For some people, traveling to Australia literally means going to the other end of the world. But that doesn’t stop people all over the world from naming Australia as their top bucket-list destination.
However, it’s no easy task to pick where to go and what to do while in Australia – the world’s largest island and continent in one. Like most countries, the topography, climate, and character vary from one end of the country to another.
Australia features a wild outback, cosmopolitan cities like Sydney, amazing beaches and more. Take note that some locations are far from one another, which is why it’s important to get a DriveNow rental car or campervan service to get the most out of your time in Down Under. These highlights make a fine introduction to the country as well as a great vacation.
Sydney
Most people know Sydney and the iconic Sydney Opera House, which is a must as your first travel visit and one of the most instagrammable places in Sydney. Seeing it up close is awe-inspiring. If you have a chance to watch a production by Opera Australia inside, then do so! And don’t forget to take a selfie with the magnificent structure as your background.
There are many safe cities to travel to in Australia, the options are endless, but Sydney and the Opera House is one of the top reasons people go to Australia – well aside from Kangaroos and the beaches.
The Opera House also houses the Sydney Harbour, one of the most vibrant section of the city. You can also sign up for Sydney’s BridgeCLimb Express, the fastest way to get to the summit. You’ll be treated with the best view of the harbor.
The Great Ocean Road. Found just west of Melbourne on Australia’s south coast, the Great Ocean Road is carved into the limestone cliffs, a rewarding self-driving route. Getting a DriveNow car rental will let you enjoy its beauty in full. You will agree with me that it’s one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. Getting behind the wheel also allows you to explore small coastal towns, the Otway National Park where you can find an abundance of koalas. You can drive Great Ocean Road in only one day or if you have more time, here is a 2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary.
Yarra Valley
Dubbed as the Wind country, driving here lets you see why it has burst onto the international scene, winning numerous awards. Found in Melbourne, a day-long tour to Australian Wine Tour Co. to Yarra Valley is a trip you won’t forget. Chardonnays and pinot noirs are best in Yarra, which has more than 90 cellar doors. During the drive, you’ll also see apple orchards and strawberry farms.
The Great Barrier Reef
This nature wonder spans more than 1,300 miles along Australia’s east coast. The coral reef system is made up of about 3,000 separate reefs. There are many locations to station yourself to explore the vast reef. You may choose Hamilton Island, the commercial center of Whitsunday Islands, a collection of 77 islands nestled off the central coast of Queensland.
You can ride a jet ski or boat, snorkel and scuba dive in the outer perimeters of the reef, or even take a helicopter to fly over the Hear Reef and see nature’s work of art from 500 feet in the air.
Of course, we’re not forgetting the Kangaroos – it might be the main reason you’re visiting the land of Oz. Visit Murramarang National Park in New South Wales and you’ll see hundreds of them, wild and free. Moreover, camping at Pebbly Beach will let you see them in people’s gardens, lazing around on the bush walking trails, roaming the streets, or hopping around the front of your cabin.
Excited yet? Time to invite your travel buddies and book your flight!
