What to do in Australia: Top 10 things to see and do

Débora

15 Feb 2023

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Why Australia?

As we told you not long ago, Australia is the big winner among the favorite destinations of French globetrotters. And no wonder! Australia is so vast, with such a variety of landscapes (each more beautiful than the last), that it’s hard to make a selection of destinations that you shouldn’t miss under any circumstances. It’s (almost) as if we were trying to put together a top 10 list of things to see in France… Not easy, is it? But as nothing can stop us, we’ve compiled a few must-see places for both the city and country globetrotter.

Is your backpack ready? So let’s get started!

The city‘s must-sees – top 3

The unmissable number one… Sydney

If there’s only one city to visit in Australia, it’s Sydney, and one of its most famous landmarks is undoubtedly the Opera House. The building is famous for its white granite tile roofs, which represent a sailboat or a seashell, depending on your interpretation. It’s located in Sydney Harbour, where you’ll find the equally prestigious Harbor Bridge.

Spanning over a kilometer, the bridge is the widest in the world (around 50 meters). Feel like an adventurer? (What a question…) In that case, don’t hesitate and take on the challenge of climbing this monument, to enjoy some thrills, but also a magnificent view once you’ve reached the top. Equipped with a wetsuit, karabiners and harness, you’re off for a 3.5-hour ascent. (After taking a breathalyzer test first…)If you want to get even higher, the Sydney Tower will give you a breathtaking view of the city. Perched 305 metres high, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Sydney’s beaches. Want to try your hand at surfing? It’s the ideal spot for all surfers! The best-known is Bondi Beach, but if you want to take the ferry out for a spin, head for Manly Beach. On the nature front, we recommend the Royal National Park, located south of the city. This national park is famous for its natural eight-shaped pools and is well worth a visit!

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Another iconic city: Melbourne

Strolling the streets… That’s what we like to do in Melbourne.

The Queen Victoria Market is an event not to be missed. Born in 1878, this market is a real attraction. Every Wednesday evening, it transforms into a festival of food trucks and concerts of all styles. (Shall we dance?). The city is famous for its widespread street art. Neighborhoods like Fitzroy and Brunswick are full of them. If you’re looking for a nature getaway, Phillip Island is the place to see penguins, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies…

Deepest Australia: Bathurst

It is Australia’s oldest city, founded in 1815. It’s not as busy or as well known as Sydney and Melbourne, but if you’re in the area, it’s well worth a stop for its history. (Besides, we love originality!)

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Nature’s must-sees – top 7

Uluru

It’s impossible not to be familiar with this immense monolith in the heart of the Centre Rouge. Also known as Ayers Rock, it is located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which belongs to the Anangu aborigines and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Yes, yes, nothing less!)

Uluru was made popular by the Australian rock band Midnight Oil and their hit song “Dead Heart”.

Uluru and the rock domes of Kata Tjuta, located to the west of the monolith, are considered sacred sites by these ancestral peoples, who have been confronted with a rush of tourists to their site, and, unfortunately, the lack of respect that sometimes comes with it. Fortunately, since the end of October 2019, this site is now inaccessible to climbers.

But don’t worry, modern-day globetrotter, this won’t stop you from admiring this magnificent desert region.

If you love sunsets, you’ll be dazzled by the glowing colors of the sacred rock as the sun falls over the horizon. (Romantic alert!)

The Great Barrier Reef

This gigantic coral system is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. (When we said Australia was a must-see destination…) I might as well tell you that it would be inconceivable not to go.

The Great Barrier Reef stretches for some 2,300 kilometers, covering 348,000 km², and is visible from space. You’re probably familiar with one of its heart-shaped reliefs, often photographed. This ecosystem is one of the richest and most varied, but above all it is extremely important for the conservation of biodiversity. That’s why it’s the center of media attention. Many scientists are concerned about its “state of health” as a result of global warming and pollution.

You’ll find an incredible array of corals, fish, crustaceans, algae and molluscs, as well as turtles, dolphins and whales. A diversity and colors to make you dream! Put on your diving mask, snorkel or oxygen tank, and set off to discover this exceptional seabed. (Don’t forget your waterproof camera!)

Whitsundays

This archipelago of 74 islands is located on the Great Barrier Reef. Paradise atmosphere guaranteed! These islands are the ideal starting point for visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

This is where you’ll find the must-see Whitehaven Beach. This beach, with its whiter-than-white sand, will plunge you into the heart of a postcard and is considered one of the most beautiful in Australia.

Some of the archipelago’s islands are protected by nature parks. Something for hiking and camping enthusiasts.

Others have chosen to offer a luxurious ambience, with top-of-the-range hotels and the service that goes with them: two different atmospheres, but always in a turquoise environment ideal for sailing or catamaran* trips, diving and other underwater pleasures!

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Kangaroo Island

Australia’s 3rd largest island is a natural gem. The flora and fauna are incredible! It has long been protected from external effects thanks to its geographical location (somewhat isolated from the mainland) and its cliffs.

The result: a unique place with nature reserves and magical landscapes.

Here you can observe typical Australian wildlife in complete freedom. Yes, of course, kangaroos, but not only kangaroos! Koalas, opossums, penguins, wallabies, emus and even platypuses will be on hand.

Here you can dive*, watch and swim with seals and, in season, spot whales. If you choose to visit the island with a ranger, he’ll probably take you off the beaten track and show you a few more wonders…

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains National Park is about 1h30 from Sydney. This park is ideal for a day trip or an extended weekend. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll be delighted! Vertiginous staircases, precipices to overcome, waterfalls to cross, cliffs, canyoning… The landscapes and activities are varied. Head to Echo Point for a breathtaking view. Here you can admire the Three Sisters, an impressive rock formation.

Great Ocean Road

As the name suggests, it’s a 243-kilometer road that winds along the southeast coast of Australia, in the state of Victoria. It’s just over a hundred kilometers from Melbourne, a great combination if you decide to visit this city.

There are many ways to travel the Great Ocean Road. You can drive around in your own vehicle, so you can stop wherever you like and discover the sites of your choice. The only problem is that it’s more complicated to enjoy this visit when you’re behind the wheel.Choosing an organized tour allows you to enjoy the view to the full, but you’re constrained to the sites chosen by the tour operator.Either way, prepare yourself (once again!) to admire breathtaking scenery: breathtaking ocean views, beaches, but also a wilder aspect with tropical forests. You’ll have the chance to meet koalas and kangaroos. (After all, that’s why we come to Australia, isn’t it?)

Don’t miss the Twelves Apostles, rocks sculpted by the sea.

Tasmania

This Australian island, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the country’s only island state. With a surface area of around 68,000 km², it’s also the smallest.

But, as we all know, everything small is cute, so Tasmania is the last must-see destination we’d recommend!