Exciting Things to Do on an Australian Vacation
If you’re looking for exciting things to do on an Australian vacation, we have a lot of ideas for every activity level and age group!
Taking a vacation is not only a fun way to reconnect with your family, but it is actually good for your health!
In some cases, the risk of heart disease was lowered by 30% just by taking at least one week of vacation a year.
If you’re ready to live your best life it’s time to start planning your vacation to Australia.
Australia is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Fun things to do on an Australian vacation are limitless, but we’ve come up with a list of our favorite activities.
Explore breathtaking national parks
There is no better way to explore the majesty of Australia than by checking out their inland mountain and nature trails. While Australia is known for their beaches, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring scenery in New South Wales’ national parks.
Located to the west of Sydney in New South Wales, the Blue Mountains are Australia’s best-kept secret. This gorgeous mountain range stretches for 3,861 miles of uninterrupted nature. You can see eucalyptus forests, get a thrill on steep drops, and explore sand formations that can only be found in Australia.
The Prince Henry trail between Katoomba and Leura is a good starting place when visiting the mountains. Dotted with wildflowers indigenous to Australia, this trail goes by two of the most recognizable landmarks of the Blue Mountains, the Three Sisters Rock formation, and Echo Point. You can also see the Gordon Falls at the end of the trail by Leura.
There is no better vehicle for experiencing the Blue Mountains wilderness trails than a mountain bike. Mountain biking adventures allow you and your group to explore different trails and areas than you would be able to hike. One such area that almost has to be seen by mountain bike is the Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) trail. The trail ends at its namesake, Hanging Rock, which offers 360-degree views of the mountain vistas.
The national parks are free for all to visit, but for the best experience check out guided cycling tours.
Watch fireworks at Darling Harbour
No trip to Sydney, Australia would be complete without a visit to Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour is a short walk away from the center of Sydney and has a little something for everyone.
Darling Harbour is a part of one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors, Sydney Harbour.
While apart of this larger harbor, Darling Harbour is a self-contained district that is home to unique experiences.
No matter the season, Darling Harbour is a must do Australia landmark within the city of Sydney. SEA LIFE Aquarium and WILD LIFE Zoo offer the best of Australian wildlife such as koalas, sharks, and the world’s deadliest bird the Cassowary. When you’re done at the zoo you can take advantage of the innovative dining options and high-end shopping just steps away.
As if you weren’t already packing your bags, between May and October you can see this area lit up at night. Free fireworks shows are offered over the marina, which is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night.
Experience one of a kind coffee culture
While most people associate Italy with a true artisan cup of coffee, Australia is unique in that they are able to grow their own Arabica beans. This allows cafes in the cities of Australia to offer a farm to table coffee experience. Australians are so serious about a perfect cup of coffee that the independent cafes caused Starbucks to close 61 of their 84 locations in 2008!
Australia has some of the most Instagram worthy latte art and baristas in the world. Each year the Australian Specialty Coffee Association holds a latte art competition, showcasing the best of the baristas. This passion filters down to the consumer at the myriad of small cafes and roasters in the country.
Any cafe along your way to the main landmarks of Sydney and Melbourne, such as the Sydney Opera House, is sure to showcase the very best of Australian coffee culture.
Local Museums are great things to do on an Australian vacation
Must do Australia activities include taking in the culture and history through their museums.
Perfect for the whole family, the options are practically unlimited.
One of the most recognizable museums in Australia the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney is consistently ranked as Trip Advisor’s #1 museum. The Art Gallery of NSW offers extensive Aboriginal, Pacific Islander, and Australian art. The culture and history of the country can be seen in the variety of paintings, ceramics, and other art installations that are only at this gallery. The Art Gallery also offers special events like “Art After Hours” Wednesdays at 10 pm.
Built in the year 1858 the Syndey Observatory at the Museum of Applied Arts and Science gets you closer to the stars. Ideal for families, the Observatory offers tours at night and during the day. Tours include the oldest working refracting telescope in Australia, which was constructed in 1874. Day tours offer a virtual sky experience, but if at all possible the night tours are an amazing experience that come highly recommended.
As we discussed earlier, Darling Harbour is a great area to spend a day on your vacation. It also houses the Australian National Maritime Museum. Not surprisingly for an island continent, Aussies have a rich naval heritage that is on display on the harborfront. The museum offers interactive experiences that recreate being a Navy recruit at sea.
Lastly, check out the Australian Museum to learn more about the country’s natural history. The museum not only showcases Aboriginal and First Australian art and artifacts but explores the unique history and belief systems of Australia’s first inhabitants. The museum also has permanent exhibits about the history of dinosaurs in the country as well as native insects.
Get spooky with ghost tours
Australia was at one time a penal colony for the British Empire, offering opportunities for people to work off their debt to society in the rugged Australian landscape. While the country has come a long way from these roots, Australia’s sordid history makes for especially interesting ghost tours.
When looking at fun things to do in Australia, especially Sydney, the Rocks neighborhood should be at the top of the list. By day the Rocks is a great spot to grab a bite and shop on its historic streets. By night the Rocks is a hotspot for paranormal activity.
The oldest neighborhood in Sydney, the Rocks was originally known for its rum industry. An industry notorious for attracting an unsavory element, this local history is best seen on a ghost tour. Learn all about the darker side of Sydney while enjoying the local flavor of the Rocks.
Afterward, the Rocks has plenty of bars and nightclubs to take full advantage of.
Walk along stunning coastal routes
Especially when you’re planning a long trip to Australia, the budget can be blown relatively quickly. Luckily, if you’re looking to spend a day on the cheap in Australia the country’s landscape is its biggest attraction.
Bondi Beach in Australia has inspired reality television shows and apparel all over the world.
However, the main draw to the beach is its natural beauty and its coastal walking trail. The Bondi to Coogee walking trail is one of the best in the country, maybe even the world.
Bondi to Coogee is about 4 miles of cliff top coastal trails. Located East of Sydney in the suburbs, this trail combines the best of local culture with the unparalleled beach views. Along your way to Coogee be sure to stop at some of the local beaches, and trailside cafes.
Visit a historic island in the middle of Sydney Harbour
Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
Historically, Cockatoo Island was a penal colony. Now the island has a decidedly different flair.
Reachable only by ferry or boat, this island offers stunning views of Sydney. It also has unique experiences such as a Steam Crane Demo, and guided tours of the island’s historical sights.
Cockatoo Island also boasts fresh, fun dining with a waterfront view. This popular island host a variety of events throughout the year. Camping is the best way to stay on the island, with experiences available from rustic camping to glamping.
Pack your bags!
With so many options and fun things to do on an Australian vacation, it’s time to start requesting time off and packing your bags.
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Happy travels!
