Australia in A Nutshell – Top Sites to Visit
The Best of Australia – Top Sites To Visit
Australia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With its beautiful coastlines, vibrant culture, amazing architecture and passion for food, it tops the bucket list of many international vagabonds. The problem is, there is so much to see and do in Australia that it is difficult to know where to begin. If you are part of the working masses that only get a few weeks of vacation at a time, then packing in as much Australian awesomeness should be your first priority. If you haven’t already made a checklist, we have come up with a few suggestions of things you simply have to do on your next visit.
Experience the Magic of Sydney
Sydney is the type of city you can explore for weeks and still feel like you have barely scratched the surface. If you only have a day or two and you want to tick off the big attractions, bring a selfie stick and head to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We recommend spending a bit more time in Sydney as there are plenty of things to do here. If you are looking for some beach time, Bondi, Manly or Coogee beaches are idyllic to say the least and a visit is sure to make lasting memories. You can also go hiking in the nearby Blue Mountains, appear to be blue blue by eucalyptus mist), explore the expansive underwater world of the Sydney Aquarium, or meet a kangaroo, koala and croc at the zoo.
Melbourne – Spend A Day At the Races
If you are heading anywhere near Melbourne in October/November, you simply have to make time to check out the Melbourne Cup horse race. Dubbed the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup is the most prestigious thoroughbred horse race in Australia. Even if you are not taking part in Melbourne Cup betting, the experience alone is worth the trip. From the food festivals, the fashion and the excitement that ripples through the crowd, it is a once in a lifetime experience. Melbourne itself is a beautiful city with so much to do and see that spending a week in Melbourne is a great idea if you have the time. This city is filled with festivals and sporting events all year round.
Drive the Great Ocean Road
While visit the Melbourne area, you should hire a car and experience the Great Ocean Road. Extending from Torquay to Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road will take you past famous surf spots as well as the beautiful Anglesea golf Course. You can also visit the picturesque town of Lorne, check out the 12 Apostles rock formations, swim in waterfalls or walk through lush forests in Otway National park. We recommend spending at least two days to take in all the sites the Great Ocean Road has to offer.
Scuba Dive the Great Barrier Reef
While the cities of Australia are known for their unique charms, it’s the Great Barrier Reef that stands apart as the must-see location for every traveler. Teeming with fish and marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most spectacular attractions in the world. While you can certainly explore the reef with a snorkel and a pair of flippers, you can only appreciate the sheer scale of the beauty when diving. The Reef is officially the largest living thing on earth and is around 2300 km long. It may surpise you to know that the reef is located several miles offshore, so it is best visited by excursion boat. There are also a number of islands located amidst the reef which make a particlurly great place to say, although more expensive than coastal hotels. No matter where in Queensland you stay however, you’ll never forget your trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
Australia, just like its neighbouring New Zealand has loads of amazing attractions. Most travelers spend several weeks or months exploring, and so should you. Take a cruise ship north to see the Kimberly region famous for it’s aboriginal communities, or fly to Ayers Rock to see this unique monolith and experience outdoor dining at Uluru. Adventure seekers can dive with sharks, go skiing, watch turtles nest, go hot air ballooning, white water rafting, bungee jumping or just enjoy the culture. Australia really does have it all.
