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Twelve Apostles at Sunset, Victoria, Australia

Top 10 Things To Do in Australia

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By Emilia Navato


From snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to watching the sunrise at Uluru, Australia offers a huge range of incredible experiences for everyone.

Read on for our top 10 things to do in Australia.

1. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an Australian icon – every visitor will see it, but only a few get to climb it! 


Experience the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney and feel on top of the world as you journey along the upper arch to the peak of this Aussie landmark, soaking in the stories from your expert guide, and the sights of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline that surround you. 


Only reasonable fitness is required so this one-of-a-kind activity rewards a little effort with amazing views and takes you behind the scenes of an engineering masterpiece. This is truly one of the most iconic things to do in Australia.


 

Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb

2. Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef

Located on Australia’s beautiful west coast is one of the country's best kept secrets: the untouched Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. A paradise for snorkellers and beach lovers alike, these calm protected waters are home to over 500 species of fish and are one of the best places on the planet to swim with the huge but harmless whale shark.


A spotter plane will locate the whale sharks for you, so get your snorkelling gear on and plunge into the ocean to observe these majestic giants up close. You may also spot dugongs, turtles and mantra rays cruising on the vibrant reef! 


Whale sharks can be spotted between April and July.


 

snorkelling with a whale shark on ningaloo reef, australia

3. Drive the Great Ocean Road

Ranked as one of the best drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road – which connects Melbourne in Victoria and Adelaide in South Australia – is truly remarkable. 


Famous for its magnificent coastline and the rocky majesty of the Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Road is best explored over a couple of days. There are plenty of idyllic overnight spots to choose from enroute; the charming fishing village of Port Fairy, the sweeping sands of Apollo Bay, or lovely Warrnambool where you can watch migratory whales off the coast between June and October.


A scenic drive inland will take you to the stunning Grampians National Park, a nature lover’s dream. Visit the impressive Mackenzie Falls or head up to the famous Reeds Lookout to bask in the vast beauty of the park from its highest point. Halls Gap, the gateway to the national park, is packed with wildlife: you’ll spot kangaroos, wallabies and curious emus wandering making their way through the town!


 

A car driving along the great ocean road in australia

4. Experience the majesty of Uluru

At the physical and spiritual heart of Australia lies the spectacular geological wonder known as Uluru.


Formerly known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is made of sandstone and is at its most stunning around sunrise and sunset, when the golden light makes the rock’s orange and red colours come alive.


Uluru is an incredible sight on its own, but its true beauty can be found by looking closer. This ancient monolith is home to rare plants and animals, important spiritual sites and caves painted with extraordinary rock art.


Uluru remains profoundly spiritual and sacred to the local Anangu people, who have lived here for more than 30,000 years, and is considered one of the most profound things to do in Australia.


 

a couple look at uluru in australia at sunset

5. Snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the biggest reef on earth. It’s comprised of hundreds of tropical islands and 3,000 individual reef systems teeming with colourful fish and larger marine life. 


Split geographically into the Northern Great Barrier Reef, the central Whitsunday Islands and the Southern Great Barrier Reef, each offers a unique experience and can be visited for the day, or overnight. Snorkelling and diving day trips are convenient and plentiful with boats either visiting the shallower inner reefs which surround the islands close to the mainland, or the deeper open water of the outer reef. 


Overnight stays can be on a tropical island resort, a comfortable sailing boat, or even a unique floating pontoon!


 

Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia

6. Taste some of South Australia’s finest wines

Treat your taste buds to world-class wines in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, one of the world's top wine growing regions. 


Boasting more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors, Barossa Valley is home to the world's oldest shiraz, grenache, mataro, cabernet sauvignon and semillon vines. Rich, heady reds are renowned here, as are fortified wines. 


When you’re not swirling, sipping and savouring your way around South Australia’s premium wine region, you can dine at renowned restaurants, explore the region by bicycle, or discover the beautiful nearby villages and national parks.


 

A couple drinking wine in the barossa valley in australia

7. Explore Kakadu National Park

At nearly 20,000 square kilometres (approximately half the size of Sweden!), Kakadu in the Northern Territory is Australia’s largest national park. With ancient landscapes and the oldest living culture on earth, it’s an area of natural and cultural importance. 


On an outback adventure to Kakadu you'll find rugged escarpments, lush rainforests and rock art galleries that are tens of thousands of years old. Learn about Aboriginal culture, take in thundering waterfalls and witness millions of migratory birds among the wetlands. Cruise the Yellow Water Billabong, visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre or hike one of Kakadu’s many walking trails.


 

Kakadu Gunlom Waterfalls, Northern Territory, Australia

8. Drive Tasmania's coastline

Perhaps Australia’s best kept secret, Tasmania’s natural beauty is simply spectacular, with the dramatic coastline of Freycinet National Park, lofty peaks of Cradle Mountain and one of the planet's last great wildernesses.


A fly drive holiday is perhaps the best way to discover this magical island. With a handful of easy to follow main routes, Tasmania is a perfect destination to be explored by car or motorhome. Take in the deserted beaches along the east coast, the rugged wilderness of the west, and must-see attractions including Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain, and the Bay of Fires.


 

Sunrise at Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

9. Meet the famous residents of Kangaroo Island

Discover amazing wildlife on Kangaroo Island, Australia’s answer to the Galapagos. The country’s third largest island is a haven of natural beauty and sanctuary for native wildlife.


Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in Australia to see wild animals like koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and seals. Add dramatic scenery, fabulous boutique hotels and luxury lodges, and an incredible local food and drink scene, and Kangaroo Island is a destination that will leave you inspired.


 

Kangaroos, Cape Willoughby, Kangaroo Island

10. Explore buzzy Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s most fashionable and modern city and is widely regarded as the cultural heart and soul of the country. From upmarket South Yarra to beachside St Kilda and the bohemian area of Fitzroy, there's so much to see and do in this wonderful city and its surrounds.


Stroll along the Southbank and take advantage of the free trams within the Central Business District, experience excellent bars and restaurants, or roam around the laneways and arcades taking in the city’s eclectic café culture.


 

Warm morning light on high-rise towers in Melbourne CBD above Princes bridge across Yarra river.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Australia Holidays pages.

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Written by Emilia Navato

Emilia is a Procurement Manager for Australia and the Pacific in our Kensington head office.

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