The Best Things To Do in Australia

Australia, it's huge meaning there's so much room for activities! Trying to narrow down the best adventure activities in Australia is difficult but I've done my best (very much a personal list but might you ideas). So here are my personal favourite things to do in Australia...

Top 10 Things To Do in Australia

1. Visit the Whitsunday Islands

#Paradise! The Whitsunday Isslands are made up of 74 Islands off the coast of Airlie Beach. Airlie Beach is located on Australia's East Coast about 10 hours south of Cairns (at the top of the east coast backpacker trail). Book an overnight sailing tour that will take you to Whitehaven Beach (the best beach in Australia) as well as snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

Check out our Guide to The Whitsundays (which details the many tour options you have). The staff at Base Airlie Beach are happy to talk you through all the options to see which sailing trip is best for you.

2. Explore Sydney

Sydney is the city of sights and tends to be a base for most backpackers when travelling Australia... although many visitors prefer Melbourne for its cultural and alternative vibe. Sydney however is iconic. This is where you get to see how Australian's live as well as snap up some pretty rad photos of the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Botanical Gardens, The Zoo, The Sky Tower Observation Deck and of course BONDI BEACH! Nomads Sydney can organise discounted passes for you.

3. Do a Great Ocean Road Tour

One of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the world! The Great Ocean Road begins just over an hour from Melbourne and takes in the sights of famous Surf Beaches Torquay and Lorne as well as the famous 12 Apostles! We recommend at least an overnight tour or booking a Campervan to really soak in the chilled out Aussie atmosphere. Tours and camper hire can be booked at Base St Kilda.

4. Visit The Red Centre

In the middle of Australia's desert outback you will find Uluru - the Big Red Rock! The Red Centre has a spiritual feel about it and is a great place to really experience just how big Australia is! Camp out on the red sand and don't forget to take a hike through King's Canyon, The Olgas and immerse yourself in some Aboriginal history.

5. Spend time in Kakadu National Park

Located at the very top of and in the middle of Australia near the city of Darwin. It sure gets hot up here! Think Crocs, Huge Waterfalls, Natural Swimming Holes, Rugged Hiking Trails, Aboriginal History, Greenery & Giant Termite Mounds. You will need to take at least an overnight tour to get here from Darwin but it's well worth it!

6. Relax in Byron Bay

Byron Bay embodies everything natural, bohemian, colourful and weird. The surf side town is the most easterly point in Australia and is a great place to take a surf lesson (as well as Sydney). Byron is just one hour south of Brisbane. Make sure you book a day tour to Nimbin - a hippie community in the midst of the rainforest. Surfing Trips and transport can be booked from The Arts Factory Lodge.

7. Spot Koala's on Magnetic Island

Another touch of paradise! Magnetic Island is super chilled with amazing beaches and hardly any tourists! Base Magnetic Island has the only beach front bar in Australia and known to little travellers - Magnetic Island is one of the cheapest places in Australia to get a photo with a Koala!

8. Head to Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is at the very north of Australia and tends to be the final destination on the backpacker trail. Although the Great Barrier Reef can be accessed from Airlie Beach - Cairns tends to be a popular spot to head out on the boat. Cairns is also the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, as well as the home of Bungy Jumping and White Water Rafting. HINT - It gets BLOODY HOT here! Check out our tips for things to do in Cairns (the adventure capital of Australia).

9. Go West

This is where you really get a feel for just how big Australia is. For those travellers really wanting to venture off the tourist trail and meet 'real' Australia - the Western Australia is ideal! I recommend booking a 7 Day Perth to Exmouth Return Tour - this will give you a taste of most of the sights including The Pinnacles, Lancelin Sand Dunes, Shell Beach, Shark Bay, Kalbarri National Park and Ningaloo Reef (where the Whale Sharks pop by).

10. Tour Fraser Island

Why is it so unique? You can only get around by 4WD! A few hours north of Brisbane - Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Book a 3 day / 2 night 4WD Camping Tour to explore the stunning lakes and rainforest.

Travelling through Australia doesn't get much better than this! Can you add any to the list?