When we set out on our trip around the world a few years ago, Australia loomed large in our plans. It was one of the places on the list that everyone in our crew wanted to see.  Ish was all about the Barrier Reef, Ethan and Cameron were looking to get up close with koalas and kangaroos and I wanted to see the Sydney opera house.

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Brothers bonding in Bondi

We knew even then that the country was full of things to keep us busy and so we initially set aside six weeks of our year to explore it.

But what’s that they say about the best laid plans? As we got closer to Australia, our time began to dwindle and suddenly we were looking at a maximum of two weeks that we could spare. Two weeks to travel across a continent? It was clear we were going to have to make hard decisions.

We made the most of our limited time. Everyone got a piece of the adventure they were after and in the end we left knowing that one day we’d need to return and see even more.

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The incredible view from Hayman Island

Who knew that the opportunity to explore it would come to us?

On May 4, Torontonians will have the chance to go on a virtual tour of the continent down under, meet travel experts and take in a photography exhibit showcasing all that Australia has to offer. The pop-up exhibit at the Artscape Sandbox (301 Adelaide St. West) will offer up a virtual tour of the country. Everything from the impressive landscapes to the incredible wines.

(Show up between 11am and 6 pm and you can grab a signature “Flat White” coffee. Come by a little later (6 pm – 9pm) and those of you who are 19+ can enjoy some fine Australian wines.)

Better still, visitors will have the chance to peek at lesser known parts of the country and get help in planning your ultimate Australian vacation.

Plus, what’s even more exciting than a koala petting? A  chance to win a pair of Air Canada round trip tickets so you can go to Australia to sample the real thing!

Whether you win the tickets or not, you’re bound to be inspired for a visit.

I have only one request when you do go: Take some time to savour it. Oh, and bring me back some Tim Tams.

Can’t attend but still want to follow along? Follow #AustraliaYYZ on social media for updates.

This post was sponsored in part by Tourism Australia. As always, all opinions are my own.