Australia is one of those countries you should definitely include on your travel bucket list. You might think it’s only about Kangaroos, beaches, and the wilderness. Nothing could be further from the truth—because the land down under has more to offer than you can imagine.
A haven for adventurous travelers, Australia is jam-packed with enough environmental, cultural, and culinary diversity to satisfy a thousand itineraries. There’s so much to choose from, whether you’re a foodie, an adrenaline seeker, or a beach lover. That’s why it can be pretty overwhelming to plan an itinerary, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
Given its enormous size, even locals find it tricky to choose the best places to visit and things to do in Australia. If you’re finding it hard to come up with a list of activities to do once you’re in this incredible country, read on to explore a roundup of five one-of-a-kind things to do while exploring what Australia has to offer:
- Embark On A Vintage Train Journey
Traveling by train isn’t something a tourist or even a local would think of doing when in Australia. But if you’re looking to discover the beauty of the country while traveling in style, Vintage Rail Journeys are the perfect opportunity to do so.
Take the Ghan that travels from north to south for an epic train journey. The Ghan, named after the Afghan camel drivers who mapped the route long before the railway was completed, runs straight up the middle of the country from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. With stops in the outback town of Alice Springs and the breathtaking Katherine Gorge, this journey spans three days and more than 1,800 kilometers through Australia’s iconic Red Centre environment.
You can also get on board the Indian Pacific, which travels 2,700 miles from Sydney to Perth over the surreal Nullarbor Plain if you prefer to travel the length of the country from east to west. These train journeys will lead you to explore renowned wines, savor delectable fresh foods, and see the region’s surrounding landscape.
- Explore The Underwater Beauty That Is The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s natural wonders, stretching nearly 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast. With your snorkel on, you may explore an underwater world teeming with more than 1,500 different species of fish, marine mammals, sharks, 200 bird species, and six of the seven marine turtle species found worldwide.
In addition, there are several varieties of coral in every color you can think of. From Bundaberg to Port Douglas and the Whitsundays, there are places along the coast where you may go on guided snorkeling or novice diving experiences.
Make sure to take the chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef while you can. Because of its fragile nature, strong sustainability policies and conservation efforts are being implemented. Still, vast portions of the reef have already been bleached and irreparably damaged by rising ocean temperatures and the overall effects of climate change. Make sure you reserve your tour with a green agency encouraging reef protection and etiquette.
- Admire The Sunset At Uluru
Sure, you’ve seen countless sunsets in different parts of the world, but nothing compares to the serene atmosphere you can only experience while admiring the sunset at Uluru. For the original defenders of the land, the Anangu people, this 550-million-year-old ancient monolith, which rises 348 meters into the sky, is a very holy site. Uluru, a part of the Kata Tiuja National Park and situated in the country’s arid ‘Red Centre,’ is a true national icon.
Uluru is essentially in the heart of the Outback and is not easily accessible. It is situated close to the town of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. However, Uluru is a great stop to include in your Australia travel itinerary if you’re traveling cross-country. While you’re there, you can book aboriginal tours to experience one of the world’s oldest living culture.
In the glory of sunrise or sunset, the enormous red sandstone rock appears dreamlike, as the rock’s color transitions from ochre to deep orange to an almost otherworldly burnt red shade as a result of the waning light. And the fact that the aboriginal Australians revere it adds to its aura of mysticism and magic.
- Witness The Penguin Parade On Philip Island
The daily Little Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Park is Phillip Island’s key attraction, located two hours south of Melbourne. There’s nothing cuter than the world’s smallest penguins cheekily waddling up to the beach after a day’s fishing and making their way along Summerland Beach every night.
Visitors can observe the tiniest penguins in the world emerge from the water and hike up the beach to their sand burrows at dusk from an elevated observation platform, surrounded by educational and interactive displays. If you’re lucky, you can also witness massive flocks of pelicans perched on the cliffs, sleeping sea lions on the beaches, and dolphins playing in the ocean.
- See Native Animals In The Wild
Wildlife of every strange and lovely type can be found in Australia. The list of animals includes dingoes, possums, koala bears, and kangaroos. See at least one of these rare animals to complete your Australian experience.
Tourists to Australia frequently fantasize about caressing one of the country’s adorable koalas. You may see koalas in the wild in some areas of Victoria, eastern Queensland, and New South Wales, perched in gum trees. But it’s preferable to go to a koala sanctuary if you want a close-up encounter. You may even hold one at Lone Pine, a neighborhood outside Brisbane. There are 130 koalas present; thus, each is only held sometimes and for a brief period.
On the flip side, kangaroos are common in rural areas; at dawn or dusk, you can frequently spot them grazing or jumping across the countryside. But because they are so timid, you typically get only a brief sight of them, usually from the car. Take the time to visit the Blue Mountains National Park for a chance to hand-feed kangaroos.
Final Words
Australia is the place to be if you’re looking for a range of activities and things to enjoy. The list above doesn’t even cover a fraction of what you can experience in such a fantastic destination, but it’s a good starting point. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and start exploring the land down under now!
