Things to Do in Australia: Ultimate Travel Guide

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Earth’s most incredible natural wonders, a living system stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coast. This vast coral world is home to thousands of species of marine life, from bright clownfish and giant clams to sea turtles and reef sharks. Whether you’re an expert diver or a first-time snorkeller, the reef offers experiences you’ll never forget.

You can explore the reef from hubs like Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Whitsunday Islands. Each offers easy access to coral gardens, reef pontoons, and glass-bottom boat tours. Many tours even include guided marine biology sessions, helping you learn about the delicate balance of this ecosystem.

Beyond the water, scenic flights offer breathtaking aerial views of turquoise lagoons and heart-shaped coral formations. Visiting responsibly is key, always choose eco-certified operators who protect coral health.

Best time to visit: June to October – clear skies and calm seas make for ideal diving conditions.
Local tip: Stay a night on a liveaboard cruise for sunrise snorkelling, when marine life is most active.

Sydney is Australia’s shining coastal city, full of energy, history, and world-famous landmarks. Start your day at Circular Quay, where ferries glide across sparkling blue waters beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The nearby Sydney Opera House, with its iconic sails, is just as impressive up close as it is from afar.

Walking across the Harbour Bridge is one of the best ways to admire the city. The panoramic views stretch across the harbour to the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Pacific beyond. For a truly unforgettable moment, try the BridgeClimb an exhilarating guided climb that rewards you with stunning views at the summit.

Afterward, explore Sydney’s neighbourhoods enjoy the beaches of Bondi and Manly, the cafes of Surry Hills, and the markets of The Rocks. Sydney is also a great base for day trips to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley wine region.

Best time to visit: September to April – warm weather and vibrant city events fill the calendar.
Local tip: Book the BridgeClimb at sunset for magical golden light and city views that glow into twilight.

Deep in Australia’s Outback lies Uluru, a sacred sandstone monolith that stands 348 metres tall and changes colours with the light. It’s more than a landmark; it’s a spiritual heartland for the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. Watching the sunrise or sunset here, when Uluru glows from orange to deep red, is an unforgettable sight.

Visitors can take guided walks around the base to learn about Aboriginal stories, rock art, and ancient traditions connected to this sacred site. The nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) a group of large, domed rock formations is equally breathtaking, especially during the Valley of the Winds hike.

Stay in Yulara, the nearby resort town, where you can enjoy cultural performances, stargazing tours, and field-of-light art installations that transform the desert at night.

Best time to visit: April to October – cooler weather makes exploring the desert more comfortable.
Local tip: Respect the cultural significance of Uluru climbing is prohibited, so enjoy its beauty from the base and guided paths.

If paradise had an address, it would be the Whitsunday Islands, 74 tropical islands nestled between Queensland’s coast and the Great Barrier Reef. Picture turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and lush rainforests all in one place.

The best way to experience the Whitsundays is by boat. Set sail from Airlie Beach and cruise past coral coves and hidden bays. Whitehaven Beach, known for its powdery white silica sand, is the region’s crown jewel, soft, pure, and cool even under the sun. Hill Inlet Lookout offers one of Australia’s most photographed views, with swirling blue and white patterns that change with the tides.

Many visitors choose overnight sailing trips or catamaran charters that allow you to snorkel, swim, and sleep under the stars. For luxury travellers, island resorts like Hamilton and Hayman offer world-class stays.

Best time to visit: May to October – calm seas and clear skies for sailing.
Local tip: Pack reef-safe sunscreen and book a scenic flight to see the famous Heart Reef from above.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world, stretching 240 kilometres along Victoria’s southern coast. It’s not just a road trip, it’s a journey through cliffs, surf beaches, waterfalls, and rainforests.

Start in Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital, and follow the winding road past Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay. The highlight is the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising from the sea. Stop at Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch to admire more coastal wonders shaped by wind and waves.

The route also passes through the lush Otway Ranges, where you can walk among giant ferns or spot koalas in the wild. Small coastal towns offer cosy cafés, oceanfront lodges, and local seafood. The drive ends near Warrnambool, where whales can often be seen in winter.

Best time to visit: November to April – pleasant weather for driving and beach stops.
Local tip: Spend two to three days on the route to enjoy sunsets, hikes, and lesser-known viewpoints at a relaxed pace.

Kangaroo Island is a haven for wildlife lovers, a place where nature thrives untouched. Just a short ferry ride from mainland South Australia, this island offers rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and a chance to see native animals in their natural habitat.

At Flinders Chase National Park, you’ll find the iconic Remarkable Rocks, granite formations sculpted by wind and time. Nearby, Admirals Arch is home to colonies of playful fur seals basking in the sun. Across the island, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and koalas roam freely.

Visitors can also explore local farms, honey producers, and wineries that add a gourmet touch to the adventure. For photographers, sunrise and sunset reveal the island’s golden beauty at its best.

Best time to visit: March to May or September to November – mild temperatures and active wildlife.
Local tip: Rent a car to explore independently, the island is large, and many natural spots are spread apart.

Step into another world in the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest living ecosystems on Earth even older than the Amazon. Located north of Cairns, this UNESCO World Heritage site is where lush rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, creating a rare natural fusion.

Walk along boardwalks under towering ferns and ancient trees, or take a river cruise to spot crocodiles and exotic birds. At Cape Tribulation, you can literally stand where the “reef meets the rainforest,” surrounded by tropical wilderness and coral seas.

Guided Indigenous tours reveal how Aboriginal communities have lived in harmony with this environment for thousands of years. Many eco-lodges allow you to stay deep in the forest for a peaceful, immersive experience surrounded by sounds of nature.

Best time to visit: May to September – the dry season offers comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Local tip: Bring insect repellent, and don’t miss the scenic ferry crossing over the Daintree River.

The Kimberley region in Western Australia is one of the last true wildernesses on Earth vast, dramatic, and untouched. It’s a land of red cliffs, ancient gorges, and waterfalls that thunder during the wet season.

One of the most unique sights here is the Horizontal Falls powerful tidal currents rushing through two narrow gorges, creating sideways waterfalls. You can view this natural wonder by scenic flight or thrilling boat ride from Broome or Derby.

Other must-see spots include the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, with its striped beehive-shaped domes, and El Questro’s rugged landscapes with crystal-clear swimming holes. Travelling the Gibb River Road, a legendary outback track, offers adventure at every turn.

Best time to visit: May to October – dry season roads are accessible and waterfalls flow beautifully after rains.
Local tip: Book 4WD tours or flights early distances are vast, and tours fill quickly in peak season.

No visit to Australia is complete without feeling the sand between your toes at Bondi Beach. Famous around the world, Bondi is the heart of Sydney’s surf culture a mix of locals, travellers, and ocean lovers.

Spend the morning catching waves, joining a surf lesson, or simply lounging by the turquoise waters. The beach buzzes with energy cafés, markets, and art murals line the promenade.

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a must-do. This 6 km trail hugs the cliffs, offering ocean views, rock pools, and small beaches like Tamarama and Bronte along the way. It’s especially stunning during sunrise or sunset when the coast glows in golden light.

Best time to visit: Year-round, though summer (December – February) is liveliest.
Local tip: Visit early morning for fewer crowds and breakfast at one of Bondi’s oceanfront cafés.

Tasmania is an island of wild beauty rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and some of the cleanest air in the world. Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, is the state’s crown jewel.

Hike through glacial valleys, past mirrored lakes, and spot wombats grazing along the trails. The Dove Lake Circuit is a popular walk with breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain reflected in still waters. More experienced hikers can tackle the famous Overland Track, a six-day trek through untouched wilderness.

Beyond Cradle Mountain, Tasmania offers stunning coastal parks like Freycinet with its pink granite peaks and the iconic Wineglass Bay. The island’s small towns also charm visitors with fresh produce, craft markets, and local wines.

Best time to visit: November to March – warm and dry, ideal for hiking.
Local tip: Weather changes fast in Tasmania — always carry a rain jacket and check trail conditions before setting out.