptionally powerful bite, it is an animal you are unlikely to forget. I saw a Tasmanian devil up close for the first time and was surprised by just how noisy and rather unpleasant it seemed! At a zoo, we had the opportunity to feed koalas, while the kangaroos were beautiful to watch, although we were warned not to get too close because they can be dangerous. Stories about venomous snakes, spiders, and sharks often inspire a certain sense of fear and respect among tourists. Australia is also home to enormous flightless birds, including the emu, which appears on the country’s national coat of arms, and the cassowary, often described as the world’s most dangerous bird because of its sharp, dagger-like claws, which it uses to defend itself.

I particularly remember Perth Zoo, which is beautifully integrated into its natural surroundings. I was equally fascinated by the aquariums, where visitors can observe an incredible variety of colourful marine creatures. Australia is especially famous for its sharks. Among them is the great white shark, the world’s largest predatory fish, which can reach lengths of six to seven metres. There is also the harmless giant of the ocean, the whale shark, the largest fish on the planet, which can grow to around 12 to 14 metres in length.

With millions of people swimming and surfing along Australia’s beaches, authorities employ a range of safety measures to protect beachgoers. In some areas, warning signs indicate that swimming is prohibited because of shark activity. Other protective measures include shark nets and drones that patrol sections of the coastline, helping detect potentially dangerous marine animals before they approach swimmers.

Encountering Australia’s extraordinary animal kingdom was undoubtedly one of the most memorable parts of my journey.

Welcome to the End of the World!

My advice to anyone planning a trip to Australia is simple: pack as lightly as possible, because you can find almost everything you need once you arrive. Of course, you will need some money, and knowing English is certainly helpful. Beyond that, you really don’t need much. You can even buy sunscreen and a sunhat when you get there. And as for everything else – simply let Australia guide you on an unforgettable journey to the end of the world! Welcome!

Written by Jelena Lalović Jellena, pop singer.