The Ultimate Guide for Your First Trip to Australia
Australia is a unique and diverse country that offers a multitude of reasons to visit. From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cities, there is something for everyone! Experiencing all that it has to offer is hardly possible in one trip, yet overdoing the itinerary for your visit to this island nation is not advisable. Before you stack your list of “things to do” up too high, we’d like to provide some further insight on the highlights of Australia.
Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your time in the Land Down Under:
Sydney
Sydney is one of Australia's largest and most beloved cities. It is a beautiful place to begin your first 4 to 5 days on the island, especially if you are traveling between June and August. Sydney is a great destination for travelers seeking culture, outdoor adventures, and urban experiences. With lots of natural beauty and invigorating city life, there's so much to explore!
Getting around: Sydney is a sprawling city with many transport options including buses, trains, ferries, and taxis. Consider purchasing an Opal card to make traveling around the city more convenient and cost-effective.
Explore the city's iconic landmarks: Take a stroll around the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden, climb the bridge for a breathtaking view of the city or spend a day at Bondi Beach soaking up the sun and surf.
Discover the city's cultural offerings: Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Australian Museum, or the Museum of Contemporary Art to experience Sydney's rich cultural heritage.
Enjoy the food and drink scene: Sydney is known for its diverse culinary scene, from traditional Australian cuisine to international flavours. Try local seafood, sip on coffee or wine, and explore the city's many cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Experience the outdoors: Head to the Blue Mountains National Park, go for a hike in the Royal National Park or kayak in the harbour to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Catch a game: Whether it's cricket, rugby, or football, Sydney is home to some of Australia's most iconic sporting venues. Catch a game or tour the Sydney Cricket Ground or Allianz Stadium.
Explore the neighbourhoods: Sydney's vibrant neighbourhoods offer a glimpse into the city's diverse cultures and lifestyles. Take a stroll through trendy Paddington, bohemian Newtown, or the bustling CBD to get a feel for the city's unique character.
Melbourne
It's easy to feel captivated by the beauty of the vibrant, multicultural city of Melbourne, so we suggest spending at least 4 to 5 days here, too. You could honestly get lost forever in all its wonders. Although it's nowhere near as busy as Sydney, Melbourne has a bustling scene of its own. In the city, you can dine at one of many delightful restaurants or shop at any of the unique boutiques. However, the best way to get a feel for it all is by touring the entire city.
Getting Around: Melbourne has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains, which can take you to most major attractions in and around the city. You can also easily rent a car or bike to explore the city on your own.
Attractions: Some of the top attractions in Melbourne include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square, Flinders Street Train Station, Chinatown, Bourke Street, and the iconic laneways filled with street art and quirky cafes.
Food and Drink: Melbourne is known for its food and coffee culture, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from. Don't miss out on trying the city's famous coffee, brunch spots, and international cuisine.
Shopping: Melbourne is a shopper's paradise, with a mix of high-end boutiques, vintage stores, and local markets. Be sure to check out the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Events and Festivals: Melbourne hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Australian Open tennis tournament, and the Melbourne Cup horse race.
Day trips: If you have time, consider taking a day trip from Melbourne to explore the surrounding areas, such as the Yarra Valley wine region, or the historic gold rush town of Ballarat.
Great Ocean Road
Travel along the Great Ocean Road for some of the most amazing sites in Australia. This scenic coastal road stretches over 240 kilometres passing through breathtaking natural landscapes, historic towns, and iconic landmarks.
You'll want to take your time, stop frequently to take in the stunning views and explore the many attractions along the way. Be sure to stop at the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and all of the beaches and forests situated alongside the road. Plan to spend at least 2 days on the drive to fully appreciate the experience.
The Great Ocean Road is a remote area, so it's essential to be prepared for any eventuality. Bring plenty of water and snacks, ensure your car is in good condition, and bring a first aid kit in case of emergencies.
Something to watch out for is the wildlife. The Great Ocean Road is home to many native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas. Be aware of wildlife crossing the road, particularly at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Ayers Rock is a sacred site for the indigenous Anangu people, who have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years. Take 2 or 3 days to visit if you can squeeze it into your itinerary. Unless you fly, it will take a few days to get to the famously massive sandstone, but it's well worth it! You will want to book your accommodation, flights, and tours well ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Some of the most magical moments can be experienced at Ayers Rock, including sunrise, sunset, and stargazing.
The best time to visit Ayers Rock is from May to September, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. During summer (December to February), temperatures can exceed 40°C, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
A guided tour is the best way to experience Ayers Rock and learn about its history, geology, and cultural significance. There are many different tours available, including sunrise and sunset tours, walking tours, and helicopter tours. Speaking of sunrise and sunset, watching them is a must-do activity! You will be in awe watching the colours of the rock change as the sun moves across the sky, creating a spectacular display of natural beauty.
The sun in the Red Centre is intense, so it's essential to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Remember that Ayers Rock is a fragile ecosystem, so it's important to leave no trace of your visit. Be sure to take all of your garbage with you, stick to designated paths, and don't touch or climb on the rock.
Great Barrier Reef
One of Australia's most quintessential tourist attractions is the Great Barrier Reef. Not only is it one of the most popular destinations in Australia, it is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Great Barrier Reef is a vast ecosystem, stretching over 2,300 km along the northeast coast of Australia. You will want to spend at the very least 4 days exploring this stunning coast and enjoying the reef.
There are many cities and towns along the coast that provide access to the reef, such as Airlie Beach, Cairns, and Port Douglas. Consider what activities you want to do and which location would be best suited for you. If you’re an island lover, you may want to spend some time discovering the Whitsunday islands. If you’re all about ecotourism, remote rainforest, and beaches, you won’t want to miss the outstanding beauty of Cape Tribulation!
Since the reef stretches from below the Tropic of Capricorn way up to the northern tip of Queensland, there are plenty of opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and helicopter rides. You will want to book your activities in advance with a tour operator that has a good reputation and is committed to protecting the reef. Check their reviews online and make sure they are licensed and accredited.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Australia's beauty, culture, and welcoming locals make it a must-see destination for any traveler. Even though this guide covers about a 3-week itinerary, we recommend going for as long as you possibly can. There is so much to see and do, with great distances to travel between everything, you won’t want to be pressed for time!
If you would like to have your next getaway planned for you, consider joining Wander and Soul’s Travel & Lifestyle Club, where we will craft the perfect one-of-a-kind vacation for you, even if you don’t know exactly what it is that you want yet! Remember, how you travel matters. It’s not just where you go, but how the journey shapes you. Learn more about all the amazing benefits of becoming a member of our Travel & Lifestyle Club here.
