A country so vast, varied and enormous... how do you even begin to choose what to see and do in Australia? From modern metropolises, rich red deserts and the biggest barrier reef in the world to wildlife and Aboriginal culture, Australia truly does have something for everyone. Here are just some of the highlights of Australia; we hope they help as a guide to your first visit.
Explore the vibrant city of Sydney
No guide to Australia would be complete without a trip to the iconic city of Sydney. The city is easy to navigate and has plenty of things to see, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the botanical gardens and Rocks area of Circular Key.
See the unique architecture of the Sydney Opera House on a tour of the interior (and head backstage to see where the performers get ready before a show), or take to the water and soak in the sun on a boat tour.
Sydney also has one of the longest whale migrations in the world; humpback whales travel thousands of kilometres from early May to Late November, between their winter breeding ground to their summer feeding ground along the East Coast of Australia. Be sure to book a whale watching tour to witness the magnificent whales in all their glory.
Swim with amazing sealife on The Great Barrier Reef
Stretching for 1,429 miles along Australia’s northeast coast is the world’s largest coral reef. There are countless ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef; day trips from the mainland are great for those on short time, or take a multi-day cruise and consider staying on one of the many beautiful islands.
Perhaps you'll spend a night on Lizard Island; this is one of the more northerly islands in the Great Barrier Reef archipelago and travellers can snorkel directly off the beach here. The coral is untouched, vibrant and incredibly beautiful. Spot the amazing sealife that call the Great Barrier Reef home including octopus, reef sharks, manta rays and countless schools of fish. Maybe you'll find "Nemo" and his family...clownfish with their distinctive orange, white and black stripes are in abundance here!
Visit Uluru in the Red Centre
Head to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Central Australia and you’ll find Ayers Rock and The Olgas… or to give them their Aboriginal names, Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The deep earthy shades of these amazing rock formations contrast with the bright blue sky of Australia’s Outback making for spectacular viewing.
The best times to visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta are at sunrise and sunset, when the changing light plays off them. At sunset the light evolves from gold, to orange and then red before darkness sets in and you see the silhouette of the rocks against a starry sky hardly touched by light pollution.
For a true immersive experience take a tour around the base of Uluru, where you’ll see traditional Aboriginal rock art. A guide will explain the significance of these paintings and what they represent in dreamtime. Or, take part in a ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner, a spectacular evening that begins with sunset canapes and sparkling wine with Ayers Rock in front of you and the domes of Kata Tjuta behind you.
Explore cosmopolitan Melbourne
Bursting with history and culture, Melbourne was once Australia’s capital and still lays claim to be its cultural capital and most liveable city. With a 175 year history, it is a cultural melting pot; sophisticated, elegant and cosmopolitan. Melbourne is bursting with arts, culture, fashion and sport. Think tree lined boulevards, spacious parks, an eclectic mix of boutiques in little alleyways and Victorian arcades; a remarkably European café culture and restaurant scene and on the banks of the Yarra River, the fabulous Southbank entertainment area. Consider journeying to Phillip Island, home to 200 species of birds, a koala colony, wallabies, seals and the star of the show, Little Penguins. Watch in the evening as the penguins waddle up from the beach in groups after a long day of fishing.
Travel the Great Ocean Road
Just west of Melbourne on Australia’s south coast, a stretch of road is carved into the limestone cliffs. This is the Great Ocean Road, a rewarding self-driving route and one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. Get behind the wheel here and you can explore small coastal towns, the Otway National Park - with the highest concentration of koalas in all of Australia – and the wild ocean scenery.
The sea edge along the Great Ocean Road is dotted with limestone rock formations such at the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge, and you can stop off in the many laybys and car parks for a closer look. At some points, little wooden steps lead down to deserted stretches of golden sand where the rough surf crashes in front of you and cliff faces tower behind.
All aboard: The Indian Pacific Rail Journey
The iconic Indian Pacific is one of the world’s most iconic train journeys and offers one of the most impressive and indulgent ways to explore the vastness of Australia. Covering over 4300km from the Indian Ocean on Australia’s western shores to the Pacific on the east, you’ll be able to watch the passing backdrop of Australia’s magnificent landscapes. You can travel in either direction – from Sydney via Adelaide to Perth, or start in Perth and travel the opposite way. This amazing journey takes place over three days and nights and will take you through the picturesque and fertile Avon Valley, the dusty goldfields around Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, across the vast, empty and ancient desert of the Nullarbor Plains, and the magnificent Blue Mountains outside Sydney.
Start exploring Australia today! Call our Australian experts on 0161 888 5632.
By Ella Dunham
