Tan Li AnnAustralia offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, for those craving an escape from the hustle of city life. Whether you’re exploring the rugged outback, indulging in fresh seafood and fine wines, or immersing yourself in unique wildlife encounters, there’s something for every kind of traveller. Keep reading to find the perfect destination that matches your travel style!
Exciting experiences in Australia for every travel style
For sea, sun, & sand lovers
1. Bask in Wineglass Bay in Tasmania
Image credit: Wineglass Bay, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania / Chad Dewson
Nestled within Freycinet National Park on Tasmania‘s east coast, Wineglass Bay is a stunning coastal gem often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the curved bay is one of the best places to visit in Tasmania. As you gaze upon the majestic scenery, punctuated by the dramatic backdrop of The Hazards mountain range, you’ll feel your daily troubles swept away.
Alternatively, you can also visit Bruny Island, which offers fantastic views of Adventure Bay. Here, you can embark on a wilderness cruise where you’ll have the opportunity to spot dolphins, fur seals, and penguins; or explore the forested South Bruny National Park before indulging in artisan wine and cheeses.
For some sea, sun, and sand where you can get close to some of Tasmania’s wildlife, head to Maria Island, where spotting native wildlife like swift parrots, wombats or Tasmanian devils on a stroll is an everyday marvel. You’ll also come across limestone cliffs with embedded fossils, a testament to the rich history of the island.
2. Chill out on Vivonne Beach at Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Image credit: Vivonne Bay, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission
Voted one of Australia’s best beaches, Vivonne Bay Beach has everything you’d ever want for a beach day: privacy, white sands, and crystal clear waters. Vivonne is a secluded spot that feels like a secret discovery, a gem that’s perfect for picnics, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing.
In addition, the beach is close to several other unmissable attractions, including Little Sahara, a naturally occurring sand dune system that offers you the chance to go sandboarding; and Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you can see Australian sea lions up close.
3. Swim and surf at Bells Beach in Victoria
Image credit: Bells Beach, Victoria © Visit Victoria / Mark Chew
Looking for a great place to catch a wave on your surfboard? Bells Beach is the place to be! Just 1.5 hours by car from Melbourne, large swells from the Southern Ocean roll in, slowing down and steepening over reef-strewn shallows to create the perfect surf. If you’re a sightseer, then get ready to take some photos for the ’Gram because Bells Beach has plenty of great vantage points. The high cliffs provide a beautiful and dramatic backdrop to the natural amphitheatre of the beach, making for a fantastic vista.
For the luxury chasers
4. Celebrate in the skies with a hot air balloon adventure at Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Image credit: Hunter Valley, New South Wales © Destination NSW / Guy Dixon
If you’re seeking the finer things in travel, consider drifting above the breathtaking landscapes of the Hunter Valley on a hot-air balloon adventure! Soar at sunrise, spot bounding kangaroos on the rolling hills below and take in the stunning panorama from above.
After landing, the indulgence continues with a gourmet breakfast set within the picturesque Peterson House Winery. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a high note and it promises memories that will last long after you’ve touched back down to earth.
5. Experience a helicopter golfing tour to Barnbougle, Tasmania
Image credit: Barnbougle Dunes, Bridport, Tasmania © Tourism Australia / Gary Lisbon
For another high-flying adventure, take your love for golf to new heights — literally — with an exclusive helicopter golfing tour to Barnbougle, home to two of Australia’s top-ranked seaside links courses – Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm. Departing from Launceston, this scenic flight treats you to breathtaking aerial views of Tasmania’s rugged coastline before touching down near the iconic fairways.
Designed by golf enthusiasts for golf purists, Barnbougle’s world-class courses weave through undulating dunes along Anderson Bay, offering both a challenge and a spectacle. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply soaking in the dramatic scenery, this unforgettable golf adventure ensures you spend less time on the road and more time on the greens.
6. Enjoy glamping in Lamington National Park, Queensland
Image credit: Binna Burra Lodge, Lamington National Park, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland / Picture Co.
This next gem is tucked away in the breathtaking landscapes of Woonoongoora – Lamington National Park. The Tiny Wild Houses at Binna Burra offer an intimate retreat for those seeking tranquillity in nature with every creature comfort.
Perched atop the Bellbird clifftop, these exclusive accommodations boast floor-to-ceiling glass walls that frame panoramic views of the Ships Stern Range. Unwind with a book on the outdoor veranda and savour locally sourced delights from the nearby Binna Burra Tea House. This secluded haven is perfect for a romantic getaway or a peaceful escape in the heart of the Scenic Rim.
For the adventure seekers
7. Take the Red Centre Way road trip through the Northern Territory
Image credit: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT / @75vibes_
The Australian outback is a wild and breathtaking place. Its big skies and seemingly endless landscapes inspire a sense of freedom that few other destinations can. If you’re eager for an adventure Down Under, take a road trip on the Red Centre Way. One of the most iconic journeys in the Northern Territory, the Red Centre Way starts in Alice Springs before winding its way through Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges), Watarrka (Kings Canyon), and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
You’ll end up with a classic outback experience of red sands, kangaroos hopping across the desert landscape, and the mighty Uluru monolith. The Red Centre Way also offers countless picturesque hiking trails and waterhole-hopping opportunities. There’s the 20-minute Ghost Gum Lookout Trail in Ormiston Gorge (a great option for beginners) or the six-mile King’s Canyon Rimwalk, which offers breathtaking views of the Red Centre’s most iconic landmarks.
8. Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia
Image credit: Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Welcome to one of the crown jewels of Western Australia. Located 12 to 13 hours away (by car) from Perth, Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a slew of aquatic adventures. Its brilliant turquoise waters are home to a diverse variety of marine life, from humpback whales to manta rays.
Guided kayaking and snorkelling tours are perhaps the most immersive way to explore the reef, with a guide by your side to point out flora and fauna sightings. You’ll be able to see colourful coral reefs, clownfish, maybe even some baby reef sharks, and the most popular of all – the whale shark.
Between March and July each year, Ningaloo Reef becomes one of the best places in the world to see these gentle marine giants. Jump from a boat into the deep blue and swim by their side as the whale sharks glide effortlessly through the crystal clear waters.
9. Go white water rafting on the Franklin River in Tasmania
Image credit: Franklin River, Tasmania © Tourism Australia / Graham Freeman
White-water rafting on the Franklin River is a must-try activity for any adventure-seeker. Charging within Tasmania’s Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Franklin River is arguably one of the last wild, undisturbed rivers in Australia. This 100km stretch of roaring water dips and loops through the landscape, forming serene ravines and beautiful waterfalls in its wake.
The experience of rafting along this stretch of river while taking in the scale of the surrounding national park makes for an adventure unlike any other. With the help of trained professionals, you’ll navigate the rushing rapids and experience the unmistakable adrenaline rush that comes when facing untamed natural beauty.
For the nature enthusiasts
10. Hike through Kalbarri National Park in Western Australia
Image credit: Nature’s Window, Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Kalbarri National Park is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular parks to explore in Western Australia. It’s located in the lower reaches of the Murchison River and is accessible from the nearby Kalbarri Town. Alongside beautiful gorges and vast, rolling sand plains, Kalbarri National Park is home to unique rock formations like Nature’s Window. Formed from layers of Tumblagooda sandstone, this rock arch perfectly frames a rugged, upstream view of the Murchison River.
Over 400 million years, the flowing Murchison River has created beautiful red and white banded gorges through the landscape of the park, which stretch out towards the ocean. You can also check out one of the newer attractions in the park, the Kalbarri Skywalk, which offers breathtaking views of the Murchison River and the rust-red gorges that frame it.
11. Explore the Otway Forests of Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Stretching along the Great Ocean Road, the Great Otway National Park is filled with beautiful natural sights that are catnip for any nature enthusiast. Be prepared to discover tall mountain forests, breathtaking waterfalls, windswept coastlines, and much more.
Image credit: Otway Fly, Victoria © Visit Victoria / Cameron Murray
If you’re a fan of hiking, Otway Forest has some great walks to try out like Maits Rest, where you can spot giant ferns, and the Otway Fly Treetop Walk. Don’t forget to also check out the Triplet Falls Rainforest Walk, which takes you on a one-hour hike that goes past one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Great Otway National Park.
Another highlight of the park is the Cape Otway Lighthouse, located on Cape Otway. Built in 1848, this is the oldest surviving lighthouse in mainland Australia. It is also known as the ‘Beacon of Hope’ because the construction of the lighthouse helped mitigate shipwrecks off Cape Otway.
12. Marvel at the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland
Image credit: Great Barrier Reef, Tropical North Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland / The Edit Suite
The Great Barrier Reef is more than a tourist destination. It is the world’s largest coral reef and one of the most complex ecosystems on our planet. This gargantuan undersea marvel is home to over 3,000 coral reefs, over 1,000 species of fish, and 30 different kinds of whales and dolphins.
Your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef is the city of Cairns in northern Queensland. There are plenty of snorkelling and scuba diving excursions that you can choose from to explore the beauty of the reef. Not a fan of getting in the water? Hit the water on a glass-bottomed boat instead; it’s the perfect way to peer into the marvels of the Great Barrier Reef while staying dry.
Underwater landscapes aside, the reef is also dotted with plenty of tiny islands that you can explore. Dunk Island is an especially good choice for nature lovers, with golden beaches, a virgin rainforest, and well-maintained campgrounds for visitors.
For foodies and oenophiles
13. Taste fresh oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm, Tasmania
Image credit: Freycinet Marine Farm, Tasmania © Tourism Australia
Seafood lovers will find some of the freshest marine cuisines in the world in Tasmania. Be sure to try out some of the famously creamy Freycinet oysters first – one of the best places to find them is the Freycinet Marine Farm in Coles Bay. Feast on a smorgasbord of seafood including fresh oysters, mussels, scallops, and more. Enjoy the spread with a glass of Tasmanian wine, and the takeaway option is there for travellers who are raring to hit the road.
14. Try traditional bush tucker cuisine in New South Wales
Image credit: Tweed Heads, New South Wales © Destination NSW / Craig Parry
Bush tucker refers to any food or ingredient that is native to Australian lands. The First Nation peoples of Australia have used these foods as a source of nourishment and medicine through which they discovered truly unique ingredients and cemented a form of cuisine that still thrives in Australia today.
Journey to Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and join an Aboriginal cultural tour with a Wiradjuri guide for an authentic experience. You’ll learn how to make a great damper, a type of thick homemade bread that’s also known as seedcake.
Besides that, you could also take a bush food walk in Ulladulla and identify local plants used for food and medicine. The Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre on the Coffs Coast is also a great place to try bush tucker cuisine. Look for Pipeclay Cafe and you’ll find plenty of traditional ingredients on the menu, like kangaroo and warrial greens.
15. Sip and savour a wine-tasting at Margaret River – Western Australia
Image credit: Margaret River Wine Region, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Margaret River is the perfect destination in Australia for a trip to wine country. Few wine regions in the world possess such beauty, with tall-tree forests towering over colourful wildflowers, and a coastline of sandy beaches blending into a gorgeous ocean. The region is filled with acres of vineyards, with the most popular varieties of wine being mainly cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.
Discover the beginnings of the Margaret River wine scene at the Vasse Felix, the first vineyard to be established in the region. Or you can even go behind the scenes of the winemaking process at the Voyager Estate and taste wine straight from the barrel at Australia’s largest underground barrel cellar.
For the culture vultures
16. Wander the National Arboretum in Canberra, Australia Capital Territory
Image credit: National Arboretum, Canberra, Australia Capital Territory © VisitCanberra / Wunderman Thompson
Canberra’s National Arboretum is one of the more unique destinations in Australia; a place that blends culture, nature, and education. 250 hectares of land house over 44,000 endangered trees and an abundance of native Australian plants that are commonly used in indigenous cultures.
If you’re visiting the National Arboretum, the Ngala walking tour is a great way to take it all in. This walking tour lets you listen to ancient stories about the forest, weave native plants into art pieces, and discover a better understanding of bush ingredients for medical and cultural purposes. Along the way, you’ll discover plenty of innovative sculptures and plenty of forest walking trails.
17. Take in Sydney’s art and history scene in New South Wales
Image credit: State Library of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW / Diana Nguyen
More than Australia’s postcard city, Sydney signals its love for arts and culture with the distinctive Sydney Opera House. This iconic structure recently turned 50 years old and continues to host a variety of classical opera performances, musicals, theatre, and contemporary gigs.
When you’ve had your fill of theatre, culture vultures can venture wider to discover some of the best museums and art galleries Down Under. For a deep dive into Australia’s literary and historical treasures, the State Library of New South Wales is a must-visit. Established in 1826, it boasts an extensive collection of over six million items, including rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and maps.
Art lovers can head to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to discover a stunning collection of Australian art – including Indigenous Australian art – as well as works by international artists. Besides that, it also features additional programs like Art After Hours that host individual exhibitions, workshops, and talks.
18. Step back in time at the Wadlata Outback Centre in South Australia
Wadlata Outback Centre is more than just a visitor attraction — it’s a gateway to understanding the cultural heritage, history, and pioneering spirit that define the Flinders Ranges and outback.
Image credit: Wadlata Outback Centre, South Australia © Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission
This award-winning attraction brings history to life with its immersive Tunnel of Time exhibit, where visitors can walk through the jaws of a giant ripper lizard, Max, and be transported back to when dinosaurs roamed the land. Discover the stories of the land’s traditional owners, early explorers, and settlers, gaining a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich past.
From uncovering ancient Aboriginal Dreaming stories to witnessing the modern outback way of life, this experience offers a deep appreciation of the people and traditions that have shaped this extraordinary land.
Whether you crave adventure or indulgence, Australia offers a wealth of experiences to suit every traveller. From breathtaking landscapes to exceptional food and wine, each trip Down Under is one to remember!
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