Australia may be the world’s smallest continent but it’s certainly not small in scale. Being over seven million square kilometres, it would take a while to get around the country, especially if you want to see everything on offer. So, if you’re making an Australia bucket list, you might want to narrow it down a bit. Consider your reasons for visiting Australia and then choose your highlights accordingly. In this post, I’m sharing a few possible places to visit but believe me, I’ve only just scratched the surface!
1. The Gold Coast
With year-round warm weather, The Gold Coast is an ideal addition to your Australia bucket list if you’re looking for beach locations with a laid-back vibe and great surfing. There is more to this area than sand and surf, of course. It’s on Queensland’s southeastern coastline, which is known for its gigantic shopping malls, exhilarating theme parks, beautiful nature reserves, and incredible nightlife. There is something for everyone here, which is why The Gold Coast is a very popular choice.
2. Alice Springs
If you’re looking for sand without the sea, then Alice Springs is the place for you. Lying at the centre of the Northern Territory’s dusty outback, you will be miles away from city life, although there are still lots of restaurants, hotels, and shopping. This is also the ideal place to visit if you’re looking to learn more about the Aborigine’s rich history. The population is largely Aboriginal, and there are museums, art galleries and other places of interest, great for learning the local culture. The desert landscapes are another big draw for tourists to the outback, with lots of walking trails to explore.
3. The Whitsunday Islands
Lying off Queensland’s northeastern coast, The Whitsunday Islands are a big pull for tourists, especially those looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Pack your snorkelling gear if you’re interested in swimming with the fishes (not in The Godfather kind of way), and don’t forget your sun lotion as there are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are 74 tropical islands within the Whitsundays, with Hamilton Island being one of the most popular. It’s the perfect place for underwater adventures, so be sure to check out these Hamilton Island apartments for rent if you decide to visit.
4. Kangaroo Island
It’s not hard to guess which animals call this remarkable island, located just off the coast of South Australia, home. However, they aren’t the only inhabitants, as you often spot koalas, echidnas, penguins, sea lions, and dolphins too. The incredible scenery and untouched landscapes are the other draw for tourists, especially those looking to explore Australia’s natural beauty. There are lots of outdoor activities to get into, including quad biking, horse riding, scuba diving, sandboarding, and more. There are wineries to visit, and lots of caves and beaches to explore; so there are all kinds of reasons to visit Kangaroo Island, beyond your love or fascination of Kangaroos.
I obviously haven’t covered everything here, it would be impossible! Australia is a massive place to explore. Still, I hope this post helps you in creating your Australia bucket list and you go do some much needed research!
