Your visa has finally been approved and you’ve made it across the world. Plagued by images of endless white beaches and clear blue skies, how should you tackle the impossible task of what to see first?
Whilst the nation’s world-class beaches are definitely worth a look, Australia also boasts a number of different, uniquely Australian landscapes and cultural experiences. Let our list of top places to visit in Australia have a hand in planning your travel itinerary.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
It might be a bit of a trek to get to, but it’s safe to say that there’s nowhere else in the world quite like Kakadu. Heritage listed for its unique, breathtaking landscapes and preservation of Aboriginal culture, Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park at a cool 20,000 square kilometres. There’s no better place to experience the harsh, aching beauty of the Australian outback.
Charles Darwin, Jabiru Campus is nearby the National Park area
Fraser Island, Queensland
Going to Fraser Island is not your typical beach holiday. The island itself is protected, and you aren’t able to stay there overnight or even lounge on the beach for longer than a few hours. In fact, on foot, you’re only allowed on the beach. You’ll need a tour guide to take you through the island’s foliage, who will expertly drive over the bumpy ground in an off-road vehicle. As well as boasting breathtaking, untouched flora, the island plays home to a number of dingoes and other wildlife.
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
Another trek up north reveals the Daintree rainforest, a tropical, humid wilderness at the uppermost tip of the state. You can book guided tours through the rainforest but explorers are recommended to rent a car, buy a map and tackle the roads themselves: with pockets of hidden beaches, isolated bush cafes and walking trails to discover, you won’t want to be running on someone else’s time.
Daintree Rainforent Observatory, James Cook University locates in the middle of the forest
Barossa Valley, South Australia
With an enviable climate and no shortage of cultivation space, Australia boasts a booming wine industry. South Australia in particular is known for its fine wineries, of which Barossa Valley is the biggest. As well as wine tasting, travellers are offered the chance to sample delicacies made from local produce.
12 Apostles, Victoria
Whilst most Australians won’t mention Victoria when they talk of Australia’s most famous beaches, a trip down the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 apostles is an experience you won’t soon forget. A collection of 12 limestone stacks off the shore of the Victorian coastline, a trip to the apostles showcases Australia’s unique southern coast where beaches aren’t meant just for swimming.
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Named one of the wonders of the world, a snorkel around the world’s largest coral reef is one of the nation’s finest natural delights. Whilst there are restrictions on where you’re able to swim and how deep you may go, experiencing the kaleidoscopic reef face as schools of tropical fish swim around you is something you won’t get to do elsewhere.
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
The Blue Mountains region is situated within a World Heritage area, and offers explorers the chance to hike, relax, or sample local tastes and wines. Many visitors opt to visit the Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation over 3000 feet above sea level, said by Aboriginal lore to represent three sisters who were turned to stone.
MONA, Tasmania
As well as stunning natural landscape, Australia also boasts a thriving cultural scene. The Museum of Old and New Art is the nation’s kookiest gallery, accessible by ferry from Hobart and complete with on-site accommodation. With both permanent and new exhibitions, the gallery’s eclectic mix of styles pushes boundaries of how we can experience and enjoy art.
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Northern Territory
Perhaps the most iconic of Australian landmarks, a trip to the nation’s ‘red centre’ to see Uluru is well worth the effort in getting there. Travellers are unable to climb on the rock itself, but are invited to enjoy the complete sensation of isolation and awe from the flat surrounding area. Uluru is considered a scared Aboriginal site and so visitors must display respect accordingly.
Kimberley Region, Perth
Right on nation’s top-west end, the Kimberley region is hugely expansive and contains a number of separate towns, waterfalls and beaches travellers are advised to research before leaving. Broome’s famous Cable Beach is a favourite amongst visitors, with 22km shoreline that it’s only too easy to get yourself lost in.
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