Ready to experience Australia? Well, there are is such a variety of activities and attractions available in this fantastic tourist destination that you may miss out on the top ones.

People of all ages will certainly have something that suits their taste. You could call Australia the home of the sun and surf.

To guide you on your visit to Australia, we have put together the 12 top things to do in this amazing country.

Get ready for a whirlwind adventure as you check out the beautiful Blue Mountains or take a scenic drive on historic routes. Of course, there are a few sights that would be the highlight of your trip. Let’s get started.

1. The Great Barrier Reef

Of course, there is a 95% chance that you have heard of Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. This amazing reef, which is the largest in the world, and takes the top of the must-see list for every visitor, needs no introduction. It has dozens of beautiful tropical islands with azure waters on all sides and more than 3000 separate reef systems. Saying that this wonderland is gorgeous is an understatement of the year. You can get to the great barrier reef from different coastal cities, including Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, and Cairns. Usually, the azure waters which are alive with amazing marine life attract scuba divers and snorkelers who wish to explore these wonders. However, you can decide to keep your feet dry and simply relax on the beach. You can also get into a tour boat and sail around this scenic structure.

2. The Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains

Located in New South Wales, the Blue Mountains bordering the Sydney metropolitan area is a must-see on any visit to Australia. It is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle from the cities, and everyone can enjoy its unique sight. The Blue mountains consist of beautiful landscapes with lots of small towns and villages surrounding it. Here, you can get out your adventurous inner sprit and opt to go canyoning, horseback riding, cycling, or hiking to reveal some hidden gems in this fantastic location. In this region, there is a scenic railway and a really high cable-car ride, which is not as bad as it sounds. It’s worth it to get that floating feeling like you’re on top of the world. There are tons of caves waiting for you to explore, antiques to discover, and relaxing spa experiences that you can use to end each stressful day of uncovering beauty after beauty.

3. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach

More than a million visitors troop into the iconic Bondi Beach yearly, and it definitely deserves its spot on the top things to do in Australia. Surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, this famous beach is a hotbed of delight and soft sand. Looking for the ideal place to spend your surf and sun vacation? Well, you just found it. You can also go surfing on the protected waters of the bay. It’s excellent for beginners who can take a few lessons to master the waters and experienced surfers who are ready to have a lot of fun. If surfing is not really a go-to thing for you, there are many more activities to engage in. You can take a dip in the surfside pools or just take a coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte. This is about 2.5 miles, so it’s not a heavy walk. Still, there is no rush. Just walk along the cliff tops and get a breathtaking view of the beach from this spot. All around the Bondi Beach area are shopping stalls, restaurants, and the Bondi Farmer’s Market, which you wouldn’t want to miss on Saturdays.

4. Cape Pillar Sea Cliffs

Here is another must-see attraction for those who will be visiting Tasmania, where the sea cliffs lie off the coast of mainland Australia. Sitting at more than 850 feet above the waters of the Pacific, the dramatic Cape Pillar Sea Cliffs are no doubt the tallest of their kind that you would find in the Southern Hemisphere. It is surrounded by the Tasman National Park for extra protection while you can choose to explore it in one of two ways. You can even try both ways. See all the fantastic sights that these sea cliffs have to offer by taking a hike along the Cape Pillar Circuit. This is about 25 miles and should take four days of raw adventure. The even better part about this is that you will also get to see unsurpassed views of Tasman Island, Monument Lookout and Cape Hauy. However, you can also opt to take a boat tour out of Port Arthur, which has its history.

5. Daintree Rainforest

Feel like indulging in some ecotourism? Then check out Daintree Rainforest, where you can indulge in the sight of budding plant life. It also gives you the unique opportunity to check out the world’s oldest surviving rainforest. This is just on the east coast of Australia, 100km northwest of Cairns. This natural old-growth rainforest is one of the few that have survived this long and is run by a privately-owned conservation initiative. These inhabitants are only too happy to share their rainforest and knowledge with other lovers of nature. When taking a tour through this pretty sight, you will get to meet remarkable insects, plants, and animals living in this heritage site.

6. Darling Harbour

If the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the name Darling Harbour is dockyard, then you couldn’t have been more wrong. This waterfront area in Sydney is a bed of several prime attractions in this remarkable city. Even the locals come here for a bit of rejuvenation, dining, education, and entertainment. If it’s not on your list of top things to do in Australia, then you need to get it in because it is a must-see. There are tons of attractions and activities to choose from. So much to see, including the Powerhouse Museum, which science and technology enthusiasts will find astonishing, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium with its millions of budding marine life, Madame Tussauds, the Australian National Maritime Museum and cinemas. If you want to add a bit more to your experience, head over to their theaters and galleries and shop till you drop in their many cleverly adorned shopping malls.

7. Federation Square

Melbourne is the home of Federation Square and is another must-see attraction when you visit this great city. Federation Square brings an artistic, cultural, and entertainment combo to your feet. There is always something new to discover and explore. You can check out The Atrium, The Square, and St. Paul’s Court, which are the major hubs of this 3-hectare city development. As a new traveler or even an experienced one, it’s easy to get a little lost while moving from one breathtaking site to the other. You can take a breather by learning all about the history and attractions in Federation Square on the free morning tours at 11am that run from Monday to Saturday. This tour will include Kirra Galleries for fine glass art, the Ian Potter Center, which is adorned with Australian art, and the NGV Design Studio. Want to take a tour of the area alone or have more freedom? Rent a bike or take a Yarra River Cruise to see the city in another way.

8. Gippsland Lakes

Visiting Australia uncovers a lot of mysteries and fantastic structures that highlight the wonders of nature. The Gippsland Lakes are no different. This massive network of lakes, marshes, and inland lagoons runs across 230 square miles. It’s nestled between the ocean and the Ninety Mile Beach. You can engage in a variety of astonishing beach activities, which will keep you so occupied that you won’t notice the hours fly by. It’s a great place to hang out with your loved ones as you can engage in sailing, fishing, wind-surfing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Since the waters are so calm, even children can get in on this landmark of repute. Explore the gifts of nature with some bird-watching while viewing other wildlife around, including the lagoon dolphins. The Rotamah Island is home to kangaroos and wallabies, and a boat will take you there in no time. Alternatively, you can check out the koala colony on Raymond Island. The nighttime also has its surprises. Under the perfect conditions, you will be struck speechless by the glowing blue waters. There are bioluminescent organisms in the waters that bring this glow at night.

9. The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road

There is only one place to get on the famous Great Ocean Road Scenic Drive, and the name itself tells you where. The Great Ocean Road is 413 miles of pure adventure along the southern Australia coastline. 90 minutes from Melbourne, this route starts from the town of Torquay and leads to Nelson, which lies on the South Australian border. The Great Ocean Road gives you about three days of magnificence, but if you wish to spend more time here, you can stay as long as seven days. You will never be short on activities to engage in as it’s great for cycling on the rugged seashore or hiking through the forests and waterfalls. You can also take a zip-line tour. However, this is one location where you will be surrounded by incredible coastal scenery that gives you memories to last a lifetime.

10. Kings Park

An oasis of green…say hello to one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world. I’m talking about Kings Park, which sits in the heart of West Perth. Located not too far from the city, both locals and visitors can spend a relaxing time in this park that caters for all ages, from the young to the old. The little ones can enjoy the children’s playgrounds or even join the big guys on visits to the theaters, outdoor cinemas, and picnic areas. This place is also home to the West Australian Botanical Garden that is a sea of millions of endemic Australian plants of varying species. You can explore a section of the park reserved in its natural form, on foot through various hiking trails.

11. Lake Hiller

If anyone told you that there was a bright pink lake somewhere in the world, would you believe it? It’s honestly so hard to believe, but it actually exists on Middle Island in Australia. This fascinating lake has had scientists and visitors wondering about the cause of this uncommon phenomenon. Still, there have only been guesses about the presence of an unusual species of algae that comes with high salt content. However, when you get to visit the Recherche Archipelago on the southern coast, you won’t be worrying about the chemistry of this lake but about the breathtaking beauty of this work of art. You can get the most amazing views on a boat cruise or helicopter tour, which can be gotten from the coastal town on Esperance. The Recherche Archipelago is also a fantastic spot to go scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming.

12. The National Gallery of Victoria

There is a remarkable collection of fine art sitting in the National Gallery of Victoria, and it’s all available for your viewing pleasure. Art lovers will get a kick out of this one as this vast collection features works from America, Oceania, Asia, and Europe. Located in Melbourne, the National Gallery of Victoria is a great place to pass the time. You can also head over to the nearby Ian Potter Center, which is at Federation Square and showcases works from Australian artists. Both galleries have about an hour guided tours that are free, or you can choose to explore the art collections at your own pace. When you’re all maxed out from enjoying the incredible views, you can head over to any of the restaurants for a snack or buy some items at the arty shop.

Of course, you’re free to add many more sites to your list of top places to visit in Australia. However, this guide is just to let you know some of the unmissable attractions available in this fascinating country. So, have fun and take lots of pictures.

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