Thinking about a trip to Australia and wondering what the best activities are?
Australia is a vast, vibrant, and multicultural place. It’s so big that it’s the sixth-largest country in the world—almost as big as the United States.
This size and diversity make Australia a fantastic travel destination. It’s also very safe, which makes it popular with solo travelers and families with kids. With friendly locals, stunning sights to see, and loads of exciting activities to try, Australia is a must-visit.
But what should you do once you’re there? Here’s a list of some of the top things to do in Australia:
Sydney is one of the busiest and most charming cities in Australia, famous for landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. When in Sydney, take a walk around the Rocks, an old part of the city center with amazing harbor views. This area is great for dining and shopping and has some of the city’s oldest pubs.
Don’t miss Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most well-known beaches, located just a short distance from the city center. Bondi Beach is famous for its relaxed vibe and excellent surfing opportunities and is one of the most visited beaches in the country.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is another can’t-miss destination. Uluru (or Ayers Rock) is a massive sandstone monolith that’s sacred to the Aboriginal people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park also includes Kata Tjuta, which is a group of 36 red rock domes. These unique formations are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.
One of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, is also in Australia. Located off the coast of Queensland, this massive coral reef system stretches for over 2,300 kilometers and includes more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. It’s perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling, offering an unforgettable underwater experience.
For a breathtaking drive, take the Great Ocean Road, a scenic coastal route in southeastern Australia. The road spans 243 kilometers and passes through beautiful landscapes and iconic sites like the 12 Apostles and Bells Beach, known for its surf competitions. You can also explore the rainforests and waterfalls in Otway National Park or go whale watching in Warrnambool.
Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third-largest island, is another fantastic place to visit. The island is home to unique landscapes, rare rock formations, and endangered species such as the Platypus and Echidna. At Flinders Chase National Park, you can see the Remarkable Rocks, which are interestingly shaped granite formations. You can also enjoy sand-boarding at Little Sahara or see Australian sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park. The island is also a top spot for scuba diving, offering memorable underwater adventures.
The Ghan train ride is one of the world’s great rail journeys, traveling across the Australian outback from Adelaide to Darwin with stops in places like Alice Springs. This 2,979-kilometer journey takes about 53 hours and includes off-train tours. The train offers both Gold Service and Platinum Service classes for a comfortable ride.
Finally, Tasmania is an island state located about 240 kilometers south of mainland Australia. It’s known for its wild, unspoiled landscapes and unique wildlife. The state includes the main island and around 1,000 smaller ones, offering endless opportunities for nature lovers.
With such a wide range of experiences, Australia truly has something for everyone.