Most people have considered the places they would put on their bucket lists. We’re talking about the places they want to go and the experiences they want to have.
Have you got a bucket list? What is on your list? If not, how about starting one?
Don’t worry—this isn’t about pre-empting death. It’s about giving you a push to think about the things you’d really like to see and experience in your life and actually do them. Otherwise, we tend to amble through life and never really experience anything! Time goes so fast, after all.
If you polled a group of people, I bet that many of them would say that visiting Australia is on their bucket list.
It’s no surprise. This country is packed with incredible natural attractions. Australia’s natural wonders, from the ancient Daintree Rainforest in Queensland to the majestic Blue Mountains in New South Wales, are key reasons Australia is a bucket list destination. From landscapes to pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and charming towns and cities, Australia will surely make your jaw drop.
Of course, Australia is very large, so it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get to see all of it unless you have a lot of time and a lot of money. For that reason, reading up and doing your research is the best way to pinpoint your ideal experiences; there are probably things to see and do that you have never even realised.
Here are a few places to visit in Australia that should definitely be a part of your bucket list.
The best places to visit in Australia.
The beaches and hinterland of Queensland
Want to be laid back and chilled? Queensland is for you.
With some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see, including those in Byron Bay known for their natural beauty, laid-back culture, and surfing opportunities, the mystical Aboriginal tales of the Hinterland, and fantastic farmer’s markets with gastronomical delights to taste, this is an old-school charm at its best.
For those who enjoy beaches, the Golden sand beaches, Whitehaven Beach, Noosa Main Beach, and the iconic beaches of Byron Bay are perfect options. Byron Bay not only offers stunning beaches but also a vibrant arts and culture scene, with festivals and markets that showcase its alternative vibe, attracting a diverse crowd from hippies to families.
To enjoy the farmer’s market, you can visit the Noosa farmer’s market, Gold Coast organic market or the Jan Powers Farmers market.
The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland
Come on, we had to include it! If you want to find Nemo and his friends, this is the place to go!
A World Heritage Site of great importance, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most natural sites on earth. Stretching for over 2300 km, it is the largest living thing on earth!
Located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is teeming with sea life. Apart from coral reefs and fish, you can see a variety of marine creatures, including whales, dolphins, sea snakes, turtles, and crocodiles.
To enjoy this natural beauty, you can either swim amongst the coral reefs or go on a scuba diving expedition.
The Cape York Road Trip
Never heard of it? Do some research, and you’ll see how stunningly beautiful it is!
Located in the Northeast coast of Australia, this road trip is worth trying if you want to see some of Australia’s natural wonders.
On your Cape York road trip, you’ll make your way through lush rainforests, huge lakes, creeks, and beautiful scenery. What more? You can also learn more about Aboriginal culture and see some Aboriginal sites of great importance.
You can visit some interesting places on this road trip, like Lady Musgrave Island, the twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 and Cania George National Park. You can also have a scuba diving session in the crystal clear water of Finch Hatton.
It will take you a couple of weeks, but this is ‘real’ Australia, away from the tourist hotspots you might be used to.
The Whitsunday Island’s Beaches near Great Barrier Reef
Want to see a beach so blue and white your eyes can’t stand it? Head to the Whitsunday Islands and see it for yourself.
It’s totally natural; you can hike, swim, snorkel, and scuba dive, feeling like Robinson Crusoe himself. The beautiful beaches, a cluster of islands and stunning coastal views makes it a paradise for nature lovers.
The beach is in close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. So you can do all that you do in the Barrier Reef, like snorkelling, diving, sailing, and even swimming with marine creatures.
Australia Zoo in Queensland
Who doesn’t love Australia’s well-documented wildlife? Kangaroos, koalas, even crocodiles!
One of the best places to visit in Australia to see and learn about these and many, many more native Australian species of wildlife is the Australia Zoo in Queensland.
Famous for being Steve Irwin’s brainchild, his family still manages the zoo, which is located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It is one of the best wildlife conservation facilities in the world. Apart from experiencing the life of animals, you can also adopt an animal and thus be a champion of wildlife conservation.
Surfing Hotspots in New South Wales
Love surfing, or want to learn? There’s no better place than Australia.
Sydney is the best spot to head to as you can hop around the city and enjoy the nightlife besides indulging in some surfing sessions.
Bondi Beach, Freshwater Beach, and Cronulla Beach are ideal for surfers of all skill levels. If you are a beginner, you can head to Manly Beach or Maroubra Beach. For expert surfers, Tamarama Beach is the best option. Additionally, the Northern Rivers region in New South Wales offers a diverse array of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it a prime destination for surfers and adventurers seeking to explore beyond the well-trodden paths.
Hiking trails in Blue Mountains National Park
Located close to Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park exemplifies Australia’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and offering unparalleled outdoor adventures in its national parks. Home to native wildlife from koalas and kangaroos to wallabies and tiger quolls, and featuring stunning rainforests, canyons, and ancient cultural sites, this national park is a must-visit for nature lovers.
For picture-perfect scenery, you can view the national park from any one of the lookouts located between Blackheath and Wentworth Falls.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney, New south wales
If you are lucky enough to be in Australia for the New Year’s Eve fun, head to Sydney and watch the iconic fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Transmitted worldwide, you’ll be one of the first to welcome in a brand-new year! You can head on to the Observatory Hill at Millers Point from where you get a straight view of the fireworks at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Apart from this, Blues Point Reserve at McMahons Point, Pirrama Park and Gibba Park at Pyrmont and Embarkation Park in Potts Point are other areas that provide a stunning view of the fireworks.
Ski (yes, really) The Snowy Mountains
Australia might not be a country you would associate with skiing. But during the winter months, the Snowy Mountains are a feast of fun for snowboarders and skiers.
Located in New South Wales of Australia, this is the tallest mountain range in the country. In the summer, this area becomes a much-needed hiking trail.
Wine regions of Western Australia
Western Australia has nine wine regions and six subregions that produce some of the greatest wines in the continent. The Blackwood Valley, Geographe, Great Southern, Margaret river and Peel are a few of the must-visit wine regions in the country.
Stand in Awe at Uluru
You might know it as Ayres Rock, but Uluru is the heart of Australia in so many ways. A huge sandstone monolith in the middle of the country’s ‘Red Centre’, Uluru is Vitally important for Aboriginal culture. In fact, it is the largest monolith in the world.
The area surrounding this natural wonder is surrounded by rock formations, springs and waterholes, making your visit more interesting.
Located in Australia’s northern territory, this wonder occupies a special place for the local aboriginal people, the Anangu. This place is part of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National park and is one of the places to visit in Australia.
Kangaroo Island in South Australia
If South Australia is your destination, then you should not miss out on the Kangaroo Island off the mainland. With untouched landscape, local people and food, beautiful wildlife, and the opportunity to see sea lions offshore, you can experience an island life in the Kangaroo Island.
Whether you want to relax and rejuvenate and enjoy nature or indulge in some adventure like quad biking, and sandboarding, this beautiful island is the destination.
Fraser Island off the East coast
The Fraser Island or K’gari is considered the world’s largest sand island. Natural beauty is what makes this island a popular tourist destination. With clear sandy beaches, and coloured sand cliff, the Fraser Island is a sight to behold!
Visit the Cities
Australia’s cities all have a different feel from one another, so visiting a few is a great way to notice the subtle differences. You have Melbourne and its sporty madness, Victoria’s quirkiness, Sydney’s hip and happening surfer feel, with plenty of fun to be had in Canberra, Darwin, Perth, and the list goes on!
Conclusion
These are just a few must-do activities that many people enter onto their own personal bucket lists. Yours might be completely different, but whatever your preference, you’ll certainly find it somewhere in Australia!
We, for sure, haven’t mentioned even half of the top attractions Australia is known for, but we’ve given you a taster. So now, what will you put on your bucket list, and where will you go first? Grab a map and get planning.
