Image: William Fawcett

GERMANY: The Australian dream captivates many: In 2023 alone, around 3,000 Germans officially moved to Australia, while countless adventurers set off on Work-and-Travel escapades. Before we reveal where you can indulge in a slice of the Aussie lifestyle right here in Germany, let’s start with a few fun facts about this vast and wild continent: Australia is home to nearly 27 million people - and about 50 million kangaroos! K'gari (Fraser Island) is Australia’s giant sandbox, the largest sand island in the world, located along the Nature Coast. Australia boasts the world’s longest continuous fence, stretching over 5,600 km – designed to keep dingos away from sheep herds. Now, are you ready for your very own piece of Australia, right at your doorstep? Let’s dive into it:

Surf Like You’re in Australia

Ever wanted to catch the perfect wave? You can find a slice of Aussie surf culture right in the heart of Berlin at “Wellenwerk”, home to the highest indoor surf wave in Germany. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner, the thrill of riding these waves is unmatched. If you're missing the right gear, no worries! Head to the “Kitetiki Surf Shop” in Hamburg for everything from wetsuits to stylish beachwear that will make you feel like you're lounging on Bondi Beach.

Quokkas and Koalas: Meet Australia’s Furry Friends

Want to meet Australia’s cutest creatures without hopping on a plane? Stuttgart's Wilhelma Zoo offers you a rare opportunity to get up close with Quokkas and Koalas - the only place in all of Europe where you can see both! These adorable animals will instantly make you smile and bring a bit of the Aussie wildlife magic to your day.

Sip on a Bundaberg Beer

Craving a taste of Australia? Head to BarSTRonomy at the Adina Hotel in Stuttgart, where you can sip on Bundaberg Beer, an iconic non-alcoholic brew from a beloved Australian family-owned brewery. With its refreshing ginger spice and citrus twist, it's the perfect way to unwind while soaking in the stunning views from the rooftop terrace. And, with a sweeping panorama of Stuttgart, your evening will be unforgettable.

Enjoy Modern Australian Cuisine

Ready to tantalize your taste buds with some Down Under delicacies? The Storehouse Restaurant at Adina Hamburg Speicherstadt serves up popular Australian dishes like Gyoza dumplings and Barramundi fish. If you’re in Munich, you can treat yourself to the same delights at Fitzroy Munich, where both hotel guests and casual diners are always warmly welcomed. These restaurants offer an authentic Aussie dining experience without leaving Europe.

Cultural Bridges Across Continents

Every year, Berlin hosts the Australian Film Festival, which we loved to sponsor this year. This one-of-a-kind event in Germany is a cinematic celebration of Australian and New Zealand culture, featuring a diverse range of genres and formats. From thought-provoking dramas to vibrant musicals, the festival paints a vivid picture of life Down Under. And if you're ever near the Australian Embassy in Berlin, keep an eye out for their regular cultural events spotlighting Aussie art, film, and music.

Your Aussie Address in Germany

No need to book a flight to Sydney just yet! You can soak up Australian flair in the heart of Europe by staying at one of the Adina Hotels, where modern apartments meet warm, laid-back hospitality, mirroring the cool vibe of the Aussie lifestyle. So, if that itch for Australia becomes too strong to resist, remember, 18 Adina Hotels across Europe are ready to welcome you with open arms!