Australia is the world’s smallest continent, yet it’s packed with exciting adventures. Whether you want to climb the Sydney Tower, explore the Great Barrier Reef or swim with whale sharks, we’ve got you covered!
The city of Melbourne is also known for its vibrant art scene. It has more than 100 galleries and attracts international talent to its music scene.
1. Climb the Sydney Tower
Sydney is home to several interesting and exciting attractions. From the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to the quaint Royal Botanical Garden, there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking to make the most out of your visit to Australia, then the Sydney Tower is one of the top things to do in the city. It offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings, as well as a 4D cinema experience and interactive panels.
The Sydney Tower (also known as the AMP Tower, Centrepoint Tower, and Westfield Tower) is located on Market Street in Sydney’s CBD. It stands 309 m (1,014 ft) tall and is the second-tallest free-standing structure in Australia.
This spectacular building is also home to the Sydney Tower Eye, which offers visitors 360-degree views of the city. The Observation Deck is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and features multilingual touch screen panels that tell visitors interesting facts about the buildings they are viewing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try the Skywalk! This glass-floored platform encircles the observation deck at a height of 268 m (879 ft) above ground level.
2. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Its 3,000 individual reefs stretch for more than 1,400 miles, making it the largest living structure in the world.
Its stunning beauty can be appreciated from afar, but it’s also a spectacular site to visit on foot, by kayak or by road. Check out a cruise that takes you on an off-the-beaten-track journey to some of the most remote beaches on the Great Barrier Reef or rent a secluded island and enjoy its beauty all to yourself.
Snorkelling is the most popular way to see the Great Barrier Reef and is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the underwater world. It’s a chance to get close to the incredibly diverse marine life, which includes more than 1625 species of fish.
Scuba diving is also a great option for those who want to venture even deeper into the coral sea. You can book a PADI course (from $620 AUD) or take an introductory dive tour.
The Great Barrier Reef is not only a natural wonder that attracts thousands of tourists each year, it’s also an important part of Australia’s economy and culture. It is crucial that we protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef, so it can be enjoyed by generations to come.
3. Visit the Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park is a great place to get out into nature. It’s a huge UNESCO World Heritage site and it offers everything from day hikes to overnight excursions to canyoning.
You can visit the Blue Mountains any time of year, but the spring and autumn months are ideal for adventuring. It’s also less crowded, which makes it easier to enjoy the scenery.
A good place to start is Katoomba, where you can see the Three Sisters rock formation. There are several short walks that take you around the cliffs, but the best way to explore the national park is by hiking.
There are 140 kilometres of trails and State Heritage-listed tracks to choose from. There are so many amazing scenic views to be seen along the way, and you’ll find yourself lost in the wilderness for hours.
Before heading out for a walk, be sure to stop at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre. It’s a great place to learn more about the history of the park and find out about current trail conditions. There are also plenty of books, maps and guides to help you on your journey.
4. Wine Tasting
If you love wine, there’s no better place to find some of the best in the world than Australia. Its unique terroir makes it perfect for growing many different grape varieties, from the more familiar Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Semillon to newer and more experimental ones such as Marsanne, Rousanne, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.
With over 60 official wine-growing regions across the country, there are many different places to go and experience this popular pastime. Some of the most famous regions include Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley.
Another great winery to visit is Vasse Felix, located in Margaret River, which was founded by Dr Thomas Cullity in 1965. A three-hour drive south of Perth, the winery produces some of the finest wines in the region, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay and Shiraz.
The family-run Tahbilk vineyard in Victoria is the oldest winery in the state and still has its original underground cellars from 1860. It also offers a range of premium tasting experiences, such as the Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Experience, where you’ll learn about the process of double barrel maturation and enjoy three wines for $65 per person.
If you’re looking to take your wine-tasting skills to the next level, Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide is one of the best places to visit in Australia. Its sleek cellar door and private tasting rooms offer an immersive look at this renowned brand, plus two restaurants where Grange can be enjoyed by the glass.
5. Swim with Whale Sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is one of the top things to do in Australia, and it’s an experience that every traveller should try. These gentle giants regularly come to Ningaloo Reef to feed on tiny plankton during the coral spawning period.
Swim with these giants in the crystal-clear waters of Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly unforgettable experience. The Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only places in the world where whale sharks congregate in numbers.
It’s a great idea to book with a certified company that respects the sharks and adheres to local laws and guidelines. This is important because whale sharks are one of the most endangered species in the world and they need to be protected from harm.
If you’re interested in getting close to these incredible animals, you should look for tours that operate on the Ningaloo Reef between March and August. These tours are run by a small fleet of boats, and you can choose from whole-day options that take you out beyond the reef in search of surfacing whale sharks. In addition to whale sharks, these tours also offer chances to spot humpback whales, massive manta rays, green turtles, and spinner dolphins.
6. Take a Day Trip to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a car-free, off-the-grid slice of paradise, just 19km from Fremantle. With 63 gorgeous beaches and bays to explore, plus world-famous quokkas, you’ll never be short of things to do on this island.
You can get around the island by bicycle, but if you’re looking for something a bit more active, there are also plenty of tour options available. These range from walking tours to skydiving onto the island, or even day cruises.
If you’re visiting Rottnest Island with children, you can book them in for a fun kids tour. This will take them to all the major sights of the island, from quokkas and Henrietta Rocks to Cape Vlamingh.
Another option is to take a cruise, which is an excellent way to spot some local marine life. This boat journey takes you out into the ocean, where you may be able to see whales, dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals.
You can also walk along the Wadjemup Bidi, a 45 km trail that explores the history of the Noongar people and their connection to the island. It starts in Thomson Bay Settlement and covers the southeast corner of the island, from Thomson Bay to Oliver Hill.