Bucket List Destination: 13 Things To See And Do In Australia

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By: Lisa Evans
Published: May 15 2017
Last Update: Nov 28, 2022

From the elegant grandeur of the Sydney Opera House to the huge swathes of arid desert outback and everything in between, Australia is a rich, diverse explosion of experiences - a once in a lifetime adventure to be taken as a vacation in itself or part of a luxury around the world cruise. As well as taking in the sights of the capital with Sydney Australia tours, here are some more incredible things to discover on your trip to Australia:

Swim with Sea Lions in Bairds Bay

Not something you get to do every day, and the crystal-clear waters of South Australia make this a truly inspiring experience as you swim with the friendly sea lions. A great trip for all the family at the Eyre Peninsula, the sea lions are not tame but certainly not shy as they play alongside you. If you don’t fancy getting wet, then walk amongst them at Seal Bay or Flinders Chase National Park. For this unmissable experience, be sure to check out cheap flights to Australia.

Swim with Sea Lions in Bairds Bay

Visit the Twelve Apostles on Great Ocean Road

West of Melbourne, you’ll find a very long and particularly stunning road along the coast. These limestone towers, of which only eight remain, can be found along the way in the Port Campbell National Park. Erosion caused caves to appear in the cliffs, which then weathered away to arches and then became towers of rock. A great opportunity to see this beautiful natural phenomenon combined with some fantastic ocean views!

isit the Twelve Apostles on Great Ocean Road

Relax in the Peninsula Hot Springs in the Mornington Peninsula

Australia vacation tours should definitely include a trip to the natural springs and spa on the Mornington Peninsula. Sink into the natural thermal mineral waters and relax in style surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Here you’ll find a cave pool, Turkish baths, plunge pools and a hilltop swimming pool offering incredible views. The perfect romantic retreat or family getaway.

Relax in the Peninsula Hot Springs in the Mornington Peninsula

Climb to the top of Cradle Mountain

Journey to Tasmania for the ultimate trek to the lofty heights of Cradle Mountain located in the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. See wombats, Tasmanian devils and even peregrine falcons in this natural paradise. There is an amazing amount of flora and fauna in this world heritage listed park so if you want to visit one of the most stunning places on earth, get yourself to Cradle Mountain with many available packages for adventure travel Australia.

Climb to the top of Cradle Mountain

Dive with Great Sharks at Port Lincoln

Fancy an experience to get your heart racing? Shark Cage Diving has to be on your bucket list as a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these awesome creatures in their natural habitat. If the cage is a little too scary, then try the Aqua Sub - a rather less intimidating glass viewing area underwater with 360-degree views. The best tours of Australia will include this trip in their itineraries.

Dive with Great Sharks at Port Lincoln

Walk through Sydney to the world-famous Bondi Beach

Make your way to the golden sands of one of the most famous beaches in the world. As you reach the coast, you’ll discover surf shops, cafes and fashion stores along with funky art galleries and a flea market every Sunday. Take a stroll along the coastal walk, and from the cliffs, you can view the whole length of Bondi Beach. The coastal walk will also take you to other nearby beaches, just as picturesque if not as famous.

Walk through Sydney to the world-famous Bondi Beach

Ride a Camel on Cable Beach

There is something quite magical about taking a dawn or sunset camel ride along a beautiful beach. Whether it’s a romantic trip or something fun for all the family, Cable Beach is found in Broome, Western Australia. Get a great view as you perch on this majestic animal and enjoy the glorious bay. Check out the best tours of Australia to include this unique experience in your itinerary.

Ride a Camel on Cable Beach

See the happiest animal on Earth at Rottnest

Rottnest Island is home to the amazingly cute Quokka who have been named as the happiest animals on the planet due to their permanently smiling expression. The Quokka is native to Rottnest Island, mostly nocturnal and a member of the wallaby family. Look for Australia tour packages that include a visit to this protected island for a day spent with these unique animals.

See the happiest animal on Earth at Rottnest

Are you brave enough for the Cage of Death?

This is Australia’s only cage diving experience with Crocs! For the brave of heart, this attraction can be found at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin and is home to some of the biggest Saltwater crocs on earth. You’ll spend 15 minutes inside a cage while these massive reptiles are fed right next to you so you can look a crocodile right in the eye!

Are you brave enough for the Cage of Death

Take a dip in Zebedee Springs in El Questro

Another great destination for relaxing hot thermal springs and one which you won’t want to leave. It’s a bit of trek to get there, but it’s a stunning walk with helpful shade provided by palm trees. Enjoy the secluded warm waters as the stream flows past the trees and the gorge walls.

Take a dip in Zebedee Springs in El Questro

Experience Ancient Australia at Lake Condah

There are steps being taken to make this area a UNESCO heritage site as it’s an ancient aboriginal settlement, older than both Stonehenge and the Pyramids. It holds such indigenous cultural value, and here you can witness remains of the stone traps used for capturing eels thousands of years ago. A little-known site so make sure you find Australia travel groups that go there.

Experience Ancient Australia at Lake Condah

Ride the Ghan for the ultimate transcontinental trip

Why not plan a trip of a lifetime between Adelaide and Darwin on the epic Ghan Train? This is considered one of the best train journeys in the world as you experience the huge landscape changes as you relax in your own private cabin. See more in one journey than you could in any other type of vacation and reach parts often unseen. Search for Australia trip packages that include this train adventure.

Ride the Ghan for the ultimate transcontinental trip

Travel back in time at Lake Mungo National Park

The aboriginal people have walked this land since time began and artefacts over 50,000 years old have been discovered here. Learn about the amazing tribes who still inhabit the area which is now a protected World Heritage Site. Take an organised tour, enjoy a picnic by the dry lake or camp out under the wide skies in this ancient land.

Travel back in time at Lake Mungo National Park