20 Locations Not To Miss!

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The commonest factor we get requested about our residence nation is what are probably the most unmissable locations to go to in Australia and what experiences ought to be on the bucket listing?

It’s onerous to reply, as Australia is the sixth largest nation on the planet and provides a lot variety, you would want to spend years exploring all of it to make that listing.

Fortuitously, we did simply that. We explored our personal yard extensively, together with on an 18th month highway journey round Australia, so we expect we all know Australia fairly effectively.

Primarily based on our private expertise, we ready this information to the final word Australia bucket listing, so you’ll be able to slim down some locations to go to in your journey.

Finest Locations in Australia to Add to Your Bucketlist

Within the following listing, we’re sharing each iconic locations and hidden gems that we’ve personally visited. These locations shouldn’t be skipped off any itinerary if you wish to see one of the best of the nation.

1. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

Ahh The Whitsundays. When Belinda Carlisle sang about heaven being a spot on Earth, I consider she was picturing the Whitsundays.

There are 74 islands that make up The Whitsunday Islands, and it’s most well-known for its turquoise blue waters, white sandy seashores, and thriving marine life. What’s to not love?!

It’s residence to our favorite seashore in Australia, Whitehaven Seashore, a protected seashore that’s 98% pure silica, making it one of many whitest seashores on the planet.

I’d guess if you happen to dropped a chunk of paper on it, you’ll unfastened it, as such you aren’t allowed to deliver something on the seashore with you – it’s to maintain it stunning.

In addition to Whitehaven Seashore, there are many different secluded bays with that aqua blue water and pure white sand seashores which can be nice for a snorkel across the Whitsunday Islands.

Throw in tropical sunsets, each water sport possible, and the actual fact you’re within the coronary heart of the Nice Barrier Reef, the best spot for scuba diving. I don’t assume I actually need to go on.

The mainland city of Airlie Seashore is a taking place place with Hamilton Island being probably the most concentrated for lodging and actions.

2. Kakadu Nationwide Park, Northern Territory

Some individuals name Kakadu Nationwide Park “Kaka-don’t”, however don’t take heed to them. They in all probability raced by way of the park on a day journey with a tour group and it deserves a lot extra time than that.

It’s Australia’s largest Nationwide Park and is not possible to see in a day.

We spent 5 days in Kakadu NP and nonetheless solely scratched the floor, however what we noticed made it simply ranked excessive on our listing of favourite locations in Australia.

It’s a UNESCO world heritage web site the place you’ll be able to see historical aboriginal cave work and, after all, the well-known salt water crocodile. It has the biggest focus of salties in Australia, estimating to be round 10,000 dwelling in its waters, so that you don’t want to fret about not seeing them.

From wetlands to sandstone escarpments, waterfalls, swimming holes, billabongs, rivers, wildlife, and aboriginal rock artwork, it has all of it.

3. Margaret River, Western Australia

Most individuals exterior of Australia haven’t heard a lot concerning the Margaret River area, however we’re aiming to vary that. I can’t wait to return to Margaret River – it’s certainly one of our high 3 areas in Australia as a result of it just about has all of it.

There are over 150 wine producers, quite a few breweries, unimaginable seashores, gourmand meals, espresso homes, chocolate makers, cheese factories, caves to discover, forests to stroll by way of, mountain bike trails, whale watching, surf tradition, artists, and gorgeous landscapes.

This area in Western Australia is without doubt one of the oldest within the nation. It has been residence to the Wadandi individuals for over 50,000 years, making them one of many oldest civilizations on the planet.

Regardless of this, it’s extra well-known for wine. It’s one of many world’s main producers of wine, and but grapes didn’t arrive right here till 1967. That is how Margaret River does it – it might take something and instantly make it one of the best.

4. Sydney, New South Wales

You’ll be able to’t go to Australia and never spend at the very least a number of days in Sydney, one of many world’s most stunning cities – lots of you’ll fly by way of right here anyhow.

Certain Sydney has a repute of being on the costly facet, however most of one of the best issues to do are free or low cost.

It’s additionally residence to a few of Australia’s most well-known landmarks. Activate TV adverts and little question you’ll see pictures of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera Home looming earlier than you.

Sydney can be a vibrant metropolis with a youthful environment, and is effectively suited to households too. You’ll be able to take the ferry over to Manly and see the Little Penguins, discover The Rocks District identified for its inventive and bohemian vibes, and my favorite, go to the world-famous Bondi Seashore.

If you need a bucket listing expertise to tick off, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, if you happen to’re not afraid of heights. Climbing excursions function from daybreak till nightfall, do don’t miss out on this distinctive expertise.

When you have extra time to spare, contemplate taking a day journey out to the Blue Mountains and see the long-lasting Three Sisters rock formation.

Watch us discover Sydney on this video

5. Broome, Western Australia

When you’ve been following us for a when you’ll know that Broome is our favorite place in Australia. 

Our love affair with Broome dates again to our days engaged on a pearl farm in the Kimberley area, and so after we deliberate our huge journey round Australia, we ended up spending 5 weeks there and didn’t need to depart.

It’s the panorama that sucks you in; it’s simply so vibrant. Image placing purple earth in opposition to the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean, probably the most superb sunsets over Cable Seashore, and year-round excellent climate.

Would you ever depart a spot like this? To not point out it has the vibe of an enthralling nation city by the ocean!

6. Byron Bay, NSW

This legendary beachside city in Northern NSW has been attracting surfers, the spiritually minded, spa lovers, yogis, backpackers, and anybody looking for themselves for years.

It will probably really feel a bit overcommercialised today as a result of its repute for being a sizzling vacationer spot, but it surely earned that repute for a cause.

With a few of the most well-known browsing breaks within the nation, the choice life-style, and the gorgeous hinterland, Byron is the place to be, and be seen.

Don’t miss the lighthouse stroll previous Wategos Seashore, dawn and sundown, Bluesfest over Easter, and take a browsing lesson!

7. Freycinet Nationwide Park, Tasmania

Tasmania is Australia’s largest island and is usually forgot about by worldwide guests, however there was as soon as place on Tassie that stole our coronary heart and shouldn’t be missed off your journey.

Freycinet Nationwide Park is our favourite place in Tasmania and certainly one of our high three favourite Nationwide Parks in Australia.

It’s identified for being residence to the world well-known Wineglass Bay, but it surely additionally has another jaw-droppingly gorgeous pure landscapes reminiscent of Hazards Seashore, Pleasant Seashores, Coles Bay, and has a few of the greatest walks in Tassie.

Give your self greater than sooner or later right here to do all of the hikes, go kayaking, and soak up the fantastic thing about the Hazards.

8. Uluru, Northern Territory

Visiting Uluru within the Purple Centre of Australia is an expertise I’ll always remember. Often known as the “non secular coronary heart of Australia” Uluru is a type of locations you simply must see, and really feel, for your self.

Don’t rush by way of right here like most individuals, keep awhile and take all of it in. Expertise sundown and dawn, stroll across the base, take a camel journey, perhaps a helicopter flight, and go to close by Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Parks.

It’s residence to the long-lasting purple rock monolith, additionally identified internationally as Ayres Rock, however in Australia we desire to make use of its indigineous identify of Uluru.

Surrounding Uluru is miles and miles of majestic outback desert. When you have time, I extremely suggest a tenting journey to the outback the place you’ll be able to sleep beneath the celebrities. It’s greatest to remain within the campgrounds close to Alice Springs to keep away from operating into any animals.

9. Nice Barrier Reef, Queensland

Getting out on the world’s largest coral reef and the biggest dwelling construction on the planet must be in your Aussie bucket listing.

Stretching 2,300km lengthy, the Nice Barrier Reef is a pure marvel of the world and in my view lives as much as its repute.

It’s a well-known indisputable fact that the Barrier Reef has been threatened over time due to greenhouses gases and world warming, however conservation efforts are in place to guard it and maintain it thriving.

When you’re a diver, and even only a snorkeler, the choices are countless because it’s truly made up of two,900 particular person reefs. Most individuals go to the reef from Cairns, which is called the unofficial gateway, however you can too entry the reef from a number of factors alongside the East Coast such because the aforementioned Whitsundays.

Watch us discover the Nice Barrier Reef from Port Douglas

10. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

Whereas in Cairns, you should definitely head north to a landmark that usually will get missed by worldwide travellers. The Daintree Nationwide Park is the oldest present rainforest on the planet.

How can one thing so previous be so stunning? I imply, at 110 million years previous the Daintree Rainforest is as previous because it will get.

My favorite spot is Cape Tribulation, a headland situated inside Daintree Nationwide Parkand the place two World Heritage Listed websites collide – the Daintree and Nice Barrier Reef.

Different spots to go to embrace Daintree Discovery Centre, Cow Bay, Myall Seashore, Emmagen Seashore, Cape Kimberley and Mason’s Cafe, and swimming gap.

Watch us discover the Daintree Rainforest on this video

11. Fraser Island, Queensland

When you’re a hard-core 4×4 driving fanatic put Fraser Island on the high of your Aussie bucket listing. Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and is the world’s largest sand island.

It stretches 123 km lengthy, 23 km large, and was created over 800,000 years in the past from sand dumped by locations so far as Antarctica when it was nonetheless joined with Australia.

I can’t get sufficient of Fraser, it’s an journey with nature you’ll crave extra of. My favourite spots are 75 Mile Seashore, Eli Creek, Maheno shipwreck, Lake Mackenzie, Indian Head, and Champagne Swimming pools.

From the shore, if you happen to’re fortunate and go to on the proper time, you would possibly even see humpback whales within the ocean.

Watch us discover Fraser Island on this video

12. Melbourne, Victoria

I might dwell in Melbourne, and I’m not the one one apparently because it persistently ranks on the high of most habitable cities on the planet! I simply don’t know if I might dwell with the 4 seasons in one-day climate sample.

Anyhow, Melbourne is an superior metropolis to go to.

When you’re a sports activities nut like me it’s acquired the Australian Open Tennis, the Grand Prix, the Melbourne Cup, and the AFL.

For everybody else, it’s acquired an unimaginable meals scene, a few of the greatest espresso and cafes within the nation (if not the world), cool pubs, countless procuring, nice festivals, superior markets, useful public transport, and simply an all-round addictive vibe!

13. Nice Ocean Highway, Victoria

You’ve in all probability heard of the Nice Ocean Highway, it’s kinda well-known for being the most effective highway journeys on the planet.

We spent 2 weeks driving the GOR and it lived as much as expectations. If I’ve one tip, don’t rush it, don’t drive it in sooner or later just like the tour buses, decelerate, and provides it the time it deserves.

The scenic drive was accomplished in 1932, by troopers who returned residence from WWI. It was inbuilt dedication of those that misplaced their lives. It begins within the small city of Torquay and completed within the quiet city of Allansford.

Many individuals take a pair days to drive the Ocean Highway, stopping off in a few of the small cities alongside the best way.

However if you happen to solely have time for one place, then Port Campbell Nationwide Park is the spotlight, it’s the place many of the high scenic spots are situated just like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. s

14. Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Rottnest Island, or Rotto because the locals name it, is one thing particular. With over 60 picturesque seashores and bays and high spots for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming, and fishing it’s presumably my favorite island in Australia.

When you’re planning a visit to Perth, don’t miss Rottnest, which is a straightforward day journey away.

It’s the most effective locations in Australia to see quokkas, a local animal to Australia, which is unfortunately endangered. When you don’t go to Rottnest Island, one of the best place to see a quokka is in a zoo.

Keep over if you happen to can, however if you happen to solely have half a day ensure you go to The Basin and Pinky Seashore. Seize a motorbike, it’s the easiest way to discover the island, and don’t overlook your digital camera!

15. Hobart, Tasmania

I’m not CRAZY about Hobart, however I can positively see why some persons are loopy about it. It’s a pleasant place with plenty of historical past – it’s Australia’s second oldest metropolis – and I actually loved how you should utilize it as a base to discover so many nice locations reminiscent of Cradle Mountain and Mount Area Nationwide Park.

I extremely suggest the opposite locations shut sufficient to Hobart are Bruny Island, Port Arthur, and historic Richmond.

I additionally love the truth that it’s walkable, and seems like a small city reasonably than a metropolis. My favorite neighborhoods being Salamanca and Historic Battery Level, and naturally, the well-known MONA Museum is a must-visit.

16. Barossa Valley, South Australia

If we’re simply speaking wine and meals, then the Barossa Valley and close by Adelaide Hills is one of the best place in Australia to go for satisfying the style buds.

It’s a brief drive from Adelaide and with over 80 cellar doorways and 150 wineries from huge names to boutiques together with Jacob’s Creek, Penfold’s, Wolf Blass and Grant Burge, you’re not missing in choices.

And the surroundings is one thing else too – do the 57-kilometre Barossa Scenic Heritage Drive for some gorgeous surroundings.

17. Karijini Nationwide Park, Western Australia

We had excessive expectations for Karijini Nationwide Park as so many individuals we met on our 18-month journey informed us that Karijini was their favorite nationwide park. And so they weren’t mendacity.

This place is spectacular, and I can’t consider that I’d by no means heard of this place earlier than visiting – it’s a real hidden gem, and we’re doing our greatest to share it with as many individuals as potential.

At 627,422 hectares, Karijini is the second largest nationwide park in Western Australia and is understood for its historic rock formations, stated to be greater than 2.5 billion years previous.

The colors of the rock, the gorges, the swimming holes, the waterfalls, the mountain climbing – it’s off-the-beaten-path in WA, however completely well worth the effort!

18. Gold Coast, Queensland

We selected to name the Gold Coast our residence for a cause. While it’s a area well-known for tourism with a tagline “well-known for enjoyable“, it has an ideal combine of gorgeous coastal and hinterland surroundings, with a few of the greatest seashores within the nation.

The Gold Coast is the place Australians go to trip. When you seek for footage of it, you’ll be able to see why. The lengthy stretch of golden sand seashore is backed by high-rise buildings, and slopes into turquoise waters.

However there’s extra to do right here than simply hit the seashores. It’s the place you will see that Australia’s largest theme parks, it has a buzzing nightlife scene, and world-class procuring.

As Australia’s sixth largest metropolis, you would possibly need to head out of the principle metropolis centre, and head someplace quieter. For a relaxed vibe, my favorite spots on the coast are Burleigh Heads, Rainbow Bay, and Coolangatta.

Be sure you keep across the hinterland space if you happen to love nature. From right here, you’ll be able to take a look at Lamington Nationwide Park, Springbrook Nationwide Park, and Binna Burra Nationwide Park!

19. Wilsons Promontory Nationwide Park, Victoria

One other place we knew little about till we travelled round Australia was Wilsons Pomontory, often known as Wilsons Pom.

Once more, it’s a hidden gem that our pals in Melbourne steered we go to, so we’re letting the cat out of the bag!

Positioned only a 3-hour drive from Melbourne, this 50,000-hectare coastal wilderness space is the place Melbournians go to trip. In reality, it’s so well-liked they’ve a poll system to remain within the lodging throughout peak season.

There’s a cause for this although. Your reward – gorgeous vistas of pink granite boulder mountains, turquoise water, squeaky white sand, intimate coves, forested valleys, and unimaginable mountain climbing.

20. Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is simply off the coast of Adelaide and is effectively price exploring. It’s well-known for its kangaroo inhabitants (therefore the identify), but it surely’s an island filled with variety.

It has unimaginable landscapes from seashores to sand dunes and forests to rolling farmlands. You may be positive to identify a wild array of Australian animals – dolphins, kangaroos, koalas and extra AND the meals and wine is unimaginable!

Watch us discover Kangaroo Island on this video

Earlier than You Go

So there you’ve gotten it, these are one of the best locations in Australia so as to add to your Australia bucket listing.

Australia is residence to miles and miles of attractive shoreline, mysterious islands, the world-famous Nice Barrier Reef, the majestic outback desert, glamorous cities, huge swamps and wetlands, and distinctive wildlife you received’t discover anyplace else.

With all this to discover, it’s unsurprising that visiting Australia has been on most individuals’s bucket listing. Everybody ought to come down beneath at the very least as soon as of their lifetime.

As you’ll be able to see, there’s a variety of variety and tradition to discover in Australia, and it’s not all about wildlife and seashores (although these are a few of the greatest causes to go to Aus!).

There’s a cause why so many backpackers come to Australia for a yr’s vacation, after which by no means depart. There isn’t a the place fairly like Australia. When you go, you’ll know.

Extra Ideas for Visiting Australia

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