Australia has a diverse range of activities to suit everyone’s holiday.

If you’re planning on visiting Australia, the chances are you have been researching all the different things you can do while here. The problem is that Australia is a huge country with a diverse array of attractions and activities to get stuck into! You soon realise you want to do everything you’re reading and notice your trip may not be long enough.

You shouldn’t expect to see and do everything in Australia on a short holiday! You will want to aim for at least three weeks here to see some of the main attractions. However, it is still worth coming here even if for a shorter amount of time, you’ll be enjoying yourself either way.

To save you some time, here is a list of 10 things you must do when you’re in the land down under.

1. Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders! So of course, you need to see it for yourself on your Australian trip while in Queensland.

While there, you can explore the underwater world via snorkelling, diving or a glass bottom boat and get to see the colourful marine life and coral.

2. Drive the Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road stretches along the Victorian coastline, starting from Torquay and finishing in Allansford. The 243-kilometre road boasts numerous exciting attractions including the iconic Twelve Apostles.

Spend a weekend venturing along the wild route to experience lush scenery, stunning sea views and see the range of wildlife.

If short on time, you can knock out the Great Ocean Road in a day on an incredible one-day tour!

3. Get a quokka selfie on Rottnest Island

Quokka

Quokkas are one of Australia’s cutest animals, and you can get up close and personal with them on Rottnest Island. Cycle around the unique landscape and keep your eyes peeled for little Quokkas to take a selfie with as you go.

You can get to Rottnest Island on a short ferry ride from Fremantle or Perth in Western Australia.

4. See what Bondi Beach is all about

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is probably one of the most famous beaches in the world, and it’s close to Sydney! Here, you can surf with the best of them, kick back and relax on the pristine stretch of sand or go for a dip in the stunning ocean.

You can also explore the town and see the local shops, grab a bite to eat, and maybe get a tattoo at Bondi Ink.

5. Watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a haven of wildlife and is around two hour drive from Melbourne. One of the most spectacular and popular scenes to see is the Penguin Parade! Every evening at sunset, the colony of little penguins come ashore from their day of fishing.

Other highlights on the island include the Koala Conservation Reserve, wineries, and Pinnacles Lookout.

6. Walk in the Daintree Rainforest

Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest over in Queensland boasts some of the country’s most mesmerising and ancient scenery. Take a stroll beneath the pretty canopies and spot the unique native animals as you go.

Make sure you take a cruise along the Daintree River and make a stop over at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.

7. Cruise around Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the world, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Hop on a cruise around the Harbour to explore all of this and more.

8. Walk the base of Uluru

Uluru

Get to know Australia’s most iconic natural monument sitting in the red centre in the Northern Territory. Wake up for the sunrise over Uluru then take part in the Uluru Base Walk. The walk is about four hours long and you will learn more about the Aboriginal history that imbues the landscape.

9. Drink some Aussie wine

Australia Wine Tasting

The Barossa Valley is Australia’s most famous wine region, but it’s not the only one here where you can try a taste of exceptional wine. Head to one of Australia’s other premier wine regions like the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Margaret River, and McLaren Vale.

10. See the jumping crocodiles

Jumping Crocodile Cruise

No trip to Australia is really completed without seeing a croc or two. One of the best places to see them in the country is Adelaide River in the Northern Territory.

You can join the Jumping Crocodile Cruise along and experience the unique display of the crocs coming out of the water for food.

Australia has so much to offer, so go off and explore as much as you can while enjoying your holiday!

Related article: How Hot Does Australia Actually Get?

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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