Key Takeaways
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The place you visit in Australia can completely change the type of trip you have. You can spend a few days around Sydney and Melbourne to visit popular landmarks and coastal roads. From there, travel north to Queensland for the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, or travel to South Australia for vineyards and wine tasting.
To experience more than typical tourist spots like the Opera House or spotting kangaroos, timing your visit to Australia is important.
March to May and September to November are good months with comfortable weather in many regions: Barossa Valley, Margaret River, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns.
Whether you are into adventure, wine tasting, a road trip, or shopping, the country offers a lot. Now, read the blog to choose what to do in Australia.
Top Things to Do in Australia
From rainforest walks and reef trips to train rides and coastal road trips, choose activities that suit your interests. Australia offers adventurous activities with friends or a quiet family road trip; you will have a great time with anyone you visit.
1. Walk Inside the Sydney Opera House (New South Wales)
- Timings: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Approx. Cost: 3,800 INR.
- Tip: Pair your visit with a Sydney Cricket Ground tour, located around 4.5 kilometres away.
Danish architect Jørn Utzon designed the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point. This architectural landmark opened in 1973 and now attracts over 10 million visitors every year. The structure features interlocking concrete vaults with over 1 million Swedish ceramic tiles that look just like the sails of a ship.
Visitors can enter the entrance hall, see the dressing rooms, and step inside the performance halls to hear how custom acoustic engineering distributes sound. You can also book the backstage tour.
A guide will walk you through the orchestra pit, lead you onto the stage where the performers stand, and take you to the rehearsal spaces and dressing rooms. Afterwards, you sit in the Green Room Kitchen and enjoy breakfast.
2. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge (New South Wales)
- Timings: Climb starts from 4:00 AM and in winters, 5:30 AM and the spot timings end by 5 PM. Check the official website to confirm the timings and cost for the day you plan.
- Approx. Cost: 22,000 INR.
- Tip: Cameras or phones are not allowed on the climb due to strict safety regulations (to prevent accidental drops onto the highway below), so your guide will take photos for you.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, opened in 1932, is one of the world’s largest steel arch bridges. The arch reaches 134 metres above the water, and the bridge connects the Sydney central business district with the northern suburbs, stretching 503 metres across the harbour.
To experience the climb, walk 10 minutes north from Circular Quay station to the BridgeClimb headquarters on Cumberland Street.
Once inside, you put on a protective grey suit and strap into a safety harness. A guide clips your harness to a continuous safety line. You walk along narrow catwalks, climb up three steep metal ladders, and step onto the upper arch. Then, from the summit, you can look down at the ferry boats crossing the water below and the cars driving on the highway.
3. Dive in the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Approx. Cost: Half-day snorkelling trips cost approximately 12,000 INR, which includes snorkel gear, snacks and a guide.
- Tip: If you don’t know how to swim, book a semi-submersible submarine and underwater viewing chambers to look at the corals without entering the water.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, with 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. The marine park is home to more than 1,600 fish species and around 600 types of coral, making it among the best scuba diving spots in the world.
To reach the outer reef, fly to Cairns Airport and take a 1-hour drive to Port Douglas. From there, board a high-speed catamaran to Agincourt Reef and go snorkelling.
Also join a guided snorkelling tour with a marine biologist to see green sea turtles and clownfish swimming through the coral gardens. If you do not want to get into the water, take a semi-submersible submarine that travels three metres below the surface, where you get deep ocean views through the glass windows.
4. Hike the Daintree Rainforest (Queensland)
- Timings: 8:20 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Approx. Cost: National park entry is free. The Daintree ferry costs 3,500 INR per vehicle. Crocodile river cruises cost approximately 1,900 INR.
- Tip: Keep a safe distance of at least 5 metres from the water’s edge along the Daintree River and local beaches, as there will be saltwater crocodiles.
The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest surviving tropical forest on Earth, estimated to be between 130 and 180 million years old. It is located north of the Daintree River, representing an ecosystem where the forest directly meets the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef at Cape Tribulation.
To visit, drive north from Port Douglas along the Captain Cook Highway for 50 kilometres, then drive your car onto the cable ferry to cross the river. Once you are there, walk along the elevated wooden boardwalk of the Jindalba track. The trail takes you beneath large fan palms, where you can look up into the canopy and spot the rare blue-necked southern cassowary.
Next, board a flat-bottomed boat on the Daintree River. The captain takes you through the mangroves; during the ride, look along the muddy riverbanks for wild saltwater crocodiles.
Finish your day at Cape Tribulation Beach, then walk along the white sand with the rainforest canopy stretching right up to the high-tide mark.
5. Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway (Queensland)
- Timings: The train departs Cairns at 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, returning from Kuranda at 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM.
- Approx. Cost: Standard ticket: 5,900 INR for two-way.
- Tip: Combine your train ride with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway opened in 1891 and runs for 37 kilometres through Barron Gorge National Park. The historic train has hand-crafted timber carriages and travels through 15 hand-carved tunnels, across 55 bridges, and along deep rainforest-covered ravines.
Board the train at Cairns Central Station in the morning. You sit in your timber carriage as the train slowly climbs towards the mountains. You look out the open windows as the train moves around cliff edges, crossing bridges over deep gorges filled with rainforest trees.
The train stops for 10 minutes at the Barron Falls lookout. You can step out onto the platform to take photos of the 265-metre waterfall.
After the stop, the train continues towards Kuranda Village. Once you arrive, spend some time at the local markets or visiting the butterfly sanctuary before taking the return journey or the Skyrail back to Cairns.
6. Watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island (Victoria)
- Timings: The visitor centre opens around 12:00 PM. The penguins arrive at sunset, which varies from 5:00 PM in winter to 8:00 PM in summer.
- Approx. Cost: 2,300 INR.
- Tip: National park regulations ban photography and filming of the penguins, as camera flashes can blind and disorient the birds.
Phillip Island is home to one of the largest colonies of little penguins, also known as fairy penguins. They are the world’s smallest penguin species, growing to around 33 centimetres tall.
To experience the Penguin Parade, drive around 2 hours southeast of Melbourne along the South Gippsland Highway to Phillip Island. Before sunset, head to the Summerland Beach visitor centre and take a seat on the tiered viewing platforms overlooking the beach.
You will then see small groups of little penguins emerge from the surf. They shake the water from their feathers, gather on the wet sand, and then slowly make their way across the beach.
7. Road Trip Along the Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
- Timings: Arrive at the Twelve Apostles at sunset.
- Approx. Cost: Car rental per day starts from 3,400 INR.
- Tip: The day trip from Melbourne is a 12-hour round trip and is exhausting. To avoid fatigue, spend two nights in coastal towns like Apollo Bay.
The Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres along Victoria’s southern coastline and was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a war memorial. The route takes you along the limestone cliffs, beaches, and temperate forests.
To start the road trip, rent a car in Melbourne and drive to Torquay. From there, the highway takes you directly along the coast. Once you reach Kennett River, park near the main cafe and walk up to Grey River Road. The road is popular because the surrounding eucalyptus trees are home to one of Australia’s largest populations of wild koalas.
Continue to the Twelve Apostles, walk along the viewing platforms and look out at the limestone rock stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. For a closer view of the coastline, head to Gibson Steps and walk down the 86 steps to the beach.
8. Wine Tasting at Barossa Valley (South Australia)
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (each winery has different timings).
- Approx. Cost: Cellar door tastings start at 1,000 INR.
- Tip: Do not drive if you plan to visit multiple wineries. Australia has strict drink-and-drive laws. So, book a guided tour or travel via cab.
The Barossa Valley has some of the oldest producing Shiraz vineyards in the world. Settle into your vehicle and drive one hour north from Adelaide, the coastal capital of South Australia.
You will pass through rolling green hills lined with stone cottages and vineyards. Park at a historic estate like Seppeltsfield or Jacob’s Creek. You walk into the stone cellar door, where a local winemaker guides you through a tasting of world-class Shiraz.
Walk through the cool barrel halls to smell the ageing oak and learn about the region’s 19th-century German heritage. Next, walk into the vineyards to see the beautifully aged, 150-year-old vines planted in the rich soil.
Complete your experience by dining at a vineyard restaurant, eating fresh local cheese, dried fruits, and sourdough bread while looking out over the valley.
9. Browse Crafts at the Fremantle Markets (Western Australia)
- Timings: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Approx. Cost: Free entry.
- Tip: Bring cash and a reusable bag.
Fremantle Markets have operated since 1897 inside a building on South Terrace. From Perth, take a train to Fremantle Station and walk to the market in 10 minutes. Once you arrive, enter through the large archway and browse the indoor hall, where vendors sell crafts, food, clothing, and jewellery.
Continue to The Yard, browse stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, honey, cheese, coffee, spices, and other local produce.
Finally, stop at the food stalls for dishes from different cuisines. Moreover, the market is vegetarian-friendly. Stalls serve hot Indian samosas, vegan noodles, and fresh fruit smoothies.
10. Hand-Feed Kangaroos at Australia Zoo (Queensland)
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Approx. Zoo Entry: 5,400 INR.
- Tip: Plan at least 5 hours here to see all the sections.
The Australia Zoo is located over 700 acres in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast. From Brisbane, drive north for one hour or take a train to Beerwah Station and catch the zoo’s shuttle bus.
Once you are inside the walk-through habitat, you can get up close to kangaroos. Grab a bag of animal food to hand-feed them, take photos, and enjoy a relaxed interaction. You can also spot nearby koalas in their eucalyptus trees before heading to the Crocoseum for the zoo’s famous wildlife shows.
The Crocoseum hosts the daily Wildlife Warriors Show, where saltwater crocodiles leap and launch themselves into the air to catch meat right in front of the crowd.
The show also explains how Australia Zoo and its Wildlife Warriors work to protect wildlife and wild places.
11. Visit Mindil Beach, Sunset Market
- Timings: Open Thursdays and Sundays from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Approx. Cost: Free entry.
- Tip: Arrive around 4:00 PM so you have enough time to browse the stalls and choose your dinner before sunset. If you want to sit on the beach for the sunset, carry a small mat or towel.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market has been running since 1987 and now has more than 150 stalls, including around 60 food stalls. You can find food from Asia, Europe, and Australia, alongside stalls selling jewellery, clothing, and crafts.
Start by walking through the food stalls and choose a few dishes instead of ordering one large meal. This place will amaze you with Thai, Indonesian, Sri Lankan, Malaysian, Indian, Greek, Italian, Mexican, and Vietnamese food. Most stalls also offer vegetarian and halal options.
After you eat, walk to Mindil Beach and find a spot on the sand before sunset. The sun sets at around 6:00 PM. Don’t leave immediately after sunset. There are live music performances in the evening.
12. Cruise Sydney Harbour on the Manly Ferry (New South Wales)
- Timings: Ferry operates from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Always check the ferry timetable.
- Approx. Cost: 600 INR for one-way.
- Tip: Take your snorkelling gear and swimming suit.
The Manly Ferry is a famous public passenger boat service in Sydney. It runs across Sydney Harbour between Circular Quay in the city centre and the beach suburb of Manly.
At Circular Quay, board the ferry. As the ferry leaves the wharf (pier), you get views across Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The route then opens towards the harbour entrance before arriving at Manly Wharf.
From Manly Wharf, walk through The Corso, a pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. You can spend some time on the beach, then continue south along the coast towards Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach for a quieter walk.
If you want to spend more time around the water, Cabbage Tree Bay is an aquatic reserve with more than 160 species of fish, which is also a popular area for snorkelling and diving.
Conclusion
Australia is best experienced by choosing the regions that match your interests instead of trying to explore the entire country in a single trip.
If you enjoy beaches and wildlife, spend more time in Queensland. For road trips and coastal scenery, Victoria is a better choice. If you have more time, it’s great to combine Sydney or Melbourne with nearby attractions.
When you are planning your Australia trip, contact Dimaak Tours to make your vacation more memorable. From itinerary planning, booking hotels and flights, and customising activities based on your interests, we meet each of our customers’ needs.
FAQs on Things to Do in Australia
1. What is the ideal time to visit Australia?
September to November and March to May are good options for travelling across Australia because the weather is milder and these are shoulder seasons.
2. How many days are enough for a vacation in Australia?
A 10 to 12-day trip works better if you want to combine multiple regions, while 7 to 10 days can work well if you focus on one or two areas.
3. Which part of Australia is best for first-time visitors?
Sydney and Melbourne are good starting points for first-time visitors who want major landmarks, city experiences and easy access to nearby attractions. You can then add Queensland if the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest are a priority.
4. Is Australia good for a honeymoon?
Australia is a good honeymoon destination if you want to combine beaches, road trips, wildlife, and romantic stays in one trip. Couples can snorkel or dive around the Great Barrier Reef, take a coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road, spend a few days in Sydney together, or spend a few quiet days in wine regions.
