While Australia often defies visitors' expectations, containing more than the iconic sand and sun, its natural beauty remains one of the main reasons new citizens are thrilled to call the wide brown land home.

Key points: At a ceremony in Canberra, 28 people will become Australian citizens

At a ceremony in Canberra, 28 people will become Australian citizens Seismologist Tanja Pejic emigrated from Croatia to study at the ANU

Seismologist Tanja Pejic emigrated from Croatia to study at the ANU Marcela Jimenez Plata gave up her career to move from Colombia, but hopes to work as a psychologist again

What was mysterious to European settlers — from the echidna to the kangaroo and beyond — is mysterious still, and something new Australian citizens are quick to mention.

That, and the wide open spaces, the opportunity to enjoy their hobbies as well as their work, and the chance to make their dreams come true.

For Tanja Pejic, who is one of 28 people becoming an Australian citizen at a ceremony in Canberra today, the easy proximity of the city to the bush has never lost its appeal.

"I just love that it's so green and I can just go outdoors immediately and be in the bush," she said.

"In Australia people have just learnt to live with whatever wildlife you have here — I've seen a kangaroo at the shops and it was perfectly normal."

A photo of Tanja Pejic with her mother, who is thrilled she is becoming an Australian citizen. ( ABC News: Kanika Kirpalani )

Dr Pejic grew up in Croatia and studied science in Zagreb, the capital, before coming to Australia as a PhD student in 2013.

"Mostly what you're exposed to overseas is pictures and videos of Sydney, so when you come to Canberra it's not quite what you expected," she said.

Now a seismologist at Geoscience Australia, she is making the most of the education she gained at the Australian National University and hopes to further opportunities for women in science.

She said it was hard to describe the emotions she felt on learning she would become an Australian citizen, and that her mother was "so proud, she won't stop talking about it".

"It will sound like a cliche but I really feel like I'm becoming a part of my home," she said.

"Australia right now is home for me and it has been since I got here.

"There are no words to explain what gives you that feeling, it's just immense love for the place."

Dr Pejic said she had tried all the iconic Australian foods, and remained unconvinced by the flavour of Vegemite, even after she was told not to eat it off the spoon.

But some things have been easier to adapt to.

"I love kangaroo steak," she said.

Sacrifices made easier to bear as citizenship won

Marcela Jiminez Plata and Dmitry Mikhailov moved from Colombia in 2013 and will become Australian citizens on Australia Day. ( ABC News: Niki Burnside )

Colombian couple Dmitry Mikhailov and Marcela Jimenez Plata hold the same fascination for the outdoors many long-term Australians take for granted.

A trained psychologist, Ms Plata worked 14-hour days in Bucaramanga, her home in Colombia, and spent little time doing the other things she loved.

Now, after six years living in Canberra, the couple spends most of their time outside, walking, cycling, catching up with friends.

They say it is part of why they fell in love with the place they can officially call home after today's ceremony.

"Australia as a whole, is beautiful for people," Ms Plata said.

"People have their own paths for cycling, for walking, for different things, and we don't have that in Colombia."

Marcela Plata said she missed Australia and its wildlife when visiting family in Colombia. ( Supplied )

Leaving behind a hard-won career was not easy, but the rewards have eased that loss, she said.

"It was a difficult decision to leave because it was my career, but I just wanted to find better opportunities for us," she said.

While Mr Mikhailov was able to find work within three months of arriving in Australia, Ms Plata studied English before enrolling in a Masters of Counselling.

Her goal is to once again help people struggling with mental illness, six years after leaving home for a better life.

"When I came here I was so amazed at how people here want to support others," she said.

"I just started working as a volunteer in an aged care centre, and I feel very good in myself about it, doing something for others."

The couple said they knew from the beginning that Australia was where they wanted to spend their lives.

Marcela and Dmitry knew Canberra would be home from the start. ( Supplied )

"When I was in high school I read many brochures about Australia because around 2001 Australia started promoting its education strongly," Mr Mikhailov said.

"Since then I had it in the back of my mind to come here one day.

"I feel good here, there is a lot of tranquillity, you have the best fresh air in the world."

After years of waiting, they said it came as a joyful surprise to learn they would become citizens and take a step closer to their plans for the future.

They plan to have a barbecue, perhaps eat lamb and chicken. At home, they would spend more time preparing the food, rolling it in spices and herbs.

But as Australians, they said they might take a simpler approach.

"Maybe just some salt and pepper," Ms Plata said.

"Since we came to Australia, from the starting moment, we say we are going to apply for Australian citizenship because we love the country, because we love everything we are doing here.

"It's like a dream for us, the feeling is very nice."