Things to Do in Australia encompass vibrant cities, world-famous natural wonders, unique wildlife, and unforgettable cultural experiences that make it one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations.
In one trip, you can snorkel the reef, explore Aboriginal heritage at Uluru, wander Sydney’s harbor, and drive along the dramatic Great Ocean Road. This guide lists the most rewarding stops with practical highlights to help you plan your itinerary.
- 1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
- 2. Visit the Sydney Opera House
- 3. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- 4. See Uluru & Kata Tjuta
- 5. Drive the Great Ocean Road
- 6. Discover Kangaroo Island
- 7. Wander the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
- 8. Relax at Bondi Beach
- 9. Experience Daintree Rainforest
- 10. Meet Quokkas on Rottnest Island
- 11. Wildlife at Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- 12. Explore Blue Mountains National Park
- 13. Visit Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens
- 14. Cruise on the Whitsunday Islands
- 15. Explore Kakadu National Park
- FAQs
1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 km along the Queensland coast and visible from space. It hosts thousands of vibrant coral formations and marine species, including tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and giant clams. Snorkeling, diving, or taking a scenic flight offers unmatched encounters with this UNESCO World Heritage marine wonder.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Queensland, Australia
- Timings: Reef tours typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: Varies by tour and activity
2. Visit the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site sitting on Sydney Harbour’s edge. Designed by Jørn Utzon, its unique white shell-like sails host world-class opera, theatre, and concerts. Visitors can join guided tours, dine in harborfront restaurants, and capture iconic views from Circular Quay or a harbor cruise.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney, NSW
- Timings: Tours ~9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: Guided tours from AUD 42+
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3. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as an engineering icon linking the Sydney CBD with the North Shore. Known locally as the “Coathanger,” its BridgeClimb experience lets visitors ascend its arch for panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and Opera House. Options range from dawn climbs to twilight experiences, offering unforgettable vantage points across the city.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, NSW
- Timings: Flexible sessions throughout the day
- Price: From AUD 174+ (varies by climb)
4. See Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Uluru (Ayers Rock) and nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) are massive sandstone monoliths rising from Australia’s central desert. Sacred to the Anangu people, Uluru’s surface dramatically changes color at sunrise and sunset. Interpretive walks and guided tours explain Aboriginal culture and geology, making it a centerpiece of Australia’s spiritual and natural landscapes.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
- Timings: Sunrise & sunset peak viewing times
- Price: Park entry AUD 38 (3-day pass)
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5. Drive the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, stretching over 240 km along Victoria’s coastline. Highlights include rugged cliffs, rainforest breaks, and the limestone formations known as the Twelve Apostles. Road trips here combine epic photo stops, wildlife sightings, and seaside towns for food and accommodation.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Timings: Open road access daily
- Price: Free road journey; tours vary
6. Discover Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island off South Australia’s coast is a nature lover’s paradise, known for abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, sea lions, and koalas. Its national parks offer striking coastlines, native bushland, and protected reserves. Seal Bay and Flinders Chase National Park, home to Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, are key highlights for wildlife and landscape photography.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Kangaroo Island, SA
- Timings: Daily access; tours vary
- Price: Ferry or flight access varies
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7. Wander the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a 30-hectare sanctuary of plant biodiversity set beside Sydney Harbour. Established in 1816, it features themed plant collections, peaceful lawns, and scenic harbor viewpoints. Its free walking tours offer insight into native and exotic species as well as the garden’s history.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Sydney, NSW
- Timings: 7:00 AM–sunset daily
- Price: Free entry
8. Relax at Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, famed for its golden sand, surf culture, and lively promenade. Visitors can swim, surf, or take the coastal Bondi-to-Coogee walk for dramatic ocean views. Cafés and shops line the beach, making it a perfect spot for both activity and relaxation.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Bondi, NSW
- Timings: Open beach access daily
- Price: Free
9. Experience Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest in tropical North Queensland is one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, older than the Amazon. Its World Heritage-listed ecosystems shelter rare plants and animals, boardwalk hikes, river cruises for crocodile spotting, and guided cultural tours explaining Aboriginal connections to the land.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: North Queensland
- Timings: National Park access daily
- Price: Park entry fees vary
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10. Meet Quokkas on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, off Western Australia’s coast near Perth, is famed for quokkas, friendly marsupials known as the “happiest animals.” Visitors can cycle around the island’s white sand beaches, snorkel in clear waters, and enjoy relaxed island vibes. Quokka selfies are a highlight, but respect wildlife space and guidelines.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Rottnest Island, WA
- Timings: Ferry services are daily
- Price: Ferry and park fees vary
11. Wildlife at Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade is a uniquely Australian wildlife spectacle where Little Penguins return each evening at sunset. Visitors sit on boardwalks near the beach to watch hundreds of penguins waddle in from the sea. Complementary wildlife exhibits and boardwalk trails offer insight into local ecosystems.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Phillip Island, Victoria
- Timings: Sunset daily (varies by season)
- Price: Ticketed entries
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12. Explore Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park west of Sydney showcases dramatic escarpments, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, and the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. Outdoor activities range from scenic hikes and canyoning to cableway rides and lookouts at Echo Point. Wildlife lovers can spot wallabies, lyrebirds, and native flora across its expansive trails.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: NSW
- Timings: Park access daily
- Price: Park entry fees vary
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13. Visit Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria encompasses over 8,500 plant species across 36 hectares. Its tranquil lakes, themed gardens, and seasonal displays provide peace in the city’s heart. Guided walks, birdwatching, and plant-focused events add depth to a visit that’s both educational and immersively beautiful.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
- Timings: 7:30 AM – sunset
- Price: Free
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14. Cruise on the Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands, nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, offer azure waters, secluded beaches, and iconic Heart Reef views by boat or helicopter. Sailing tours visit Whitehaven Beach’s silica sands, snorkel spots teeming with fish, and coral gardens, making it a bucket-list experience for ocean lovers.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Whitsundays, QLD
- Timings: Tour departures vary
- Price: Tour costs vary by operator
15. Explore Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is Australia’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its diverse landscapes include wetlands, waterfalls, ancient rock art, and abundant wildlife such as crocodiles, wallabies, and bird species. Cultural tours led by Aboriginal guides explore Indigenous rock art and traditions thousands of years old.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Northern Territory
- Timings: Park ais ccessible daily
- Price: Park entry fees apply
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Australia at night?
Best night experiences in Australia include seeing Sydney Harbour and the Opera House lit up from Circular Quay, stargazing in the Outback near Uluru, and enjoying Melbourne’s rooftop bars and late-night laneway dining.
What are the best things to do in Australia for tourists?
Top things to do include snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Sydney Opera House, and climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic harbor views. Don’t miss Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunrise or sunset, the Great Ocean Road for coastal scenery, and wildlife highlights like Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade or quokkas on Rottnest Island.
What are the free things to do in Australia?
Free experiences include walking the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail, hiking in the Blue Mountains, and spending time on public beaches across NSW and Queensland. You can also explore the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, and Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, wander Melbourne’s street-art laneways, and enjoy scenic harbourside walks and city viewpoints without entry fees.
What is Australia famous for?
Australia is famous for natural icons like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the Great Ocean Road, along with unique wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and quokkas. It’s also known for world-class beaches, Aboriginal culture and storytelling, and vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne that blend food, art, and waterfront experiences.
Is Australia worth visiting?
Yes. Australia offers a rare mix of coral reefs, rainforest ecosystems, desert landscapes, and modern cities, so you can combine adventure with culture in one itinerary. Whether you want diving and sailing, road trips and hikes, or iconic sightseeing and wildlife encounters, Australia delivers high-impact experiences across multiple regions.
Is Australia expensive?
Australia can be moderately expensive, especially for accommodation, dining, and guided tours in major cities and popular coastal areas. However, many top attractions are budget-friendly because beaches, hikes, botanic gardens, and scenic walks are free, and costs can be reduced with public transport, day passes, and self-guided plans.
What is the best time of year to visit Australia?
Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are generally best for comfortable weather across most regions and easier sightseeing. For the tropical north (Queensland and the Northern Territory), winter months are ideal for drier conditions, while southern areas like Victoria and Tasmania are best in summer for coastal drives and outdoor festivals.
Do Indians need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Indian citizens need an Australian Visitor visa (Subclass 600) for tourism, and applications are typically submitted online through official Australian immigration channels. Processing time depends on documentation and travel season, so it’s best to apply well in advance of confirmed travel dates.
