What to do in Australia? The best activities for your trip
Treat yourself to an adventure where wide open spaces meet breathtaking nature and vibrant culture. Just a few hours from New Zealand, Australia is a unique destination that promises unforgettable experiences on every trip.
So, what to do in Australia? Immerse yourself in the ancient Aboriginal culture at Uluru, encounter kangaroos and koalas on Kangaroo Island, surf the waves of Adelaide or Byron Bay, discover the wide outdoors in the Blue Mountains or in Queensland, and explore modern and dynamic cities such as Sydney or Melbourne... What place or activity is on your travel bucket list? Here is a guide to some of the best things to do in Australia!
Surf the Australian waves
From Adelaide (South Australia) to the Sunshine Coast (Queensland), Australia is known as a surfing paradise. With thousands of kilometers of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, the country offers legendary surf spots known for the competitions held there, as well as other white sand beaches suitable for different skill levels. The choice is yours!
Bondi Beach (Sydney) and Byron Bay offer a relaxed atmosphere and waves that can be accessible to beginner surfers.
Further north, in Queensland, the Gold Coast boasts over 70 km of beaches that are perfect for surfing in Australia if you are an experienced surfer. Ask a local guide for advice or sign up for a surf school.
You can also watch one of the best international surfing competitions at Bells Beach, Margaret River, or on the Gold Coast.
Experience Uluru (Ayers Rock)
A few days from Alice Springs, in the heart of the Northern Territory and the Red Center, Uluru is an unmissable natural monument in a national park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Uluru is a 348-meter-high monolith and one of the most iconic and spiritual sites on the Australian continent. This sacred rock offers a magical spectacle at every sunrise and sunset, changing color with the light.
Not far from Uluru, you will also find Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), another sacred site for the Anangu Aboriginal people, composed of impressive red stone domes.
Your visit to the Red Center is also an opportunity to hire a guide to learn more about Aboriginal culture through legends, paintings, and music.
It is also an excellent starting point for a road trip through Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Watarrka National Parks to discover the cliffs of Kings Canyon before reaching the town of Alice Springs. It’s the perfect adventure tour to enjoy scenic, stunning landscapes during your trip.
Admire the Great Barrier Reef
Australia's natural wonders will never cease to amaze you! The Great Barrier Reef is a vast ecosystem stretching over 2,000 km, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best place to add to your travel bucket list!
Located off the coast of Queensland, it is easily accessible via the city of Cairns, but also from many points along Australia's northeast coast: Townsville, Airlie Beach, Gladstone, etc.
For a little adventure in the heart of one of nature's most beautiful treasures, book a guided tour. There are many excursions available to explore the underwater paradise of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether scuba diving or snorkeling, discover spectacular sites and encounter thousands of underwater species in crystal-clear waters. Fish, rays, and turtles perform splendid ballets above exceptional coral formations.
For a unique experience, you can choose a scenic flight by seaplane or helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef and the Queensland coast.
Visit the Sydney Opera House
If there was only one activity to do in Sydney, New South Wales, this would be it! An architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House is quite simply the symbol of Australia.
While its iconic silhouette itself is worth the detour, the Opera House is also a cultural gem waiting to be discovered. Guided tours reveal the fascinating history of its construction and allow you to explore its theaters with remarkable acoustics. Take the opportunity to check the concert program and attend one of the shows performed there to fully appreciate the magic of the place.
For a perfect experience when the night falls, take a sunset cruise in Sydney Harbour (Port Jackson). From the water, admire the Opera House, the majestic Harbor Bridge, and the city as it gradually lights up.
Take a road trip on the Great Ocean Road
In the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia, drive along the Great Ocean Road: one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world. Steep cliffs, secluded white sand beaches, exceptional surfing spots, Eucalyptus and tree fern forests... all these attractions make the Great Ocean Road the ideal road trip itinerary!
This is also where you can admire the Twelve Apostles, huge limestone pillars sculpted by the ocean.
To fully enjoy the riches of Victoria, rent a car or campervan and plan time to discover the many excursions in the region.
Observe Australian wildlife
It's no secret that Australia is home to some of the world's most unique wildlife. Observing it in its natural habitat is one of the most moving experiences of any trip to Australia.
Kangaroo Island, off the coast of Adelaide, has an exceptionally high concentration of wildlife: kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, sea lions, and fur seals live peacefully on the island. In the continent's many national parks (Kakadu National Park, Wilsons Promontory National Park, etc.) or in the country's forests such as Daintree (near Cairns), you may also be lucky enough to spot a kangaroo, koala, or wombat in the wild.
Marine animals aren't left out either, as during your trip to Australia, you can choose to:
Snorkel with turtles, manta rays, or even whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia).
Observe saltwater crocodiles in Darwin (Northern Territory).
Watch bottlenose dolphins or dugongs at Monkey Mia off the red sand dunes of Shark Bay (Francois Peron National Park).
Try to spot rare Australian Snubfin Dolphin along the coast of the Kimberley region (Northern Territory).
Or visit the penguins as the night falls on Phillip Island (an island near Melbourne).
Beach, river, rainforest, desert, mountain, valley, ocean… Take the time to explore each habitat and meet the incredible animals that live there. Please remember to go with a guide, familiarize yourself with the rules, and never disturb the animals.
Visit Brisbane and the Gold Coast
With its sunny climate and relaxed atmosphere, Brisbane is one of Australia's must-see cities. Cultural and dynamic, Brisbane offers a wide range of experiences: museums, wine tasting, theaters, art galleries, markets, and waterfront restaurants illuminated at night by the lights of the Story Bridge... Take the time to immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of this sunny city!
Brisbane also offers easy access to the Gold Coast. This iconic Australian destination is home to some of the most famous surfing beaches on Australia’s east coast. You can enjoy a shopping spree, discover the region's landscapes from Sky Point, close to Surfers Paradise, explore small, chic and relaxed neighborhoods, and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this little corner of paradise. Its attractions and theme parks also make it an excellent destination for a family trip. There's no end to the things to do in Australia!
Explore Australia's National Parks
Your stay in Australia will undoubtedly be punctuated by many moments of wonder. Immerse yourself in spectacular nature in one of the continent's many national parks. Whether hiking, road tripping, hot air ballooning, or taking a guided 4x4 excursion, choose an activity that suits you. For example, you could try:
An excursion combining nature and culture in the heart of Kakadu National Park, near Darwin in the Northern Territory. Discover Aboriginal art among majestic waterfalls, lush rainforest, and bird-filled wetlands. While in Kakadu, don't miss a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center to learn more about the culture of Australia's first inhabitants.
South of Darwin and Kakadu, the landscapes of Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley region are another treasure of northern Australia. Here you will find the Bungle Bungle, a distinctive red sandstone mountain range shaped like cones.
On the other side of the country, just a few hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a variety of landscapes to discover on hikes or guided tours: mountain trails, incredible waterfalls, stunning canyons, natural caves, unforgettable panoramic views... the Blue Mountains National Park will introduce you to all the different landscapes of New South Wales!
Attend an Australian sports game
Sport is an integral part of Australian identity, and attending a sporting event offers an authentic immersion into the country's passion. Australians even have their own local sport, Australian football (AFL)! This is a discipline worth discovering in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide.
You can also enjoy the stadium atmosphere with other more internationally famous disciplines, such as cricket or rugby. These two sports draw crowds in the country's major cities. Be sure to check the Australian sports calendar to include this unique experience in your list of things to do in Australia.
Travel to Tasmania
Your trip to Australia can extend beyond the mainland to one of the country's many islands. The most famous of these is Tasmania. With its multitude of national parks, this large island is a paradise for nature lovers:
Head to Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park to discover mountains, rainforests, and lakes. Spectacular hikes await you at Cradle Mountain, and a conservation center welcomes you to observe the island's iconic animal, the Tasmanian devil.
Freycinet - Wineglass Bay National Park is characterized by its cliffs, pristine beaches, and exceptional wildlife. This national park is ideal for kayaking or hiking, and enjoying the region's wines and seafood.
It is indeed an excellent destination for an exceptional culinary journey. Visiting Tasmania means discovering its flavors: grapes and apples are grown here to produce delicious Tasmanian wines and ciders. For the best experience, plan a wine tour day trip through Tasmania's stunning landscapes. You can also taste all kinds of cheeses and delicious seafood.
Spend a few days in Melbourne
Your stay in Australia is the perfect opportunity to discover the city that has been voted “the world's most livable city” by the British magazine The Economist no less than seven times in a row!
With its trendy cafes, street art, museums, and sporting events, Melbourne is a vibrant and creative city. You can explore its extremely rich cultural scene: take the opportunity to visit temporary exhibitions, discover art galleries, and attend one of the many concerts that animate the city every weekend.
Among Melbourne must-see attractions, don't miss:
the Royal Botanic Garden with its thousands of plants and amazing birds,
the Queen Victoria Market with its fresh local produce (wine, beer, seafood, etc.), crafts, and friendly atmosphere,
or the Yara Valley (one hour from Melbourne), for a day of adventure. Taste its wine, food, and try an incredible hot air balloon scenic flight.
So, what's your ideal travel itinerary? From Sydney to Kangaroo Island, via Byron Bay, Blue Mountains National Park, or the Great Barrier Reef... Whatever you choose, Australia is sure to offer you unforgettable moments!
