Where to go in Australia

Sydney

Sydney is the city that most tourists consider the main entry point when they visit Australia. Sydney offers lots of sights and attractions, and it houses many spots where you can indulge in your favorite activities to make your tour so much worth it.

You can begin your quest in Sydney through a walking tour, although you can also opt to ride a tour bus if you are not that confident that you’d last on foot. The tour can begin at the Circular Quay, and then you can visit the historic Rocks district. The tour will also include the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the city center, and the Darling Harbour.

If weather permits, you can soak up some sun in the beach at Mainly. You may also want to spend time learning about historical artifacts and other interesting pieces and information at various museums such as the Sydney Museum, Police and Justice Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Australian National Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum, and the Australian Museum. Also, do not miss your chance to take a peek at the city from the Sydney Tower.

Aside from breathtaking attractions, Sydney also offers the most active and fun nightlife in the whole country.

Cairns

This small city may not have lots of great attractions, but it is most-sought after for the fun activities that you can do here. You can try exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. If you are willing to shell out more money for the venture, you can even opt to go to the outer reefs, for more spectacular sights.

If you are a nature lover, you will appreciate the cable car ride to Kuranda. The ride will pass by the Barron Gorge National Park, letting you take a closer look at the lush rainforest and the breathtaking Barron Falls.

While at Cairns, you must not miss the chance to try exciting activities such as snorkeling and water rafting at the Great Barrier Reef, sailing at the tropical islands, skydiving at the beach, and shopping for unique finds at the Atherton Tablelands and the markets at Port Douglas. There are also other fun activities that will suit people of all ages.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is considered as a haven for beach bums and surfers. You can find here Surfers Paradise, which is hailed as the country’s most popular holiday destination. Surfers Paradise provides endless attractions that can keep you busy and entertained during your stay. You can check out wildlife sanctuaries, world-class theme parks, and excellent restaurants, or you can try various activities such as joy flights, cruises, and bungee jumping.

For more modern entertainment, nightlife, and dining experience, you can head on to the Broadbeach. The restaurants, cafes, shopping stalls, and accommodations here are more diverse. This is also becoming famous as one of Queensland’s shopping havens, where you can buy a wide range of items.

If you prefer a more laidback style, you can try visiting the Southern Gold Coast. This houses different beaches where you can take a good view of the coast. Some of these beaches include Coolangatta, Mermaid Beach, Currumbin, and the Burleigh Heads.

Fraser Island

Aside from being the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the sole place on earth where the rainforest grows in the sand. You will find a treasure of natural sights in this island that was named after Eliza Fraser as tribute to her dramatic shipwreck.

You have many choices when it comes to natural attractions in this paradise-like island. You can go to Eli Creek and enjoy the crystal clear water. You can also check out the lakes with unspoiled fresh water, such as Lake Allom, Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, and Lake Boomanjin. There are swimming rock pools such as the Champagne Pools and camping areas such as the Central Station and Ranger Station. You must also not miss your chance to see The Pinnacles, or the Colored Sands.

The place also provides lots of opportunities to see wide varieties of birds and magnificent sea creatures, which include dolphins, dugongs, humpback whales, and turtles.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island beach

Magnetic Island is situated in front of Townsville, and it is home to many wondrous beaches and national parks. It is often blessed with good weather, making it a favorite destination of people who enjoy outdoor adventures such as jet ski tours, sailing, cruises, or simply strolling or hanging around the beaches and shores.

While touring the island, you might want to go on a Sea Kayak tour to get a great view of the island’s marine life. This will give you the best opportunity to get up close with coral reef fish, dolphins, and sea eagles. This also provides the perfect venue for you to learn water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and diving.

There are excellent clubs situated in the island, where the whole family can enjoy playing golf, tennis, horseback riding, and other activities. Taking a quick tour of the island can be done by taxi, bus, or a Harley Davidson.

Whitsundays

If you are into nautical sports, Whitsundays can provide you with excellent venues to explore your interests while enjoying the food and nightlife as well. Among the activities that you can enjoy in this place include snorkeling and diving. You can also do sailing or try riding on motor cruises, catamarans, or charter yachts. There are many great resorts and beaches that you can choose from, depending on your budget and other preferences. Some of the popular destinations here include the Abel Point Marina, the Airlie Beach Lagoon, the Big Mango, Hook Island Observatory, and Whitsunday Great Walk.

Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock is considered sacred to the Aborigines. It can be found at the heart of Australia, near the Alice Springs city, which can also be the departure point. The biggest rock monolith in the whole world, Ayers Rock is certainly a breathtaking sight to see. Around the place, you will also find deserts, which can also be explored and be part of your adventure.

Melbourne

Eureka Tower standing out on Melbourne skyline

Melbourne boasts of diverse attractions that will suit people of all ages. It has many great restaurants where you can indulge in various local and international delicacies.

You may want to begin your tour of Melbourne by exploring the bayside playgrounds of St. Kilda before you head off to what is known as Australia Heritage, Williamstown. There are shopping precincts that can be found in South Yarra, where you can buy a wide range of valuable items.

To get a bird’s eye view of the city, you can proceed to the Melbourne Observation Deck, which is situated at the top of the Eureka Tower. You must also check out the Federation Square to see the riverside of the city, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you will be treated to a display of more than 12,000 species of plants and wildlife.

Kakadu National Park

At Australia’s Northern Territory, you will find yet another popular tourist destination: the Kakadu National Park. The reserve is unique both in its ethnological and archaeological features. In addition to its four river systems, nearly two thousand plant species and more than ten thousand animal species, plus the giant termite mounds that are one of the park’s main attractions, Kakadu National Park also features more than five thousand Aboriginal arts sites featuring rock carvings and cave paintings – all part of the reason why Kakadu National Park has been included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

Tasmania

Port Arthur, historic site in Tasmania

Tagged as one of the most beautiful places in Australia, Tasmania has many wonderful beaches, lagoons, mountains, and various historical sites. You will be amazed at the place’s infrastructures, which until today retain traces of what was once the biggest prison compound for British convicts.

Tasmania is included in Australia’s World Heritage Convict sites.

But Tasmania today is far from being a prison site. The island now boasts of fine dining and world-class wines, as well many other fun activities that you can try, such as fishing, camping, playing golf, wildlife adventures, surfing, and kayaking.

There are various sites and sights to behold in the island, so you really have to plan your visit to make the most out of your stay here. Some of the places that you must check out are King Island, Gordon River, Flinders Island, Mount Wellington, Hastings Caves, and Salamanca Place.