If you visit all of these locations, you will not truly forget your first trip to Australia. I can still picture myself stepping off the plane, feeling the warm air on my face, and feeling a surge of exhilaration in my chest. I had followed every Instagram travel page, seen the documentaries, and looked at the photos, but nothing—I mean nothing—had prepared me for the real deal. From exploring iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these unforgettable experiences perfectly sum up the best things to do in Australia.
Introduction
Australia isn’t just another country. It is a massive, wildly diverse playground where one minute you are surfing golden waves and the next, you are hiking through red-tinged deserts that feel like another planet. If you’re a first-time visitor and wondering where to start, trust me—I’ve been there.
So I’ve put together this list of the top 15 epic things to do in Australia to help you hit the ground running. These aren’t just tourist checkboxes. These are the moments that make you pause, soak it in, and think—wow, I’m really here.
Table of Contents
Top 15 Things to Do in Australia
1. Catch the Sunrise at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
There’s something magical about watching the sky change colors while the waves roll in. I got up before dawn, coffee in hand, and sat on the sand at Bondi. Locals were already jogging by or heading out to surf—meanwhile, I was just soaking it all in. For a first-timer, it’s the perfect start to experiencing the laid-back beauty of Australia.
2. Take in the Wonder of the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkeling here wasn’t just a bucket-list moment—it felt surreal. Floating above vibrant coral and spotting sea turtles gliding past was like being in another world. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Australia, and no picture can really capture how alive it feels underwater.
3. Explore the Red Heart – Uluru
Standing before Uluru at sunset is the kind of moment that gives you goosebumps. The rock shifts color with the light, and the silence around you is almost spiritual. I didn’t expect to be moved, but I was. Deeply. It’s not just a sight—it’s a feeling.
4. Road Trip the Great Ocean Road
There’s no better way to feel the freedom of Australia than behind the wheel on this coastal stretch. Cliffside views, the Twelve Apostles, koala sightings, and tiny seaside cafes—it was everything I’d hoped for. Pack snacks, roll down the windows, and let the road take you.
5. Get Lost in Melbourne’s Laneways
Melbourne isn’t loud about how cool it is—but wander through its graffiti-covered laneways, and you’ll feel it. I stumbled upon tiny cafes, hidden bookstores, and street musicians who made me stop in my tracks. This city knows how to surprise you.
6. Feel the Thrill at the Whitsundays
Whitehaven Beach had the softest sand I’ve ever walked on—like powdered sugar. I joined a sailing trip through the islands, and at night, we lay on deck watching the stars with nothing but the ocean around us. If you’re thinking about things to do in Australia, this is pure dream material.
7. Cruise Around Sydney Harbour
Sure, seeing the Opera House from the shore is cool—but from a boat? Total game-changer. The skyline, the bridges, the shimmer on the water—it just hits differently. It all kinda comes together in a way that makes your first visit feel iconic, and honestly, it’s hands down one of the must-do things to do in Australia.
8. Hike Through the Blue Mountains
Just a couple of hours from Sydney, I found myself breathing in eucalyptus-scented air while hiking past waterfalls and dramatic cliffs in the heart of the Blue Mountain region. The view from Echo Point still lives rent-free in my head. It’s a peaceful escape and one of those Australian travel experiences people don’t talk about enough.
9. Taste Your Way Through Adelaide’s Wine Regions
I didn’t know much about Aussie wines before this trip, but a few sips in Barossa Valley changed that fast. The cellar doors here are cozy, the people are warm, and the scenery? Unbelievable. Even if you’re not a wine person—you’ll become one here.
10. Go Wild in Kakadu National Park
Crocodiles, waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art—Kakadu blew my mind. It’s raw, it’s wild, and it made me feel like I was truly in the Outback. It’s a deeper kind of Australia, and one that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
11. Chill with Quokkas on Rottnest Island
I took the ferry from Perth and ended up in what felt like paradise. Rottnest Island is car-free, full of cycle paths, and home to the happiest animals on Earth—quokkas. I spent hours just riding around, taking in the beaches, and yes, snapping a few quokka selfies.
12. Discover Tasmania’s Wilderness
Tasmania wasn’t even on my original list—but wow, I’m glad I went. Think lush national parks, cozy food markets, and wild coastlines. Hiking in Freycinet National Park and eating fresh oysters by the water were easily one of my favorite things to do in Australia.
13. Catch a Footy Game with Locals
I did not know the rules, but that didn’t matter. The energy in the stadium was electric, the crowd was buzzing, and for a few hours, I felt like a local. Whether it’s AFL, rugby, or cricket—go experience a match live. It’s Aussie culture at its loudest and proudest.
14. Dive Into Aboriginal Culture in the Northern Territory
I Learning about Australia’s Indigenous stories and traditions added layers of meaning to my trip. From guided walks to storytelling by campfire, I came away with more than just photos—I left with respect and perspective.
15. Watch the Penguins Parade in Phillip Island
It sounds simple—tiny penguins waddling to their burrows at sunset. But sitting in the soft twilight, watching them emerge from the sea like little commuters coming home? It was oddly emotional. Pure joy, really.
Final Thoughts
Australia Will Change You This isn’t just a list of things to do in Australia—it’s a collection of experiences that made my first visit unforgettable. The landscapes, the people, the food, the weird wildlife… it all hits you in waves. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Australia finds another way to surprise you. If you’re planning your first trip, don’t try to “do it all.” Just feel it all. Because in Australia, the real magic happens when you least expect it.