Gallery: 99 Things We Love About Australia

Kangaroos, koalas, and Kylie, oh my! The Land Down Under is, however, so much more than its well-worn touchstones. More continent than country in geographical scope, Australia delivers in humble extremes, from the sleeping earth of the singeing-red Outback to the coastal metropolitan centers and their thriving cafe-dotted neighborhoods. The legalization of marriage equality at the end of 2017 opened the floodgates for alternative culture--from out-and-proud artists to queer-themed television--on the global stage, the likes of which we haven't seen since Priscilla. It took you a while to get here, Australia, but we're glad you've arrived. It's with good reason that you're often called Oz--you cast a wizardly spell.