15 Best Places to Visit in Australia
For many people, the country Australia brings imageries of coral reef, sandy beaches, amazing seafood, scuba diving and amazing nightlife that make it a dream destination but wait, Australia has a lot more to offer to the travelers.
Australia is Oceania’s largest country that has big cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne & Adelaide – it’s physically impossible to cover the entire country in just one Aussie trip. Travelers across the globe plan few Australian adventure trips to cover as many tourist attractions as possible. In case you are planning a trip to Australia, you shouldn’t miss the following places.
1. Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef on the planet, is located in the Coral Sea covering a vast area of more than 2,900 coral reefs, cays, and islands. Around 400 varieties of corals, 4000 kinds of mollusc and 1,500 types of fish glorify the natural wonder. The French community is known to have tapped the existence of the reef in the second half of the 1700s.
The evolution of the natural wonder has taken place for over 20 million years. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act came into force in 1975 and thus the all the environmental and commercial activities are carried out sustainably. Crowned as a World Heritage site in the year 1981, the Great Barrier Reef stretches across an enormous area of 3,48,000 sq km. Travelers can explore the reef on boats and one can book boats from the Northern Coast of Queensland.
2. Uluru
Located in the northern region of the country, Uluru or Ayers Rock is considered to be the world’s largest sandstone rock formation. The monolith elevates from the surrounding plain to a height of about 348 meters, although most of its part is submerged beneath the earth’s surface. The exploration of the hidden rock caves, waterholes, springs, and ancient paintings can be extremely exotic. Literally meaning shadowy place, Uluru was first explored by the European during the 1870s.
The in-hospitality of the area throws light into the fact that very few Europeans traveled in the area except for a few miners, trappers, and the periodic missionary. Uluru got the salutation of Petermann Aboriginal Reserve in the 1900s. It was only in the year 1950 that the Ayers Rock National Park was officially documented. The sandstone rock formation has been even listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and if you are a nature lover, you shouldn’t miss Uluru when you are in Australia.
3. Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains national park, placed in New South Wales, is considered to be one of the most popular places in Australia. The origin of the Blue Mountains is known to trace back to 1 million years. It is known to be formed while the Kosciusko Uplift, which took place during the Pliocene Epoch. The artistry of the formation of the Mountain is no less than a fairy tale. The upliftment of the area took place in a mystical monoclonal fold owing to the pressure from the eastern side. This gave rise to the Mountain elevated approximately to 3000 feet.
Travelers can plan a one day trip from Sydney, located merely 81 km away from the Park. The national park has earned its nomenclature owing to the miles of eucalyptus trees lined in the mountain reflecting a bluish glow. The 6,64,000 area encompassing waterfalls, gorges, rock paintings and around 140 km of trekking and maintaining route is sure to please the travelers. In case you love the adrenaline rush, make sure to be a part of the hiking, rock climbing, abseiling and mountain biking in Blue Mountains National Park.
4. Whitsunday Islands
Away from hustle and bustle of city life, the Whitsunday Islands is a perfect gateway to serenity. History reveals the mechanism of the formation of the Islands. Millions of years ago the elevating sea level submerged a mountain range thus bringing to light the mountainous Whitsunday Islands. It is known that one of the earliest communities of aboriginal origin named the Ngaro resided in the chain of Islands for thousands of years. Whitsunday Islands is a collection of 74 tropical islands located in the famous Great Barrier Reef and if you are looking for a touch of adventure, you can simply be a part of scuba diving or snorkeling.
5. Sydney
Sydney is a vibrant Australian metropolis that attracts thousands of travelers every year. Named after Lord Sydney, the home secretary of Britain in 1788, the metro is known to be one of the finest and safest harbours in the world. It is known to have gained popularity as an industrial seaport exporting wool to European countries by the year 1830.
At present, Sydney is home to personals from over 180 nations. It is the largest city in Australia and if you have interests in shopping, cuisine, nightlife and exploring cultural attractions, Sydney will be the best destination for you. Sydney Opera House, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Royal Botanic Gardens and Paddington Markets are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and one shouldn’t miss them while in Sydney.
6. Daintree Rainforest
Lying hidden in the Northern region of Queensland is the Daintree Rainforest. Known to be one of the most ancient ecosystems on the planet the area is rich in spiritual significance. The area is famously known to have housed the Kuku Yalanji tribe around the banks of the Daintree River and creeks. The Europeans are known to have brought to light the Daintree River and village in the year 1873. The main reason for the attraction of the Europeans lies in the prospect of the area for mining tin, gold, minerals and red cedar. 1988 saw the Rainforest to be listed among World Heritage area.
The Rainforest can be divided into two main areas namely Cape Tribulation, the place of the mating of the reef with the rain forest along the beach of the Coral Sea, and Mossman Gorge, that showcase the splashing of crystal clear water over boulders made out of granite. Over 1800 species of plant and animals reside in the Rainforest. If you are addicted to adventure, jungle, and mud walking, you shouldn’t miss it when you are in Queensland. The place is home to rare Australian wildlife like giant blue Ulysses butterfly and Bennett tree kangaroo.
7. Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in the country. The development of the Yarra Valley happened elementarily as the region of food production for Melbourne in 1800’s. The Wurundjeri community is known to have resided in the Valley for over 30000 years. The Yarra Valley happened to be the 1st district of Victoria to have manufactured wine around 180 years ago.
The upliftment of the Yarra Valley contributes significantly to the development of the economic and historical development of Victoria. The Bunjil Place, De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate, Domaine Chandon and the Edendale Community Environment Farm are the top attractions in the Valley. Apart from hiking the other way to explore the Yarra Valley is through hot air ballooning. The ride will give you breathtaking views of the valley and is sure to satiate the nature lover in you.
8. Fraser Island
Located near Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island reigning between Brisbane and Bundaberg. The earliest discovery of the Island can be dated back to 1770 by Captain Cook. Butchulla tribe is known to have resided in the Island, originally called K’gari, for over 20,000 years before the Europeans tapped its existence. By 1900s Fraser Island became a busy hub of minerals and timber.
The island is a paradise for the 4 wheeler adventure sports. The Cathedrals, Seventy-Five miles beach, and Champagne Pools are the celebrated places to visit the Island. A wide variety of fauna namely dingoes, sugar gliders, bats and over 300 bird species glorifies the Island to the next level.
9. Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia covering an area of 19,840 sq km and it is located in the northern region of the country. The desire of the Australian Government to conserve biodiversity and uphold the interest of the Aboriginal people commenced the lining of the Park in the 1970s. The place is home to various species of wildlife and plants; including reptiles, mammals, fishes, and over 300 bird species; making it rich in terms of biodiversity.
The mangrove swamps, gorges, wetlands, and the rock paintings uplift the beauty of the place. The national park has plenty of attractions and one shouldn’t miss the large concentration of Aboriginal rock art while in Kakadu National Park.
10. Cradle Mountain
The Cradle Mountain, 1545 meters high, located in the Clair National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Residing between the north Tasmanian Aboriginal Nations and the Big River, the Cradle Mountain was first discovered and explored by the Europeans in the 1800s. After climbing the mountain in 1910, Kate Weindorfer and Gustav realized the beautiful grandeur of the place and contributed immensely in promoting the Mountain area. The land reaching out from the Mt Cradle up to the Lake St Clair covering an area of about 1,61,000 hectares came to be known as a National Park in the year 1922.
The state of Tasmania has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country including forests, trails and rugged terrains. The Cradle Mountain is sure to surprise you with spectacular views of St. Clair National Park. The 1616 meter high Mount Ossa in the Park deserves a special mention being the highest site in Tasmania. Dove Lake is another popular attraction in St. Clair National Park and this is one of the best places in the country to enjoy nature at its best.
11. Lord Howe Island
Australia is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and if you are looking for a magnificent destination for snorkeling in Australia, Lord Howe Island will be a great choice. Located 600 kilometers east of the mainland, Lord Howe Island is a small volcanic island. The Island was visited for the first time by the British Lieutenant named Henry Lidgbird in February 1788.
The history of the Island developed during 1789 and 1791. Residents of both America and Britain formed a colony on the Island in 1834. The discovery of gold in the year 1850 boosted the flow of people and industry on the Island. It is all set to amaze tourists with a dramatic landscape consisting of subtropical forests, sandy beaches, crystal clear water, stunning bird-life, beaches and small hillock in one place.
12. Cable Beach
Cable beach is one of the most popular beaches located in the western region of the country. The USP of the place lies in the white sandy landscape 22 km in length and turquoise water. Fishing, swimming, water surfing, kayaking, and camel rides are the key attractions of the beach.
The magnificent sunsets on the Indian Ocean along with some fresh sea-foods from nearby cafes and restaurants is definite to add flavors to the traveler’s journey book. Visiting the Beach during November and April can make you witness the stingers, commonly known as Box Jellyfish.
13. Fleurieu Peninsula
Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia will be a perfect holiday destination if you love the ocean and sunsets. The stories behind the origin of the peninsular have popularized through oral transmission by the Peramangk, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri communities. In the year 1802, the English navigated to the area. Originally the area was the habitat of the sealers, whalers, and fishermen.
Popularly known as Adelaide’s playground, the Peninsular is just 45 minutes away from Southern Adelaide. The recreational activities in the water like scuba diving and water surfing is sure to make travelers taste diversity. Travelers can explore spectacular vistas and beach towns including Victor Harbour and Port Elliot. Deep Creek Conservation Park is located in close proximity.
14. Great Ocean Road
The great ocean road is one of the celebrated driving routes in Australia. Located 100 kilometers away from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road was constructed to generate employment opportunities and revive the economy during Depression. It provided livelihood to around 2,300 World War I soldiers and still pay homage to the ones who sacrificed their lives in the war.
The construction began in 1918 utilizing horse-drawn carts and shovels to carve the hard stone cliffs and bring out the path for the roadway. The 243 km drive will take you across the southwest coastline and nothing can be better than such a drive for a person, who loves the ocean more than anything. Port Campbell National Park and the Otway National Park with dense eucalyptus growth are the top attractions in the Roadway.
15. Margaret River
Margaret River, a town placed south of Perth, is famous for premium wine-growing in the country. The area was the residing place of the Noongar community for over 50,000 years. Gazettetion in the year 1913 and activation of the Group Settlement Scheme in the 1920s swelled up the development of the area. The area flourished as a premium wine development region during the 1960s.
Enchanting breweries, wineries, and boutiques beautifully line the area. Travelers can plan a day-trip to explore the grape gardens. The Lake and Mammoth Caves, merely 20 minutes away from the town, is sure to excite traveler’s sense with the exclusively lined crystal and limestone formations.
Australia is one of the leading travel destinations in Oceania and has fantastic travel experiences hidden to be unveiled. Apart from the above places, major attractions in Australia include Opera House, Bondi Beach, Broome and the Kimberley region, Kangaroo Island, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Harbor Bridge, Opera House, Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art, Carlton Gardens, Sea World Marine Park, Snowy Mountains, Chapel Street, Pitt Street Mall, Queen Street Mall, King Street, Rundle Mall, Broome & Kimberley Region, The Rocks, Harbor Cruise from Circular Quay, Cradle Mountain, Darling Harbour, Sydney Tower Eye, Royal Botanic Garden, Taronga Zoo, Hyde Park, Barangaroo Reserve, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Chinatown, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Horizontal Falls, Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Wildlife Park, Sun Pictures, Pearl Farm, Broome Historical Museum, Hahndorf, Barossa Valley, Cleland Conservation Park, Rottnest Island, and Nambung National Park.
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