The best way to see this country is to get outdoors.
Radio Times staff - 18 March 2015
There's no denying it, Australia's landscape is simply stunning. From verdant forest to striking desert, with a few scenic beaches dotted in between, the best way to see this country is to get outdoors. Adventurous types will delight in the scuba diving, hiking, and climbing opportunities, while those interested in a slower pace can sit back, enjoy the views, and take in some local wine.
1. Sydney Opera House
A visit to Australia wouldn't be complete without an obligatory picture with Sydney Opera House in the background. The iconic building is one of Australia's most recognisable structures, but it's not just for looking at. Visitors can attend a performance there or pop in for a meal or drink at one of its restaurants or bars. A top tip is to get in on a behind-the-scenes tour. It's an early start, but is well worth it.
2. Great Barrier Reef
The stunning barrier reef stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres – it can even be seen from space. Outdoorsy types tend to snorkel or dive the World Heritage-listed reef, spotting the myraid species that live beneath the water, while those with a head for heights can take to the air and enjoy a scenic flight over the water. Dotted around the area are the stunning Whitsunday islands, where fresh seafood and laidback vibes are the order of the day.
3. Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Set in the middle of the red centre of Australia, a visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock) reveals a different side of Australia. A walk around the 348 metre-high rock's base will take up to four hours, and can be done with an Aṉangu guide, who will tell the story of how the rock was created by spirit ancestors in the Dreamtime. The perfect way to end a day, visitors can watch the sunset from the rock, then have dinner of barramundi, emu or kangaroo around a campfire.
4. Great Ocean Road
Some roads are made to be driven, and the Great Ocean Road is one of them. Along the route, visitors will pass world-class surf spot Bells Beach (yes, the one from 90s film Point Break) and the limestone Twelve Apostles rocks, which stand just out into the ocean. The drive also passes numerous stunning terrain, from beaches and rainforests to national parks. If you're lucky, you may spot migrating whales too.
5. Kangaroo Island
For an even closer look at nature, visitors can spend a day at Kangaroo Island. Half an hour's flight from Adelaide, visitors will find animal paradise, where sea lions laze on the beach, and koalas, penguins, wallabies, and of course, kangaroos can be spotted. Away from animal watching, there's opportunitites to dive, snorkel or fish in the islands waters, while sun-worshippers can copy the sea lions and laze on the beach.
6. Ningaloo Marine Park
The Great Barrier Reef isn't the country's only underwater hotspot. The Ningaloo Marine Park, which protects a 260km reef off Western Australia’s mid north coast, is a fantastic place to seek out the majestic whale shark. Visitors can snorkel through coral lagoons, or, for those who prefer to stay above water, there is the opportunity to go on a drive through red sand dunes in Cape Range National Park.
7. Wineglass Bay
No, it's not a place they make wine glasses. In fact, Wineglass Bay is a beautiful spot in Tasmania. Set in Freycinet National Park, the walk to the bay is spectacular, and outdoorsy-types will delight in the activities on offer there. Water sports rule at the bay, where sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing or boating are available.
8. Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area must have been created with hikers in mind. A few hours driver from Sydney, travellers will find eucalypt forest, bushland, waterfalls and sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see. There are walks into caves, short bushwalks and serious hikes on offer here. Plus, there are a few restaurants nearby for a well-deserved meal at the end of it all.
9. Fraser Island
The highlight of many a backpacker's holiday to Oz, Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a must see. A quick ferry ride from Hervey Bay on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, visitors can reach the world’s largest sand island, where there are opportunities to hike, whale watch, swim in freshwater lakes, or 4-wheel drive over the dunes.
10. Parliament House
Although outdoor activities are fantastic in Australia, there's a spot of culture to take in too. Capital city Canberra has several good monuments and galleries, while those more interested in the country's political scene can take a guided tour of Old Parliament House and Parliament House to learn more about Australia's political history
There's no denying it, Australia's landscape is simply stunning. From verdant forest to striking desert, with a few scenic beaches dotted in between, the best way to see this country is to get outdoors. Adventurous types will delight in the scuba diving, hiking, and climbing opportunities, while those interested in a slower pace can sit back, enjoy the views, and take in some local wine.
1. Sydney Opera House
A visit to Australia wouldn't be complete without an obligatory picture with Sydney Opera House in the background. The iconic building is one of Australia's most recognisable structures, but it's not just for looking at. Visitors can attend a performance there or pop in for a meal or drink at one of its restaurants or bars. A top tip is to get in on a behind-the-scenes tour. It's an early start, but is well worth it.
2. Great Barrier Reef
The stunning barrier reef stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres – it can even be seen from space. Outdoorsy types tend to snorkel or dive the World Heritage-listed reef, spotting the myraid species that live beneath the water, while those with a head for heights can take to the air and enjoy a scenic flight over the water. Dotted around the area are the stunning Whitsunday islands, where fresh seafood and laidback vibes are the order of the day.
3. Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Set in the middle of the red centre of Australia, a visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock) reveals a different side of Australia. A walk around the 348 metre-high rock's base will take up to four hours, and can be done with an Aṉangu guide, who will tell the story of how the rock was created by spirit ancestors in the Dreamtime. The perfect way to end a day, visitors can watch the sunset from the rock, then have dinner of barramundi, emu or kangaroo around a campfire.
4. Great Ocean Road
Some roads are made to be driven, and the Great Ocean Road is one of them. Along the route, visitors will pass world-class surf spot Bells Beach (yes, the one from 90s film Point Break) and the limestone Twelve Apostles rocks, which stand just out into the ocean. The drive also passes numerous stunning terrain, from beaches and rainforests to national parks. If you're lucky, you may spot migrating whales too.
5. Kangaroo Island
For an even closer look at nature, visitors can spend a day at Kangaroo Island. Half an hour's flight from Adelaide, visitors will find animal paradise, where sea lions laze on the beach, and koalas, penguins, wallabies, and of course, kangaroos can be spotted. Away from animal watching, there's opportunitites to dive, snorkel or fish in the islands waters, while sun-worshippers can copy the sea lions and laze on the beach.
6. Ningaloo Marine Park
The Great Barrier Reef isn't the country's only underwater hotspot. The Ningaloo Marine Park, which protects a 260km reef off Western Australia’s mid north coast, is a fantastic place to seek out the majestic whale shark. Visitors can snorkel through coral lagoons, or, for those who prefer to stay above water, there is the opportunity to go on a drive through red sand dunes in Cape Range National Park.
7. Wineglass Bay
No, it's not a place they make wine glasses. In fact, Wineglass Bay is a beautiful spot in Tasmania. Set in Freycinet National Park, the walk to the bay is spectacular, and outdoorsy-types will delight in the activities on offer there. Water sports rule at the bay, where sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing or boating are available.
8. Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area must have been created with hikers in mind. A few hours driver from Sydney, travellers will find eucalypt forest, bushland, waterfalls and sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see. There are walks into caves, short bushwalks and serious hikes on offer here. Plus, there are a few restaurants nearby for a well-deserved meal at the end of it all.
9. Fraser Island
The highlight of many a backpacker's holiday to Oz, Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a must see. A quick ferry ride from Hervey Bay on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, visitors can reach the world’s largest sand island, where there are opportunities to hike, whale watch, swim in freshwater lakes, or 4-wheel drive over the dunes.
10. Parliament House
Although outdoor activities are fantastic in Australia, there's a spot of culture to take in too. Capital city Canberra has several good monuments and galleries, while those more interested in the country's political scene can take a guided tour of Old Parliament House and Parliament House to learn more about Australia's political history