20 Locations Not To Miss!

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

It’s laborious to reply, as Australia is the sixth largest nation on this planet and gives a lot range, you would want to spend years exploring all of it to make that record.

Happily, 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.

Based mostly on our private expertise, we ready this information to the last word Australia bucket record, 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 record, 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 the very 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 dwelling to our favorite seaside in Australia, Whitehaven Seaside, a protected seaside that’s 98% pure silica, making it one of many whitest seashores on this planet.

I might wager in the event you dropped a chunk of paper on it, you’d free it, as such you aren’t allowed to deliver something on the seaside with you – it’s to maintain it lovely.

In addition to Whitehaven Seaside, 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 conceivable, and the actual fact you’re within the coronary heart of the Nice Barrier Reef, the perfect spot for scuba diving. I don’t suppose I really want to go on.

The mainland city of Airlie Seaside is a occurring place with Hamilton Island being essentially 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 hearken 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 unimaginable 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 record of favourite locations in Australia.

It’s a UNESCO world heritage web site the place you’ll be able to see historic aboriginal cave work and, in fact, 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 one among 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, unbelievable seashores, connoisseur 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 dwelling to the Wadandi individuals for over 50,000 years, making them one of many oldest civilizations on this 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 probably take something and instantly make it the very best.

4. Sydney, New South Wales

You’ll be able to’t go to Australia and never spend not less than a number of days in Sydney, one of many world’s most lovely cities – lots of you’ll fly by way of right here in any case.

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

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

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

If you would like a bucket record expertise to tick off, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, in the event you’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, take into account taking a day journey out to the Blue Mountains and see the enduring Three Sisters rock formation.

Watch us discover Sydney on this video

5. Broome, Western Australia

For those who’ve been following us for a whilst 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 once we deliberate our large journey round Australia, we ended up spending 5 weeks there and didn’t wish to depart.

It’s the panorama that sucks you in; it’s simply so vibrant. Image placing pink earth towards the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean, essentially the most superb sunsets over Cable Seaside, and year-round good 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 possibly really feel a bit overcommercialised nowadays because of its repute for being a scorching vacationer spot, nevertheless it earned that repute for a purpose.

With a number 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 Seaside, 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 one among our high three favourite Nationwide Parks in Australia.

It’s recognized for being dwelling to the world well-known Wineglass Bay, nevertheless it additionally has another jaw-droppingly gorgeous pure landscapes reminiscent of Hazards Seaside, Pleasant Seashores, Coles Bay, and has a number of the greatest walks in Tassie.

Give your self greater than someday right here to do all of the hikes, go kayaking, and absorb the great thing about the Hazards.

8. Uluru, Northern Territory

Visiting Uluru within the Crimson Centre of Australia is an expertise I’ll always remember. Referred to as the “non secular coronary heart of Australia” Uluru is a kind of locations you simply should 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 experience, possibly a helicopter flight, and go to close by Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Parks.

It’s dwelling to the enduring pink rock monolith, additionally recognized internationally as Ayres Rock, however in Australia we choose 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 underneath the celebrities. It’s greatest to remain within the campgrounds close to Alice Springs to keep away from working 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 needs to be in your Aussie bucket record.

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

It’s a well-known undeniable fact that the Barrier Reef has been threatened through the years due to greenhouses gases and international warming, however conservation efforts are in place to guard it and preserve it thriving.

For those who’re a diver, and even only a snorkeler, the choices are limitless because it’s really made up of two,900 particular person reefs. Most individuals go to the reef from Cairns, which is called the unofficial gateway, however you may as well 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, make sure you head north to a landmark that always will get missed by worldwide travellers. The Daintree Nationwide Park is the oldest present rainforest on this planet.

How can one thing so outdated be so lovely? I imply, at 110 million years outdated the Daintree Rainforest is as outdated 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 embody Daintree Discovery Centre, Cow Bay, Myall Seaside, Emmagen Seaside, Cape Kimberley and Mason’s Cafe, and swimming gap.

Watch us discover the Daintree Rainforest on this video

11. Fraser Island, Queensland

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

It stretches 123 km lengthy, 23 km huge, 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 Seaside, Eli Creek, Maheno shipwreck, Lake Mackenzie, Indian Head, and Champagne Swimming pools.

From the shore, in the event you’re fortunate and go to on the proper time, you may even see humpback whales within the ocean.

Watch us discover Fraser Island on this video

12. Melbourne, Victoria

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

Anyhow, Melbourne is an superior metropolis to go to.

For those who’re a sports activities nut like me it’s received the Australian Open Tennis, the Grand Prix, the Melbourne Cup, and the AFL.

For everybody else, it’s received an unbelievable meals scene, a number of the greatest espresso and cafes within the nation (if not the world), cool pubs, limitless purchasing, nice festivals, superior markets, helpful public transport, and simply an all-round addictive vibe!

13. Nice Ocean Street, Victoria

You’ve in all probability heard of the Nice Ocean Street, it’s kinda well-known for being the most effective highway journeys on this 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 someday just like the tour buses, decelerate, and provides it the time it deserves.

The scenic drive was accomplished in 1932, by troopers who returned dwelling 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 Street, stopping off in a number of the small cities alongside the best way.

However in the event you 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.

For those who’re planning a visit to Perth, don’t miss Rottnest, which is a simple day journey away.

It’s the most effective locations in Australia to see quokkas, a local animal to Australia, which is unfortunately endangered. For those who don’t go to Rottnest Island, the very best place to see a quokka is in a zoo.

Keep over in the event you can, however in the event you solely have half a day be sure to go to The Basin and Pinky Seaside. Seize a motorbike, it’s the easiest way to discover the island, and don’t overlook your digicam!

15. Hobart, Tasmania

I’m not CRAZY about Hobart, however I can undoubtedly see why some individuals 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 use it as a base to discover so many nice locations reminiscent of Cradle Mountain and Mount Discipline 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 looks 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 the very 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 large 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 advised 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 doable.

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

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

18. Gold Coast, Queensland

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

The Gold Coast is the place Australians go to trip. For those who seek for footage of it, you’ll be able to see why. The lengthy stretch of golden sand seaside 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 purchasing.

As Australia’s sixth largest metropolis, you may wish 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.

Make sure you keep across the hinterland space in the event you 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 mates in Melbourne recommended 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. The truth is, it’s so standard they’ve a poll system to remain within the lodging throughout peak season.

There’s a purpose for this although. Your reward – gorgeous vistas of pink granite boulder mountains, turquoise water, squeaky white sand, intimate coves, forested valleys, and unbelievable 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), nevertheless it’s an island stuffed with range.

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

Watch us discover Kangaroo Island on this video

Earlier than You Go

So there you will have it, these are the very best locations in Australia so as to add to your Australia bucket record.

Australia is dwelling to miles and miles of beautiful 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 record. Everybody ought to come down underneath not less than as soon as of their lifetime.

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

There’s a purpose why so many backpackers come to Australia for a 12 months’s vacation, after which by no means depart. There isn’t any the place fairly like Australia. When you go, you’ll know.

Extra Ideas for Visiting Australia

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