Besides having the opportunity to indulge in a hearty plate of “Shrimp on the Barbie”, Australia is one of the most unique and interesting continents in the world that you must include on your bucket list of places to visit.
Not that Australia needs a lot of reasons to convince someone to go, we dug through the web for some of the best that Australia has to offer to convince anyone to want to book their plane ticket with their “mates” to see the “Land Down Under”. From Western Australia to the East, we have you covered on some of the destinations that will have your name written all over it.
Unique Animals
Some of the most adorable animals in the world are found in Australia. If you are unable to run across any of these beauties in the wildlife, you are sure to run into them at any zoo in the country. The vast array of kangaroos, koalas, wallabys, dingoes, and wombats are sights to see. Just be careful that their cuteness doesn’t fool you. They can be quite dangerous animals, but beautiful to see.
Just a Few Beaches…
Australia has over 10,000 beaches for you to enjoy. Sometimes overlooked, these beaches are breathtaking. With the heat that Australia provides, finding the perfect beach to sit back, pour a drink, and relax is a must. The coasts of Australia are loaded with beach after beach. More than 80% of Australians live within 35-50 miles off the coast. Don’t forget to catch an unbelievable sunset as well.
Melbourne
Voted the world’s most liveable city for many years, it is a must stop in Australia. Filled with unique art and passion, you will be amazed by the graffiti street artists that you will run into. You will also have the opportunity to have some of the best coffee you have ever had and have some brews at the many rooftop bars that engulf the city. Melbourne has some great hotel options available such as Novotel Melbourne Central that you can stay at right in the heart of the city. Don’t miss out on traveling down the scenic Great Ocean Road as well as St. Kilda Beach, which is where some of the most beautiful sunsets can be seen in Australia. And, don’t miss spotting penguins on St. Kilda every night as well as catching the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island every night.
Sydney
Probably the most well known Australian city, Sydney is a sight to behold. Sticking with the beach theme from above, Guide to Sydney recommends visiting Australia’s most famous stretch of beaches-Bondi Beach. It’s a vacation spot in itself. You can hit the waves, surf, eat at the many local restaurants, or hit some top designer shops to keep you busy for an entire vacation. While there, you can take a hike along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Trail and see some of the most scenic sights Australia has to offer.
One of the most gorgeous structures in the world is the Sydney Opera House. With over 40 performances each week, you are sure to be able to catch an array of shows. In addition to catching a show, you can book a tour to see all the ins and outs of the Opera House. While in the area, climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Book ahead of time to see the summit and the panoramic views. And, check out a showing at the IMAX theater, which is the largest in the world.
Ningaloo Reef
Found halfway up the Australian coastline, the Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef loaded with turles, manta rays, humpback whales, and whale sharks. Sign up to swim with a whale shark. Yes, that did say shark! But, this is a gentle giant. This is a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should enjoy. If you are in Australia at the right time (July to October) you may also come across the “Humpback Highway”. Five swimmers at a time get the opportunity to hang with these monstrous creatures. These sea creatures are typically curious about humans and will swim by to see you.
Your family can stay at the Glamping Tents at Sal Salis on the sand dunes near the Ningaloo Coast. They are fitted with hardwood floors, a real bed, ensuite, and sun-heated shower. Amazing food is provided at sunset and then you can have dinner underneath the stars. An exclusive retreat you can’t miss.
Great Barrier Reef
It would be hard to travel to Australia and not stop by The Great Barrier Reef. As one of the seven wonders of the world, the view is one that will forever be ingrained in your mind. You will be able to snorkel, scuba dive, take a helicopter tour, ride on a glass-bottomed boat, and swim with the dolphins. An abundance of marine life and over 3000 individual reef systems will give you a huge opportunity to see some of the most amazing things in the world. Spending time at The Great Barrier Reef could be a whole vacation as well. You might need to start thinking about booking a longer trip!
Pink Lake
I mean, how many people can say they have seen a Pink Lake? Stop by Lake Hillier and be in awe of its absolute beauty. Just a small forest separates the Pink Lake from the gorgeous blue ocean. You can learn about the lake on a boat ride or see it from above on a flight tour. Your family can also stop by Hutt Lagoon, which changes color from red to pink to lilac purple. It is recommended that you visit mid-morning or at sundown. This is also an attraction that can be best viewed from up in the sky.
Australia is a massive vacation experience. There is so much to do and see that it will take many vacations to be able to appreciate the sheer beauty that encompasses Australia. But, some of the more touristy can’t miss spots listed above provides a great starting point for your journey.
Cover image by Liam Pozz
This post is a contribution to HandZaround.com
DID YOU LIKE IT?
SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!
