It’s impossible to run out of things to do during a trip to Australia. Every state, city and town offers new and exciting experiences, from helicopter flights over the Great Barrier Reef, to panning for gold in Sovereign Hill, to taking selfies with a quokka on Rottnest Island.
There’s truly something for everyone in our great country, and we think you should get out and do as much as you can! But we know that with so many choices on offer, planning a trip can be overwhelming.
We’re here to help. If you’re visiting a particular state or city, you can find all the best activities in that area by clicking through on the tiles below. And if you need even more inspiration for the greatest things to do in Australia, check out our top 10.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is iconic around the world as one of the most beautiful bridges in the most stunning location. Spanning the gorgeous Sydney Harbour, the bridge serves as both an important transport option for commuters, and an opportunity to see the city from new heights. Gear up in a special climbing suit and start the ascent up to 135m. It might raise the heart rate, but the incredible views are worth it.
Hike in the Blue Mountains
This rugged region west of the city offers the perfect opportunity for exploring. The Blue Mountains National Park has multiple bushwalking trails, catering for beginner to experienced hikers. With eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and dramatic cliff faces, the scenery will take your breath away even if the walking doesn’t!
Watch a Sporting Event in Melbourne
Melbourne is known as Australia’s centre of many things – food, fashion, arts, and sport! The city is home to international sporting events that attracts visitors from around the world. Depending on what kind of sport you’re into, you can time your visit to coincide with major events like the Australian Open tennis, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final, the Boxing Day test cricket, and more! Even if you miss the big ticket events, there’s always a game of something going on.
Drive down the Great Ocean Road
They don’t call this road great for nothing. This 243km stretch is Australian National Heritage listed. Winding along the south-east coast of Australia, you can stop to visit beautiful coastal towns such as Torquay, Lorne, Port Campbell and Warrnambool. Make sure you keep your eyes on the road – the stunning coastal views can be very distracting!
Tour the Whitsundays Islands
One of the best gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are heaven on earth. These tropical islands off the coast of mainland Queensland offer peace and tranquillity, and cruising between them on a catamaran is the ideal beach holiday. Enjoy white sandy beaches, picture perfect scenery, and the amazing reef. Bring your snorkel!
Taste Wine in the Barossa Valley
The wine from the Barossa is renowned all over the world, and it's not hard to see why. This beautiful region north of Adelaide is home to high profile wineries and some of the best Shiraz grapes on offer. Take a drive through the rolling hills and stop at any one of the cellar doors to taste beautiful wine and dine on local gourmet produce.
Sightsee in Fremantle
Known as one of the coolest spots in Western Australia, Fremantle is the port city that is home to art galleries, music venues, bars and restaurants. ‘Freo' to the locals, the city continues to innovate and inspire. Take a walking tour to see landmarks such as the Roundhouse, the old Fremantle Prison, Kings Square, and the unique street art.
Visit MONA
Visitors beware – this is not your typical art museum. The Museum of Old and New Art is a privately owned gallery that prides itself on its avant-garde (and sometimes controversial) pieces and installations. Visit MONA via one of their high-speed catamarans which sail between Hobart and the museum. Exhibitions change frequently, but you can expect some amazing art from both local and international creators.
Walk Around Uluru
There are few experiences more magical than getting up close to the amazing Uluru, the enormous sandstone rock formation in the centre of Australia. The best way to respectfully witness this natural wonder is by doing the 10km base walk around the rock, taking in the diverse landscape that surrounds it and learning more about the ancestral beings that shaped the land.
Visit the National Gallery of Australia
A trip to Canberra isn’t complete without a stop in the National Gallery. Attracting exhibitions of world-renowned contemporary artists and masters of the 19th and 20th centuries, the gallery offers visitors the chance to see pieces normally housed in the greatest European cities. It also has a stunning collection of Australian and Indigenous art. Many exhibitions are free of charge.