Planning a trip to Australia and wondering what are the best things to do in Australia?

Australia is an incredibly diverse, vibrant and multicultural country. And it’s huge. It is the world’s sixth-largest country — almost the size of the US.

The sheer size and diversity of this country make it a great travel destination. The safety of Australia has made it a favourite among solo travellers and families with small children. With friendly locals, plenty of breathtaking places to visit and a plethora of thrilling adventure activities, Australia is a must-see destination.

But what exactly to do in Australia?

So, check out this list of some of the best things to do in Australia.

7 best things to do in Australia

Sightsee in Sydney and Visit the Iconic Sydney Opera House

Sydney is one of the most populous cities in Australia.

It is one of the best places to visit in Australia.

Sydney’s most famous landmarks are the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House and  Sydney Harbour Bridge. These landmarks are what Sydney is famous for all around the world.

What else? Stroll around the Rocks, a historic neighbourhood in the city centre of Sydney. Located on the southern shore of Sydney Harbour, it boasts panoramic harbour views. It’s a great place to dine and shop. Some of the city’s oldest pubs are located in this area.

Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, is located in one of the suburbs of Sydney, 7 km east of the city centre. It is known for its laid-back vibe and waves that are perfect for surfing. Bondi is one of the most visited beaches in Australia.

Explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park comprises Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) is one of Australia’s most recognised landmarks. Uluru is sacred to the Aboriginal people of the area and is one of the most important indigenous sites in the country. It is on UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Uluru area is known for its barren, rocky landscape characterised by red sands.

Kata Tjuta, the second part of the national park, is a cluster of ancient rock formations. It is made up of 36 rock domes that cover an area of 22 km2. Kata Tjuta, also known as Mount Olga, can be viewed from special viewing areas. The views of the rock formations are especially impressive during the dawn and dusk.

Visit the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef.

It is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, and is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Australia. The reef stretches for over 2300 kilometres and is composed of over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands. Due to the diversity of life, the Great Barrier Reef was listed in the World Heritage List. In 1997, it was one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The reef is a very popular destination for scuba divers. If you don’t dive, don’t be discouraged, though. You can go on a snorkelling tour from Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most accessible reefs in the world, and it offers an amazing snorkelling experience. Snorkelling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best things to do in Australia.

Drive the Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic and most dramatic coastal roads in the world.

Exploring the Great Ocean Road is one of the best things to do in Australia, as it offers many places to visit.

It spans 243 kilometres along the south-eastern coast of Australia between Torquay and Allansford. The road winds through varied terrain. Many popular natural landmarks are located along the road, such as Island Archway, The Grotto and Port Campbell National Park with its London Arch and 12 Apostles.

What else? You can surf at the world-famous Bells Beach (known for the longest-running continuous surf competition in the world). Explore tranquil rainforests and waterfalls of Otway National Park. Go whale watching in Warrnambool.

Visit Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is the country’s third-largest island and one of the best places to visit in Australia.

The island has unique landscapes, unique rock formations and endangered species, such as Platypus, Echidna and Kangaroo. In fact, Kangaroo Island is the only place where you can see a Platypus in the wild.

Visit Flinders Chase National Park to see the Remarkable Rocks — an impressive geological monument. These huge, naturally sculptured formations are perched on a granite cliff and are of unusual shape. 

Explore Little Sahara. It is a sand-dune system covering roughly two square kilometres and a geological monument, but the highest dune is 70 m high. You can sand-board or toboggan on the sand dunes.

Head to Seal Bay Conservation Park and join a guided tour to see Australian sea lions.

Kangaroo Island is also one of the best locations for scuba diving in Australia. Diving in the reefs surrounding Kangaroo island is one of the best things to do in Australia.

Ride the Ghan

The Ghan has been described as one of the world’s great passenger trains.

It is an Australian passenger train that travels across the vast Australian outback between the cities of Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin. The distance of the journey is 2979 kilometres, but the train’s scheduled travelling time, including stops for passengers to do off-train tours, is 53 hours 15 minutes.

The highlights of the Ghan:

• Australia’s famous Outback
• Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge
• Crossing the Elizabeth River 
• Crossing the Ferguson River 

The Ghan offers two ticket classes: Gold Service sleeper and Platinum Service sleeper.

Visit Tasmania

Tasmania is an island state of Australia.

It is located some 240 km to the south of mainland Australia. Tasmania state encompasses the main island and the surrounding 1000 islands. Tasmania has wilderness, unspoilt landscapes and unique wildlife.

Some of Tasmania’s highlights are: 

• Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park — a popular hiking destination on the island. A part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
• Freycinet National Park — Tasmania’s oldest park, contains beautiful beaches and rugged Tasmanian coastline.
• Mount Wellington — 1271 m-high mountain frequently covered by snow.
• Hobart — Tasmania’s capital city, located at the foot of Mount Wellington.
• Tasman National Park — a national park that protects the coastal regions in eastern Tasmania. Known for rugged coastal landscapes. 

Australia travel tips

1. You need a visa to travel to Australia. Europeans, Americans, Canadians, citizens of the UK and some Asian countries can apply for a visa online. Apply for an Australia visa online.
2. Australia is huge. You won’t see it all. Stick to two or three states, and fly to save time.
3. Keep in mind that Australia’s seasons are the opposite of the ones of the Northern Hemisphere.
4. The best time to visit Australia is during the summer (winter in Northern Hemisphere) — December to February. However, it is the peak season and the most expensive time to travel in Australia.
5. The shoulder season (March-May and September-November) is a good time to visit Australia.
6. The best way to travel around Australia is by rental car.
7. If you want to cover large distances, then flying is the best option.
8. The sun is very strong in Australia, especially during the summer. Do not forget to pack sunscreen with a high SPF.
9. The plugs in Australia are three-pronged “type I” plugs.
10. Australia is one of the safest destinations on the planet. It is one of the safest destinations for solo travellers, so the crime rate is low, and the country’s political system is stable. However, there are some dangers — you’ll want to watch out for its poisonous critters! There are poisonous snakes, spiders and jellyfish. Make sure you keep an eye out for snakes, spiders and other critters when you are in nature.