What To Do in Australia? Top 20 Things To Do In Australia 2023

When visiting Australia, there are so many incredible experiences to be had that it can be difficult to know where to begin. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure (like chasing crocs in the Northern Territory), want to meet furry locals on an iconic wildlife encounter, or want to learn about our culture and history with a First Nations experience. And no matter which of these unforgettable experiences you choose, you simply cannot go wrong.

The Whitsunday Island Hop

What To Do in Australia? Top 20 Things To Do In Australia 2023 — Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

The Whitsunday Islands in Queensland offer some of the best sailing in the world, thanks to perfect winds, calm seas, stunning scenery, and 74 islands to explore (69 of which are uninhabited). Whether you want to chart your own course and hire a yacht with some friends, or simply relax on a private tour and let someone else do the navigating, seeing the beauty of this tropical oasis from the water is one of the best Aussie experiences available.

Travel Across Australia On A Luxury Train

This 2979-kilometer (1851-mile) journey from Darwin to Adelaide is known as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys (or vice versa). You’ll see some of Australia’s most diverse and beautiful landscapes as you travel through the tropical greens of the Top End, over the red desert sands of the Red Centre, and across the rugged mountains of the Flinders Ranges. You’ll also stop along the way for tours of Katherine and Alice Springs, where you’ll learn about Australia’s rich Aboriginal heritage.

Lucky Bay Sunbathe With Kangaroos

It doesn’t get more Australian than lying on a white sandy beach alongside a kangaroo. Residents roos have been seen sunbathing on a few Australian beaches, the most famous of which is Lucky Bay in Western Australia’s Cape Le Grand National Park. This stretch of white sand and turquoise water in Esperance is more than just an idyllic spot to spread out your beach towel and catch some rays with a roo or two (just remember to bring your camera).

The Kimberley Cruise

A cruise ship is one of the best ways to see the Kimberley (one of the world’s last true wilderness areas). Two billion years of natural history are on display along Western Australia’s isolated Kimberley coast, and there are some great cruising experiences that offer unique ways to see it all. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with rocky shores, secluded beaches, ochre-colored gorges, lush waterfalls, and complex river systems, all while enjoying gourmet meals and luxurious sleeping accommodations.

Visit The Cradle Mountain Locals

We’re talking about the furry kind of locals here. The Tasmanian devil is the world’s largest surviving marsupial carnivore, but it is extremely shy and difficult to see in the wild. [email protected], a Tasmanian conservation sanctuary located at the entrance to the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park, is the best place to meet these endangered species. When you visit, you will have the opportunity to meet other threatened wildlife such as the spotted-tail and eastern quolls.

In The Red Centre, Learn About First Nations History

The spiritual heart of Australia, Uluu-Kata Tjua National Park, is located in the Red Centre and is steeped in Aboriginal culture. The local Anangu people, who have lived there for more than 22,000 years, revere Yulara (Uluru) and the 36 domes that comprise Kata Tjuta. Take an Aboriginal guided tour to learn more about the traditional way of life, and don’t miss Tali Wiru, a beautiful experience of dining under the stars overlooking Uluru, complete with a menu of native ingredients and Dreamtime stories, if you’re visiting between April and mid-October.

Observe Turtles Queensland Hatch

Seeing a tiny turtle emerge from an egg and scamper into the sea has to be one of the most incredible experiences you can add to your bucket list. This incredible event can be seen from a few different locations. Mon Repos Turtle Centre, near Bundaberg (4.5 hours north of Brisbane), has the most nesting loggerhead turtles on Australia’s east coast. Visit between mid-January and early February, when the hatchlings begin to leave their nests. The islands of Lady Elliot, Heron, and Lady Musgrave are also popular tourist destinations in Queensland.

Explore The Great Ocean Road

Hire a car in Melbourne and prepare for a road trip filled with breathtaking scenery (after all, this is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives). See the famous surf spots of Torquay and Bells Beach, the kangaroos on the Anglesea Golf Course, the laid-back town of Lorne, and the spectacular 12 Apostles rock formations. In Otway National Park, hike through waterfalls and lush forests, or watch whales from historic Warrnambool. You could drive it all in three hours nonstop, but we recommend at least two days to see everything.

Go To Lord Howe Island

As one of only 400 visitors on the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island at any given time, you’re guaranteed a peaceful slice of paradise when you visit. This secluded island, less than two hours by plane from Sydney and Brisbane, is one of the world’s greenest spots. In this utopia, 75% of the island’s original natural vegetation is still intact and undisturbed, leaving remarkable geology, natural coral, and a rare collection of birds, plants, and marine life thriving. It’s a step away from modern life and a pretty amazing part of Australia waiting to be discovered.

Swim With One-Of-A-Kind The Marine Life

Swimming with Australia’s marine life, from whale sharks to turtles and sea lions, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Swimming with humpback whales in Queensland (Australia is one of only a few countries where you can swim with these majestic creatures), coming face-to-face with a whale shark on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, splashing around with the ever-so-cute sea lions in South Australia, and snorkeling with turtles in Queensland and New South Wales are just a few key experiences to get you started.

Explore The Laneways Of Melbourne

Melbourne’s colorful laneways are home to dozens of hidden small bars, local hole-in-the-wall cafes and restaurants serving stellar food and coffee, and cool one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques. So, whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix and some window shopping in the morning, a night out with city views from a rooftop bar, or the cool underground vibes of a speakeasy-style saloon, a stroll through the laneways will have you picking and choosing from the best the city has to offer.

A Hot Air Balloon Over The Capital Of Australia

Canberra is known for being one of the best places to balloon, thanks to its calm weather, lush scenery, and spectacular views of Lake Burley Griffin. You’re in for a visual treat when you combine the city’s interesting architecture, monuments and sculptures, and Parliament House. Plus, you get to celebrate with a champagne breakfast at the Park Hyatt Hotel afterward, and you have the rest of the day to explore the sights you saw from above.

Go To The Tiwi Islands

This is an unforgettable Aussie experience. The Tiwi Islands are a truly unique part of Australia, located north of Darwin. Bathurst and Melville are the two main islands, with nine smaller, uninhabited islands in between. Almost 90% of the population is of Aboriginal descent, and there is a vibrant Aboriginal art culture that you can experience on a variety of tours showcasing textiles, weavings, and paintings. The islands are also well-known for being a fishing hotspot (think massive Barramundi), with multi-day tours available for anglers.

Visit Rottnest Island To See The Quokkas

Rottnest Island’s famous quokkas are a major drawcard for this island paradise off the coast of Western Australia. These friendly locals are extremely curious, so you’ll have no trouble spotting them; in fact, they’re quite likely to approach you and say hello. Keep your camera handy, but keep in mind that you are not permitted to touch or feed the animals.

Dive Or Snorkel In The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most diverse ocean habitats, with vibrant coral reefs and an extraordinary array of marine life. What better place to put on a wetsuit and go diving or snorkeling? Prepare to see massive clams, majestic sea turtles, graceful stingrays, reef sharks, an incredible variety of tropical fish, and, of course, spectacular coral formations. If you go on an overnight tour, you can even try your hand at nocturnal diving.

The Harbour Bridge Must Be Climbed

You cannot visit Sydney without seeing one of its most recognizable landmarks. Of course, the Harbour Bridge can be seen from a variety of vantage points (did someone say ferry ride? ), but climbing it elevates the experience to a whole new level. Climb the entire bridge from south to north, and back again, for incredible views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic sails of the Opera House (once back on solid ground, we recommend taking a guided tour of the Opera House).

Crocodile Search In The Northern Territory

A trip to the Northern Territory would be incomplete without seeing the world’s largest reptiles, and the saltwater crocs in this region of Australia must be seen to be believed. You can get up close and personal with some of the Territory’s largest crocodiles in the safe and capable hands of Matt Wright and the Top End Safari Camp team. You’ll take an airboat ride through the floodplains, where you’ll encounter more than a few wild crocs. During the wet season, from November to April, day and overnight tours are available.

Go To The Three Sisters

The Blue Mountains in New South Wales, about a two-hour drive from Sydney, are best known for their iconic natural landmark, the Three Sisters. This unusual rock formation represents three sisters (‘Meehni,’ ‘Wimlah,’ and ‘Gunnedoo’) who were turned to stone in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. Echo Point Lookout, which is also the starting point for many great walks that will provide you with multiple vantage points of the sisters as you make your way through the bushland, is one of the best viewing spots.

Get To Kangaroo Island’s Wildlife

Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia, is a nature lover’s paradise. It is one of Australia’s best places to see wild native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, and seals. Walking among the Australian sea lion colony at Seal Bay is a must-do experience. Winter and spring are ideal seasons to visit because sea lions prefer to hang out in the dunes away from the sea breeze. To learn about these endangered animals, you can either wander around on your own or join a guided tour.

In The Northern Territory, Go Waterhole Hopping

The Northern Territory’s desert landscape is dotted with gorges, lagoons, waterfalls, thermal springs, and canyons that are ideal for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day. Whether you choose to swim beneath one of the Top End’s majestic waterfalls, float around a thermal spring in Katherine, or relax by the serene pools deep within ancient canyons, the experience will be unlike any other.

Topic: What To Do in Australia? Top 20 Things To Do In Australia 2023

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