Travel Down Under & Why You Need an Australian Bucket List
Table of Contents
Introducing Australia
For travelers and even locals, Australia is such a dream destination. With so many unique and diverse locations, throughout the whole year, it’s always the perfect time to visit somewhere. I’m an Australian and have lived in three of our states, and since I was a kid I’ve spent so many of my holidays exploring our stunning land. Below I’m sharing some insight on Australia, a bunch of useful travel tips, destination highlights & ideas for your Australian bucket list.
Due to COVID-19 there could potentially be travel restrictions in place across Australia. Please check the latest government advice before you travel.
What to Expect in Australia
Important things to know;
Currency:
Australian Dollar $.
Accessing Cash:
Credit cards are excepted almost everywhere (especially since coronavirus), some businesses try to discourage paying in cash, but it’s still a legal tender so if that’s all you have, they’ll have to accept it as a form of payment. ATMs are also widely available.
Population of Australia:
25 million.
Australian Language:
English.
Although we all speak English, foreigners can still get slightly confused by Australian slang! So, I thought I would add in a bit of “Aussie slang translation”:
G’day – short for “good day”.
How ya going – hi, how are you?
She’ll be right – It’ll be fine or reassurance.
My shout – I’ll pay for the next round of drinks.
Bottle-O – a liquor store.
On the piss – to be drinking alcohol.
Carked it – it stopped working.
Bogan – uncultured person.
Chockers – something is very full.
Servo – Gas or service station.
Thongs – rubber sandals (what Americans call flip-flops).
Rug up – dress for cold weather.
Have a blue – to have a fight.
Can’t be bothered – too lazy to do something.
Dodgy – something that is not quite right or suspicious.
Mate – we could be referring to a friend, using the word sarcastically, or saying it’s because we don’t remember the person’s name!
Arvo – the afternoon.
Spit the dummy – to suddenly display anger or frustration.
Requirements For Entering Australia:
Most countries around the world require you to obtain a tourist visa or visa waiver before you’re allowed to enter Australia. And, possibly have at least 6 months validity on your passport. Of course, always check the latest requirements before you arrive at the airport. Even if you’ve traveled to Australia before, these things can change.
Then upon arrival in Australia, you’ll notice we have very strict biosecurity rules. Generally, fresh food, plant materials & animal products can’t be brought into the country.
Safety:
Australia is a very safe country and is often ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Although, it’s still important to use common sense and try not to walk around after dark alone because sadly, bad things do happen sometimes.
I would also recommend covering yourself with travel insurance, I never go away without it! Unfortunately, there’s always the chance of your stuff getting lost, stolen, or damaged, disruptions to your travel plans, or even some kind of medical emergency.
And, it’s always important to read the T&Cs of any policy. I recommend using Cover-More! Click below to get your quote.
Australian Wifi & Pre-Paid Phones:
Unless you’re in the city, WiFi isn’t always available throughout Australia and at times can be expensive. If you’re looking to be in Australia for an extended period I suggest getting a pre-paid phone with data. The most widely available mobile network in Australia is Telstra but of course, they are the most expensive. Luckily there’s a way around paying the high prices & still being able to get the coverage. Aldi mobile uses the Telstra network but is way cheaper, so the reception with Aldi is always very good.
Another cheap company is Amaysim, they use the Optus network and their deals are cheap and include heaps of data. Both Aldi and Amaysim have no cancelation fee.
When is the Best Time to Travel Australia
Being such a massive country the weather can be extremely different from place to place. So, it’s always a good time to visit somewhere in Australia. For example winter in Melbourne can be bloody freezing but fly two hours north, same-day on the Gold Coast & you could be sunbaking at the beach. There’re 4 seasons in Australia, Summer (December, January, February) Autumn (March, April, May), Winter (June, July, August) & Spring (September, October, November).
So, there isn’t one easy answer to “when is the best time to travel to Australia”, it all depends on what you have on your Australian bucket list.
One thing travelers should keep in mind is the dates of the school holiday! Australian schools have a 2-week break, roughly every couple of months. Therefore, travel during these times can be very busy and prices are always higher.
Are you into sports? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. Especially if you’re heading to Melbourne as many would argue this is the sporting capital of Australia.
Melbourne is home to the majority of the Australian rules football (AFL) games, including the grand final, the Tennis Australian Open, and the Spring Racing Carnival. These events can be so much fun and such a unique Aussie experience. Definitely add at least one of these to your Australian bucket list.
Best Bucket List Experiences in Australia, State by State
Australia is home to 6 states & 2 territories and the mainland is the largest island on the planet. It’s crazy how big this country is, you could spend years trying to experience it all. I wouldn’t even suggest that one single state or territory is worth skipping, there are so many incredible destinations to see all over the land down under, so here’s just a few;
Suggestions for Your Australian Bucket List
QUEENSLAND
Great Barrier Reef:
Only the world’s largest coral reef system, snorkeling or diving here should definitely be on your Australian bucket list. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers the reef can be accessed via many of the Whitsunday Island and northern cities such as Cairns (CNS), Proserpine (PPP) & Townsville (TSV).
Gold Coast:
I’ve been lucky enough to call this city home for the last ten years and I honestly think it’s amazing. The Gold Coast is where you’ll find some of the best beaches in Australia, fun nightlife and so many good restaurants. Plus the countries biggest and best theme parks.
A couple of my favorite things to do on the Gold Coast are;
Set up a picnic on Burleigh Hill and watch the sunset. There’s a massive grassy area, so grab some food & wine and spread out. Burleigh hill is beautiful at any time of day but as it’s right on the ocean, sunset is the most picturesque time but therefore the busiest too.
Also visiting Mount Tambourine is a must! Located in the Gold Coast hinterland, Mount Tambourine has so many good pubs, viewpoints, and hiking tracks leading to waterfalls.
Airport: Gold Coast (OOL) or the next closest one is Brisbane (BNE).
NEW SOUTH WHALES
Sydney City:
When people think of Australia often the first city that comes to mind is Sydney and is where the majority of international travelers will first fly into.
Sydney is full of famous landmarks such as the Opera house, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the stunning Harbour itself, and Bondi Beach. I do find driving around Sydney can be a little stressful, with all their busy, narrow, and one-way streets. But the public transport system is a mix between trains, buses & ferries and I have always found them very reliable.
So since Sydney is such a big city I recommend when you first arrive to join a (free) walking tour with a local guide. These types of tours are awesome when arriving in a new city. The guides will share so many helpful tips & it really helps you get your bearings of a new environment.
Airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
Byron Bay:
This cruisey little beachside town gets busier and busier each year. Located in the far north of New South Whales, the weather is pretty amazing all year round so visiting is always a good idea.
Byron is full of stunning beaches, walking tracks, good food and is one of our most popular surfing locations. My favorite hippy town’s popularity is on the raise I would say partly because of all the celebrities that now call it home, or a regular holiday spot. It’s quite possible you could run into stars like Chris Hemsworth, Matt Damon & Zac Efron.
Airport: Closest airport is 30 minutes away in Ballina (BNK).
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Canberra:
To the surprise of many tourists, the capital of Australia isn’t in fact Sydney, it’s Canberra. Located strategically between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra isn’t a big city but a few places worth visiting are the Australia War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia & Parliament House.
Hiking in Namadgi National Park:
I’m sure you’ll need a break from all the educational sites in Canberra so take a drive 40kms south to the Namadgi National Park. Walking is definitely the best way to see the park, full of incredible viewpoints, native wildlife, and Aboriginal cultural sites. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to experience some of Australia’s untouched bushland.
There are a number of walking tracks in the park so I recommend doing some research before you arrive to decide what track would best suit your skill level.
Airport: Canberra Airport (CNR).
VICTORIA
Melbourne City:
My personal favorite city in Australia, despite the terrible weather!!! I grew up in Melbourne and worked in the CBD for years. The weather is freezing in winter & can be very up and down throughout the rest of the year, but still, Melbourne is a fun & lively city.
Ensure you take time to wander the streets and discover all the unique laneways, filled with awesome street art, and taste some of the best coffee in the world. And, of course, in summer have a drink at one of the many rooftop bars.
Melbourne is a very easy city to navigate on foot, as the CBD streets run in a grid system.
The Yarra River runs through central Melbourne & is where you’ll find the riverside promenade Southbank. This area gets particularly lively in the evening. Also, make sure you visit the famous Crown Casino and Arbory Bar & Eatery, both located riverside.
As I mentioned above with Sydney, when arriving in a new big city, walking tours are a great way to learn about the city. Free Tours also operates in Melbourne.
Great Ocean Road:
For any ocean lover, a road trip along the Great Ocean Road is a must. This road is an Australian National Heritage listed stretch of road. The beginning of the Great Ocean Road is in a town called Torquay which is approximately a 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne CBD.
The Great Ocean Road is 243-kilometers, but it’s no bigger if you aren’t able to travel the whole road. My favorite town along the way is Lorne which is only 45 minutes from Torquay and the stretch of road between these two towns is absolutely stunning! Hopefully, you don’t get car sick as these roads can get pretty windy.
Close by Torquay is the world-famous Bells Beach where every Easter they host the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition.
Then if you wanted to add some adventure to your Australian bucket list you need to go Skydiving! Although, this isn’t the cheapest experience it’s worth it because of the amazing feeling you’ll get. Skydiving is a sensory overload, like a mix between being absolutely terrified and unbelievably excited. And, to make it even better the views you’ll see are amazing.
Click here to visit Skydive Australia and jump out over the Great Ocean Road.
Airports: Melbourne Airport (MEL) & Avalon Airport (AVV)
TASMANIA
Hiking in Tassie:
Tasmania is a natural wonder and I couldn’t imagine a better way of experiencing the island than hiking. Two of the most popular hikes in Tasmania are Wineglass Bay and Crater Lake. Both of these hikes are within the national park, so you’ll need to purchase a ‘park pass’ before you plan to visit and always check the weather before you start any hike.
The Wineglass Bay Hike is a 2.6km return and you’ll hike to a lookout point with views of Wineglass Bay.
Crater Lake hike is a circuit track, which is always good because they’ll be no backtracking, and it’s approximately 5.7km.
Hobart:
Many people refer to Hobart as “Slow-Bart” but if you’re keen to visit one of Australia’s more quiet and historical cities, Hobart will be perfect. The city is full of history, culture, good food and is located on the Derwent River. Tasmania generally has cooler weather all year round, so make sure you pack some warm clothes.
One of the most popular ways to see Hobart and the surrounding areas is by boat. GetYourGuide has a 90 minute ‘Historic Lunch Cruise’, at the time of writing this article the cost is only $42 (including lunch) the cruise takes you past the Tasman Bridge, Salamanca Place, and the Wrest Point Casino.
Also, don’t miss the Salamanca Market, which is on every Saturday morning and is voted as one of the best things to do according to TripAdvisor.
Two main airports in Tassie are Hobart (HBA) and Launceston (LST)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Wineries:
South Australia is said to be the wine capital of Australia and one of the nine Wine Capitals of the World. South Australia has 18 wine regions and I believe the Barossa Valley is the most famous. Conveniently located only a one-hour drive from South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide. And, once you arrive you’ll be spoilt for choice with the number of wineries.
So then if you’re up for a drink & can’t manage to find yourself a designated driver, I recommend booking a wine tour. All tours include transport, visits to at least 4 wineries, wine tastings, and sometimes lunch. I recommend this tour by GetYourGuide.
Swimming with Great White Sharks in Port Lincoln:
Keen to get up close & personal with some amazing wildlife? Great Whites are stunning & curious animals and, cage diving is a great way to see them up close. I’ve done this in South Africa and it was an incredible experience. The sharks would come close to the cage but were never aggressive, just slowly swim by and of course, only approached if they wanted to.
With that said Port Lincoln is the destination in Australia to do this activity and the best time of year is April to June. Getting to Port Lincoln from Adelaide, you can either go by car or bus, but the drive takes 7 hours. Or there are flights between the two cities with either Qantas link or Rex airlines.
I can’t personally recommend a tour company but when researching, ensure you only book with a reputable and eco-friendly company.
And, when I did this in South Africa we only had a snorkel and a mask. With the rough seas, this made getting under the water quickly kind of difficult, so I would recommend going with a boat that has oxygen tanks so you can stay underwater the whole time.
Largest Airport in South Australia: Adelaide (ADL).
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Uluru/Ayers Rock:
Ayers Rock is located in the middle of the Northern Territory and why the area is also known as the “red center”. It’s believed this massive rock started to form 550 million years ago and is a very sacred place for indigenous Australians.
This is such a unique site in Australia and would be a great way to learn more about aboriginal communities. I plan to spend a few days here this year, I can’t believe I haven’t been already, it’s been on my Australian bucket list for ages.
I’m most excited about seeing the Field of Lights and doing the 10km walk around the base.
Airport: Ayres Rock Airport (AYQ) is a 20-minute drive from Uluru. Jetstar has daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne.
Kakadu National Park:
A visit to Kakadu NP is all about getting outdoors, it’s a great chance to see some of Australia’s wildlife (and yes many of them can kill you), learn about aboriginal cultures, hike, discover waterfalls, and also cruise through wetlands.
If camping or sleeping in the back of a 4WD isn’t your thing, Kakadu has hotels & resorts located within the park and plenty of other options in the nearby city of Katherine. But of course, camping would be one of your cheapest options out there.
Airport: The entrance to the park is 150km from Darwin International airport (DRW)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Rottnest Island:
Rottnest Island is an absolute gem! And, is only 19km off the coast of Perth and on an easy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. The island is surrounded by the most beautiful, clear water and so many snorkeling areas. I spent 4 days exploring Rottnest (you can read my Rottnest blog here), but it could be a great day trip from Perth if that’s all the time you had.
So, the best way to get around the island is by push bike and you can hire these for around $30 a day.
Rottnest Island is also famous for its cute furry residents, the Quokkas. The island is home to nearly 12,000 Quokkas and they say that Quokkas are the happiest animal on earth because they have no predators on the island. Also, have some patients & you’ll be able to get very close to them, so make sure you get a “Quokka selfie” before you leave.
Road Trip Along the South-West Coast:
The coastline in WA is absolutely stunning, in some areas the colors of the water are the same as beaches in the Caribbean. It’s hard to believe how massive Western Australia is, it takes ages to get anywhere but the west is so different from the east coast of Australia, so definitely needs to be on any Australian bucket list!
You would need at least two weeks to travel from Perth – Esperance. This will give you plenty of time to stop along the way & explore each area. And, the best places to stop after you’ve left Perth would be; Margaret River Region, Denmark, Albany, and Esperance.
Between October & March is the best time to do this trip, this part of Australia can get cold over winter.
Western Australias biggest airport is Perth (PER).
The Best Way to See Australia is By Getting Outdoors!
I also wanted to list 5 of the best outdoor experiences, that should be on your Australian bucket list. Outdoor adventures are important when traveling as they reduce stress, are a great way to get exercise and any day trips or tours are an awesome way to make new friends. Plus, Australia’s best sites are all outside!
1) Ningaloo Reef & Swimming With Whale sharks (Western Australia):
Everything about this experience was incredible! The reef is stunning, with so much bright & unique corals and a wide variety of sea life. Plus, it’s an amazing feeling to be able to swim alongside the biggest fish in the world.
You can read more about this in a blog I wrote, detailing everything about my day swimming with Whale Sharks. Click Here!
2) Great Barrier Reef (Queensland):
I believe every local and international traveler should visit at least one area of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s such a beautiful part of nature and unfortunately may not be around forever.
One of the most famous sites in the Great Barrier Reef is the ‘Heart Reef’ and is best to be seen from above. Why not save money in other areas of your travels so you’re able to experience a scenic reef flight.
3) Cape to Cape Track, Margaret River Region (Western Australia):
This hike is an awesome way to see the coastline, it’s free and would be a great personal achievement. Mainly because it’s 123 kilometers and takes five to six days to walk. Ahhhh!!! But don’t let that turn you off, not everyone does the whole track and that’s ok.
The Margaret River Region has plenty of small towns and accommodation options. One of my favorite beaches in Margaret River is Hamelin Bay Beach. If you visit in the morning or late evening you’ll easily see Stingrays swimming up and down the shoreline.
Click here to read my travel guide on Margaret River.
4) Mount Buller Day Trip:
This surprises some people but believe it or not, Australia does have snowy mountains! Mt Buller is a popular snow resort only a three-hour drive from Melbourne. You could visit for the day or there are accommodation options at the top of the hill.
Mt Buller has slops for all skill levels and also has two toboggan parks. The peak season is from the end of June to early September.
I visited in the off-season and although there wasn’t enough snow for skiing or snowboarding, it was still a beautiful place to visit for hiking and plenty of restaurants & bars.
Accommodation I recommend: Mt Buller Chalet Hotel & Suites
5) Beach Hopping in Style:
Australia has some of the beach beaches in the world and I think the most amazing ones can be found in Queensland, northern New South Whales & Western Australia. And, laying on the beach is an outdoor activity I could do every day!
With so many beaches to choose from in Australia, beach hopping is the way to do it. When I stayed on Magnetic Island (QLD) we hired a mini, hot pink, topless car and it was the best way to get around and enjoy the sun all day. The car cost $99 for 24 hours and we booked with Tropical Topless Car Rentals.
Ways to Travel Around Australia ….. That Won’t Break The Bank
Australia has some awesome road trip routes and car hire can be reasonably inexpensive.
Car hire is charged per 24 hour period and it’s always recommended to add on the daily insurance. I always find JUCY to have great rates and they have cars and campervans available for hire.
Then along with car hire comes fuel, which unfortunately can be very expensive in Australia. But I found an app that shows you all the petrol stations in your area and the cost per litre.
Download ‘Fuel Map Australia’ here; App Store / Play Store
With that said if being in a car for hours isn’t your vibe, there’s always the option to fly. Australia has airports in all major cities, plus many smaller towns. The airlines that offer the most domestic routes are Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia & Rex.
Qantas is by far the best but generally the most expensive. If the flight is only an hour or two, a budget airline like Jetstar is the way to go. You can build your ticket and only pay for what you need. But if you try to save money and don’t book enough luggage, you can get charged an arm and a leg at the airport. So, make sure you book enough, or your “budget” flight could become very expensive.
There is also the option to book long trips on a bus with Grey Hound, which is Australias only national coach network.
Australian Travel Costs
Australia definitely isn’t a cheap place to travel but there are ways to make any trip fit within your budget.
I will list a few general expenses in Australian dollars:
Groceries: $100 – $150 a week for two adults.
Beer at a Pub or Surf Club: $6 – $14.
Meal at Restaurants: Upwards of $20 for the main meal, although, keep an eye out for meal deals. Often pubs and cafes will have a menu for $10 meals!
Domestic Flights: If the airline is having a sale it is very possible to get a one-way flight for under $100. But these tickets do need to be booked in advance.
Petrol: This changes daily and can differ from city to city, but on average between $1.20 – $1.60 per liter.
Down Under Travel Resources to Book Everything on Your Australian Bucket List
Related Blogs on Australia (more ideas for your Australian bucket list)
Thank you so much for reading. My Australian content is always expanding, with heaps more ideas for your bucket list. So if you’d like me to send you the new guides, click here to join my mailing list.
Happy Travels.
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Elyse
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Oh my gosh, what an amazing list. I want to spend more time in Australia and really get to experience a few more of these. Rottnest island would be high on my list, as would the Great Barrier Reef
Two of the best places for sure. Thanks so much for your comment Emma. Hope you can come back soon
Australia is high on our list. So many incredible experiences! This is such a detailed and informative post — saving it for our Australian adventure!
Awesome, can’t wait to have you! Thanks so much
I spent a month in Australia (NSW) and loved it! I even got to see Vivid in Sydney.
Oh awesome! Vivid would be so beautiful, i missed it last time 🙁
Australia has been on my bucket list for yearssss! This is a great list of things to do for when we finally are able to visit! Pinned! Thanks for sharing 🙂
aww you’re welcome and thank you so much for reading Chelsea
Australia really is a dream destination! We live in the US and love reading about all the adventures possible there. What a beautiful country. AND, we love kangaroos!
It sure is, you’ll definitely have to come one day
What a great post! The last time I visited Australia I was sick the whole time so I’m in need of a do-over! I’m definitely hanging onto this article for my next visit (which I *hope* will be soon… we’ll see!)
Oh no! Being sick while traveling is the worst. Hopefully you can come back soon
Oh I would love to visit Australia soon!! <3
Great post and love the photos. It’s tricky describing Australia’s weather. Melbourne can have all four seasons in one day. And then there is tropical northern Australia where they only have wet and dry seasons.
Thank you so much. And, yes you’re definitely right… but at least it means it’s always a good time to travel somewhere in Australia 🙂