What is Australia Known For?

Wide stretches of tropical beaches, marine preserves, Aboriginal culture, adorable koalas, rolling wine country, and lush rainforests are just a few of Australia’s many attractions.

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Australia is one of the most diverse and fascinating nations on the planet, from the humid north of Queensland, home to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, to Sydney’s iconic architecture and Melbourne’s buzzing independent neighborhoods.

Australia Known For: #1 The Great Barrier Reef

Where on earth can you find the endangered green turtle and the warm-water dwelling dugong? The extraordinary Great Barrier Reef, which extends over 1,400 miles off the northeastern coast of Australia and is listed by UNESCO, is the answer.

Even the most adventurous travelers can feel small next to this staggering reef system’s sheer size. With 1,500 different species of fish and more than 400 different types of stunning coral, the ecosystem is extraordinary.

Airlie Beach or Cairns in Queensland, where swirls of glistening white sand streak through the clear water, would give you a glimpse of this magnificent Australian landmark.

Consider flying over Heart Reef near the Whitsunday Islands in a seaplane to get a bird’s-eye view when you visit the Great Barrier Reef. Soaring over this heart-shaped reef formation is the only way to see it because of its protected status.

Make sure you have sufficient battery life for the journey because you’ll want to record this vision with a camera. As your guide highlights locations like Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach, Daydream Island, and Hayman Island, take in the breathtaking views below.

Take a trip on a glass-bottom boat to see the variety of marine life at the Great Barrier Reef up close. Dive into the aquamarine waters for a chance to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the world while swimming with shimmering Maori wrasse, enormous manta rays, and glowing clownfish.

Australia Known For: #2 Aboriginal Art

Aboriginal art refers to the creations of Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and includes both ancient rock art found in revered locations like Uluru and contemporary paintings on display in contemporary galleries across the nation.

The Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square, Melbourne, specializes in showcasing the creations of the Koorie Aboriginal culture of South-Eastern Australia. With its program of immersive exhibitions, permanent gallery, and open events like talks and workshops, the First Nations-owned and managed organization is a must-see.

Join the fascinating Waranara tours of the Australian Museum in Sydney to learn more about the cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while touring exhibits of the museum’s objects. The tours are led by knowledgeable First Nations guides.

Australia Known For: #3 The Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most well-known images. Three pearly-white sails distinguish the Sydney Opera House, which is situated on the expansive city harbor.

Since its opening in 1973, this center for music, the performing arts, and dining has wowed visitors. It was created by the Danish architect Jrn Utzon and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sydney Opera House’s auditoriums are the home of Opera Australia, the Sydney Theatre Company, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. They are conveniently located between two other well-known Sydney landmarks, the Royal Botanic Garden and The Rocks neighborhood on Bennelong Point.

A behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house is among the best things to do in Sydney. Admire the cathedral-like interiors, explore the Opera House’s typically off-limits basement, and discover its fascinating history.

Save some time to savor a leisurely lunch at Bennelong, the Sydney Opera House restaurant run by celebrity chef Peter Gilmore. Along with breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you’ll be treated to course after course of fine Australian cuisine.

You must make a reservation for a table at Bennelong before coming because it’s one of Sydney’s most well-liked eateries.

Australia Known For: #4 Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)

Just north of Hobart, Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a stunning modern art venue surrounded by lovely landscaping and a leafy vineyard. It is situated on the banks of the River Derwent.

The museum, the main draw of Hobart’s impressive cultural scene, is accessible via ferry from the city’s waterfront Brooke Street Pier in 25 minutes.

A full day could be spent at MONA, taking in the elaborate architecture and exhibitions before relaxing with a glass of tangy wine at the Moorilla Winery.

The two kitchen-garden restaurants at the museum, Source and Faro Bar and Restaurant, provide plenty of MONA talking points as you graze on delectable Tasmanian produce.

Australia Known For: #5 Quirky Melbourne Neighborhoods

Cities in Australia are renowned for being made up of a collection of fiercely independent neighborhoods. Visitors could enjoy independent stores and a variety of restaurants in Brunswick, a nostalgic seaside atmosphere in St. Kilda, and chic boutiques and cafés in South Yarra in Melbourne, a city well-known for its quirky quarters.

Head to the Fitzroy neighborhood in the city’s center to see one of the most intriguing. This diverse area is renowned for its vibrant street art, Victorian architecture, charming boutiques, and top-notch eateries and bars.

Before perusing the designer shops of Gertrude Street, start with brunch—possibly the most significant meal of the day in Australia—and some of Melbourne’s renown good coffee at one of Fitzroy’s many all-day eateries.

Visit the many vintage shops on Brunswick Street, along with the cocktail lounges and eateries serving a variety of ethnic cuisines. The majority of the vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes are served at the excellent Afghan Gallery. After that, enjoy killer cocktails and craft beer on Brunswick’s Naked for Satan’s rooftop.

Fitzroy’s neighbor to the east, Collingswood, is equally charming. Visit Lamington Drive and Backwoods Gallery for a variety of Australian art, try the single-origin coffee at Proud Mary, and linger over a leisurely lunch and some regional brews at Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall.

Australia Known For: #6 Daintree Rainforest

Australia’s landscape includes red desert, sweeping vineyards, forested mountains, and rainforest in the tropical north. The most well-known one is Daintree in Queensland.

Daintree is the world’s oldest living rainforest and one of Australia’s most well-known landmarks, with an estimated age of 135 million years. This 17,000 hectares of Yalanji territory in North Queensland’s ancient emerald jungle is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, which features exhibits, a canopy tower, and aerial walkways, to make the most of your time here. Before entering the jungle, treat yourself to some locally made Mungalli Creek dollop ice cream from a café.

Five different viewing platforms are available from the 75-foot high canopy tower, and the mid-level aerial walkway offers breathtaking views of McLean’s Creek, which runs through the center of the Daintree.

Explore Daintree’s biologically diverse landscape by meandering through lush ferns, slinking vines, and soaring tropical trees.

Watch out for native animals like Bennett’s tree kangaroos, ringtail possums, southern cassowaries, and the brilliant blue and black butterfly. Take a boat ride along the crocodile-infested Daintree River to see some of the leathery reptiles that call Daintree home.

Australia Known For: #7 Beaches

Australia’s scorching shores have gained iconic status throughout the world, from New South Wales’ hidden coves to the vast stretches of gleaming white sand beaches in Queensland.

One of the most well-known beaches in Australia is Bondi in Sydney. On the soft, fine sand, take a seat and unwind. Take a swim or enroll in a surfing class to handle Bondi’s rolling waves.

Visit Bondi Icebergs Club, a swimming club with a pool carved out of the rocks, if you’re hungry. The club also has a restaurant that serves delicious iced coffee, salads, burgers, and seafood. Enjoy a plate of shimmering oysters with a delicious shallot and lemon dressing.

The gorgeous Four Mile Beach, located in Port Douglas, North Queensland, is a picture-perfect tropical stretch of tilting palm trees and fine sand that is tucked between lush mountains and the warm Coral Sea.

A 30-minute drive north of Cairns in Queensland is Palm Cove, which is renowned for its centuries-old Melaleuca trees on its laid-back esplanade and is situated between rainforests and reefs. Visitors to Palm Cove could unwind on the idyllic beach, take part in water sports, and discover the abundance of delightful cafés and restaurants along the esplanade.

If you live in Melbourne, St. Kilda is a popular area where you can enjoy Luna Park’s exhilarating seaside rides, dig your toes into the smooth sand, and watch for adorable penguins huddled around the pier. There are numerous cafes, eateries, and bars that provide a wide variety of beachfront dining and drinking options.

Australia Known For: #8 Wine

Australia is home to numerous wine regions that export their products all over the world and produces some of the most delicious wines in the world. The Barossa Valley’s undulating hills, which are about an hour’s drive northwest of Adelaide, are among the best.

The ideal time to explore the wineries and taste their products at the cellar doors is when you are traveling through this lush landscape. As you learn about the history of winemaking in this storied region, sip on tart Riesling, smooth Cabernet, and robust Shiraz.

One of the best things about the Barossa Valley is how closely the vineyards and tasting rooms are clustered together. This makes it simple to visit a few wineries in one day and have a leisurely lunch.

The best wineries in the area include Barossa Valley Estate Winery & Cellar Door, Chateau Tanunda, Hart Of The Barossa, and Turkey Flat Vineyards.

Australia Known For: #9 The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a gleaming 44-mile seaside stretch of flawless white sand, the meandering Nerang River, bustling resorts and cities, as well as Australia’s tallest skyscraper, Q1. It is located on the sun-drenched Pacific Ocean about an hour’s drive south of Brisbane.

Surfers Paradise is the hub of high-rise and shorefront activity on the Gold Coast. There are many stores, cafes, restaurants, and lively bars on Cavill Avenue. On the 77th floor of the Q1 building, at the SkyPoint Observation Deck, you could enjoy the expansive views.

If you’re up for a challenge, try the nerve-wracking SkyPoint Climb, a guided ascent that takes you outside of the Observation Deck and up to 885 feet above sea level.

The long stretch of powdery sand where you can sunbathe, swim, and surf is the main attraction rather than the ultra-modern skyscrapers that line Surfers Paradise.

Searching for a more tranquil area on the Gold Coast? For a white sand beach, rainforest trails, and headland walks, visit Tallebudgera Beach.

The Home of the Arts (HOTA), an art gallery, theater, music venue, and more, is located on the Gold Coast and is a great place to get your culture fix. The programming of HOTA includes live comedy, circuses, circus talks, family events, dance performances, and cultural discussions.

Australia Known For: #10 Mount Wellington

One of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks is Mount Wellington, which stands 4,167 feet tall over Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.

In 30 minutes, take a drive from the city to the summit. To refuel for a mountain hike with delectable fresh coffee, veggie quiche, and robust sausage rolls, stop by Lost Freight Café, which is situated on the side of the road on the winding route to the top.

Take a leisurely stroll around Mount Wellington’s summit to take in the expansive views that span the Tasman Peninsula. Visit O’Grady Falls or the multi-tiered Strickland Falls by going on a bushwalk.

Learn about some of the 500 native plant species that have adapted to the mountain’s special microclimate. You might see bandicoots, platypus, possums, and echidnas among the animals.

Australia Known For: #11 The 12 Apostles

The rugged 12 Apostles, one of Australia’s most stunning locations, is what draws people to Port Campbell National Park in Australia, in addition to its wild beaches, incredible surf spots, and the chance to see koalas and dolphins.

The 12 Apostles, a group of imposing limestone sea stacks in the Southern Ocean, are a breathtaking day trip from Melbourne. Each sea stack is given a humorous moniker, like Gog and Magog.

But only eight of the stacks are still standing. Walk along the coastal path to take pictures of the scenery from various perspectives. To get a better look at Gog and Magog, descend the 86 steps known as the Gibson Steps that local settler Hugh Gibson carved into the cliff.

At the nearby Loch Ard Gorge, where a brook of crystal-clear water seeps between two golden-hued cliffs, you can dip your toes in the aquamarine sea.

Australia Known For: #12 Koalas and Kangaroos

The soft, tree-hugging koalas (you’ll want to cuddle one the moment you see one) and the equally recognizable kangaroos are two of Australia’s most well-known wildlife species.

Koalas can be seen in the gum trees as you travel through rural Australia, and kangaroos can be seen frequently in the national parks and open grasslands of the bush. But one of the best things to do in Brisbane is to go to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can be sure to see one of these lovely animals or the other.

The sanctuary, which is located on 44 acres of tranquil grounds, started out almost a century ago by offering safety to koalas. It currently houses a wide variety of animals, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you might also see red kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, platypus, dingos, and southern hairy-nosed wombats.

Topic: What is Australia Known For?

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