The world's sixth largest country and among the most-remote countries, Australia has become a popular tourist destination, especially among backpackers and budget travellers. Even though Canberra is the capital, Sydney - best known for its famed opera house, harbour and bridge -a long with Melbourne and Queensland are the three most populated cities, drawing thousands of visitors every year. Diana Penty who was in Kangaroo country for a week describes the visit as one of the best travel experiences. Over to the actress:

Bohemian paradise
With its sunny beaches, seafood spread, bohemian vibes and adventure opportunities, Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland's Gold Coast are perfect getaways for solo flyers, honeymooners and families. I first visited Australia seven years ago but this time the experience was very different.

The cities are slow and quiet during the week, but weekend nights are happening. People there don't like dressing up, it's a hippy culture, with everyone at Bondi beach in shorts, casual dresses and flip-flops. The beach is lined with cafes and bars, and is a great party place. The Australian crew filming with us were friendly and fun. The locals too were easy-going, welcoming and informal.


Up the Sydney bridge
Even though I'd seen the Sydney Harbour earlier, I hadn't climbed the 1332 steps to the bridge. This time I went up this architectural wonder with its steel arch. I had a guide with me, explaining the history of the bridge. It was like learning and exploring at the same time. I didn't think I'd be able to complete the climb but it was great for my quads. A brisk exercise during my vacation and I was rewarded with a breathtaking view. Later, we took a cruise on a yacht, followed by my first seaplane ride. Looking down on the Opera House from every possible angle all evening made it an unforgettable experience.

Meal to remember
Named after and inspired by an eclectic neighbourhood surrounding an old gasworks in Athens, Gazi, located in the heart of Melbourne, is run by celebrity chef, restaurateur and judge of Masterchef Australia for the last ten seasons, George Calombaris. It's notable for its ink-splattered walls, Zodiac-themed cocktail menus and industrial steel benches. It offers messy, streetstyle Greek dishes. I'd recommend the seafood, crab salad, feta fries and prawns. I love food and this one topped my list of ten meals across the world.

From sunrise to sunset
I love nature, particularly dramatic cliffs and surreal mountains. When I'm on the beach, I prefer to stay on the sand than get into the water. One day, we drove 45 minutes away from the surfer's beach to take a hot air balloon sunrise ride at 4000 ft. It was a wonderfully calming experience. Being in the air reminded me of the time I went snorkelling - the silence under water, just like the silence in the sky, was so soothing. I hate noise! I also took a one-and-a-half hour drive along Melbourne's coast to the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks and eroded cliffs off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park. On one side of the winding road is the endless ocean with limestone peaks emerging from the blue water and on the other side, tall mountains.

We took a helicopter ride along the coast as well. It was spectacular! On my last day, I took an unforgettable trip to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a heritage site and a zoological garden where I got to cuddle a Koala bear. They're the sweetest of animals in the world.