Australia is an enormous nation with many unbelievable locations and an countless array of experiences. Whereas it’s unattainable to cowl it multi function journey, here’s a listing of our prime locations in Australia that you might add to your bucket listing.
1. Aboriginal Cultural Exploration
Immerse your self in Australia’s oldest tradition as you go to sacred websites and thriving Aboriginal communities amidst spectacular landscapes.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory
Soak within the sprawling majestic panorama of Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Park, Northern Territory. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Park is dwelling to 2 of the nation’s most phenomenal pure monuments, Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Excessive on the listing of well-known Australian locations, each websites stay deeply religious and sacred to the native Anangu individuals who have lived right here for greater than 22,000 years.
A very good begin to understanding the importance of this park is the award-winning Cultural Centre, the place you’ll discover every thing from artwork galleries to cultural displays on the native Anangu tradition.
Take the free, guided Mala Stroll, a two-kilometre (1.2-mile) hike alongside the bottom of Uluru that is stuffed with insights in regards to the conventional tradition of the native Anangu Aboriginal individuals, together with a few of their historical rock artwork.
Alternatively, be a part of a Maruku Arts unique tour, guided by an Anangu who will inform you tales of this distinctive panorama and clarify the connection between the artwork, tradition and land. This may be adopted by a hands-on dot portray session which supplies you particular perception into the which means behind the artwork and symbols of Anangu tradition.
Come dusk, soak within the stars over a Sounds of Silence bush tucker dinner that includes native elements like crocodile meat, and be entertained by Dreamtime tales and sounds of the didgeridoo.
Kakadu Nationwide Park, Northern Territory
Take a detailed have a look at Aboriginal rock artwork at Kakadu Nationwide Park, Northern Territory. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
World Heritage-listed Kakadu Nationwide Park is the nation’s largest nationwide park with among the most breathtakingly lovely spots in Australia. Right here you’ll discover lush rainforests and rock artwork galleries as much as 20,000 years previous, religious houses to Aboriginal tradition.
For an in-depth expertise, be a part of the two-hour family-run Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Excursions and find out about native bush tucker, throwing spears, making baskets and luggage, and taking part in devices just like the clapsticks and didgeridoo.
From Cooinda Lodge, you may set off on Aboriginal-led Animal Tracks Safari to understand the panorama from their perspective, acquire unique entry to the wetlands, and finish the day with a campfire bush meals cook-up. Close by, the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a must-visit. Developed by the land’s conventional custodians, you’ll discover shows of artefacts, native artists at work, and a gallery store promoting arts and crafts.
Kakadu Cultural Excursions, owned by the Djabulukgu Affiliation representing the normal homeowners of Northern Kakadu and elements of Western Arnhem Land, run immersive two-night experiences. Positioned in a distant and restricted space of Kakadu, it’s the place you’ll acquire entry to Cannon Hill, a registered sacred web site teeming with chook and marine life, and revel in a sundown rock artwork tour.
Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory Meet the Aboriginal locals at Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory. | Credit score: SeaLink NT
The Tiwi Islands, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) off the coast of Darwin, are an off-the-beaten-track Australian vacation spot for intrepid travellers. The islands are famend for his or her thriving Aboriginal artwork tradition, wonderful fishing websites and fervour for Aussie Guidelines Soccer. Nearly 90% of residents are of Aboriginal descent and there are many alternatives to fulfill them on a spread of cultural excursions.
2. Iconic Locations
These iconic cities are favorite Australian vacationer points of interest, every distinctive in its personal means.
Sydney, New South Wales
The enduring sails of the Sydney Opera Home, Sydney, New South Wales. | Credit score: Cultural Sights of Australia
Deemed some of the lovely cities on the planet, Sydney is the nation’s oldest and largest metropolis—a prime vacation spot in Australia. The well-known harbour has among the nation’s most wonderful seashores and can also be the place you will discover the enduring landmarks of Sydney Opera Home and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Extra sandy stretches await alongside the coast, from Bondi to Coogee, attracting sun-worshippers and surfers alike.
Melbourne, Victoria
Flinders Avenue Station serves the whole metropolitan rail community of Melbourne, Victoria. | Credit score: Go to Victoria
Often known as some of the habitable cities on the planet, the southern metropolis of Melbourne has every thing Aussies love most on the planet—leisure, sport, tradition, artwork, music, meals, and low amongst others. There’s eye-popping road artwork, a plethora of eating places, bars and hidden speakeasies. When you’ve wined and dined, take a highway journey alongside the Nice Ocean Street the place spectacular rock formations, countless coastlines and wild koalas await.
Perth and Margaret River, Western Australia
Voyager Property is only one of 200 vineyards in Margaret River, Western Australia. | Credit score: Voyager Property
Australia’s sunny western capital is the gateway to epic adventures involving meals and wine. A 3-hour drive from Perth, the Margaret River area is among the few locations on the planet the place wine grows inside metres of the seashore. Uncover beautiful wines, in acclaimed eating places and luxe inns, alongside spectacular forests, seashores and extra to maintain the entire household entertained.
Hobart, Tasmania
Mount Wellington overlooks Tasmania’s capital Hobart, Tasmania. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
The capital of Tasmania and the second oldest capital metropolis after Sydney, Hobart is the place you may breathe in among the freshest air on the planet. Guests get to expertise all of the highlights of Australian tourism right here, from gorgeous pure magnificence to effective eating, thriving markets and cultural points of interest.
Inside attain of town are actions like alpine mountaineering, ocean kayaking and World Heritage-listed hikes. After your adventures, a reward for your self is so as—simply take your decide from Hobart’s finest eating places and irresistible bar choices.
3. Wildlife Reserves
Encounter Australia’s magnificent wildlife and meet the individuals defending them at these wildlife reserves and sanctuaries.
Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Take pleasure in watching koalas on the Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie, New South Wales. | Credit score: Koala Hospital Fb
The primary of its type on the planet, the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie has been tending to sick and injured marsupials for almost 50 years. Drop by to examine on koalas recovering in enclosures across the grounds, and be taught extra on their free every day afternoon excursions.
A brief 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary gives guests with the chance to contribute to the preservation of koalas within the space. Observe the Sanctuary Story Stroll to be taught extra about koalas, after which you’ll keep in a single day for a glamping expertise.
Wildlife Wonders, Nice Ocean Street, Victoria
Purple-shouldered wallabies at Wildlife Wonders, Nice Ocean Street, Victoria. | Credit score: Wildlife Wonders Fb
Simply an hour’s drive northeast of Melbourne lies Healesville Sanctuary, set on 32 hectares (79 acres) of bushland. Right here, you may be taught fascinating info from the wildlife rangers as you stand up shut and private with a lot of Australia’s native animals—together with koalas, dingoes, emus, echidnas, wombats, platypuses and even pythons.
West of Melbourne in Ballarat, there’s the Ballarat Wildlife Park, the place you may work together with free-ranging kangaroos and different Aussie favourites. South of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula is the Moonlit Sanctuary, which affords a nocturnal tour to see animals just like the spot-tailed quoll, a cat-sized carnivore native to Australia.
A straightforward day journey from Melbourne is Phillip Island, the place a must-see is their famed Penguin Parade. Embrace a go to to the Koala Conservation Reserve and are available face-to-face with koalas of their pure habitat.
Alongside the Nice Ocean Street, simply 5 km from Apollo Bay, Wildlife Wonders is a spectacular bushland setting. It’s a spot the place the forest meets the ocean, which implies you could spot potoroos, bandicoots and kookaburras within the woods, and in case you’re fortunate, migrating whales within the ocean.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Queensland
Go to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the oldest and largest of its type on the planet, at Brisbane, Queensland. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
A must-do expertise while in Brisbane with the household is to take the scenic Mirimar’s Koala and River Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which has been caring for sick, injured and orphaned koalas since 1927.
South of Brisbane on the Gold Coast, go to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to look at the feeding of untamed rainbow lorikeets—which began over 70 years in the past! Whereas right here, drop by the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to see the very important efforts of the group and volunteers, as they work to safe the way forward for Australia’s wildlife.
In the same vein, the idyllic Fitzroy Island is the place you’ll discover the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, the place volunteers nurse sea turtles again to well being.
Alice Springs Desert Park, Northern Territory
Meet a thorny satan at Alice Springs Desert Park, Northern Territory. | Credit score: Alice Springs Desert Park Fb
The Territory Wildlife Park exterior Darwin is thought for its conservation initiatives, which embrace breeding applications for northern quolls and Tiwi Island masked owls. Right here you may see dingoes, wallabies and emus, in addition to witness the wedge-tailed eagle—Australia’s largest chook of prey—in flight.
To put your eyes on Australia’s largest land mammal, the crimson kangaroo, cease by the wildly widespread Kangaroo Sanctuary, the place volunteers and visiting vets look after injured roos till they are often launched again into the wild. Take a guided sundown tour for the total expertise, whereas figuring out the admission payment additionally helps fund this important centre, one in all Alice Springs’ hottest points of interest.
Sundown is when many animals awake searching for meals, and at Alice Springs Desert Park, you may go on a nocturnal tour to find endangered species comparable to echidnas, malas (often known as rufous hare-wallabies) and bilbies. Through the day, animal sightings can embrace playful dingoes and Australia’s quirkiest lizard, the thorny satan.
Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, South Australia
Rise up shut and private with the wildlife at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, South Australia. | Credit score: Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary Fb
Based in 1969, the Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary incorporates a feral-proof fence, the primary in Australia, and units new requirements for conservation. Wander by means of the sanctuary’s various panorama of rainforest, scrubland and grassy plains, dwelling to free-ranging native animals.
At Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, see the island’s distinctive kangaroos (a singular subspecies of the Western Gray) and its personal inhabitants of Tammar wallabies (plentiful on the island but uncommon on the mainland).
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania
A Tasmanian satan at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania. | Credit score: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Fb
Simply half-hour from Hobart you may meet and feed Tasmanian devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a social enterprise and wildlife hospital that does animal rescue with a facet of eco-education for guests.
When you’re heading additional north, an roughly three-hour drive will take you to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, which showcases Tasmanian species just like the pademelon and the jap quoll, and affords interactive excursions with wombats and devils.
From Trowunna, it’s a brief hop to the spectacular World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain Nationwide Park. Right here you may drop in at [email protected], a world-class conservation facility, for an enlightening have a look at their very important conservation work.
When you’re heading south of Hobart, nevertheless, there’s Raptor Refuge in Kettering. Initially set as much as rehabilitate injured roos, it now incorporates 38 aviaries, together with two of the most important within the Southern Hemisphere. That is the place injured hawks, eagles, falcons and owls are nursed again to well being. Study extra in regards to the birds on the refuge’s non-public Stroll & Discuss excursions.
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, Australian Capital Territory
See uncommon bettongs at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, Australian Capital Territory. | Credit score: Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary Fb
Simply north of Canberra, Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is a exceptional haven for reintroduced species. Some species have been domestically extinct, whereas some are categorized susceptible or endangered, however all of them type Australia’s distinctive ecological make-up. Be a part of an academic tour and meet the uncommon bettong, a teeny relative of the kangaroo, which is bred inside the security of a predator-exclusion fence.
4. Pure Wonders
With Australia’s unbelievable bounty of pure wonders, among the finest locations to go to are out within the wilderness. Listed below are some noteworthy ones.
Nice Barrier Reef, Queensland
Spot clownfish at Mackay Reef, Nice Barrier Reef, Queensland. | Credit score: Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree
The Nice Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and residential to extremely various marine life. Positioned within the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, it’s surrounded by picturesque tropical islands with among the world’s most lovely sun-drenched seashores. To get to the reef itself, there are a number of gateways, together with Cairns, Bundaberg, and the Whitsundays.
Nice Ocean Street, Victoria
Aerial view of the Twelve Apostles on the Nice Ocean Street, Victoria. | Credit score: 12 Apostles Helicopters
The Nice Ocean Street is among the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, full of sweeping coastal views and historical rock formations. The spectacular sights right here embrace the enduring Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and London Bridge. Merely set off on a highway journey from Melbourne, on a meandering 1.5-hour journey, and uncover epic surf, native wildlife, and unforgettable mountaineering and biking trails alongside the way in which. For an adrenaline-pumping expertise, you may as well take within the view whereas skydiving!
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia boasts the world’s highest numbers of whale sharks and interplay charges. | Credit score: Exmouth Dive and Whalesharks Ningaloo
A UNESCO World Heritage web site, the crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Reef are dwelling to the world’s largest fringing reef, a 260-kilometre (162-mile) lengthy coral reef teeming with unbelievable marine life. Swim with whale sharks, manta rays, tropical fish, turtles, and even humpback whales throughout their migration.
Lake Hillier, Western Australia
Ever seen a lake the color of bubblegum? That is Lake Hillier on Center Island, Western Australia. | Credit score: Lake Hillier Fb
Image a lake of the brightest bubblegum pink, separated from a deep blue ocean by a strip of lush inexperienced forest. That’s the pure surprise that’s Lake Hillier, situated on Center Island close to Esperance, an eight-hour drive from Perth. See this magical lake by boat, or from a chook’s-eye view on a scenic flight with Goldfield Air Companies.
Freycinet Nationwide Park, Tasmania
Nestled within the Hazards mountain vary, Wineglass Bay, Freycinet, Tasmania will be the most-photographed view of the island. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
On Tasmania’s east coast, Freycinet Nationwide Park is a picturesque peninsula of towering pink granite mountains that encompass the pristine white sands and calm blue waters of Wineglass Bay. Chill out on the miles of white sand and take the 90-minute hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, or take a day tour through a chartered cruise from Hobart.
Grampians Nationwide Park, Victoria
Soak within the iconic cascades of Mackenzie Falls which move all 12 months spherical, in Grampians Nationwide Park, Victoria. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
A 3-hour drive from Melbourne, the Grampians Nationwide Park is an unbelievable mountain panorama with an enormous array of native crops and animals, a wealthy and persevering with Aboriginal historical past, and the must-see Mackenzie Falls. Take a 2.5-hour return hike that ends with a spectacular view of tree-covered mountains, blue lakes and huge valleys.
Wilpena Pound, South Australia
See Wilpena Pound from the air with operators like Bush Pilots, at Flinders Ranges Nationwide Park, South Australia. | Credit score: South Australian Tourism Fee
A five-hour drive from Adelaide, Wilpena Pound within the Flinders Ranges appears to be like like a crater from the air, an enormous bowl nearly 100 kilometres (62 miles) vast. Surrounded by jagged mountains, it covers eight occasions the world of Uluru. The easiest way to soak up its immensity is through a scenic flight. One other unforgettable expertise is to trek contained in the Pound and climb up over the rim.
5. Widespread Seashores
Give it some thought: Australia has a 60,000-kilometre shoreline, so that you’d be remiss to not cease by one in all its 12,000 seashores. Certainly, it could be one of many defining highlights of your journey.
Gold Coast, Queensland
It’s at all times enjoyable within the solar at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
Simply over an hour south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is a well-known seashore vacation spot and some of the widespread locations in Australia to go to. Surfers and households will take pleasure in Burleigh Heads Seashore with its spectacular surf break. There’s Palm Seashore for its clear, picturesque shoreline that’s hardly ever crowded. Past these, the quintessential Gold Coast seashore is undisputedly Surfers Paradise, with its central location close to resorts and eating places, and wonderful swim and surf circumstances.
Sydney Seashores, New South Wales
An aerial view of Bondi Seashore, Sydney, New South Wales. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
Famed for its beautiful coastal way of life discovered proper subsequent to huge metropolis tradition, Sydney boasts its personal lineup of iconic seashores. Knowledgeable and novice surfers can head to Bondi Seashore or Manly Seashore to check out the waves, while travellers seeking to loosen up and take in the solar can head to Coogee Seashore, with its many snorkelling spots and close by eateries.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Dawn at Cape Byron Lighthouse, which sits on the nation’s easternmost level at Byron Bay, New South Wales. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
Nestled on the coast of northern NSW, Byron Bay is lauded for its gorgeous seashores and relaxed, hippy tradition. The city centre is the place you will get a tarot studying, bask in paddock-to-plate meals, or loosen up and sip a neighborhood brew. However the most effective motion naturally occurs on the seashore, the place you may take a surf lesson, kayak with bottlenose dolphins, and spot whales on their annual migration.
Whitehaven Seashore, Queensland
Whitehaven Seashore, Whitsunday Island, Queensland has been voted the world’s prime eco-friendly seashore and Queensland’s cleanest seashore. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
Whitehaven Seashore is situated on the breathtaking Whitsunday Island, which is a part of the pure surprise that’s the Nice Barrier Reef. With its impossibly white sands and turquoise waters, it’s arduous to take a less-than-flattering picture right here. Go to the seashore throughout a wide range of Whitsunday cruises, or take a 30-minute boat journey out right here whenever you keep on Hamilton Island.
Bells Seashore, Victoria
Don’t miss the prospect to hit the surf at Bells Seashore, Victoria, an incredible spot for world execs and newbies alike. | Credit score: Tourism Victoria
When you’re journeying down the spectacular Nice Ocean Street, you’ll go top-of-the-line surf seashores within the state. Bells Seashore is situated a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne and is the location for the Rip Curl Professional Bells Seashore, drawing prime surfers from everywhere in the world. Putting rock cliffs envelop the seashore, giving spectators a main view of the sand and surf motion down beneath.
Vivonne Bay Seashore, South Australia
Swimming at Vivonne Bay Seashore, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. | Credit score: South Australian Tourism Fee
South Australia’s Kangaroo Island has an abundance of picture-perfect seashores and Vivonne Bay Seashore is lauded as probably the most lovely of all of them. To the east is Seal Bay Conservation Park, and to the west are the miles of the unspoiled bush of the Vivonne Bay Conservation Park. And between these is a mild bay, with an immaculate stretch of sand and crystal-clear waters, best for picnics, sunbathing, fishing and browsing.
Cable Seashore, Western Australia
Expertise magical sunsets on a camel journey at Cable Seashore, Broome, Western Australia. | Credit score: Tourism Australia
The enduring Cable Seashore is situated in Broome, on the northern border of Western Australia. With 22 kilometres (14 miles) of soppy white sand, guests can unwind and benefit from the spectacular surroundings of vivid blue waters by day, and show-stopper sunsets at nightfall. While right here, take pleasure in one of many seashore’s most original actions—a camel journey in the course of the sundown.
Armed with this listing of highlights, you need to have a greater concept of methods to plan your journey. In truth, it would cowl a couple of journeys in addition! The myriad experiences in nature, steeped in wealthy Aboriginal tradition, will go away you wanting extra. And with a vacation spot as huge as Australia, there’s at all times extra to find.
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