The Insider’s Guide to Visiting Australia for the First Time

Australia is the 6th largest country and the largest island continent in the world. This breathtaking country is dispersed, across six states; namely New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Australia is a large country that houses various exciting activities along with spectacular views across the coastline. Australia is a treasure trove of beaches, architectural heritage, modern architecture, luxurious activities and great food. If this is your first time in Australia, then visiting these best cities will help you learn what’s worth discovering. 

New South Wales

Australia’s most popular city, Sydney, is located, in New South Wales. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are the famous landmarks, however, also visit Taronga Zoo, Sea Life Aquarium, Darling Harbour and Chinatown. If you are here during summer, experience the Vivid Sydney annual event based on lights, ideas and music. Byron Bay is another hot spot worth exploring, offering tranquil waves and beautiful beaches along the eastern coastline. Although, if you are sticking close to the city, then be sure to check out Bondi Beach, which filmed the TV show ‘Bondi Rescue’. The Blue Mountains, Mount Kuring-Gai, Royal and Kamay-Botany Bay National Park are other noteworthy places to visit. Hike and take walking trails through the rewarding views mapped out in NSW. Stay at the Blue Mountains for an easy overnight trip of scenic beauty.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The capital city of Australia, Canberra, is part of the ACT which lies inland of New South Wales but in the southern sector. Explore the Australian Parliament House, National Gallery of Australia, Museum of Australian Democracy and Australian War Memorial, for Australian history and culture. For fun things (for kids) to do in Canberra; visit Questacon, an interactive science museum, the Australian Institute of Sports and the CSIRO Discovery Centre. If you visit Canberra during mid-September to mid-October, you will also get the chance to attend the Floriade, a flower and entertainment festival held annually at Commonwealth Park. This festival features bright displays of flowers and sculptures.

Victoria

The southeastern state of Victoria is enclosed, by peaks, national parks, surfing beaches and wineries. Melbourne, its capital, is stationed at the crest of Port Phillip Bay. It is famous for cultural activities, cafes, 19th-century laneways, awesome graffiti and Live music scene. Enroute Melbourne from Sydney, drive on the great ocean road, considered one of the best in Australia, alongside twelve Apostles. Sydney’s Newtown has similar vibes as Melbourne. Melbourne is also the biggest brunch hotspot in the country. In Victoria, also visit Phillip Island, famous for its fairy penguins, and gold mining attractions of Ballarat and Bendigo. As for transportation, Victoria’s public tram system is free to use and is a perfect commute option for residents and tourists.

South Australia

When in South Australia, check out the Flinders Chase National Park at Kangaroo Island! Discover Seal Bay Conservation Park, the Raptor Domain and the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feel the thrilling nature. If you are travelling through the Victorian-South Australian border, make a stop at Mount Gambier to see the Blue Lake and the Umpherston Sinkhole. When in Adelaide, make sure to visit the Botanic Garden. Use the Glenelg Tram and free city buses to move around. Visit Adelaide Zoo, South Australian Museum and beaches such as Henley Beach and Glenelg Beach. Stop by at Coober Pedy, where the original Mad Max movies were filmed! Explore moon-like desert landscapes and the fascinating underground buildings in this ‘special’ mining town.

Northern Territory

Uluru is about 5-hours drive from Alice Springs which has its airport. You can spot spectacular sandstone formations at ‘Uluru-Kata Tjuta’ National Park. For animals, check out the Alice Springs Desert Park. Further north of the state is Kakadu National Park, abundant with waterfalls, wildlife fishing and camping adventures. This area is one of the best in Australia when it comes to wildlife species and aboriginal cultural sites.

Queensland

Queensland has much more than just Brisbane! Explore the Australia Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise while here. Besides, there are plenty of beaches and theme parks such as Warner Brothers Movie World, Dream World and Sea World. On the Northeast coast of Queensland, is the Daintree Rainforest a haven of outstanding coastal sandy beaches, fringing reefs and tropical rainforest. The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see as it is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. It houses over 3000 reef systems, coral cays and hundreds of small tropical islands. Seeking a relaxing getaway? Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island and Hamilton Island are popular island destinations famed for their white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.

Western Australia

Travelling along the west coast of Australia is an unusual experience that takes you through many different terrains and environments. You can go on a tour from Perth to Exmouth or Perth to Broome. These trips include stops at the Pinnacles, Kalbarri and Karijini, Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef. You can even swim with manta rays and whale sharks if it’s the right time of the year! Visit Rottnest Island, full of marsupials called quokkas and bays to swim or snorkel. When in Perth, make a trip to Kings Park & Botanic Garden where you can walk up a spiral helix tower and across a treetop bridge. A cruise on the Swan River is highly-recommended, here you can observe Dolphins swimming. Fremantle is one of the hip towns in Western Australia, where you’ll find lots of cafes, bars and restaurants along with graffiti and murals. There are breweries such as Little Creatures, which holds walk-in tours. Then again, there’s the Fremantle Prison which has regular, night-time and even underground tunnel tours.

Where do you even begin with travelling such a large country, that offers so many experiences, right? We hope this list will help you chalk out a better plan for your future travel.

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