Australia is one of those places in the world that can feel like another planet. A country and continent all in one, Australia is home to the cosmopolitan cities, desert outback, rainforests, mountains, and coral reefs that go on for miles and miles.
Visiting Australia is like going on an adventure of a lifetime.
Australia is big. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been planning your trip down under for ages, but as soon as you get close to booking your plane ticket, you freeze up wondering where to start!
Australia is one of the places where having a bucket list is a smart idea. A small, personalized bucket list can be the starting point for a travel plan that can turn into the trip of a lifetime.
We’re going to take a look at the top Australian bucket list ideas for making the most out of your time Down Under.
1. Start with Sydney’s Icons
No list of the best things to do in Australia is complete without a few Sydney icons.
The Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi to Coogee Walk, and others are some of the first things many visitors see when they first arrive in Australia.
Sydney Opera House:
The Sydney Opera House is known all over the world and is not only a world icon but also a World Heritage site.
A visit to the Opera House can include a ticket to a show, a guided tour, or just a photo opportunity with this piece of architecture genius.
Harbour Bridge:
Walking across the Harbour Bridge is a bucket list item for many Aussies, and with panoramic views of Sydney and the blue waters of the harbor below, it’s easy to see why.
Bondi to Coogee Walk:
Stretching for 6 kilometers, the walk is a way to soak in Sydney’s incredible natural scenery, while the sandstone cliffs and golden beaches also show off Sydney’s relaxed, surfer-dude lifestyle.
Sydney is a place that has it all. On the one hand, it’s a bustling, big city that never sleeps, but on the other hand, it’s not far to head to the surf, sand, and sunshine, either.
It makes the perfect starting point for your Australian trip.
2. Visit the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is another one of Australia’s—and the world’s—most famous bucket list items.
Stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast, the reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and is home to thousands of species of marine life.
Great Barrier Reef Highlights
Swim with colorful coral and turtles
Spot manta rays and tons of different fish
Popular access points: Cairns, Port Douglas, Whitsunday Islands
Alternatives to scuba diving: Glass-bottom boat tours, scenic flights
The Great Barrier Reef is stunning and a bucket list trip in itself. However, it’s also very fragile. So when you’re choosing a tour, look for an eco-friendly operator to help preserve the reef for future generations.
3. Go on a Road Trip
Australia is the place to go if you love epic road trips.
The best place to start is the Great Ocean Road, which is an epic 240-kilometer road trip running along the south coast of the state of Victoria.
On the Great Ocean Road, you’ll see some of the most stunning and photographed scenery in Australia, including the Twelve Apostles (towering limestone stacks), Surf Beaches (don’t miss Bells Beach for surf), and charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Scenic Stops on the Great Ocean Road
Watch for koalas chilling in the eucalyptus trees
Hike to secret waterfalls
Spot wildlife along the road
Visit hidden coves
This is one of the trips where taking your time is best so that you can soak in all the views and discover the natural wonders and cute towns along the way.
4. See Uluru
Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) is one of Australia’s most sacred sites, so you’ll want to spend some time here soaking it in.
Uluru is a giant red sandstone monolith located in the Northern Territory’s Outback. It’s sacred to the Anangu people, the Indigenous people of the land.
Uluru Highlights
Sunrise and sunset. Don’t miss sunrise or sunset at Uluru. The rock changes colors from ochre to deep red hues as the sun rises and sets.
Cultural tours. Guided tours at Uluru can teach you about Aboriginal culture, Dreamtime stories, and the ancient bond between Indigenous Australians and the land.
Kata Tjuta: Also called the Olgas, these are nearby domed rock formations with some excellent hikes.
Uluru is a place to go to connect with ancient history and Australian aboriginal culture. Plus, the views are amazing, too!
5. Explore Tasmania
Sometimes forgotten, Tasmania is worth a visit if you want wild nature and a burgeoning art scene.
Tasmania Highlights
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Great for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Wineglass Bay at Freycinet National Park: Stunning crescent-shaped beach with emerald water, pink granite mountains, and white sand.
Hobart: A great capital city with an amazing waterfront and world-class art gallery (Museum of Old and New Art – MONA).
Wine: The Tamar Valley is a great place to try Tasmanian wine.
Tasmania is the place to go if you want to see Australia’s unspoiled wilderness and arts and culture.
6. Go on Culture Walks in Melbourne
Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is a haven for foodies, sports fans, and art lovers.
Melbourne Highlights
The laneways: Wander down alleyways filled with street art, boutique shops, and quirky cafes.
Coffee: Melbourne is a haven for coffee aficionados.
Sports: Visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or time your visit with a sports tournament or festival, like the Australian Open.
Day Trips: Take a day trip to the Yarra Valley wine region or Phillip Island’s wildlife sanctuary.
Melbourne will capture your heart if you’re a foodie, art lover, or sports fan.
7. Swim with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most well-known reefs, but Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is just as stunning and a little more off the beaten path.
Ningaloo Reef Highlights
Swim with whale sharks. The largest fish in the ocean, whale sharks can be seen in Ningaloo Reef between March and July.
Other wildlife: Spot humpback whales, manta rays, turtles, and more.
Beaches: Relax on the sandy beaches of Coral Bay and Exmouth.
Ningaloo is for travelers seeking marine life bucket list adventures without the crowds.
8. Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is just off the coast of South Australia and is known for its wildlife, beaches, and delicious produce.
Kangaroo Island Highlights
Wildlife: Kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and sea lions are just some of the animals you can see on the island.
Landscapes: Don’t miss Remarkable Rocks or Flinders Chase National Park.
Food and Drink: Taste some local honey, fresh seafood, or cheese.
If you’re looking for a taste of Australia’s wildlife and food and wine scene, then Kangaroo Island is the place to go.
9. Aboriginal Experience
Australia is the home of the oldest continuing culture on the planet.
Visiting Aboriginal sites or on cultural walks is one of the most rewarding ways to learn about this incredible history and way of life.
Aboriginal Highlights
Rock art: Kakadu National Park has ancient rock art.
Guided tours: Join a cultural walk in Uluru, along the Daintree Rainforest, or at other locations.
Dreamtime Stories: There are many places to learn about the Dreamtime and Indigenous Australia’s spiritual connection to the land.
Aboriginal history and culture are some of the most significant highlights of any trip to Australia. In fact, there are many other things to see on an Australian Aboriginal culture bucket list.
10. The Outback
The Australian Outback is big, remote, and unlike any other place you’ll ever visit.
Outback Highlights
Alice Springs and the Red Centre: Head here to walk in the desert and see Aboriginal art galleries.
Gibb River Road in Western Australia: A 4WD adventure trip through some of Western Australia’s most remote gorges and waterfalls.
Outback Skies: This is one of the best places in the world for star gazing. Stars you can see out here are so big that they look like something from outer space.
The Outback is for travelers who want wide open spaces, freedom, and unforgettable adventures.
11. The Beaches
Australia is famous for its beaches, and many of them are some of the most beautiful in the world.
Australia Beach Highlights
Whitehaven Beach (Queensland): Iconic white sand and blue waters
Byron Bay (New South Wales): A laid-back beach town with a creative, bohemian vibe.
Cottesloe Beach (Perth, Western Australia): Nice for swimming and sunsets.
Bondi Beach (Sydney, New South Wales): Iconic, lively, and full of energy.
Each beach has its own personality and offers something unique, so you’re sure to find the perfect Australian beach to match your travel style.
12. Australian Food and Wine
Australia is known for its relaxed lifestyle and good food and drink. And it’s not just barbecues at the beach.
Australian Food and Wine Highlights
Wine regions: Australia has some of the best wine regions in the world, including Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, and Margaret River.
Seafood: You must try Moreton Bay bugs, barramundi, or freshly shucked oysters.
Aussie treats: Be sure to sample a meat pie, Tim Tams, and Vegemite.
You can have an incredible culinary experience in Australia, whether it’s a fine dining meal or a simple fish and chips lunch by the beach.
Tips for Planning Your Australia Bucket List Trip
Best time to visit Australia:
Summer (December–February): Best for southern Australia.
Winter (June–August): Best for the north and the Outback.
Spring and Autumn: Great all-round seasons.
Transport:
Domestic flights will get you from A to B for the long distances. However, if you’re doing a road trip, you’ll need to rent a car.
Animals and Wildlife:
Australia is a land of unique and often dangerous animals. Be aware of snakes, spiders, jellyfish, crocodiles, and blue-ringed octopi, and always take the necessary precautions.
Budget:
Australia is an expensive place to travel, so budget accordingly. You can save money by camping, taking public transport, and spending time on beaches and national parks that are free to visit.
Australia Bucket List Conclusion
Australia is a land of contrasts and endless adventure. You can be climbing skyscrapers in the city one minute and hiking through wild bush the next.
Whether it’s the cosmopolitan city life, the fascinating Indigenous history, the quirky wildlife, or the incredible natural wonders of Australia, there’s a bucket list waiting for you in this part of the world.
The best way to tick things off an Australia bucket list is to get out there and explore, ask questions, and take in as much of this fascinating land as you can.
Get your bags packed, your camera charged, and your curiosity piqued and get ready for a bucket list trip to Australia that you’ll never forget.
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