Australia is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and incredible wildlife. Visiting this continent country is an experience like no other, and there is no shortage of must-dos for travelers looking to get the most out of their trip. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and more, this ultimate guide to the must-do’s when visiting Australia will help you make the most of your visit. You’ll discover the best things to do and see, along with the best places to stay, eat, and shop. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, an exciting city escape, or an exploration of the great outdoors, this guide has you covered. With all the information you need to plan the perfect trip, you’ll be ready to get out and explore this amazing country.
Visiting Australia
Must-See Landmarks
Although there are so many incredible things to do in Australia, you can’t leave without seeing some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
The Great Barrier Reef – Located off the coast of Queensland, this is the world’s largest coral reef, and one of the must-see landmarks in Australia. The reef is home to an abundance of marine life, including around 2,900 species of fish and over 3,000 types of coral. Whether you choose to visit during the cooler months, from July to October, or the warmer months, from November to June, you’ll be able to experience this natural wonder year-round.
Blue Mountains – Located about two hours outside of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are another must-see landmark in Australia. This stunning part of the country is full of lush forests, beautiful waterfalls, and amazing views. And while you can drive to the Blue Mountains, many people opt to visit on a day trip from Sydney, allowing them to experience both places in a single day.
Great Ocean Road – The Great Ocean Road is a coastal route that stretches along the southeastern coast of Australia. This must-see landmark is famous for its beautiful beaches, historic shipwrecks, and wildflowers in spring. You can see all of these things along the drive, making it a great road trip route. While you can drive the entire route, you can also break it up into smaller sections to create a multi-stop road trip.
Must-Do Activities
There are so many amazing things to do in Australia, from exploring the open Outback to diving the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll never be bored on your trip.
Swim with Sea Turtles – The Great Barrier Reef is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles. While you can see these turtles while scuba diving, it’s also possible to swim with them. Swim with Sea Turtles takes visitors out on boats to see these incredible creatures up close.
Hang Gliding – If you’re interested in sky diving, but you’re not ready to go all the way to the ground, then hang gliding might be a better option. There are several places in Australia where you can go hang gliding, including in the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney.
Explore Aboriginal Culture – Australia is home to many distinct Aboriginal cultures, and there are many great ways to learn about these groups. From visiting Aboriginal communities to visiting museums and art galleries, you can learn about Aboriginal culture in many different ways.
Visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge – The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the must-see landmarks in Australia, and it’s also a great place to visit during your trip. You can visit the bridge and the surrounding area on foot or via a quick ferry ride.
Must-See Beaches
The pristine beaches that line the coasts of Australia are some of the most famous in the world. From the Barrier Reef to the Great Ocean Road, there are so many gorgeous beaches to explore.
Cable Beach – If you visit Western Australia, you have to visit Cable Beach. This stunning stretch of sand is one of the iconic images of the area, and you can take a photo next to the giant cactus that sits on the beach.
Cairns Beach – If you head to Tropical North Queensland, make sure you visit Cairns Beach. This stretch of sand is home to the Great Barrier Reef, making it one of the must-see beaches in Australia. It’s also the site of the annual Cairns Festival.
Colwin Beach – Queensland’s Gold Coast is home to many iconic beaches, including Culwin Beach. You can see the famous “Surfers’ Point” at this beach, and many people come to surf, skateboard, or just enjoy the water.
Must-See Wildlife
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef isn’t the only way to see incredible wildlife in Australia. There are so many must-see wildlife experiences that you’ll never run out.
Spot Koalas – One of the most iconic animals in Australia, koalas can be found in many parts of the country. You can see them in trees in many cities and towns, especially in the Eastern Coast. If you want to see them in their natural habitat, there are many great places to do so, including in the forests of Southern Queensland.
Cuddle a Kangaroo – Kangaroos are another widely known part of Australian wildlife, and you can see them in many places. You can even cuddle a kangaroo at a number of places around the country, including in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
Explore Whale Migration – Many parts of Australia are home to migratory whales, and you can visit during the migration season to see them. You can see whales near the coast at places like Hervey Bay, Queensland, or in Bass Strait, Melbourne, Victoria.
Must-Do Cities
There are so many incredible must-do cities in Australia, you’ll want to visit as many as possible on your trip.
Sydney – One of the most iconic must-do cities in Australia, Sydney is a must-see destination, especially since it’s as close to the airport as it is to the Great Barrier Reef. There are so many things to do in Sydney, including exploring the Sydney Harbour Bridge and taking a ferry ride to see the iconic Sydney Opera House. You can also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, walk the Sydney Harbour Walkway, and shop in one of the many amazing city malls and markets.
Melbourne – Another must-do city in Australia is Melbourne. This vibrant city is home to many great places to visit, like the National Gallery of Victoria, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the State Library of Victoria. You can also check out the Yarra River, which is great for cycling and paddling, and shop at some of the most iconic city shopping experiences, like the Block Place and Flinders Street Station.
Must-Do Shopping & Experiences
Many of the must-do cities in Australia also have world-class shopping and experiences, such as the Melbourne Cup and Sydney New Year’s Eve. Go to the Melbourne Cup – If you’re heading to Melbourne at any point during your trip, you have to attend the Melbourne Cup. This world-famous horse race is a must-do experience, and you’ll get the chance to experience all the excitement of the race and the surrounding festivities. You can also see the race at other parts of Australia, like at the Gold Coast or at the Sydney Olympics. Attend Sydney New Year’s Eve – Another must-do experience that can be found in Sydney is New Year’s Eve. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is illuminated during this incredible experience, and you can also catch a fireworks show at Sydney Harbour. This is a must-see event for many people, so you want to make sure you purchase tickets as soon as you can to make sure you get a spot to experience the magic.
Must-Try Foods & Drinks
There are many must-try foods and drinks when visiting Australia, and they make a great souvenir to remember your trip by.
Wine – Wine is a must-try beverage when visiting Australia. There are many wineries throughout the country that ship internationally, so you can bring some home with you. Some of the most famous wine regions are in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.
Caviar – Another must-try food when visiting Australia is caviar. Caviar is a salty
