Australia is filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and a uniquely different perspective than those found in Europe and America. However, Australia also encompasses approximately 2.9 million square miles, which means visitors who want to get the most out of their vacations must plan carefully. Learn about 12 must-see attractions in Australia below.
1. The Bungle Bungles
The Bungle Bungles are natural sandstone formations located in Purnululu National Park. Although natives of the area have always known of the beehive-shaped structures, the Bungle Bungles were not discovered by outsiders until the 1980s. Visitors can reach the Bungle Bungles by driving over 80 kilometers of dirt roads that can only be navigated by four-wheel drive. Hiking will be necessary to get to these gorgeous formations, so make sure to bring the appropriate equipment.
2. Canberra
Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is well worth the three hour drive from Sydney. Visitors interested in the Australian government will definitely want to check out the Parliament House, which was constructed in the side of Capitol Hill.
3. Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a legendary pink granite rock that everyone visiting Australia should take the time to visit. Because the enormous rock can be reached by paved roads, the trek is easy to make, and visitors will love the incredible coastal views visible from the summit.
4. Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy is the home of an Australian population that spends the majority of each year living underground due to excessive heat. Visitors who prefer subterranean accommodations will find many options. Coober Pedy is also the opal capital of the world, which adds another unique twist to the location.
5. Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is found in a western suburb of Perth and offers some of Australia’s best surfing. Anyone wishing to ride the waves may do so, and new surfers can take lessons in a safe environment. The swimming at Cottesloe Beach is excellent, and those looking for a spectacular Australian sunset will not be disappointed.
6. The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is an attraction that no visitor to Australia will want to miss. The 2,600 kilometer Great Barrier Reef can found in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland. Visitors to the reef will be able to view a great deal of wildlife, including various species of dolphins, sea turtles, and other intriguing creatures.
7. Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is another Australian natural wonder that vacationers will want to add to their itineraries. Expect to see incredible sights like napping koalas and kangaroos hopping about. Visitors heading to Kangaroo Island will also want to take in Reeves Point, which was the home of the first European settlers in Australia.
8. Melbourne
The city of Melbourne is full of attractions that the whole family will enjoy. Those with time constraints may want to limit their visit to icons like the Flinders Street Station, the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
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9. Port Arthur
Port Arthur offers a number of interesting attractions. Visitors interested in penal history will love the prison colony, which was once the home of over 1,100 prisoners. The Port Arthur architecture is stunning, and first-timers will definitely want to learn about the Port Arthur Massacre.
10. The Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Sydney Harbor Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge. Tourists who are not afraid of heights may want to take advantage of the Bridge Climb, which is a guided tour atop the bridge’s catwalks.
11. The Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is easiest landmark to recognize in all of Australia. As the home of over 3,000 performance each year, visitors have come to expect symphonic perfection. Those who lack the time to hear a performance may simply tour the opera house.
12. Uluru Rock
Uluru Rock (formerly known as Ayers Rock)is the largest single piece of stone in the world. Uluru stands at an incredible 348 meters and is surrounded by desert. Tourists who want to see the rock in various states will appreciate the fact that it appears to be a different color each season of the year.
