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If you’re planning a trip to Australia and want to experience the very best this stunning country has to offer, we’ve got you covered with the best of Australia. From diving into the mesmerizing depths of the Great Barrier Reef to visiting the pristine Wineglass Bay, Australia is a treasure trove of natural wonders.
Marvel at the iconic Uluru, immerse yourself in the joy of swimming with dolphins and witness the awe-inspiring Saltwater Crocodiles in the Northern Territory. And for the thrill-seekers, don’t miss the chance to go sandboarding on the magnificent dunes. Join us as we uncover the six must-know experiences that make up the best of Australia.
One of the most unforgettable experiences for the best things to do in Australia is diving in the Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder is home to a diverse range of marine life and offers an incredible underwater experience. Make sure to book a tour with a reputable company to ensure a safe and memorable trip minus the Great White Sharks!
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder and one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, home to countless species of marine life. As visitors, it’s important to respect this fragile environment and be conscious of our impact on it. This means following responsible tourism practices, such as not touching or damaging the coral, not littering or polluting the water, and using reef-friendly sunscreen. By treating the Great Barrier Reef with respect, we can help preserve this incredible natural wonder for future generations to enjoy.
Dive Sites:
Nestled in the Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is a must-see attraction. Ok, ok, it had wine in its name, so I had to pick it. With its unique shape and clear waters, it’s no wonder this bay is world-famous. Also, if you’re up for a challenge, take the hike up to Mt. Amos for a breathtaking view of the bay and surrounding areas.
No trip to Australia would be complete without a visit to Uluru, the massive red rock, otherwise known as Ayer’s Rock in the heart of the Outback. I wrote a book report on it in 4th grade and have wanted to visit ever since. Witnessing this natural wonder in person is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. best of Australia. You can take a tour or explore the area on your own; just be sure to respect the sacred site and its history.
Uluru is located in the heart of the Australian Outback, which makes it quite remote and isolated. This means that reaching it can be quite expensive, especially if you’re flying in from one of the major cities like Sydney or Melbourne. It’ll take a day from Sydney to get out to it, but it’s worth the time and the cost.
Getting to see Uluru in person is an unforgettable experience, or so I’m told. Plus, the surrounding landscape is also incredibly beautiful and unique, making it a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
Just be sure to budget accordingly and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Travelers around the globe have ranked this spot in the top three best of Australia to explore.
Check out: Exploring Dark Tourism in Iceland and Controversial Attractions
For a truly magical experience, head to Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island to swim with dolphins. These curious and playful creatures are a joy to be around; swimming with them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Who doesn’t just start smiling when a dolphin is out bouncing around? Just make sure to book ahead, as spaces fill up quickly.
Locations:
Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island, Queensland: This resort offers a unique opportunity to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins. Every evening, a group of dolphins visit the resort’s shores, and visitors can wade into the water to interact with them under the supervision of marine experts.
Rockingham, Western Australia: Just south of Perth, you’ll find opportunities for swimming with wild dolphins in the crystal-clear waters of Rockingham. Tours typically include the chance to snorkel with dolphins in their natural habitat.
Monkey Mia, Western Australia: This is a renowned location for dolphin encounters. Wild dolphins, mainly bottlenose dolphins, visit the beach regularly, and visitors have the opportunity to wade into the shallow waters to get close to these intelligent marine mammals.
If you’re an animal lover, you can’t miss the opportunity to see saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory; just don’t fall in. These massive creatures can be dangerous, so it’s best to view them from a safe distance.
Personally, I’d prefer most of them to be used to make me a purse, but I’m open to looking at them from a distance as well. While you’re there, make sure to explore Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to diverse wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and more.
Locations:
Kakadu National Park: Kakadu is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed park in the Northern Territory, known for its diverse wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles. You can take guided boat tours on the rivers and wetlands to spot these impressive reptiles in their natural habitat.
Yellow Water Billabong: This is a popular location within Kakadu National Park for saltwater crocodile viewing. Tours are often available, allowing you to get up close to these powerful creatures while staying safely aboard a boat.
Adelaide River: Located just south of Darwin, the Adelaide River is known for its saltwater crocodile population. The Jumping Crocodile Cruise is a famous attraction where you can witness crocodiles leaping out of the water to catch their prey. It’s a thrilling and educational experience.
So, you’re itching to explore Kangaroo Island, eh? Well, get ready because this captivating destination off the coast of South Australia is about to blow your mind with its unique wildlife and jaw-dropping landscapes. Buckle up, my fearless friend, because this is going to be one hell of a ride!
As the name suggests (duh), Kangaroo Island is home to a significant population of those bouncy, pouch-wielding creatures. You’ve seen them in pictures, you’ve seen them in cartoons, and now you have the chance to see them in their natural habitat. Get your camera ready because this is a photo op you don’t want to miss.
Koalas are also part of the star-studded cast on Kangaroo Island. Spot these adorable tree-dwelling marsupials as they chill out in eucalyptus trees, proving once and for all that koalas are just as lazy and cuddly in real life as they appear to be in viral videos. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, rejoice!
And let’s not forget about the graceful sea lions. Kangaroo Island’s Seal Bay Conservation Park is your ticket to observing these marine mammals in all their blubbery, flipper-flapping glory.
Coastal scenery lovers, get ready to fall head over heels for Kangaroo Island. Rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters will have you questioning why you didn’t pack your swimsuit.
And if you’re craving even more nature-filled goodness, Flinders Chase National Park is calling your name. With iconic Admirals Arch and the natural wonder known as the Remarkable Rocks, you’ll be treated to diverse landscapes that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a surreal painting. Hiking trails through native bushland? Check. Showcase of the island’s natural beauty? Double check!
It’s not just the kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions stealing the show on Kangaroo Island. This place is a hotbed of biodiversity. Native birdlife will serenade you as you explore the island’s eucalyptus forests, admire wildflowers, and marvel at unique plant species.
Hiking and nature walks are the perfect antidote to a sedentary lifestyle. Kangaroo Island has got you covered with a range of trails that will make your heart race with excitement. Immerse yourself in nature’s embrace, discover hidden gems along the way, and feel alive like never before.
And if all that wildlife-watching has left you hungry for more, guided wildlife tours are here to satisfy your appetite. Learn all about the island’s ecology, observe its fascinating inhabitants in their natural habitats, and become the unofficial expert on all things Kangaroo Island.
This mountainous region, spanning across Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, is here to give you a diverse and captivating alpine experience like no other. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into what makes the Australian Alps a freaking awesome destination, especially during the winter season.
The Australian Alps boast landscapes straight out of a postcard. Picture this: snow-capped peaks, high-country meadows, and pristine mountain lakes that would make any nature enthusiast weak at the knees. Yup, the scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful and provides the ultimate serene escape from the chaos of everyday life.
When winter rolls around, these mountains transform into a snow lover’s paradise. Ski resorts like Thredbo and Perisher are your ticket to a whole world of snow sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Whether you’re a snow newbie or a seasoned shredder, the alpine terrain has got something for everyone.
The Australian Alps are not just a one-season wonder. Oh no, my fearless friends, during the warmer months, this place becomes an epic destination for hiking and bushwalking. That’s right, there are numerous trails just waiting for you to conquer them. Picture yourself strolling through alpine meadows, wandering through forests, and soaking in panoramic viewpoints that will leave you in awe.
Kosciuszko National Park, in particular, is the crown jewel of this mountainous wonderland. Why, you ask? Well, for starters, it’s home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Yeah, you read that right – you’ll be standing on top of the world (okay, maybe just the top of Australia, but still pretty damn high!). Winter sports are just the tip of the iceberg here because this national park also offers a network of hiking trails that will make your heart sing. Take on the popular summit walk for truly stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Alright, my fearless desert explorers, get ready to enter the awe-inspiring realm of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Located in the vast Australian Outback, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the definition of natural badassery.
First up, we have the one and only Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith that rises dramatically from the desert plains. This bad boy holds tremendous sacred significance for the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the land, and let me tell you, it’s a sight to behold. Uluru likes to play dress-up with its ever-changing colors, especially during sunrise and sunset. From deep reds to vibrant oranges and purples, this monolith knows how to put on a show.
This sacred site is deeply connected to Dreamtime stories that hold the key to the land’s spiritual heritage. Want to learn more? Good news, you can! Hop on a guided tour led by knowledgeable Indigenous guides who will take you on a journey through these ancient tales. Trust me, this is not your ordinary history lesson. Brace yourself for storytelling, traditional ceremonies, and a deeper understanding of the land.
Just 25 kilometers west of Uluru, you’ll find a badass group of rock formations known as Kata Tjuta, or “many heads” in the local Anangu language. These domes of stone are a sight to behold, offering a striking contrast to Uluru and a landscape that will make your jaw drop.
We’re diving deeper into the cultural rabbit hole here, ladies. Join one of the guided tours led by Indigenous guides who hold the key to understanding the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. These tours are more than just a stroll through the desert – they’re an immersion into ancient wisdom and traditions. Get ready for storytelling that will captivate your imagination, traditional ceremonies that will stir your soul, and a whole new level of appreciation for this remarkable landscape.
It’s like an electrifying symphony of hues ranging from deep reds to oranges and purples. Seriously, it’s like Mother Nature decided to put on the most epic light show just for you. Make sure your heart is prepared to skip a beat or two because this visual spectacle will leave you breathless.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta have some epic walking trails that are begging to be conquered. The Uluru Base Walk is a popular choice, allowing you to circumnavigate the perimeter of Uluru on foot. Get up close and personal with its intricate textures, ancient rock art, and feel the power of the desert beneath your feet. And don’t forget Kata Tjuta’s Valley of the Winds. This hiking trail will take you through those unique domes, offering panoramic views that will make you feel on top of the freakin’ world!
Once you’ve had enough of just seeing the sights, it’s time to experience a rush of adrenaline. In this location, you’re going to have to try sandboarding on some of Australia’s massive dunes. It’s a unique experience that’s like snowboarding but on the sand.
You’ll need only a board and some sunscreen to enjoy this thrilling activity. And it’s relatively cheap, especially if you go with a group of friends. Or book a tour and make a bunch of new friends while you’re at it.
Locations
Stockton Beach, New South Wales: Stockton Beach, near Newcastle, boasts the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a prime destination for sandboarding. The dunes here can reach heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet), providing an excellent playground for sandboard enthusiasts.
Lancelin, Western Australia: Lancelin, a coastal town north of Perth, is known for its pristine white sand dunes. The town offers rentals of sandboards and provides an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced sandboarders.
Moreton Island, Queensland: Moreton Island is famous for its Tangalooma Desert, which consists of massive sand dunes. Visitors can enjoy sandboarding down these dunes before heading to the island’s beautiful beaches.
Conclusion
So, now you have a few items from the itinerary I fully intend on living in the next few months. I can’t wait to share those photos and experiences with you in real-time. Australia is an incredible country with so much to offer, and I’m sure that you and I will find plenty to entertain us while we’re there.
From the stunning Great Barrier Reef to the majestic Ayer’s Rock and the unique experiences like sand boarding and swimming with dolphins, there’s no shortage of adventure here. With my list of top things to do, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to the land down under. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Australian adventure today, and always remember to Travel Till You Drop!
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Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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