Things to Do in Australia

It’s so easy to be overwhelmed by the fabulous choices that come your way, from soaking up the sun on a beach to going on an epic road trip, enjoying an indulgent fine dining experience, wine tasting at the cellar door, plunging into art galleries and catching a live performance, we’ve brought you a list of the top 12 absolute coolest things to do in Australia.

Australians are renowned for their outdoor, sun-worshipping lifestyles. When you are the world’s biggest island, you have plenty of coastlines to play with, almost 37,000 kilometers in fact. So, it’s not surprising one of the top things to do when on a tour in Australia is to discover that magic beach where golden sand kisses turquoise water. From Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach to the long, languid expanse of Broome’s epic Cable Beach or the chillaxed laid-back vibe of Queensland’s Burleigh Heads Beach there is a little bit of sandy heaven just waiting for you.

Pro tips: 

• When to go: November to March, during the summer months in Australia.
  
• Where to go: Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW. Burleigh Heads Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland. Cable Beach Broome, WA.
  

Recommended beaches:

• There is no Australian beach more famous than Bondi and a visit to the beach is a must-do when traveling through Australia’s east coast. Bondi Beach is a great place whether you want to lie down on a patch of sand or learn to surf. If you are not up for that, go scuba diving.
• Gold Coast’s weather and its parade of white-sand beaches make it the perfect beach destination. From Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, there is over 50km of stunning beaches to enjoy, with plenty of oceanside bars and exciting surf breaks.
• Want to capture an iconic Australian sunset? Well, you must head west to Cable Beach. With a powdery, white-sand beach that stretches over 22 kilometers (13 miles), it is not hard to find your own slice of paradise. Go for a camel ride before settling in for a blazing sunset.

Check out more options for beaches in Australia.

Insider's tip: Pack up an esky and grab your mates, it's time for the beach!  After living in Sydney for a year and spending a few months traveling around the country, I've discovered that Australia really is the perfect destination for beach lovers to visit!  Whether you're looking for pristine sand found on Whitehaven Beach, want to drive a 4x4 jeep along the massive coastline of Fraser Island, or soak up the sunrays on Bondi Beach in Sydney - Australia really has got it covered.  Just make sure you pack your sunscreen, as the sun is particularly harsh down under!  If you happen to be in the country for Christmas, this is the best day to head down to the beach!  Everyone dresses up in Santa hats and enjoys a good BBQ with their loved ones. While most of the world is drinking hot cocoa and opening presents, you can work on your tan and go for a swim (as it's typically a very warm & sunny day). — by Dave Anderson from Jones Around the World

Australia’s vast open spaces were tailor-made for the automobile. So stock up on snacks and hit the road — Aussie style. From the glorious driving experience of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road to the epic Nullarbor Plain crossing or the Alice Springs to Uluru and King's Canyon drive; go walkabout and see the real Australia. Along the way, you’ll see the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off Victoria’s coast, right whales sporting in the waters of the Great Australian Bight, and wild camels, emus, and kangaroos on the road to Darwin.

Pro tips: 

• When to go: Any time, no matter which season you choose to take a road trip, you will be greeted by stunning views and perfect weather for road trips.
  
• Where to go: Great Ocean Road, Victoria. Nullarbor Highway, Adelaide to Perth. Uluru to Kings Canyon, Northern Territory.
  

Recommended road trips:

• Located to the southwest of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is a rite of passage for Aussie drivers and one worth exploring yourself. Drive through over 200km of a pristine cliffside road with ample opportunities to swim, surf, camp, and simply enjoy the views. Watch out for kangaroos.
• Driving through the Australian outback, from Uluru to King's Canyon, is an otherworldly experience. With the air condition cracked up, escape the heat but not the glorious colors as you drive through the land as barren as it is beautiful. Have your best playlist ready to go and end with a beer under the hot desert sun.

Insider's tip: If you want to avoid the crowds at Great Ocean Road, travel directly to the 12 Apostles via air or train from Melbourne, reaching it early afternoon, then do the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne in reverse. This way you will avoid the normal tour masses whilst having the perfect opportunity to capture incredible, undisturbed photographs. If you would rather have a more slow-paced trip, I recommend heading off the beaten track and into the Great Otway’s rainforest where there are many natural wonders to discover. — by Ella McDonald from Autopia Tours

Australia has a thriving gourmet dining scene. Fresh ingredients, world-class chefs, striking architecture and adventurous decor make for seriously indulgent dining. Whatever your itinerary, carve out some time to experience the very best in fine dining Australia has to offer. From Michelin starred restaurants starring seafood, Wagyu beef, truffles and marron through to local food and wine festivals and Melbourne’s café culture, you will find a host of inspired dining options well worth seeking out.

Pro tips: 

• Where to go: Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney, NSW. Brae Restaurant, Birregurra, Victoria. Terra Preta of Braidwood, NSW. Port Lincoln in Eyre Peninsula for the freshest seafood. 

Insider's tip: There is a certain sweetness to eating the freshest of fresh seafood straight from the catch! When in Tuncurry, New South Wales, stop by a fish co-op for your chance to buy local seafood for lunch or eat local to experience the best of Australia’s East Coast.
The growing movement of organic farming throughout Australia is something which has gained in popularity for good reasons. In the iconic surf side town of Byron Bay, opt for a tour that includes lunch which is not only educational and healthy, but extremely delicious! – by Stuart Wesierski, VIA Travel

No matter which corner of this massive continent you decide to visit, you’ll encounter amazing biodiversity when you go scuba diving or snorkeling in Australia. Here, you will encounter manta cleaning stations off Stradbroke Island, spot tiny nudibranchs off Heron Island, watch majestic whale sharks cruising off Ningaloo Reef, go shark cage diving or play with sea lions at Port Lincoln and go wreck diving on the ex-HMAS Brisbane off Mooloolaba. And no matter how much of an experienced diver you may be, you haven’t truly scuba-dived until you’ve dipped your fins into the Great Barrier Reef’s sparkling clear waters. 

Pro tips: 

• When to go: November to March when the temperature of the water is suitable for diving. March to August to catch whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef.
• Where to go: Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. Ningaloo Reef, WA. Port Lincoln, South Australia.

Recommended spots:

• The world’s largest coral reef has to be seen to be believed. The Great Barrier Reef covers multiple ecosystems, from shallow estuaries to deep ocean, and is home to an incredible variety of coral and marine life. Grab your snorkel and dive in to see for yourself.
• Ningaloo Reef is slowly getting the recognition it deserves. The reef is home to over 50 percent of the Indian Ocean’s coral life. The diving here is beyond anything you will experience on the east coast. Swim alongside the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, during your trip to Ningaloo.

Check out the best places to go diving in Australia.

Insider's tip: As with all wildlife encounters, plenty of patience and pre-planning is always recommended for the best experience! For the Great Barrier Reef, choose a tour that offers private reef moorings that have a limited number of tourists that are sustainable and lets you escape the crowds. Remember to check if your sunscreen is marine friendly so you don’t accidentally harm the coral! For Port Lincoln, tour operators offer combination experiences that’ll have you swimming with sharks in the morning and playing with the Sea Lions by the afternoon! — by Fenella Cools from Backpackers World Travel

Australia’s brilliant New World wines have been winning admirers around the world for decades. Australia’s winemaking heritage goes all the way back to the late 1700s when the first European settlers arrived with vines. Take a winery tour or head to the cellar door to explore the Barossa Valley’s heavenly reds, Canberra’s crisp cold climate delights or Margaret River’s premium whites. One of the best things to do in Australia, you cannot miss a chance to visit a vineyard, take a sip and expand your knowledge on viticulture. 

Pro tips: 

• When to go: Autumn months from March to May when there is minimal rain and the vineyards are covered in hues of orange, yellow, and green. December to February to align with the harvest time.
• Where to go: Cold climate wineries, Canberra, ACT. Margaret River, WA. Hunter Valley, NSW. Yarra Valley, Victoria.

Insider's tip: Visit some of the older wine regions such as Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale in South Australia, or the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. The older the vineyard the better tasting the wines are! Try wines from smaller, boutique cellar doors that only supply wines to people that walk through their doors such as Kies Winery in the Barossa Valley. — by Georgina Tsorvas, Groovy Grape Tours

Where better to master the art of riding breaking waves than sunny Australia. If you are wondering what to do in Australia, add learning to surf to your bucket list. Australia is blessed with great surfing conditions, warm water, glorious sunshine, and an abundance of surfing schools and accredited instructors. Whatever happens though, you’ll have heaps of fun and might even catch a wave or two.

Pro tips: 

• When to go: November to March during summer months.
• Where to go: Surfer's Paradise, Gold Coast. Byron Bay, NSW. Bell's Beach, Victoria. Noosa, Queensland.

Discover more places to go surfing in Australia.

Insider's tip: The first time I tried surfing, I just rented a board on my own, but surfing is a lot harder than it looks and it wasn’t until I joined a week long surf camp that I really got the hang of surfing, caught the bug and fell in love with this amazing sport.
If you’re a complete beginner, like I was, then it’s really worthwhile to invest in a couple of lessons to get yourself off to the best start. Many hostels provide or can help you with surfing lessons. If you’re serious there's nothing better than taking a week’s surf camp to get immersed in the sport with great instructors and a fun group of like-minded people who can quickly become new travel and surfing buddies. - by Anna Phipps, Global Gallivanting

Nothing is more Australian than the outback. The Australian outback is a magical place of transcendent beauty. Its vast open spaces stretch seemingly forever. From amazing 4WD adventures to rugged mountain ranges, spectacular gorges sprawling cattle stations, and the world's longest stretch of gun barrel-straight railroad, the outback is quintessentially Australian. Here you will discover a newfound sense of freedom and so many things to see in Australia.

Pro tips: 

• When to go: April to October during the dry season when the temperature is mild.
• Where to go: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Alice Springs. The Kimberley, Western Australia. Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Insider's tip: The outback is the perfect location to view the night sky due to the lack of light pollution. Pick a spot in one of the campsites, roll out your swag and see the stars as you’ve never seen them before! There isn’t much that beats falling asleep with the Milky Way and shooting stars above you. — by Melissa Husband from Wayoutback Adventures

Australia is renowned for its rugged sunburnt outback. For those seeking a more leisurely view of Australia, explore Australia’s idyllic coastline by yacht. Whether cruising the halcyon Whitsunday Islands or down Sydney Harbour sailing past the Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge; a relaxing holiday with your family or friends on a yacht is truly one of the best activities in Australia.

Pro tips: 

• When to go: Anytime of the year, regardless of the weather is a good time to go. While June to August sees the migration whales.
• Where to go: Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, NSW. Bells Beach, Victoria.

Australia’s wildlife is famous around the world. Bounding kangaroos, cuddly koalas, cute quokkas, spiky echidnas or sleek seals, and savvy dolphins, Australia has it all on tap. From its exotic 800 species of birds, 378 mammal species, and 869 reptiles, Australia offers memorable wildlife encounters anywhere you go.

Pro tips: 

• Where to go: Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Phillip Island, Victoria. Hervey Bay, Queensland.

Recommended destinations:

• Going to Kangaroo Island is one of the best ways to experience Australia’s amazing native wildlife. Spot kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and Cape Barren geese during your trip to the island. See amazing natural landmarks, like Remarkable Rocks, and drive slow to soak up the beauty this island has to offer.
• Phillip Island is famous for its nightly penguin parades. Come and see the world's largest colony of little penguins return home each evening. Watching out impatiently for the first penguin to arrive is an experience you will never forget.

Insider's tip: For those who are less on the adventurous side, Australia has a lot of excellent zoos and wildlife sanctuaries where you can get up close with animals and learn more about them. If your Australian holiday starts in Sydney, the Taronga Zoo is a great place to visit for a glimpse of wildlife within the city. 

Immerse yourself in Australia's Aboriginal culture, lifestyle and sacred places. Australia's Aboriginal people have a rich, living culture stretching back into the mists of time for at least 70,000 years. Discover opportunities to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture such as the Dreamtime, that tells the stories of creation and Aboriginal understanding of the world. From traditional bush tucker to ancient rock art to immersive cultural experiences, across Australia, you'll discover many opportunities to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture.

Pro tips: 

• Where to go: Cultural Centre in Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory. The Kimberley, Western Australia. Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, South Coast, NSW.

Insider's tip: The Cultural Centre in Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park is an ideal first stop on your visit to the National Park. Not only is the center itself made from locally-made materials, but it provides the perfect introduction to the culture of the local Anangu people. The Cultural Centre has plenty to offer including displays, artwork and video to help all visitors gain a better understanding of the spiritual meaning and history of the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. — by Melissa Husband from Wayoutback Australian Safaris

If you are looking for things to do in Australia that involve music, food and various arts, check out the calendar for art events, exhibits and festivals in Australia. It is home to a vibrant art community with well-established national art collections and art precincts in every state capital. Australia is also home to fine classical orchestras, a thriving independent theatre scene, a national opera and ballet troupe, contemporary dance companies, and of course the iconic Sydney Opera House. 

Pro tips: 

• Where to go and when to go: Vivid Sydney during May and June, Melbourne Cup in November, Melbourne International Arts Festival during February and March, Darwin Festival in August, New Years Eve at Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Melbourne

Insider's tip: No matter which city in Australia you visit, check out the local calendar for upcoming festivals and events. 

In a vast country of diverse landscapes, there is no better way to experience Australia’s spectacular natural environment than on foot. Australia's walking tracks are ranked according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System and you can find all kinds of hiking trails to suit you. Be it a short walk through a national park, to an epic multi-day trek, Australia has some of the finest hiking experiences in the world.  

Pro tips: 

• When to go: September to February for southern Australia and March to November for those in the northern parts Winter months tend to get colder in the southern region compared to the northern tip.
• Where to go: Blue Mountains Grand Traverse, NSW. Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Tasmania. Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk, WA. Overland Track, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. 

Discover the best hiking trails in Australia.

Recommended trails:

• See the best parts of the Blue Mountains on the Grand Traverse trail. The trek lasts between 3 to 7 days and is the best way to soak up the beauty of this protected area. Capture panoramic views, including that of Bridal Veil Falls, and see the Three Sisters. Spend each night under the stars.
• Bay of Fires Lodge Walk allows you to witness the beauty of the Tasmanian coast from the lap of luxury. See breathtaking beaches spread out amid a remote landscape. Settle down in award-winning lodge accommodation or opt for semi-permanent camps. Enjoy delicious three-course meals prepared with fresh local produce along with a cheeky drop of wine.
• Connecting the two lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, the Cape to Cape trek shows off the best of Western Australia’s coastal and forest scenery. Travel by yourself, take a tour guide with you, or book a luxurious glamping tour. Either way, the cliffs, caves and ever-changing nature will win your heart.

Insider's tip: The Blue Mountains are home to some amazing bushwalks, and there are literally hundreds to choose from! If we had to narrow it down to the top 3, it would be the Grand Canyon Walk, Wentworth Falls walk and the Federal Pass. Each one of these walks takes you through lush rainforests, waterfalls, rock overhangs and the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. – by Maddison Brennan-Mills, Colourful Trips

When it comes to deciding your itinerary, there are clearly so many things to do in Australia. A holiday here can be as laid-back or as energetic as you desire. From encounters with Australia’s wildlife, hiking through the bush, learning to surf, learning about the Aboriginal culture, exploring art galleries or simply lazing on a beach, Australia’s sun-bronzed beauty shines through.