Things to Do
Australia feels wide, welcoming, and surprisingly varied. Travellers can move from cool highland forests to tropical wetlands or from refined wine regions to quiet desert towns within a single journey. These experiences offer new ways to understand the country, giving visitors a richer look at Australian life and landscape.
1. Wander through the Blue Mountains near Sydney
Just a short trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer peaceful bushland, sandstone cliffs, and cool forest air. The region is named after the soft blue haze that rises from eucalyptus trees and rests gently over the valleys. Travellers can visit lookouts such as Echo Point, which provides striking views of the Three Sisters rock formation. Walking paths range from gentle boardwalks to longer trails that lead to waterfalls and hidden glades. The small towns throughout the mountains offer cosy cafés and local shops, making the region perfect for a relaxed day out. The Blue Mountains give travellers the chance to step into nature without wandering too far from the city.
2. Explore the ancient landscapes of Kakadu National Park
Kakadu in the Northern Territory is one of Australia’s most important natural and cultural regions. The wetlands, sandstone escarpments, and floodplains support an incredible variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, birds, and wallabies. Travellers can take guided cruises through Yellow Water Billabong or walk through rock art sites that hold stories from Aboriginal communities dating back many thousands of years. The mix of culture and landscape makes Kakadu feel powerful and deeply rooted in history. Visitors often speak about the quiet moments, such as watching the early morning mist lift from the water or listening to the sounds of the bush at dusk.
3. Taste wine and local produce in the Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley in South Australia is one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions. Rolling vineyards, stone farm buildings, and friendly cellar doors create a peaceful rural atmosphere. Travellers can enjoy tastings of rich red wines, learn about winemaking traditions, and settle in for long lunches featuring local cheeses, breads, and seasonal produce. Small towns like Tanunda and Angaston provide a charming base for exploring the region’s markets, bakeries, and craft shops. The Barossa moves at a slow and steady pace, which helps visitors unwind and enjoy the pleasure of simple food shared among friendly hosts.
4. Visit Ningaloo Reef and swim with whale sharks
Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef offers a quieter alternative to the Great Barrier Reef. The coral sits close to shore, and visitors can step straight into clear water filled with colourful marine life. Between March and July, the area becomes one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. These gentle giants move slowly through the water, allowing travellers to watch them glide past in a calm and respectful setting. Aside from whale shark tours, travellers can enjoy snorkelling at Turquoise Bay, where fish and coral can be seen just a few metres from the beach. Ningaloo’s peaceful environment makes the experience feel personal and unhurried.
5. Discover Australia’s political and cultural centre in Canberra
Canberra offers insight into Australia’s national story. Parliament House welcomes visitors who want to learn about the country’s political life, while the Australian War Memorial provides a thoughtful space for reflection. The National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia both present carefully curated exhibitions that help travellers understand the country’s arts, history, and people. The city itself is easy to navigate, with parks, lakeside paths, and quiet neighbourhoods. Many visitors find Canberra refreshing because it combines cultural depth with a relaxed and well-organised layout.
6. Immerse yourself in the energy of Adelaide Central Market
Adelaide Central Market is one of the oldest and largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere. It offers a lively environment where travellers can meet growers, bakers, and small food producers. Stalls are filled with fruits, cheeses, pastries, spices, seafood, and handmade treats. Visitors can join guided tastings, enjoy breakfast among the crowds, or wander through the aisles, taking in the smells and flavours. The market gives a close look at Adelaide’s multicultural food scene and local farming traditions. Many travellers return several times during their stay because the atmosphere feels friendly and grounded.
7. Watch the sunset on Cable Beach in Broome
Cable Beach in Western Australia is known for its long stretch of bright sand and calm turquoise water. The sunsets here are among the most photographed in the country, with the sky shifting from gold to pink and deep purple. Visitors can walk along the shoreline, paddle in the warm shallows, or take a camel ride as the evening sky comes to life. Broome itself has a rich pearling history, and its blend of cultures creates a welcoming and laid-back mood. The beach encourages travellers to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy a simple moment of beauty.
8. Experience the wildlife and forests of the Otways
The Great Otway region in Victoria combines rainforest, waterfalls, and coastal scenery. Travellers can visit Maits Rest to walk through ancient tree ferns or take the path to Hopetoun Falls for a quiet view tucked within the forest. Wildlife sightings are common, with koalas resting in eucalyptus branches and parrots flashing bright colour through the trees. The Otways also connect easily to the coast, offering a pleasant mix of forest and sea. Small towns throughout the region provide warm hospitality, making the area ideal for travellers who enjoy nature without crowds.