Every year thousands of tourists and backpackers flock to Australia to experience a little of what this vast country has to offer. And with good reason too. With its varied and unique interior landscape combined with some of the best beaches in the world, it’s no wonder the land of down under is a popular tourist magnet. Here are the top ten must-see attractions that Australia has to offer.
Uluru
Uluru, more widely known as Ayers Rock, is one of Australia’s most recognised natural icons. The rock has huge significance to the Aborigine people, but over the years has also become a major attraction for tourists and gap year backpackers. This giant red-coloured sandstone rock is 348 metres high and is located in central Australia, with its nearest big town, Alice Springs, being 350 km away.
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef, This 300km natural wonder of the world, which can even be seen from space, is well worth visiting. Located on Australia’s East Coast, the best way to take in the amazing assortment of colourful coral reefs, tropical fish and exotic marine life is by snorkelling, scuba diving or by boat.
Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour, No visit to Australia would be complete without a trip to Sydney. This beautiful, iconic city has much to tempt the traveller and is a big haunt for gap year backpackers. The harbour bridge and the magnificent Sydney Opera House are must-see attractions, and it’s well worth taking a boat or ferry out onto the harbour to get a good glimpse of this breathtaking shoreline.
Bondi Beach
Bondi beach, Australia is renowned for its fantastic beaches and its outdoor lifestyle, in particular the world-famous Bondi Beach in Sydney. Spend a bit of time on this beach, soaking up the atmosphere, and you’ll soon see how easy it is to slip into the Aussie way of life.
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains, This World Heritage site should be on your itinerary if you’re spending time in the Sydney area. It’s a beautiful breathtaking mixture of rainforests, waterfalls, mountains and cliffs. The light often appears to be blue, due to the combination of Eucalyptus oil, dust particles and water vapour in the atmosphere.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, This unique island is the world’s largest sand island and is located on the Queensland coast. It’s a firm favourite with backpackers, and it’s not hard to see why. You can swim in freshwater lakes, take a 4WD drive on the sands and climb the sand dunes.
Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles If you’re taking a trip to the wonderful city of Melbourne, then it’s worth your while trying to fit in a ride-along part of the Great Ocean Road. It has to be one of the most incredibly scenic coastal roads in the world and includes the iconic Twelve Apostles – a series of limestone formations out to sea.
Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy, Underground Bookstore, The unusual landscape of Coober Pedy in Southern Australia makes it an interesting place to visit on your travels. It’s the opal capital of the world and because it is so hot, many people live underground. You can go opal hunting in one of the mines or experience underground living.
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park, Close to Darwin, in Northern Australia, a world-famous national park is one of Australia’s natural wonders and covers nearly 20,000 square km of area, comprising rivers, rocks, floodplains, hills and valleys. It also boasts a wide array of animal and plant life, and you might even get to see a crocodile!
Pinnacles Desert
Pinnacles Desert, Whilst most visitors to Oz tend to head for Sydney and the East of Australia, it’s worth noting that the West of this vast country also has a huge amount to offer the traveller, as well. One must-visit attraction in Western Australia is the Pinnacles Desert, which is made up of strange ancient limestone structures that are a magnificent sight to behold.
