This is the only Australia bucket list you will need. Discover the ultimate 25 things to experience while you travel down under in Australia.
1. Uluru, NT
Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) is one of the most iconic natural landmarks of Australia and natural wonders of the world. Situated in the middle of Australia in the Northern Territory, Uluru holds a significant cultural and spiritual meaning to the indigenous population of Australia.
Fun Fact: Geologists believe Uluru began it’s formation 550 million years ago.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on earth and is visible from outer space. The Great Barrier Reef is a marine ecosystem that stretches 2,300km and comprises of thousands of reefs and hundreds of islands. It’s home to countless species of marine animals, including a variety of colourful fish, turtles, dolphins and sharks. So grab your swimmers, sunscreen and a snorkel and get exploring!
Have you ever seen a lake that is bubble gum pink? The Pink Lake is located 3km west of Esperance and is definitely a must-see, insta-worthy stop on any Aussie road trip or bucket list.
Mt Kosciuszko is Australia’s mini version of Mt Everest. Rising to 2,228 metres above sea level, Mt Kosciuszko is Australia’s tallest mountain. Located in the Snowy Mountains, the best time to visit if you are wanting to hike is between the warmer months.
6. Driving across the Nullarbor Plain, The Eyre Highway
Stretching approximately 1,675km long and taking roughly 2 or so days to cross, the Eyre Highway (aka the Nullarbor) is the longest and flattest road in Australia. The crossing of the Nullarbor will see you travel from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia to the Goldfields in Western Australia
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7. Rottnest Island, WA and take a selfie with a Quokka
Rottnest Island is located just off the coast of Perth and is a protected nature reserve. Most importantly, it’s home to cute and friendly Quokkas who are always up for a selfie. I mean, just look at that face!!
Hands down it’s one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives and home to some of Australia’s iconic natural landscapes. Be sure to check out the Twelve Apostles, The Bay of Islands, The London Bridge and give your legs a stretch as you walk along the Great Ocean Walk. If you’re a surfer, be sure to pop into Torquay and Bells Beach.
11. Experience the Katherine from a kayak or canoe, NT
Soak up the breathtaking landscape of the Katherine from a canoe or kayak. Head to Nitmiluk National Park between May and November, grab a paddle and enjoy a guided tour down the Katherine River. Keep an eye out along the river banks for freshwater Crocodiles.
Australia produces some of the best wines in the world, it would be an absolute shame to miss out on exploring (and tasting) the major wine regions of Australia.
Be sure to check out my favourite wineries on your adventures:
Arnhem land is one of the least inhabited regions of the world and is one of the best parts of Australia to visit to truly experience and learn more about the indigenous culture and history. Plus, the rugged landscape of the area and the famous barramundi fishing makes Arnhem Land a must.
Kakadu National Park is the largest park in Australia, covering a staggering 2000 square kilometres! There is something for everyone in this park, from a casual bushwalk, birdwatching, learning about the indigenous culture and history of the region to the more extreme activity of crocodile spotting (definitely not for the faint hearted!).
I don’t know what’s cooler, the fact that this is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world (and therefore on the World Heritage list) or that Sir David Attenborough called the area the “most extraordinary place on earth”. Either way, you need to hang out and explore the Daintree Rainforest. And while you’re there, pop on over to the nearby Great Barrier Reef. Cue Sir David Attenborough’s voice narrating your northern QLD adventure.
Don’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime to swim with the gentle giants of the ocean, the whale shark. Head to the Ningaloo Coast (Exmouth, WA) during March through July to jump in the water with the world’s biggest fish – don’t forget to pack your snorkel!
Just north of Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a World Heritage listed destination and has a lot to offer for all types of travellers. Take in the sights at Echo Point and check out the Three Sisters, enjoy the serenity while you’re on one of many bushwalks, do a spot of abseiling, or treat yourself at one of the many day spas (my favourite is Lilianfels)
20. Relax on the worlds whitest beach at Hyam Beach Jervis Bay, NSW
There are 3 beaches in Australia who claim to have the whitest sand, but Hyam Beach in Jervis Bay holds the crown and has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for having the whitest sand in the world (no biggie). You can also do a spot of glamping at Paperbark Camp and make a weekend of it.
21. Watch the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, VIC
Philip Island might be known for being host to some of the most well-known motor sports events, but it’s also home to the cutest and smallest penguins, the Little Penguin. Head to the Summerland Beach to the Philip Island Nature Park and learn more about these little guys before watching them make their nightly stroll back up the beach and into their natural habitat.
You’d be forgiven for mistaking a train tour as being just for the grey nomads of the world. What a way to see the middle of Australia between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin than via the comfort of your train cabin on The Ghan. There are stop overs that include sightseeing opportunities and chance to learn more about the amazing indigenous culture.
One of the most beautiful coastal national parks in Tasmania, enjoy some stunning views of Wineglass Bay or get back to nature on one of the many hikes.
24. See the Southern Lights in Tasmania (Aurora Australis)
Winter is the best time to see the Southern Lights but it is an all year round natural event – though unlike your local nightclub, there is no set time for when you can expect to see the light show.
The Flinders Ranges can be found 200km north of Adelaide and is the largest mountain range in South Australia. Flinders Ranges are a hikers delight with a variety of walks you can choose to go on that range from 30 minutes to 2 days.
Our epic 19 day road trip from Sydney across Australia to Perth included dog friendly adventures, driving across the famous Nullarbor and many more bucket list worthy activities.
Recently, my husband and I headed down south with a group of our friends for an incredible four-day, dog-friendly camping adventure in the historic little coastal town of Augusta, Western Australia. We had been waiting for this trip for months and boy, was it worth the wait!
Rosè Nomad 