Australia is a large country with numerous big cities and tourist attractions. This vast and varied land is a ritual of passage for any traveler. It’s hard to name only a few things worth exploring, but we’ll try to keep the list short.
1. Ride on the Pacific Rim
There are many ways to explore Australia once you arrive – from boat to helicopter – but it would be a disgrace to miss the opportunity to experience this extraordinary land by getting from one place to another as fast as you can. So get your maps ready and get ready to go on a road trip along the legendary Pacific Coast. This road from Sydney to Brisbane is the most traveled road but not without reason. It’s a 900km stretch of beach towns, vineyards, wildlife and sunshine!
2. Take a Walking Tour in Perth
Once you have the hang of walking, it is time to do a little bit of walking. Perth is a city you should know by foot. Stroll its streets and explore its contemporary environment. If you are not sure how to get around or which neighborhoods to visit, you may want to choose one of the various walking tour available.
3. Get to Know the Locals
Consider less traditional accommodations and go for a homestay. Living with an Australian family will help you gain insight into what life is actually like down there. Australians are usually very friendly and warm so it should not be difficult to find a home to host you throughout the period of your visit. It would be a plus if the family lived on a working farm because waking up to the attractive Australian countryside is everything.
4. Find a Home Away from Home
Australia has quite a lot to offer, so you do not have to worry about being short of choice. If you are traveling with a family or a larger group, consider vacation rentals in kind affordable short term furnished apartment. That way, you will have extra space and spend less money than you would in a hotel room. Plus, you will get a kitchen and be capable to cook meals rather than eating out at restaurants every day. If you do your research before you go, you’ll be capable to find the perfect apartment for you, as there’s something out there for everybody’s taste.
5. Swim at Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is world famous and happens to be only a brief train ride from a big city like Sydney. After diving in the ocean at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, take a walk and visit one of the coastal cafes or pubs. Runners, hikers, backpackers and surfers come together to form the dramatic scenery of Bondi Beach, and so should you.
6. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site that needs no introduction. This is not only a national treasure, but a world treasure with unparalleled underwater life. The Great Barrier Reef has made numerous snorkelers’ wish lists, as its world is made up of thousands of various kinds of marine life. If you do not want to get wet, you can explore the barrier reef in a more relaxed setting such as a boat or catamaran and still feel the magic.
7. Visit the Australian Zoo
The land below is home to the famous Crocodile Hunter known as Steve Irwin and so is the Australian Zoo. This wildlife conservation facility is now managed by his family and is well worth a visit. As well as animals native to the land, you will encounter creatures from around the globe and you will even have the chance to visit the Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital.
8. Get Tickets to the Famous Sydney Opera House
Sydney is a city with a rich culture, and whether you are walking past towering skyscrapers or gazing at the ocean, you cannot miss the iconic Sydney Opera House. The silhouette alone is world famous! This performing arts venue is an Australian landmark and another UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are around try to get tickets to see a show or at least a guided tour that highlights the history of the building.
9. Adventure in the Outback
Australia’s outback is sparsely populated and quite remote, but that is what makes it so appealing. Even although this area may seem quite dry, it offers numerous thrilling activities. You can fly over Kakadu National Park in a helicopter or hop on a Ghan – a luxury passenger train that lets you experience the wilderness from the comfort of an exceptional train. You can watch the sunset from the back of a camel or visit Uluru. This red monolith is so often depicted on postcards and travel brochures, you will recognize it instantly, even if you think you have never seen one before.
10. Shop at Queen Victoria Market
If you are in or around Melbourne, you need to pay a visit to Queen Victoria Market for the most colourful shopping experience. Today, it is a bustling marketplace with something for everybody (from fresh produce to hardware), but once upon a time, this site had quite the history. Over the years, everything from cattle markets to funerals!
Conclusion
Don’t let Australia’s vastness scare you. Pack your bags and get ready to explore the incredible landscape of the land below!