Australia is one of the biggest travel hotspots. It’s known for its incredible backpacking, camping, road tripping, and diving destinations, but even if you’re not into the exploring and want to relax, Australia is also known for its incredible beaches. The country is filled with incredible natural beauty from Uluru to the Outback, rainforests to pristine white sand beaches, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Sydney’s Harbor Bridge and Opera House are iconic landmarks that you must see and Melbourne’s café culture will make you feel like you are in Europe without all the cigarette smoke. Coupled with world-class surfing, and world-class people, it is no wonder why people never leave.
Sydney: Australia’s largest city has a bevy of activities and attractions to keep you busy.
- The Sydney Harbour Bridge: coupled with the Opera House, the Bridge is the most iconic landmark in Sydney. This towering structure is known to be the world’s largest steel arch bridge. The best part about the bridge is that you don’t just have to look at it from afar. You can climb the bridge and get breathtaking, panoramic views of the Sydney skyline. This view will be sure to take your breath away.
- Sydney Opera House: this sailboat-inspired building contains over one million tiles on its entire structure. With its bold purple carpeting and unbelievable views of the Sydney Harbour whilst watching a concert is an unparalleled experience. The Opera House also offers a one hour walk through tour of the incredible structure. There is also a tour with a backstage tour and a complimentary breakfast.
- Bondi Beach: Bondi Beach is best known for its waves, which makes it one of the top surfing destinations in the world. But if you’re not ready to hang 10, don’t worry. Bondi is also a great place to sunbathe, relax, and swim. It’s important to note that topless sunbathing is allowed on Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach is a very hot tourist attraction so there are many complaints about overcrowding. Moreover, people still say that it is a must-see and not something you should skip out on.
Uluru: also known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is a large sandstone rock formation. Uluru is one of the main attractions in Australia. It’s important to be there for both sunrise and sunset, both times offer completely different experiences. Even though it’s just a big rock, it’s shocking how breathtaking the whole experience is.
Great Barrier Reef: the world’s largest coral reef system and sure to be something you’ll never forget. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world’s largest structure made by living organisms. The reef isn’t just something to see, you can also dive it! If you don’t dive, then don’t fret. You can still take a boat out into the reef and snorkel. When getting a boat, try to get one that has specific permits to visit sites further from the shore.
Melbourne: much more relaxed in Comparison to Sydney. Melbourne is Australia’s bar capital and hub of live music. Melbourne tends to be a much more young and fun city. Many of the city’s hottest bars are buried in random streets, which makes the experience all the more fun. Across the Yarra River, Southgate provides the arts sector with a strip of bars and riverside views. With plenty of culture, activities, art exhibitions, and live music, you could easily spend over a week here and want to stay longer. There’s so much to do and so many places to see, it’s easy to get to lost in it all (literally and figuratively).
Sail the Whitsundays: the Whitsunday Islands are a collection of islands that vary in size off the central coast of Australia. A three-day sailing trip is a popular way to see some of the most beautiful sand islands and beaches in the world. The water is so clear and blue, and the sand is so white – you won’t believe it’s real. If you’re sick of living on the water, some of the islands have resorts that you could stay in instead.
What to eat:
Australian Barbecue: A stereotypical Australian phrase is, “put another shrimp on the barbie.” So, when you’re Down Under, grab some friends, meet in a backyard, park or at the beach, and barbecue like there’s no tomorrow: Australians will throw just about anything on the grill – from burgers, to seafood, and sausage – nothing is off limits in an Australian barbecue.
Kangaroo meat: I know what you must be thinking but this is actually an Australian delicacy. You can try kangaroo steak, burger, jerky, sausage or ease into the experience by eating it in a stew, on a pizza, or in a pie.
Vegemite on toast: this is about as Australian as it gets. The paste is made from yeast extract and tastes salty but also a little bitter.
ANZAC Biscuits: this sweet biscuits were created by the wives of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War One. These baked goods were sent to the front lines or they were sold to raise money for the war. So, when you’re eating one you’re not just eating a biscuit, you’re eating a part of Australian history!
G’day mate!
