Planning Your Bucket List Trip to Australia: Where To Go & What To Do

The Nitty Gritty:

Visas: Before you visit Australia, be sure to check what your visa requirements are, depending on which country you’re from. If you’re from the United States, you’ll need to apply for an ETA, which incurs a $20 AUD application charge. Give yourself plenty of time to apply for and receive the visa, and be sure to print out a copy of your approval just in case. ETAs for US Citizens allow three months of travel through Australia, with an expiration of one year from approval.

Best Time to Visit: Depending on what you’re looking for, anytime of the year can be a great time to visit. Summer (December–February) will be hot around the country. While you may want to avoid Far North Queensland and Northern Territories because of the heat and rain, there are many places in the south that are fantastic options. For example, Tasmania hits its peak season during the Summer because of its cooler climate. Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) offer pleasant weather across most of the country. Winter (June–August) can be a great option if you’re looking for cozy, cooler weather. Most of Queensland and the Northern Territory offers temperate climates when looking to escape the cold.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is always highly recommended for any traveler going out of their home country. This helps provide peace of mind that you’re covered no matter what happens along the way. I always recommend Faye Insurance, as my go-to travel insurance provider.

Safety: Australia is generally safe, but always follow local advice, especially regarding wildlife and natural hazards. One of the biggest concerns I hear from travelers headed to Australia is their fear of Australian wildlife. And while Australia is home to some of the deadliest animals in the world, in my five years of living there, I rarely came across these creatures. As always, be cautious in areas that are more likely to harbor spiders and snakes. (I learned the “shake your shoes out” method while living there.) Follow local advice as to whether the ocean is safe to enter due to wildlife, rip currents and more.

The top must-see sites in each of the major hot spots of Australia:

1. Sydney & New South Wales

Sydney is one of the most gorgeous cities in the world. With world-class beaches, stunning national parks and a walkable, easy-to-navigate city, it has all of the best wrapped up into one. Sydney is truly a year-round destination, depending on what you’re looking for. Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music and ideas. Typically running from May–June, which attracts visitors from all over the world. While it can get cold in the winter, Sydney can offer spectacularly sunny days all year round. I recommend spending at least three to five days in Sydney.

Where To Stay:

• Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

• Shangri-La Sydney

• Park Hyatt Sydney

Sydney Highlights:

• Enjoy the views at Sydney Opera House

• Climb the Harbour Bridge

• Stroll through The Rocks Market

• Surf at Bondi Beach and Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

• Take the Ferry from Sydney to Manly Beach

• Get Wild at the world-famous Taronga Zoo

New South Wales Highlights:

• Hike in the Blue Mountains

• Explore the white-sand beaches of Jervis Bay

• Savor the local wine in the Hunter Valley

• Surfs Up in hippie haven - Byron Bay

2. Melbourne & Victoria

Melbourne is known as Australia’s culture capital, and you’ll get why within minutes of exploring the city. From trendy cafes to gourmet restaurants, Melbourne shows off its rich multicultural heritage. Along with arts and culture, Melbourne is also home to many domestic and international sporting events that make it a fun city to visit no matter your interests. Melbourne can get quite cold in the winter months and usually sees the best weather in Spring and Autumn. If visiting Melbourne, I recommend staying for two to four days.

Where To Stay:

• Park Hyatt Melbourne

• Sofitel on Collins

Melbourne Highlights:

• See Federation Square for museums, galleries and eateries

• Stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens

• Experience the bustle of the historic market - Queen Victoria Market

• Check out the eclectic culture of St. Kilda with shopping, nightlife and more

Victoria Highlights:

• Take a drive on the famous Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles

• See penguins and more wildlife at Phillip Island

• Experience the laid-back surf culture of Mornington Peninsula and Torquay

3. The Great Barrier Reef & Queensland

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef offers an unparalleled adventure into one of the world's most stunning natural wonders. I’ve been diving for 10 years and nothing compares to my time underwater on the Great Barrier Reef. To get to the reef, I recommend searching for a Snorkel or Dive Operator that will take you more than a few hours offshore to ensure you are seeing the reef at its finest. We did a 3-Day Liveaboard with ProDive Cairns, and it was fantastic. Cairns is likely where you will stay to access the reef and is filled with tropical, lush rainforests to explore. Note: Cyclone season is from November to May, and you will be required to wear a “stinger suit” in the Summer months because of a higher likelihood of jellyfish stings. I would give yourself at least two days to explore Cairns or Port Douglas. If you are planning a liveaboard experience or a day tour on the Great Barrier Reef, factor that time into your itinerary.

Where To Stay:

• Mercure Cairns

• Novotel Cairns Oasis Report

Cairns Highlights:

• Explore the world’s largest coral reef system by going on a Snorkel or Scuba Dive Tour

• Explore Cairns Esplanade and its many splash pads

• Adventure through the oldest rainforest in the world - The Daintree Rainforest

Queensland Highlights:

• Explore the vibrant city of Brisbane

• Get up close with koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

• Soak up the laid-back surf culture of Noosa

• Take a boat trip to the Whitsunday Islands $ Whitehaven Beach

4. Tasmania

Tasmania is a nature lovers dream. It’s a treasure trove of natural beauty and unique wildlife, offering loads of multi-day hikes and adventures. With its commitment to fresh, locally sourced food, Tasmania provides a rich culinary experience. This island state's blend of adventure, culture and gastronomy makes it a destination truly like no other. The best time of year to visit is in the summer months. However, note that January is Australia’s school break so availability prices tend to increase during this month. I recommend staying at least four to five days to explore all that Tassie has to offer.

Where To Stay:

• The Tasman

• Saffire Freycinet

Tasmania Highlights:

• Explore the culture of Hobart at the Salamanca Market and Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

• Adventure through Freycinet National Park with pristine beaches and world-class hikes.

• Hike and take in the beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

5. Adelaide & South Australia

Adelaide and South Australia offer a charming blend of culture, food and natural beauty. With the world-class wine region of Barossa Valley nearby, travelers from around the world flock to this destination for its unique landscape, hot air balloon rides and local food and wine selection. Spring and Autumn are the most comfortable months in terms of weather, and I recommend staying at least three to four days in Adelaide.

Highlights:

• Shop and taste gourmet flavors and foods at Adelaide Central Market

• Savor the award-winning wines in the Barossa Valley

• Say hi to some kangaroos on Kangaroo Island

6. Perth & Western Australia

We spent three weeks road-tripping through Western Australia, and it’s one of my favorite places in the entire world. With hundreds of miles stretching before you of red rock and clay and not a single car in sight, you can truly feel like you’re “out there.” There’s wine country and surfing in the cooler south. Whale shark and a diving mecca of Exmouth in the central. And the red desert adventures in the north. Western Australia has so much to offer year round, however, you’ll want to plan which parts of the state you visit based on the season. The northern part of the state can be hit with rains and floods in the summer months, and the southern part of the state can be quite cold in the winter months. Plan accordingly, and you’ll never run out of places to explore.

Where To Stay:

• Intercontinental Perth

• The Westin Perth

• Como The Treasury

Perth Highlights:

• Stroll around Kings Park and Botanic Gardens with beautiful views of the city

• Cafe-Hop, Shop and relax on the beach around seaside suburb — Fremantle

• Day Trip to Rottnest Island — cycle around to explore stunning beaches and get up close with the famous quokkas.

Western Australia Highlights:

• Relax in the beautiful region of Margaret River, known for its wineries, surf spots and gourmet food.

• Take a camel for a stroll on the beach in Broome and the Kimberley Region

• Beach hop across the world’s most stunning beaches in Esperance

• Dive with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef and Explore by 4-Wheel Drive Cape Range National Park in Exmouth

7. Darwin & Northern Territory

Australia’s Northern Territory offers a unique blend of rich Indigenous culture and breathtaking natural beauty. The Northern Territory’s capital, Darwin, has a tropical climate, lively markets, local cuisine and historical sites. The NT has two distinct seasons. Dry season runs from May to October, while rainy season runs from November to April. The dry season will allow you to explore more remote, natural regions, which may be off-limits during the rainy season.

Where To Stay:

• Hilton Darwin

• Novotel Darwin CBD

Darwin and North Territory Highlights:

• Wake up with the sun at Ayers Rock to see the rock color changes at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

• Learn about Indigenous culture and the significance of Uluru through guided tours and experiences.

• Take a swim in a billabong in Kakadu National Park.

• Stroll through the city of Darwin — Australia’s tropical capital.

• Explore Litchfield National Park, known for its waterfalls and swimming holes.

Australia offers a lifetime of exploration. Before getting overwhelmed with wanting to see it all, choose what time of year will be best for you to visit. Then plan your itinerary around which regions offer you the best opportunities to do and see what you would like, based on the seasons and weather.

I hope this guide serves as a foundation for you to start planning your Bucket List trip to Australia. As a Certified Travel Advisor, I’m here to support you in designing the trip of a lifetime, utilizing my expertise and industry partnerships.

Happy Exploring,
Kelly

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Australia. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sharon Schneider’s guide, Where There are No Roads, Australia Less Traveled.