With the rumour circulating that Australia will open it’s borders by December, what better time to visit this missed paradise down under?
While parts of Australia are heavily urbanized, there are also large swaths of land in the country featuring dozens of must-see attractions.
Travel expert, Paul Sullivan, highlights the top 5 destinations he recommends we should visit in Oz…but make sure you book up quick. It’s set to be in great demand.
Did you know that the land down under is the world’s smallest continent? That’s not to mean it lacks attractions to explore though; on the contrary. There’s so much to see in Australia, from the coastal cities to the outback parks. One could spend a whole day soaking in the sun on a stunning beach on an island, do a bit of exploring of nature in the desert and then spend the entire evening nightclubbing in the bustling city centre afterwards; there’s something for everyone.
The sights aren’t the only reason to travel to Australia. Sometimes it’s the people that make the trip, and Australians are no exception; they are some of the friendliest. But with so much to see and do, make sure you see the main sights.
Here are the top five attractions to see in Australia.
1. Sydney Opera House
When people think of Sydney, this is likely the first place that comes to mind. This UNESCO World Heritage site is supposedly one of the most-photographed buildings in the entire world. And you don’t have to be an architect to understand how beautiful the stunning structure’s white roof is, resembling a series of shells.
The Sydney Opera House is located near the equally admired Sydney Harbour Bridge in New South Wales, specifically on Bennelong Point. Bennelong Point was named after Bennelong, an aboriginal man who lived on the site and acted as one of two liaisons between the locals and British settlers. After a resident conductor from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra called attention to the need for a symphony/opera house in Sydney, New South Wales approved a construction plan.
Danish architect Jorn Utzon won an international competition for the building’s design in 1957, but the project kept encountering construction problems because of its radically innovative design. Finally, in 1973, The Sydney Opera House had been completed. Upon it’s unveiling, Queen Elizabeth II commented, “The human spirit must sometimes take wings or sails, and create something that is not just utilitarian or commonplace.”
2. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
The Great Barrier Reef is 2,300 kilometres long, making it the most extensive coral reef system in existence. The best part about visiting this marvel is it’s open for swimming, diving, snorkelling, and sailing. Tourists can not only see this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but they can interact with it and fully experience it underwater.
The Great Barrier Reef’s wonder is difficult to comprehend, considering it is the most massive single structure built by living things. It is seen from outer space. It’s so large, it could span over 70 million football fields. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is responsible for taking care of the area. UNESCO has even described the reef as one of “outstanding universal value,” which means that its disappearance would harm global heritage.
Its beauty lies in more than just its looks. The reef is home to one of the most complex ecosystems, encompassing 120-year-old giant clams, hundreds of species of birds and echinoderms, hundreds of hard and soft corals species, and thousands of species of crustaceans and mollusks. There are tons of fish, whales, dolphins, and turtles as well, among others.
3. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Over 250,000 people visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park every year to behold the wonders of the Uluru rock formation and Kata Tjuta rock domes. These formations on a sand plain are so unique that the national park was included in the World Heritage List in 1987 for their ‘outstanding universal natural values.’ And in 1995, the park was being recognised for its exceptional universal cultural values too. In 2007, it was included in the National Heritage List, proving its significance to Australian culture. Basically, when in Oz you must visit this national park.
The Uluru is a monolith measuring 9.4 kilometres in circumference and standing 348 meters above the sandplain; even taller than some famous skyscrapers such as New York’s Chrysler Building. The Kata Tjuta, on the other hand, is 546 meters above the sand plain. The national park’s traditional owners are the Anangu, who lease the land to the Australian government and work with them to manage it.
Aboriginal people have been living in Central Australia for over 30,000 years, but the first non-Aboriginal people to notice Uluru and Kata Tjuta were explorers in 1872. Though the park looks hot and dry, it can also get quite chilly in the winter, and rain isn’t uncommon.
4. Bondi Beach
For a fun time with the family, tourists always choose to visit one of the most famous beaches in the world, Bondi Beach. It’s known for its fine sand and active waves, which are perfect for sunbathing and surfing. Bondi Beach is a beautiful tourist attraction for any season, and people who aren’t fond of lounging by the beach all day or swimming, can also enjoy it for walking, playing golf, and even whale-watching.
Travelling to Bondi Beach isn’t too tricky as it’s accessible by bus and train, and of course car. After building sandcastles all day or getting a tan, there’s many restaurants, cafes, and bars by the beach to visit including the locally sourced fish and chips. There are also various shops in the area if you need a new swimsuit or a new pair of shades!
A trip to Bondi Beach can be sporty too. There are several accredited surf schools situated by the beach, allowing newbies to practice surfing under professionals’ supervision.
5. The Blue Mountains
The Greater Blue Mountains Area is the last World Heritage Site on this list, considered one of Australia’s World Heritage properties in 2000. There are tonnes of spots to see, ranging from waterfalls to rock formations and some of the worlds’ most stunning sunsets. There are around 140 kilometres of walking tracks to pass through and even underground caves to tour.
The area is just around two hours away from Sydney by car, but tourists can make their way to the Blue Mountains by train or coach as well. People can choose to complete the walking tracks themselves, but it is recommended, to be safer, do them with a tour group, especially if it’s a first trip to The Blue Mountains.
Perhaps the most popular site in The Blue Mountains is the Three Sisters, natural pillars associated with an Aboriginal legend.
One thing to be guaranteed, is that you when visiting this huge area of natural beauty, you will see astounding sights, views and sunsets.