The 22 Best Things to Do in Australia
Explore Australia’s diverse wonders, from natural marvels and urban highlights to unique wildlife and cultural treasures.
Australia is a land of unrivaled diversity, where ancient landscapes, vibrant cities, and spectacular wildlife come together to create unforgettable experiences. Spanning rainforests, arid deserts, endless coastlines, and modern metropolises, the country offers something extraordinary at every turn. Whether you’re drawn to natural wonders, Indigenous heritage, or culinary delights, this list captures the essential experiences that define the spirit of Australia.
1. Admire the Sydney Opera House from New Angles
The Sydney Opera House is a symbol of Australia’s artistic ambition and maritime heritage, instantly recognizable for its shell-like silhouette. Walk around its base for changing perspectives over Sydney Harbour. Seek serenity with a dawn kayak or relax at the crowd-free Tarpeian Lawn in the Royal Botanic Garden. For an unbeatable view, join a guided climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, watching the city and Opera House meet sunrise or sunset.
- Catch Badu Gili, a spectacular light show featuring Aboriginal art, projected onto the Opera House at dusk.
- Enjoy picnicking beneath Moreton Bay fig trees nearby.
2. Discover Bush Food Under the Stars in the Red Centre
Immerse yourself in the flavors and stories of Indigenous Australia in the Red Centre. Experience guided bush tucker tours, enjoying traditional foods and learning about desert survival. Evening tastings under a brilliant starry sky near Uluru or Alice Springs connect visitors with ancient traditions that have shaped local culture for millennia.
- Sample wattleseed damper and kangaroo, paired with native spices.
- Listen to Dreamtime stories around the campfire with Aboriginal guides.
3. Marvel at Tasmania’s Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires, on Tasmania’s northeast coast, is famed for its white-sand beaches and distinctive orange granite boulders. Stroll tranquil stretches of sand, swim in crystal-clear waters, or embark on multi-day guided walks that reveal rare flora and ancient shell middens.
- Take in luminous sunsets over fiery rocks.
- Discover pristine campgrounds and eco-lodges along the coast.
4. Explore Aboriginal Rock Art in the Outback
Australia’s ancient Indigenous rock art sites offer a window into one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures. Kakadu National Park, Ubirr, and Nourlangie are among the best sites to witness intricate murals depicting Dreaming stories, wildlife, and everyday life across thousands of years.
- Join ranger-guided walks to learn about traditional stories behind the artworks.
- Some locations offer twilight tours, where fading sunlight brings painted figures to life.
5. Hike Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania
Cradle Mountain surprises visitors with glacier-carved peaks, mirror lakes, and dense rainforests—a contrast to the popular image of Australia’s aridity. Hike scenic trails among ancient King Billy pines, sighting wombats or echidnas along the route. The Dove Lake Circuit is accessible and breathtaking, while Ronny Creek offers peaceful encounters with local wildlife away from the crowds.
- Try the renowned Overland Track for an epic multi-day trek.
- Capture the mountain’s dramatic reflections at sunrise or sunset.
6. Watch Baby Penguins Waddle at Dawn
The heart-melting sight of little penguins returning to shore is a uniquely Australian experience. Phillip Island south of Melbourne is the most famous spot to witness their nightly parade, while lesser-known colonies inhabit Manly in Sydney and St Kilda in Melbourne.
- Arrive at dusk to catch the penguins’ ritual journey as they cross the sand in groups.
- Respect viewing guidelines to protect the penguins’ nesting sites.
7. Try Surfing or Sandboarding on an Aussie Beach
Surfing is more than a pastime in Australia—it’s a way of life. Sign up for lessons on renowned beaches such as Bondi, Byron Bay, or Torquay and enjoy the thrill of catching your first wave. When conditions are rough, swap surf for sandboarding on giant dunes like Henty Dunes in Tasmania or Lancelin in Western Australia, often near sites of Aboriginal significance.
- Many surfing schools cater to all ages and skill levels, with equipment included.
- Visit local surf museums or watch documentaries about surf history and gender equality in the sport.
8. Take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Sydney
This iconic 6km clifftop trail traces Sydney’s eastern shoreline, linking Bondi and Coogee beaches. The walk blends dramatic ocean views with stops at Gordon’s Bay, Waverley Cemetery, McIver’s Ladies Baths, and vibrant local hangouts like Tamarama and Bronte.
- Stop at the Clovelly Bowling Green for lawn bowls and a cold drink overlooking the sea.
- Pause at secluded coves and sandy inlets along the way.
9. Experience Ancient Australia in Kakadu National Park
World Heritage-listed Kakadu in the Northern Territory is the epitome of raw, wild Australia. Explore vast wetlands teeming with saltwater crocodiles, dramatic waterfalls, and galleries of rock art dating back thousands of years. Visit on guided walks or scenic helicopter flights to grasp the park’s immense scale and natural beauty.
- Join Aboriginal-led tours to learn about local customs and stories.
- Note: Aerial tours over Jim Jim Falls operate only in the wet season, respecting Traditional Owners’ requests outside this time.
10. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is Earth’s largest living structure and a marine wonderland. Snorkel or dive amid vibrant coral gardens off the coasts of Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Whitsunday Islands. Find yourself among dazzling fish, graceful rays, and sea turtles, or marvel at the underwater scenery on a glass-bottom boat tour if you prefer to stay dry.
- Take a scenic flight for aerial views of the reef’s scale and turquoise beauty.
- Stay on a coral cay for an overnight immersion in this UNESCO-listed ecosystem.
11. Explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre
The Red Centre is home to Australia’s most iconic monolith, Uluru, sacred to the Anangu people. Watch sunrise or sunset transform its sandstone surface, take part in guided walks around the base, and don’t miss the nearby rounded domes of Kata Tjuta. Art installations like the Field of Light and drone shows add to the region’s mystical ambience.
- Book guided First Nations tours for in-depth insights into tradition and culture.
- Peak visiting season is June to September; plan and book in advance.
12. Meet the Cute Quokkas of Rottnest Island
Off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island offers carefree, car-free exploration and friendly wildlife encounters. Famous for its photogenic quokkas—curious marsupials that often pose for selfies—the island also boasts stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise bays. Cycle the scenic paths, snorkel in temperate reefs, or simply sunbathe under Western Australia’s blue skies.
- Book ferry and bike hire ahead, especially in the popular summer months.
- Accommodation is limited; many opt for day trips from Perth.
13. Take a Wine Tour in Margaret River
Margaret River in Western Australia is renowned for its world-class wineries, craft breweries, and artisanal produce. Sip Cabernet Sauvignon and sample farmhouse cheeses as you wind through rolling vineyards and scenic forests.
- Don’t miss a side trip to nearby surf beaches or forest hiking trails.
- Visit in autumn (March–May) for wine festivals and mild weather.
14. Kayak with Dolphins in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is not just a surfer’s paradise—it’s also home to playful pods of bottlenose dolphins and, during migration, majestic whales. Join a guided kayak tour for a close encounter, gliding across gentle swells amid stunning scenery.
- Keep an eye out for sea turtles and vibrant seabirds.
- Byron’s coastal cafe culture offers plenty of options for post-adventure relaxation.
15. Experience Canberra’s National Treasures
Though smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, the Australian capital Canberra is a center for culture, history, and the arts. Visit Parliament House, the moving Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia. The city’s parks bloom with springtime flowers during Floriade, and Lake Burley Griffin provides scenic cycling routes.
- Combine museum visits with local food markets and vineyard tours.
- Best explored via hire bike or electric scooter.
16. Go Under at the Great Ocean Road
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, stretching over 240km in Victoria. The route takes in the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks, lush rainforests, and scenic lookouts. Surfers find challenging breaks at Bells Beach, while walkers tackle the Great Ocean Walk for immersive wilderness views.
- Photograph the dramatic rock formations at sunrise or sunset.
- Watch for koalas in eucalyptus forests along the way.
17. Stargaze in the Outback
Unpolluted skies in remote central Australia make for extraordinary stargazing. The Milky Way and the Southern Cross shine bright at night, and guided astronomy tours often include telescope viewing and storytelling from Indigenous perspectives. The Outback’s vast openness also makes meteor showers and eclipses especially awe-inspiring.
- Join tours near Uluru, Alice Springs, or the Flinders Ranges.
- Camp under the stars for the full experience.
18. Relax in the Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a paradise of white sand and blue water on the Great Barrier Reef. Sail between islands, snorkel the fringing coral, or simply bask on Whitehaven Beach, regularly ranked among the world’s best beaches. Many islands offer eco-friendly resorts or camping for all budgets.
- Take a scenic flight for panoramic reef views.
- Whitsundays are accessible from Airlie Beach, with regular ferry and charter connections.
19. Delve into Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree in far north Queensland is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, teeming with rare plants, vibrant birds, and crocodile-inhabited rivers. Guided walks reveal ancient ferns and learn about Indigenous land management. Don’t miss a dip in crystal-clear swimming holes or a journey along the scenic Mossman Gorge.
- Stay in eco-lodges immersed in the jungle for a true wilderness escape.
- Respect advice about swimming in certain rivers due to wildlife.
20. Cruise the Kimberley Coast
The Kimberley region in Western Australia offers some of the planet’s most rugged and pristine landscapes. Take an expedition cruise to remote waterfalls, ancient rock art galleries, and towering red cliffs. Highlights include Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, and the wild Buccaneer Archipelago.
- Peak cruising season is from May to September when the weather is dry and wildlife is abundant.
- Most cruises depart from Broome or Darwin.
21. Feast on Australia’s Culinary Scene
From bustling metropolitan markets to renowned regional wine and food festivals, Australian cuisine showcases multicultural influences and an obsession with fresh produce. Try modern Australian dishes in Melbourne’s laneways, indulge in seafood by Sydney’s docks, or savor bush-inspired fine dining across the country.
- Look for farmers markets in every major city for local flavors.
- Sample signature treats like lamingtons, Tim Tams, and flat white coffee.
22. Wander Melbourne’s Laneways
Melbourne thrives on creativity, as evident in its ever-evolving laneways adorned with urban art, cozy cafes, and eclectic boutiques. Take a self-guided street art tour through Hosier Lane, pause for Italian coffee in Degraves Street, and discover live music or pop-up galleries in the city’s maze of alleys.
- Check for free walking tours and insider’s guides from locals.
- Melbourne’s trams and bike share systems make exploring easy and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time of year to visit Australia?
The peak travel periods are during the Australian spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May), offering mild weather and fewer crowds, though specific destinations may vary seasonally.
Do I need a visa for visiting Australia?
Most international visitors require a visa, which can usually be obtained online prior to arrival. Always check the current entry requirements for your country.
Can I see unique wildlife in the cities?
Yes, urban areas often host colorful parrots and flying foxes, while penguins can be seen in locations such as Manly and St Kilda. Iconic animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats are easy to encounter on day trips just outside city limits.
Is Australia safe for solo travelers and families?
Australia is considered very safe and welcoming for solo adventurers, families, and LGBTQ+ travelers, with a well-developed tourism infrastructure throughout most regions.
What’s the most iconic Australian dish to try?
While there’s no single answer, specialties like barramundi, meat pies, pavlova, and bush-inspired cuisine showcase Australia’s culinary diversity. Don’t forget the classic flat white coffee.
