Australia is that faraway and mysterious land that everyone dreams of, a land of contrasts, where big cities contrast with the spectacle of unspoilt nature, where the power of the oceans meets the vastness of the deserts. It's a really big country, a lifetime would not be enough to visit it all, but there are some places that are absolutely unmissable!
Here are all our tips on what to see in Australia!
1 - Sydney
Sydney is one of the world's most famous cities and a popular destination for backpackers and families alike. There are plenty of attractions and things to do, starting with the iconic sail-shaped Opera House. You can stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, discover its wonderful neighbourhoods such as The Rocks, visit the many museums or spend a family day out at the Taronga Zoo! A harbour cruise is also a must, while adrenaline junkies can take part in the Bridge Climb on the famous Harbour Bridge!
But there are also wonderful beaches in Sydney: the most famous is Bondi Beach, which can also be reached by taking the spectacular Coogee to Bondi Costal Walk, an ocean-view promenade suitable for families with children, where you'll pass several small beaches. Bondi Beach is also ideal for taking a surfing lesson! Don't miss Manly Beach either, which is mainly frequented by families.
No matter your interest in Sydney, there is a perfect accommodation option waiting for you. Check out Hotel deals in Sydney at newsouthwaleshotels.net for a diverse range of accommodations that will suit your budget and needs. Another place to find a plethora of fantastic hotel offers is on the tophotels.com where they feature unrivaled hotel deals around the city.
Finally, Sydney is the perfect starting point for an excursion to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed nature park famous for its rock formations and the many activities you can do there, such as cycling and hiking.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Sydney
2 - Melbourne
Like Sydney, Melbourne is one of Australia's best-known cities, also chosen by many young people to begin their experience Down Under. The capital of the State of Victoria, it is located in South Australia. Ferries to Tasmania also depart from here.
Packed with attractions and things to do, you can't miss the experience of watching a rugby match, taking a scenic cruise, watching the sunset from St Kilda Beach or taking a photo in front of the iconic Brighton Beach cottages! If you love art, visit the National Gallery of Victoria! Melbourne is truly a city for everyone to discover and experience!
SEE ALSO: What to see in Melbourne
3 - Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles
If you're staying in Melbourne, you definitely can't miss a day, or more, exploring the world-famous Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most beautiful scenic roads! It stretches 400 km from the city of Torquay to Nelson. The best way to visit it is by organised excursion from Melbourne, transport included.
The Great Ocean Road, declared an Australian National Heritage Site, is a real journey of discovery through nature, from rainforest to dream beaches, waterfalls to picture postcard landscapes. One of the most famous images is surely that of the 12 Apostles, a series of limestone stacks located off the Australian coast, at Port Campbell National Park!
4 - Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Australian Outback
One of Australia's most iconic images is Uluru, or Ayers Rock in English, a huge sandstone monolith in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, or Red Desert. For the Aborigines, it is a sacred place and, as soon as you find yourself here, you will feel the importance and wonder of this place. One of the best experiences you can have is to see it from above in a helicopter!
But how to visit the Australian Outback? First of all, you have to get to Alice Springs, the main town, which is connected by numerous flights to the main Austrian cities. From here, there are two solutions: travel by hire car or join an organised multi-day tour. If you opt for the first option, you should know that this trip must be organised down to the last detail! The petrol stations are more than 200 km away and you will find yourself driving in the middle of nowhere for many hours. If you organise your itinerary, you surely cannot fail to include Kata Tjuta, a wonderful rock formation in the heart of the Outback, and Kings Canyon, a real canyon in the middle of the desert!
5 - Whitsunday and Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is located in Queensland's Whitsunday archipelago. This beach is one of Australia's most photographed spots, characterised by its beautiful white sand and the ocean's many shades of blue.
To explore the Whitsundays, you can take a cruise from Airlie Beach, located on the Australian coast. Both day trips and multi-day boat tours depart from here. This archipelago is characterised by its unspoilt nature: located close to the Great Barrier Reef, the islands are largely uninhabited, with dense tropical forests full of hiking trails and dreamy beaches! Absolutely not to be missed!
6 - Great Barrier Reef
In Australia, you can't miss the chance to visit the world's largest coral reef: the Great Barrier Reef. Made up of more than 2,900 smaller reefs and some 900 islands, it stretches over 2,300 km! Needless to say, it is one of Australia's most visited and loved natural attractions!
But, given its extent, what is the best way to visit it? A great way is to visit the Whitsundays on a three-day boat tour, but one of the best places to base yourself is Cairns in the north of the country, also in Queensland. Many catamaran cruises on the Great Barrier Reef depart from here, some including a stop at Coral Cay with snorkelling or diving. Another spectacular way to see it is from a helicopter!
7 - Brisbane
Now let's get back to discovering other places on the mainland, starting with Brisbane. It is the capital of Queensland, as well as being Australia's third most populous city. It is a city full of attractions, both cultural and natural.
The South Bank is its cultural hub. It is home to many museums, hosts many events and concerts and is home to the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, one of Australia's largest museums of contemporary art. But one of the most popular activities is a river cruise with a visit to the Koala Sanctuary. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a sanctuary that mainly houses koalas, where you can even hold them and get to know them up close! But that's not all: you can feed kangaroos, hold a snake and see many other Australian species!
SEE ALSO: Queensland: where it is, when to go and what to see
8 - Gold Coast
'/>"/> Less than 90 km south of Brisbane, also in Queensland, is a city that is reminiscent of an American city: we are talking about the Gold Coast, which we could call Australia's Miami! It is characterised by a very long beach and numerous skyscrapers right next to the waterfront.
The best way to explore it is to rent a bike. Here, you can start at Surfers Paradise and ride all the way to the North Burleigh Lookout, passing places like the beautiful Marmaid Beach and Broadbeach! We also recommend climbing to the top of the SkyPoint Observation Deck, the panoramic observatory that will give you a great view of the whole town and the long beach, at sunset it's a unique experience!
9 - Byron Bay
About 90 km south of the Gold Coast is another must-see location: Byron Bay! Actually, Byron Bay is a small seaside town in New South Wales, but it's a popular destination especially for backpackers! So if you are backpacking or travelling with your friends, you should definitely plan a two or three-day stop here!
Great unspoilt beaches, lush nature and a slow and relaxed lifestyle! These are the main characteristics of Byron Bay. In the evenings, strolling along the waterfront, you will find young people playing improvised music all together. Moreover, it is one of the best places to approach surfing by taking part in small group surfing lessons.
But that's not all: Byron Bay is home to the Cape Byron State Conservation Area, dominated by its big white lighthouse. This place is the Most Easterly Point of the Australian Mainland. From the lighthouse you have a unique view of the two large beaches that surround it - a sight for sore eyes!
10 - Darwin
Photo by yeowatzup. Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, is one of the best places to get in touch with Aboriginal culture, especially through museums and events. It is also the starting point for several ferry excursions to the Tiwi Islands, an archipelago that is still little known and therefore preserves its unspoilt nature.
But that's not all: Darwin is the land of crocodiles! Here, in addition to the classic sunset cruise in the harbour, you can also take a cruise to see crocodiles! And if you're looking for a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, you certainly can't miss a visit to Crocosaurus Cove, where you can dive into a tank with a crocodile, obviously while inside a cage and with all the necessary precautions! Trust us, it's an experience you'll remember forever!
SEE ALSO: Tiwi Islands: where they are, when to go and what to see
11 - Perth and the West Coast
We now fly to the West Coast, or Western Australia. If you're exploring the eastern part of the country, such as Sydney or Melbourne, the only way to get to Perth is by plane, which takes a good five hours! Perth is Western Australia's main city, located on the mouth of the Swan River, a place where nature is intertwined with the presence of man. Tall skyscrapers contrast with long, wide beaches, while a short walk from the centre you can enjoy nature at Kings Park National Park! We recommend a walking tour through art, history and culture, accompanied by a local guide.
Perth's surroundings are as beautiful as the city itself. Here you can swim in the Indian Ocean and there are so many beaches that a lifetime would not be enough to visit them all! And while there is the ocean on one side, there is the great Australian desert on the other! Anexcursion to the Pinnacle Desert, with sunset and stargazing, is a must!
12 - Rottnest Island
From Perth, you can also reach another unique location: Rottnest Island. This island can be reached by ferry from Perth, or on a day trip by bike and ferry. This place will present itself to your eyes with unspoilt nature, beautiful beaches and a crystal blue ocean. Nature takes centre stage here: at the 2016 census, the island had only 334 inhabitants!
But Rottnest Island is especially famous for one reason: it is the only place where the quokka, nicknamed the happiest animals in the world, live! They are small marsupials that always seem to be smiling and even pose when you take their picture. It's not hard to find photos on social media of people taking a selfie with these little guys. If you're in Perth you definitely can't miss the chance to meet these cute little animals!
13 - Canberra
A common mistake is to think that a city between Sydney and Melbourne is Australia's capital. In reality, Australia's capital is Canberra, established in 1913 in the Australian Capital Territory. Often overlooked by tourist itineraries, it is well worth a visit to learn more about this land, its history and its evolution.
The city is indeed full of very interesting museums! First and foremost, the National Museum of Australia, which traces 50,000 years of Australian history and culture. The National Gallery of Australia houses the world's largest collection of Australian Aboriginal art! Summer is packed with events and festivals and the weather is great. Winter, on the other hand, is ideal for skiing! Yes, let's dispel the myth that it's always hot in Australia: there are numerous ski resorts around Canberra!
14 - Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, with an area of about 1,840 square kilometres! It can only be reached by ferry and you can only get around by 4x4. Forget asphalt roads or anything else, here you drive directly on the beach!
It is a true piece of paradise, a place where nature rules, you will only find small villages. And, precisely because nature rules here, you have to move very carefully. On Fraser Island you can meet the purest dingoes, those that have not been crossbred with other dog breeds. Swimming in the ocean is forbidden, due to the high presence of jellyfish and sharks. But all this is repaid by the beautiful scenery. In addition, the island and the surrounding ocean is an ideal spot for whale watching cruises!
SEE ALSO: Fraser Island: where it is, when to go and what to see
15 - Tasmania
This small island off the south coast of Australia can be reached by plane or boat directly from Melbourne. Here, too, nature is the main protagonist: you will encounter vast and wild territories, numerous nature reserves and protected parks.
If you are in Melbourne, it is best to spend at least a weekend or three days in Tasmania. Its capital is Hobart, where you will find the interesting Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. For a first approach, we recommend a sightseeing bus tour or a bay cruise. From the capital you can then take in the incredible surroundings, such as Southwest National Park, Wellington Park or the spectacular Coles Bay. Tasmania is a land that will allow you to reconnect with nature, have adrenaline-fuelled experiences and is sure to make you fall in love!
SEE ALSO: Tasmania: where it is, when to go and what to see
Australia's top itineraries
15-day itinerary: Southern Cities and Outback (Red Centre)
Day 1: Arrive in Perth and check into your hotel
Day two: day dedicated to visiting Perth, including a tour of art, history and culture
Daythree: excursion to the Pinnacle Desert, koalas and sandboarding. Evening return to Perth
Day 4: Excursion to Rottnest Island, bike tour and ferry transport. Evening return to Perth
Day five: Air transfer Perth-Adelaide. Arrival in Adelaide, hotel accommodation and first walk in the centre
Daysix: Day trip to Kangaroo Island. Return to Adelaide
Dayseven: Full day sightseeing in Adelaide, with possible guided tour of Adelaide Oval Stadium
Day eight: Air transfer Adelaide-Melbourne. Arrival in Melbourne, hotel accommodation and first walk in the city centre
Daynine: A day of sightseeing in Melbourne, including the CBD, Vitoria Queen Market and Eureka Tower
Day 10: Excursion along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, stopping at the 12 Apostles and several coastal locations. Return to Melbourne
Day 11: Air transfer Melbourne-Ayers Rock. Accommodation and excursion to the base of Uluru at sunset
Day 12: Sunrise excursion to Uluru and visit the Olgas. Afternoon flight transfer Ayers Rock-Sydney. Arrival in Sydney and hotel accommodation
Day13: Full day sightseeing in Sydney, recommended 1-day sightseeing bus pass and ticket for 4 attractions
Day 14: Excursion to the Blue Mountains. Return to Sydney
Day 15: Departure from Sydney to return to Italy
How much does it cost? Price details
Price per person from: €1,400.00. Including tourist visa, excursions and accommodation. Excluding transfer internal flights, international flights and travel insurance
Best time for the itinerary: between April and October, given the visit to the Red Centre
15 Day Itinerary: Southern Cities and Whitsundays
Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne and check into hotel
Day two: day trip to Melbourne, including the CBD, Vitoria Queen Market and Eureka Tower
Day three: Excursion along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, stopping at the 12 Apostles and several coastal locations. Return to Melbourne
Day four: Air transfer Melbourne-Adelaide. Arrival in Adelaide and hotel accommodation
Dayfive: Day trip to Kangaroo Island. Return to Adelaide
Daysix: Full day sightseeing in Adelaide, with possible guided tour of Adelaide Oval Stadium
Dayseven: Air transfer Adelaide-Sydney. Arrive in Sydney and check into your hotel
Dayeight: Full day sightseeing in Sydney, recommended 1-day sightseeing bus pass and ticket for 4 attractions
Day 9: Excursion to the Blue Mountains. Return to Sydney
Day10: Visit Sydney's beaches, including the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk and optional surf lesson at Bondi Beach
Day 11: Air transfer Sydney-Hamilton Island, in the Whitsundays. Arrive at Hamilton Island and relax
Day12: Total relaxation day at the beach
Day13: Excursion to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach. Return to Hamilton Island
Day14: Total relaxation day at the beach
Day 15: departure from Hamilton Island and return to Italy
How much does it cost? Price details
Price per person from: €1,280.00. Including tourist visa, excursions and accommodation. Excluding transfer internal flights, international flights and travel insurance
Best time for itinerary: September to May
20-day itinerary: ocean and desert tour of Australia
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney and check into your hotel
Day two: day of sightseeing in Sydney, recommended 1-day scenic bus pass and ticket to 4 attractions
Day3: Visit Sydney's beaches, including the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk and optional surf lesson at Bondi Beach
Dayfour: Sydney to Ayers Rock flight transfer. Visit Kata Tjuta and Uluru at sunset
Day five: Sunrise visit to Uluru. Afternoon transfer to Kings Canyon
Daysix: Morning visit to Kings Canyon. Afternoon arrival in Alice Springs
Day seven: air transfer Alice Springs-Cairns, Queensland. Arrival in Cairns and hotel accommodation
Dayeight: Land transfer Cairns-Cape Tribulation. Arrive in Cape Tribulation and visit the oceanfront resort
Day nine: Full day visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Return to Cape Tribulation
Day 10: Land transfer Cape Tribulation-Mission beach. Arrive at Mission beach, relax on the beach or visit the resort
Day 11: Land transfer Mission Beach-Townsville. Arrival in Townsville and sightseeing.
Day 12: Land transfer Townsville-Arlie Beach. Arrival at Arlie Beach and sightseeing.
Day 13: Two-day boat excursion to the Whitsundays. Overnight stay on the boat.
Day14: Boat visit to Whitehaven Beach and return to port at Arlie Beach
Day 15: Land transfer Airlie Beach-Rockhampton. Arrival in Rockhampton
Day16: Land transfer Rockhampton-Hervey Bay. Arrival at Hervey Bay
Day17: Day trip to Fraser Island. Return to Hervey Bay
Day18: Land transfer Hervey Bay-Brisbane. Arrival in Brisbane
Day19: Day trip to Brisbane, including a river cruise and visit to the Koala Sanctuary
Day 20: departure from Brisbane to return to Italy
How much does it cost? Price details
Price per person from: from €1,900.00. Including tourist visa, excursions and accommodation. Excluding domestic flights transfer, international flights and travel insurance
Best time for itinerary: all year round
Main tourist regions
'/>"/> Australia is a very large country and, as a result, has completely different landscapes: from the great beaches and ocean to the mountains, from lush rainforests to the vast, arid central desert.
Each tourist region is therefore characterised by its own particularities and uniqueness! If you want to visit the big cities then you have to head for the East Coast, while if you love big uninhabited landscapes and unspoilt nature, you absolutely cannot miss the West Coast and the Red Centre. Let's take a detailed look at the characteristics of each region:
New South Wales: a state characterised by coastal cities, such as Sydney, and large national parks. One of the first regions to visit in Australia, it is also very easy to get to, thanks to Sydney International Airport, and to get around, thanks to good transport links. Perfect all year round
Victoria: A southern state, this is where Melbourne is located and is the perfect gateway to Tasmania. There is Melbourne International Airport and it has completely different landscapes, from great beaches to the vineyard-rich hinterland. Perfect all year round
Queensland: in the north-eastern part of Australia, with a coastline of 7,000 kilometres. Here you will find numerous seaside towns, one of the main ones being Brisbane. From here you can also visit the Great Barrier Reef. Because of its size, it has diverse and unique landscapes and unspoilt nature. Best between April-May and September-November
Northern Territory and Outback: region stretching from the northern coast to the Red Centre, where you can visit the famous Ayes Rock. The main cities include Darwin in the north and Alice Springs in the south, a base for visiting the Red Centre. Most of the territory is desert landscape. Darwin is best visited between April-May and September-November, the Outback between April and October.
Western Australia: the largest region, occupying as much as a third of the country. The main city is Perth, located on the coast and served by the International Airport. It has unspoilt nature, great beaches overlooking the ocean and a wild character. Perfect all year round
Travel to Australia: flights, costs and best times
Australia is a very expensive destination. This is due to several factors: first of all, the remoteness, which will have a big impact on flight costs. There are no direct flights from Italy, but you will necessarily have to make a stopover in South East Asia (such as Bangkok or Singapore). You will also have to budget at least one day for the trip.
Another expense that affects the budget is accommodation. Australia has a very high cost of living, so accommodation is priced in a way that can be compared to the most famous European capitals. To save money, you can opt for hostels. Even dining out has a high cost, for a pizza the average cost is around 20.00 AUD (€13.00).
As far as travelling is concerned, it depends a lot on the trip you want to take. If you want to go on the road along the East Coast, for example, we can recommend a rental car. There is also an excellent bus system connecting all major cities and destinations (this will allow you to travel at night and save valuable time). If you need to travel north from South Australia, the best option is to fly. In the outback you can get around in rented cars, but be careful to organise your journey well: petrol stations can be more than 200 km apart. If you don't feel like driving in the middle of the Australian desert, it is better to opt for an organised multi-day tour.
Minimum time for an Australian tour: 15 days (excluding international flights from Italy)
Best time: Depends on the area, but in general, mid-seasons are best. Northern Territories and Queensland best between June and September, South West has no unsuitable period, always favour mid-seasons - find out more
Recommended cities to base yourself in: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin
Gettingaround: by air for long distances. By bus network along the east coast. Rental car also recommended. In the Outback it is recommended to take part in organised excursions, if you opt for the rental car you need to plan your trips better
Flights: there are no direct flights from Italy, at least one stopover in cities such as Bangkok or Singapore must be planned. Minimum cost per route is around €500.00, average flight time is 20 to 24 hours, which can be longer depending on stopovers - compare flights
Accommodation: for low cost travel we recommend hostels, very clean and well organised. There is a wide choice of flats, small hotels, b&bs and high-end hotels, both in large cities and smaller towns. High average costs due to high cost of living - compare accommodation on booking
Useful tips and rules of conduct
Import ban: it is forbidden to import fruit, foodstuffs of a certain type and more than 50 cigarettes into the country.
Danger of animals: Beware of the most dangerous animals in the world; it is always a good idea to check your shoes before wearing them; during treks and walks you must not sit on the ground. Bathing is prohibited along the coast in some places because of deadly sharks and jellyfish. Always follow the signs posted everywhere.
Driving tips: It is not recommended to drive out of town from dawn to dusk due to the presence of animals along the roads.
Arrive on time: Australians are very punctual, be punctual when you have reservations.
Tips: They are not compulsory but appreciated in the more upmarket establishments; it is advisable in this case to leave an amount equal to 5/10% of the bill.