Famous for its marsupials, beaches, sunshine, Australia is a dream destination for many travelers worldwide. But tourists are often pleasantly surprised to find that Australia has much more to offer: from lush rainforest to the barren outback, world-class hotels and villas in Australia, exceptional flora and fauna, fossil sites, and interesting museums, restaurants, galleries, Australia is definitely offers everything for everyone. To guide you on your next Aussie adventure, here are some of the best places to visit just to start your journey to the Land Down Under.
1. Sydney
Arguably the best-known tourist destination and the largest city in Australia, Sydney is the gateway city for many visitors to Australia. A vibrant metropolis of over four million, this city is best known for its outstanding cuisine, shopping, nightlife, and cultural attractions. On top of the list is the Sydney Opera House. You can spend at least a few days here. Still, if you have a limited time, some of the best attractions to visit are the Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Padding Markets, Powerhouse Museum, Manly, Taronga Zoo, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. You can also catch the Hop-on, hop-off bus with 34 designated stops where you can see some of the most popular sites in Sydney.
2. Canberra
Canberra is Australia’s capital city, located neatly between the two most populated states, Victoria and New South Wales. Being the country’s capital, you may imagine how exceptional the local museums and galleries are. If you’re one of the arts and culture-minded person, you’ll surely enjoy this charming city. You should visit the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia with plenty of international exhibits. A visit to the amazing Parliament House will give you an interesting insight into Australia’s politics and history, and the Canberra Glassworks is also a must-visit. If you’re traveling with the kids, you can bring them to the National Dinosaur Museum. Besides the interesting museums, you can also visit the Canberra areas’ outstanding and beautiful nature. Some of the best places to visit are the National Botanic Gardens and the Canberra Nature Park.
3. Brisbane
Brisbane is a popular destination for Australian tourists but also beloved by visitors from around the globe. It’s a vibrant city that crisscrosses the Brisbane River, and its friendly environment, boutique shopping, and top restaurants are exceptional. Brisbane is quieter than Melbourne and Sydney, but not sleepy, and there’s always many to do and see. South Bank is the best for sightseeing that offers everything from a beautiful artificial inner-city beach to an authentic Nepalese Pagoda. At the same time, West End is famous for its nightlife, with the Lychee Lounge’s best craft cocktails. You can also visit the South Bank’s Collective Markets for some beautiful handmade, artisanal objects by locals.
4. Byron Bay and Nimbin
Known for its hippie culture, Byron Bay and Nimbin are Australia’s alternative lifestyle hub and the Australian hippie movement center. For some gorgeous beaches and lighthouses, visit Byron Bay, which is more commercialized than Nimbin. Nimbin is inland, so expect no beach, but only a colorful streetscape and unique atmosphere. These towns, 70 km from each other, are very close to the border with Queensland, despite being in New South Wales. They are really perfect for a fun day tour.
5. Gold Coast
Gold Coast is just under 100 km away from Brisbane and a tourist mecca. This city is their answer to Las Vegas, which also have casinos as well. The most visited beach resort town here is the Surfers Paradise, home of the popular bikini-clad meter maids, outstanding Madam Tussauds, and the one-of-a-kind Infinity attraction. You can also find theme parks here, such as Dream World, Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild. But if you’re not into this kind of entertainment, then you should visit Gold Coast’s unspoiled rainforest vistas of Springbrook & Lamington National Parks and the wonderful Mount Tamborine with cheeses, wines, and handicrafts.
6. Cairns and Port Douglas
A quaint seaside village, Port Douglas is a perfect place to relax on the beach or take a walk, while Cairns is a buzzing tourist center and a popular destination for travelers and backpackers worldwide. They’re just about an hour away from each other and the best place to stay while appreciating the gems of this area – the two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system globally and one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Spans 2,600km and have 900 islands and 2,900 reefs, makes it the best place for snorkeling and scuba diving. The waters are rich in colorful marine life, and the corals come in various shapes and colors. While the Daintree Rainforest boasts some of the oldest forests in the world and famous for its outstanding diversity of flora and fauna and amazing walking trails. You can also find several eco-spas to unwind and relax after all of those amazing adventures.
7. Coral Bay
For Western Australia travel, Coral Bay is a must-see. It’s an 11-hour drive from Perth and a 13-hour drive from Broome. Going there, it’s an enjoyable journey if you’re coming from Perth. The Geraldton, Kalbarri, a UNESCO-listed Hamelin Pool, and the popular dolphins of Monkey Mia are all short and great stops. Ningaloo Reef is mostly the reason for tourists visiting Coral Bay. Its coral starts right at the seashore, and Coral Bay is the only fringing reef in Australia. It’s a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving.
