A land of dreams, and the “Land Down Under”-Australia- is one of the unique countries with very distinct characteristics. It is the world’s smallest continent yet the largest island. The country boasts with beach towns, wild green islands, rugged national parks, and huge cities overflowing with culture and great food, and stark yet beautiful deserts. That’s why living in Australia is one of many people’s dreams. When you visit the country, don’t miss to witness one of the most participated and very loved Australian sports like rugby, football, netball, and tennis.
If you plan to visit Australia, here are the top 10 places you must include on your bucket list.
1. Sydney
Sydney is a state-of-the-art city but with a long history. The region’s first inhabitants settled along the harbor’s bank for thousands of years. During the 1780s, the harbor also became a landing site for convicts sent to Australia.
The picture-perfect city has both a laid-back beachside town and a booming city that boasts some of the Southern Hemisphere’s best activities, landmarks, and surf.
Sydney welcomes everyone and offers almost everything for all. The iconic Sydney Opera House is where you can enjoy world-class shows and performances. You can take to the waves at Bondi Beach or explore some trendy areas with your family and friends at The Rocks and Darling Harbour.
2. Melbourne
The city is Australia’s second most populated city. If you want an activity-filled vacation, go to Melbourne, the country’s events capital that hosts annual activities like Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and the Australian Open.
Melbourne is the country’s national cultural capital and a significant port. If you want to explore its culture and history, you can visit some highly regarded museums. You can also find here Australia’s oldest zoo and a public library full of rare books and historical artifacts.
3. Auckland
Auckland, a cosmopolitan city that boasts a diverse population bringing unique traditions to the local culture. You’ll never run out of things to do when visiting Auckland, as it is home to fantastic black sand beaches, clear blue waters, and volcanic peaks. They also love sports like rugby and bungee jumping. Don’t miss a visit to Rangitoto Island. Hikes on this offshore island include treks through lava fields, the world’s largest Pohutukawa forest, and fantastic city panoramas.
4. Vanuatu
If you visit Australia with friends longing to enjoy a vacation filled with outdoor adventure, Vanuatu is the perfect place to be. Vanuatu is a South Pacific archipelago composed of 83 islands that offer ample opportunities to indulge its stunning scenery. At Mount Yasur, you can witness lava erupt or head through the Millennium Cave for a hike.
Extra adventure awaits when you jump from rope swings into beautiful blue swimming holes. After the heart-pumping adventures, you can lounge on the stunning sand at Champagne Beach or Eton Beach.
5. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
This is a protected area in the Northern Territory of Australia, located 1,943 km south of Darwin by road and 440 km southwest of Alice Springs along the Stuart and Lasseter Highways.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage national parks. Uluru is a massive red sandstone formation lying the center of the park, while Kata Tjuta is 36 red rock domes west of Uluru, making two sites with cultural ties to the local Indigenous Australian community. Both locales are breathtaking and picture-perfect, especially when you visit at sunrise or sunset.
6. Tasmania
Despite the island’s isolation, it is still one of the best places to visit in Australia. It contains natural riches such as the alpine plateaus sprinkled with stunning white beaches, waterfalls, forests, and the uninhabited wilderness. The government protects and preserves almost half of its area.
If you want to see and enjoy a view with dolphins, penguins, and seals, you can take a boat trip along its rugged coast. The island also hosts a range of great festivals year-round. A chance to taste their local produce, drink, and eat Australian cuisine at the capital city of Hobart.
7. Kakadu National Park
Another World Heritage spot in Australia is the Kakadu National Park, in the Top End or the Northern Territory. It’s also one of the planet’s great wilderness areas, which covers over 19,840 square kilometers. Kakadu is the country’s largest national park and the second-largest in the world.
The part is home to several natural resources and rich biodiversity. There are ancient rock paintings, rainforests, wetlands, mangroves, swamps, and rivers. You have the options to explore-by car, boat, by air, or by hiking- the park’s diverse ecosystem. Note: Most of the park’s roads and attractions are closed during the wet season (Nov-April) due to heavy flooding.
8. Adelaide
South Australia’s capital dubbed as ‘The City of Churches’, Adelaide is more of a reflection of a dynamic and vibrant place. It was named after Queen Adelaide. The city is the capital of the best wineries, chic boutiques, and world-class restaurants.
9. Canberra
The city is nestled in the middle of the stunning nature reserves and low-lying mountain ranges north of the Australian Capital Territory. Nicknamed the ‘bush capital,’ Canberra city is full of great attractions like the fascinating Australian War Memorial, the modern National Arboretum, the array of museums, including Questacon and the National Gallery, on top of the exciting food and drink scene.
10. Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city on the coastline of the Northern Territory. Among Australia’s major cities, it has long been the most international of all, with its proximity to other countries in the Indian Ocean.
The vibrant city offers access to natural icons like the Adelaide River, Tiwi Islands, Litchfield, Top End, and the Katherine Region. At the heart of the city is The Waterfront precinct, which features a swimming lagoon and wave pool surrounded by laid-back bars, cafes, shops, and seafood eateries.