Australia is a land of some wonderful contradictions. It is wild and beautiful, an urban sophisticated jewel that is equally at home with the bounty of nature. All these different experiences come together to create an experience that is, by and large, simply unforgettable and refreshing. Residents, migrants and visitors love this country for the sheer variety, the quality of life, the incomparable sights and its raw, heart-stopping beauty that leaves everyone in awe.
There are several places to visit in Australia and we rightly think a single trip might not be enough to see everything this majestic continent has to offer. From its sophisticated cities to its lush rainforests and pristine beaches, there is so much to see and admire in this lovely nation . Here’s a list of some of the must visit places in Australia.
1. SYDNEY
Sydney’s iconic Opera House is the symbol that epitomises Australia and its many bounties. This world-class city is a preferred destination for international travellers all over the world and serves as an excellent introduction to Australia.
Apart from the opulent grandeur of the Opera House, visitors can also enjoy visiting the Sydney Olympic Park. This is the place where the 2000 Olympics were held. Another amazing thing to do here is climb to the top of the fantastic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney has several top-notch dining destinations and award-winning restaurants where you should have a visit. There are beautiful parks and gardens scattered all throughout the city, among which the Royal Botanic Garden stands out. Not too far from Sydney are the Blue Mountains, a magnificent and massive area of native bushland with some remarkable rock formations.
2. MELBOURNE
More than four million people call this big small town home. Yes, Melbourne is a big small town, and no, it's not an oxymoron. See, it contains all the features of a major metropolis – vibrant neighborhoods, award-winning cuisine, amazing places ,notable things to do – but Melburnians manage to do their urban hustle at a leisurely pace. Burrowed in wine country beside Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's natural landscape anchors its laid-back personality. When you're sampling wine in the nearby Yarra Valley or sipping a flat white at one of Melbourne's charming sidewalk cafes, there's no way you can't relax.
That said, don't be mistaken: There are some high-octane activities which are awaiting you. The nightlife is absolutely epic, with diverse venues ranging from bumping clubs to hole-in-the-wall concert stages. It's also a powerhouse for sports; one visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground will cement that in your mind. For travelers who want a seemingly paradoxical vacation – a stress-free vibe in an exciting metropolis – Melbourne is the place for you.
3. ULURU
The landscapes are simply spectacular in Australia’s red centre, especially when you’re marvelling at the great sandstone monolith that is Uluru. You can fly directly there from Sydney, Darwin or Cairns, with the airport located just a few kilometres north of Uluru itself. When you get a glimpse of it IRL, it’s easy to understand how Uluru became such an important symbol of local Indigenous culture and Australian culture as a whole. The local Anangu people will share stories of its spiritual significance, and you’ll soon understand why climbing Uluru, which was finally prohibited in 2019, is a huge no-no. Walking around the base and admiring it from afar, as you observe the different colours it turns as the sunlight hits it, is still a humbling experience.
4. GREAT OCEAN ROAD
The Great Ocean Road is a 243 kilometre stretch of road along Australia’s southern coast. The road is most known for the 12 apostles, located off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. It will take you under 3 hours to reach the apostles if driving directly, though you should certainly try to take most of the coastal route from Torquay.
The Great Ocean Road snakes all along the southwest coast of the state, starting in Torquay (1.5 hours from Melbourne) and finishing just before Warrnambool. This winding stretch of road is about a four-hour drive without stops, but heed our warning: you’ll definitely want to stop. There’s too much happening along the coast not to, including ample swimming and surfing spots, upmarket dining options (Captain Moonlite), adventure playgrounds (Live Wire Action Park), gorgeous waterfalls (Beauchamp Falls), picturesque limestone stacks (the Twelve Apostles) and plenty of spots to stop and eat some fish and chips on the lovley beach.
5. GREAT BARRIER REEF
It may be Australia’s most famous attraction but with good reason! The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of our natural world. Stretching 3000 km across the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is a diver’s dream. Whether you are an avid scuba diver, casual snorkeller or first time underwater newbie, there is something for everyone.
You can book a liveaboard dive boat vacation to go out to the most remote dive sites of the reef, take a helicopter tour over the impressive waters, or you can try your hand at diving with a helmet. Surely it will be one of your favourite experiences.
6. SAPPHIRE COAST
Located nearly 500 kilometres from central Sydney on New South Wales’ south-eastern border, this quiet , but extraordinary, corner of the state on the edge of Green Cape is something of a hidden gem, off the radar of mass tourism. In part, this is because it’s not the easiest place to reach; only the minute regional airport at Merimbula offers a faster alternative to driving here. However, if you’re willing to go those extra miles, unspoiled nature is your reward along this ruggedly beautiful stretch of sea from Bermagui to Disaster Bay, a place of other-worldly crimson cliffs, dramatic waves and vibrant, shifting landscapes. The vistas here, notable for their rust-red Devonian rock, are a proverbial feast for the eyes, but there’s plenty of actual feasting to be done here too. Expect succulent seafood caught off the docks at Eden, cheeses galore from Bega and Tilba’s famous dairies, beef and lamb reared on the grassy slopes near Pambula, and of course, the regions most popular export, succulent Sydney rock oysters reared in some of the most fertile estuaries anywhere in the country.
7. BRISBANE
Brisbane is the most populous city of Australia. Owing to its subtropical weather, Brisbane is also the perfect city to soak up some Australian sun! It is blessed with sunny days and a lot of action happening around the city which makes it an uncomplicated, fun-loving and a laid back place where everyone wants to be. If one is inclined culturally towards cities and seeks a hassle-free vacation. When you're in Brisbane, the best possible way to enjoy the city is with a cup of coffee and the grass beneath your feet. There is no other imagery which can describe Brisbane better than this. The city welcomes you with open arms and indulges you in the many things that it has to offer. Cycle around the Brisbane river and walk around the City Botanic Gardens. Experience the festical buzz of South Bank and enjoy the Broadway shows. Brisbane has it all. If you're looking for something which is a little away from crowded places, then there are plenty of options open for exploitation like snorkelling, swimming, surfing and all of this is just a few hours' drive away from the main city. The transportation facilities around the city are impeccable and very convenient. When the sun goes down, the city comes alive 'down under'.
8. TASMANIA
If you're dreaming of a remote destination filled with historical charm, pristine beaches, unique wildlife and jaw-dropping mountains, then consider vacationing in Tasmania . Situated about 150 miles south of Australia's mainland, this island appeals to anyone looking for an adventure. Families will relish walking across the suspension bridge at the Launceston Cataract Gorge & First Basin, while adrenaline junkies can hike Wellington Park's Organ Pipes or embark on a multiday trek along Cradle Mountain's Overland Track. Freycinet National Park is an ideal spot for water sports like snorkeling and kayaking, and once the sun goes down, you can get your heart pounding during an evening ghost tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site. In between sightseeing and exploring your surroundings, you'll find a variety of shops and art galleries, as well as eateries that serve fresh seafood and produce alongside locally made wines, beers, ciders and spirits.
9. TWELVE APOSTLES
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne. A Drive to the coast takes you to the incredible Twelve Apostles.
For us, the Twelve Apostles were the most awe-inspiring of places to visit in Australia. But to really experience this rugged coast, you must do the Great Ocean Walk. It takes you along the coastal route that is impossible to see from a car. If you can, make sure to take a helicopter ride over the Apostles to really take in its beauty.
10. PERTH
Western Australia's capital city, Perth is a wonderful urban settlement with it's fair share of untouched scenic beauty. Full of classic Australian beaches, wonderful market places, brilliant food and also exciting wildlife.
Once known as the gateway city to Australia, also established as Australia's first free settlement, Perth is today a bustling centre of all activities in Western Australia. Things to do in this city are aplenty, ranging from natural parks and wildlife, to great entertainment centres and places to chill. The Perth Cultural Centre is one of the most vibrant places you can visit in the entire country, complete with institutes and centres for nearly all forms of arts you can imagine. It is a hotspot for young and creative minds to meet up and hang out during the evenings too. The historic Perth Mint then is an immersive tour into the history of bullion production in Australia, and also get your own custom gold medallion engraved! The Perth Zoo and the Western Australian Aquarium are more absolutely fascinating places to spend a day with your family. The state of the art aquarium is one of the best you'll find on the continent. And of course, the raw and picturesque beauty of the Swan Valley is second to none, with family owned wineries and gourmet restaurants for a filling and exquisite meal experience.
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