10 Best Places to Go Hiking around Sydney

Australia's well-endowed landscape is filled with remarkable cliffs, slopes, and plateaus that are perfect for an adventurous escape. Its breath-taking scenery offers plenty of hiking trails that will satisfy any nature-loving enthusiast. Challenging terrains offer physical and mental endurance, but there are moderate walks that present lovely views of the picturesque topography — from the red-coloured outback to an ocean-blue backdrop. Meander along the beaches, go deep inside the forests or raise the stakes by climbing the cliffs. Whatever path you choose, hiking in Australia is a rewarding experience in mind, body, and heart. Below are some of the best walks in Australia, with hiking grades ranging from easy to difficult to match your preference. Lace up your shoes and start on a trek across off-beaten paths; make sure to set aside a few days to enjoy the solemn tranquillity of just the sky and nature embracing you on your journey.

Each year, whales migrate up Australia’s east coast from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to their mating and calving grounds in the Coral Sea. Whale sightings in Sydney are common, as around 15,000 whales swim past Sydney annually, making the whale-spotting season an unusually long one. Anyone who has been whale watching in Sydney during this annual migration cannot help but be entranced by these majestic giants romping in warm waters. Visitors can readily see the famous humpbacks and southern right whales from onboard a whale watching cruise, from the air on a scenic charter flight, from a cliff top trail on North and South Head, and even occasionally from the shore, as the ever-curious whales are known to swim right inside Sydney Harbour.

Adelaide is often overlooked but should not be forgotten by travelers who are searching for a fascinating place to visit on a Australia tour. Founded in 1836, the city lays claim to numerous unique places to visit that are rooted in history, culture and adventure. There are a plethora of things to do in Adelaide for backpackers, couples and families that will excite your inner traveler as you peruse the streets as well as the peripheral areas. Adelaide attractions include stunning historic architecture, lush gardens with waterfalls, world-class museums that explain the ways of the Aboriginal people and incredible wineries within a short drive of the city centre. To make planning your excursion to Adelaide a little easier, we have compiled a great list of what to do in Adelaide that will surely help you make the most of your time.

With a new-found sense of self-confidence, Hobart, Tasmania’s oldest city, is no doubt brimming with intrigue for the avid traveler. Although there might be a small-town feel to it, the list of Hobart attractions goes on and on. With its beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture, a booming food scene, and a wide variety of arts and crafts to take home as souvenirs, you’ll have more than enough to do in Hobart’s 15+ hours of sunshine per day during the height of summer. Often referred to as the gateway to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, Hobart is also a perfect starting point for holidaymakers looking to embark on an enticing boating adventure or for those looking for less crowded destinations on their Australia tour. If you’re left pondering about the top things to do in Hobart, look no further than this travel guide, which will provide you with a wealth of information to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!

Brisbane — Queensland's capital prides itself on balancing its cosmopolitan polish with a laid-back tropical lifestyle and gloriously sunny weather. With its signature Brisbane River and nearby Moreton Bay, Brisbane has water fun on tap, while its CBD plays host to fabulous retail therapy, sumptuous restaurants, and a vibrant market. Climb the iconic Story Bridge, cuddle a Koala, and go for a river cruise or picnic in a park to experience an iconic trip to Australia. Confidently Australian, there are plenty of things to do in Brisbane.

For the traveler who wants to experience it all, Perth’s combination of city, nature and ocean means it’s the ultimate destination in Australia. The western side of the city overlooks the Indian Ocean and on the other side is the infamous bushland. With such diverse landscapes, Perth is home to land and ocean wildlife species that make any naturalist swoon. Surrounding oneself with penguins, quokkas, koalas and whale sharks is just one highlight from countless things to do in Perth. Add to that a 100-year-old farmer’s market, one of the largest parks in the world and bars and restaurants lining the pristine streets, it is no wonder 2.8 million travelers prioritize this Australian city on their travel itineraries annually. Here are our recommendations for the best Perth activities, listed below in no particular order.

Along Lasseter Highway is a magnificent sandstone monolith standing more than 340 meters high and shining bright red. This is Uluru, the red heart of the Australian continent. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a rich connection to Australia's indigenous culture in the past. Just 16 km away is the Kata Tjuta, another geographical wonder, made up of 36 conglomerate rock domes that have existed for 500 million years. The entirety of Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park stretches around 1,300 square kilometers of arid land ecosystems that are home to vast species of flora and fauna only found in dry settings. The park is open all year round, excluding areas closed for privacy of the indigenous families residing there. Tourism is a flourishing industry here, while locals promote their cultural and natural heritage with a unique combination of Aussie hospitality and stunning landmarks. If you're planning to visit Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, you're in for a treat. Here are the top things to do in Uluru, from the thrill of the great outdoors to the laidback viewing of the setting sun. Highlights Hike around Uluru and get close to the red rock's unique geographical marvel Discover Australia's Anangu culture by paying a visit to the park's cultural center Go camping outside the premises of the park or stay in five-star luxury accommodations nearby See the Wakagetti Dancers perform around a bonfire Lowlights Fires are common in this arid location, usually occurring when storms arrive in hot weather The park is isolated from public facilities

The first impression most visitors have of Australia is that it’s big, seriously big! From the vast outback of the Red Center and the Great Barrier Reef on the East Coast to the amazing rock formations in the Northern Territory, Australia covers almost as many breathtaking activities as it does landscapes. In fact, you will find something to do no matter the destination you go to in Australia. However, we suggest you begin with these top 12 things to do in Australia.

There is one beautiful gift that the Australians have and that is the Great Barrier Reef. A breathtakingly beautiful coral reef — not to mention the hundreds of golden, sun-soaked islands and aquamarine waters that makes this destination the best place to go scuba diving, not just in Australia but in the world. Without question, it is one of the world’s top tourist destinations to visit on a tour to Australia. Packed with beautiful things to see, adventures that will take your breath away and activities that you won’t have enough days to enjoy. Scuba diving, snorkelling, tours via aircraft or helicopter, whizzing over the various islands, viewing colourful and exotic marine life, swimming with dolphins and the list has only just started. You are going to love some of the top things to see and do when it comes to Great Barrier Reef holidays. This is a place for everyone, whether you are an outdoor and nature lover, a sporting enthusiast, a beach and sun lover, or you just want to be where the crowds are — there are so many things to do in the Great Barrier Reef. Highlights Unimaginably rich biodiversity and beauty which is only believable when you see it for yourself. Thousands of marine-life species including the humpback dolphins, humpback whales and sea turtles. Outdoor activities that cover everything from snorkelling, to hiking, water sports, flying, and scuba diving. A UNESCO world heritage site. This status is bestowed on places such as this that possess universal value and outstanding qualities. The Great Barrier Reef coral region also covers places like Cairns, the city of charm and character, and also tropical rainforests, gorges and wildlife. Lowlights An increase in the weather temperatures has led to coral bleaching. The warmer waters are killing off the algae which inhabits the coral, resulting in the bleached appearance of the coral. Oil spills, overfishing and mining are big lowlights. These human activities have a negative impact on the ecosystem of the reef.

Located on Kangaroo Island, Australia, Flinders Chase National Park is a remote but breathtaking national park, complete with coastal scenery, formidable naturally-sculpted rocks, vast wilderness, towering limestone cliffs and huge white beaches. There is also an abundance of wildlife, including seals, kangaroos, koalas, birds, goanas and echidnas. Apart from the wildlife and landscapes, the park also has geological monuments with a rich cultural heritage and value, traditional lighthouses built from limestone, and an excellent and warm tourist reception. Planning a visit to Flinders Chase National Park while on a tour to Kangaroo Island? You should! Below are the top ten things to do in Flinders Chase National Park.

Tasmania is a wild island south of mainland Australia teaming with fascinating history, scenic wilderness, and culinary gems. Once known for its tragic past as the remote island to where Australia’s convicts were exiled, Tasmania is now one of the best frontiers for adventure and boutique tours in Australia. The island is vast and the sights are immense, so plan your trip wisely with this guide of the best things to do in Tasmania.

As the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin is a laid-back destination, promising an adventure filled with outdoor escapes and colorful characters. From its vibrant markets to its cruises and crocs, Darwin has an undeniable Aboriginal feel to it and is one of Australia’s only tropical paradises; it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a magnificent blend of the outback and the tropics. There are a lot of things to do in Darwin. You may choose to revel in the rich history, get your share of retail therapy at the markets, or simply lose your heart in its natural beauty, but however you choose to spend your time, there are a few sites you simply can’t afford to miss. If you plan to add Darwin to your Australia tour, read on to find out Darwin’s top points of interest, listed in no particular order.