Exploring Australia – Best of

By Emily Wilson | December 13, 2018

Australia is an immense country with countless major cities and touristic attractions. This vast and diverse land is a rite of passage for any traveler. It’s hard to name just a few things that are worth exploring, but we will try to keep the list short.

1. Drive the Pacific Coast

There are many ways to get around Australia once you arrive – anything from boats to helicopters – but it would be a shame to miss out on fully appreciating this great land by getting from one place to another as quickly as possible. So get your map out and get ready for a road-trip along the legendary Pacific Coast. This road from Sydney to Brisbane is the road most traveled but not without reason. It is a 900 km stretch of beach towns, vineyards, wildlife and sunshine!

2. Take a Walking Tour in Perth

Once you’ve mastered the road, it’s time to do a bit of walking. Perth is a city you should get to know by foot. Walk its streets and explore its contemporary environment. If you’re not sure how to get around or which neighbourhood is worth a visit, you might want to opt for one of the many walking tours available.

3. Get to Know the Locals

Consider a less traditional accommodation and do a homestay. Staying with an Aussie family will help you get insight into what life is really like down under. Australian people are generally very friendly and warm so it shouldn’t be hard to find a home to take you in for the duration of your visit. It would be a plus if the family lived on a working farm because waking up to Australia’s scenic countryside is everything.

4. Find a Home Away from Home

Australia has quite a lot of lodging to offer, so you don’t have to worry about a lack of options. If you are traveling with a family or a larger group, consider a vacation rental in the form affordable short-term furnished apartments. That way you’ll end up with more space and spend less money than you would on hotel rooms. Additionally, you’d get a kitchen and be able to cook meals instead of eating out at restaurants every day. If you do your research before you go, you will be able to find the perfect apartment for you, because there is something out there to satisfy everybody’s taste.

5. Go Swimming on Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is world-famous and it just so happens to be a mere train ride away from a major city like Sydney. After a dive in the ocean at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, take a stroll and visit one of its coastal cafes or pubs. Joggers, walkers, backpackers and surfers all 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. It is not only a national, but a world treasure with an unparalleled underwater life. The Great Barrier Reef has made countless snorkelers bucket lists, because its world ranges from thousands upon thousands of different varieties of marine life. If you are not looking to get wet though, you can explore the barrier reef in a more relaxed setting like a boat or catamaran and still feel the magic.

7. Pay a Visit to the Australia Zoo

The land down under is home to the famous Crocodile Hunter known as Steve Irwin and so is the Australia Zoo. This wildlife conservation facility is now managed by his family and is most definitely worth a visit. On top of animals that are native to the land, you will find creatures from all around the globe and you could even get a chance to visit the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

8. Get Tickets to the Famous Sydney Opera House

Sydney is a city with a rich culture, and whether you are walking through the soaring skyscrapers or gazing out at the ocean, you cannot miss the iconic Sydney Opera House. Its mere silhouette is world-famous! This performing arts venue is an Aussie 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 will highlight the history of the building.

9. Have an Adventure in the Outback

The Australian Outback is sparsely populated and quite remote, but that’s what makes it so exciting. Though the region may seem quite dry, it offers countless interesting activities. You can fly over Kakadu National Park with a helicopter or ride the Ghan – a luxury passenger train that lets you take in the wilderness from the incredible comfort of the train. You can watch the sunset from the back of a camel or visit Uluru. This red monolith is depicted on postcards and travel brochures so often, you would recognise it instantly, even if you think you haven’t seen it before.

10. Shop at the Queen Victoria Market

If you find yourself in or around Melbourne, you need to pay a visit to the Queen Victoria Market for the most colourful shopping experience. Today, it is a bustling market with something for everyone (from fresh produce to hardware), but once, the site has quite the history. Throughout the years, it has been everything from a livestock market to a cemetery!

Conclusion

Don’t let the vastness of Australia scare you off. Pack your bags and get ready to explore the extravagant landscapes of the land down under!