Australia is a diverse country. There are beaches, deserts, and modern cities. People come to Australia to see its landscapes, animals, and culture.
This guide features the 14 best things to do in Australia. We cover cities, coastlines, unique adventures, and even times of the year when it’s best to travel. From mountains to reefs, it’s all here for every traveler. Below is more detail on these 14 must-visit destinations in this year.
Let’s start!
List of the 14 Best Things to Do in Australia
Here is the list of the top activities and attractions in Australia that every traveler should consider:
- Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef
- Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and visit the Opera House
- Drive the Great Ocean Road
- Island-hop in the Whitsundays
- Explore Melbourne’s Hidden Laneways
- Sunbathe with Kangaroos at Lucky Bay
- Swim with Unique Marine Life
- Meet Tasmanian Devils at Cradle Mountain
- Family-Friendly Wildlife Encounters
- Ride The Ghan Luxury Train
- Cruise the Kimberley or Kakadu
- Experience the Outback and Aboriginal Culture
- Ski or Sail (Season-Dependent)
- Relax on World-Famous Beaches
Let’s explore each of these exciting activities in more detail as you plan your trip to Australia!
1. Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the best things to see in Australia for anyone who visits. This UNESCO World Heritage site is more than 2,300 kilometers long and is home to an amazing variety of sea life. If you dive below the waves, you’ll see huge coral gardens full of turtles, clownfish, and reef sharks.
The water is crystal clear, and the visibility is excellent between June and November. Snorkeling can be done from day boats or on a multi-day dive trip. This experience should be near the top of your list of things to see and do in Australia. This is an underwater experience like no other.
2. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Visit the Opera House
Sydney is Australia’s most famous city, and its symbols are unforgettable. One of the best things to do in Australia is to climb the Harbour Bridge. From here, you can see an entirely different city skyline and the shining waters of the harbor.
Afterwards, visit the Opera House. You can hear all about its architecture on a guided tour or enjoy live entertainment. However, no guidebook would be complete without mentioning the adjacent Royal Botanic Gardens—a tranquil place to go for a stroll. If you are making a list of things to do in Australia, Sydney, this twosome of events guarantees culture and adventure.
3. Drive the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world. It starts in Melbourne and takes you past the famous Twelve Apostles limestone stacks, surf towns, and golden beaches.
Take time to pull off at the scenic spots along the way. Walk through Otway National Park to encounter waterfalls and towering rainforests. You might even see a koala napping in a eucalyptus tree. The prime times for travel are autumn and spring, when the temperature is cool and there are fewer tourists.
This drive is one of the best things to do in Melbourne, Australia—and it affords a lot of state natural beauty. At each corner, another beautiful panorama over coastal cliffs and rolling hills greets you.
4. Island-hop in the Whitsundays
Comprised of 74 islands, the Whitsundays have turquoise water and sandy white beaches. They can be found right off Queensland’s coast. Another top beach here is Whitehaven Beach. Its sand is so fine that standing on it feels like walking on a cloud.
Visitors can hire a sailboat or join guided tours. Dinghies are popular for cruising and ferrying between coral reefs.
It is advisable to go during June, July, August, and September. The sunlight is strong but not oppressive. Shade helps protect you as you stroll along beaches or climb ridges to view the sea.
When making a list of things to see in Australia, the Whitsundays ranks first. It is a perfect tropical paradise, giving you warmth and adventure.
5. Explore Melbourne’s Hidden Laneways
There is a lot of culture and creativity in Melbourne’s laneways. Take a walk through Hosier Lane to see vibrant street art that changes almost daily. Cafes, small shops, and cocktail bars are hidden in these narrow streets, waiting to be found.
The laneways show Melbourne’s personality—artistic, stylish, and full of surprises. Here, street musicians perform to add a lively soundtrack as you wander. Hidden gems offer coffee, pastries, and international bites.
Explore these alleys. It’s one of the best activities to do in Melbourne, Australia. This gives tourists a chance to see the locals’ lives beyond the tourist attractions. It’s like a mystery at every turn.
6. Sunbathe with Kangaroos at Lucky Bay
Encounters with wild kangaroos on the beach are rare. On the west coast of Western Australia, nature lovers find a true treat. At Lucky Bay, kangaroos often come onto the beach to rest in the sand while people are swimming close by. The beach is in Cape Le Grand National Park, which is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand.
Bring sunscreen and spend the day in this unusual place. Lucky Bay is also a great spot for photos, with kangaroos as the main attraction in every picture.
This is one of the most unique things to do in Australia. It lets you walk among famous Australian animals and see postcard-perfect scenes.
7. Swim with Unique Marine Life
There are many fun ways to see wildlife in Australia while on the water. At Ningaloo Reef, you can swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. Humpback whales may breach and play near your boat at Hervey Bay. South Australia offers cage diving with great white sharks for those who want a thrill.
Licensed operators make sure that this experience is safe and fun. From May to October, marine life is most active.
For daring travelers, these are among the most exciting things to do in Australia. They promise memories that last a lifetime.
8. Meet Tasmanian Devils at Cradle Mountain
With its rugged landscape and animals not found elsewhere, Tasmania is a wonderful place to visit. It is also home to the Tasmanian devil, Cradle Mountain. Devils@Cradle sanctuary offers excellent opportunities to see these unique creatures and to learn how we can effectively preserve them for future generations.
When the snow arrives in winter, the mood here changes. And it’s a fantastic place for both animals and photographs. A broad array of mountain trails run from short strolls to all-day hikes, suitable for nature enthusiasts of any level.
9. Family-Friendly Wildlife Encounters
Families who travel to Australia will find many fun things to do with animals. Kids can see reef fish and turtles at aquariums in Cairns, or they can snorkel in shallow water. Melbourne Zoo introduces little ones to iconic animals such as koalas, wombats, and kangaroos.
In Western Australia, Monkey Mia is another family favorite. Dolphins often swim close to shore here, and kids can see them play from just a few meters away. These safe, hands-on experiences make a lasting impression on young travelers.
These attractions are perfect for activities to do with kids in Australia. This combination of learning, adventure, and fun makes family trips even more special.
10. Take a ride on the Ghan luxury Train
The Ghan Train is the best way to travel through Australia in style. It runs between Darwin and Adelaide and takes people through lush forests, desert plains, and mountain ranges.
The multi-day trip includes comfortable cabins, gourmet meals, and off-train excursions. Enjoy the changing scenery while you relax in style. The best time to ride is from June to August, when the weather is cooler and the skies are clear.
One of the best things to do in Australia is to ride The Ghan. It combines comfort with adventure, giving you a unique way to see the country’s many landscapes without feeling rushed.
11. Cruise the Kimberley or Kakadu
Australia’s north is full of untamed beauty. The Kimberley is home to red cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and dramatic gorges that you can see on a cruise. Kakadu National Park, on the other hand, is known for its Aboriginal rock art and many different plants and animals.
The best time to visit both areas is from May to October, when it is dry. Many cruises include guided tours that let you see crocodiles, birds, and ancient landscapes.
Exploring these destinations on a boat in Australia is one of the top activities to do in July. The boat offers comfort and a way to see remote areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
12. Experience the Outback and Aboriginal Culture
In the spiritual heart of Australia, in the Red Centre, is Uluru, which many people regard as a landmark of both spirit and culture. Here, the rock changes colors to match the sky at sunrise or sunset, and sometimes during the day. Such guided tours help you understand the Aboriginal view of this great natural monument.
Nearby, you can find out more about Aboriginal art, traditional ways of life, singing, and storytelling. These experiences of culture add depth to your trip out from beautiful nature spots and landscapes.
This is the best thing you can do in Australia right now. All these cultural insights will give you a richer understanding of Australia.
13. Ski or Sail (Season-Dependent)
There is adventure in Australia all year long. During the winter, the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps in New South Wales are great places for skiing and snowboarding. The resorts have slopes for both beginners and experts.
In the tropical north, sailing is a popular winter sport. The Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef are warm & welcoming. Australia has something to offer everyone due to its balance.
Include these activities in your itinerary for variety. This country can offer both icy mountain ranges and sunny waters at the same time.
14. Relax on World-Famous Beaches
Australia has amazing beaches all along its coast. Sydney’s Bondi Beach is great for surfing, and Broome’s Cable Beach is known for its camel rides at sunset. The beaches on the Gold Coast offer both surfing and a lively nightlife.
December is the best time to go to the beach because there are festivals and events that celebrate summer. The Australian Open in Melbourne is another big event that brings sports fans from all over the world.
Always plan to go to the beach in Australia in December. It’s a highlight whether you’re surfing, attending an event, or just soaking up the sun.
Plan by the Season
Australia is a big country, so its weather can be very different. In summer (December to February), the coastal cities are at their most lively, and the beaches are excellent. Winter (June to August) is cooler down south but ideal for skiing and touring. Spring and autumn each bring mild weather, ideal for trips, walks, or hiking outdoors.
But planning season to season allows you to take part in the best of what a given region can offer. In this way, activities can also be more reliably adapted to weather conditions.
Timing, weather, and your interests factor into how you organize your list of things to do in Australia in September. You’ll have a much happier holiday if you plan ahead.
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