If you’ve ever started doing some research to plan your trip to Australia, you must have noticed one thing… Australia is big!
Australia is indeed more than 14 times the size of France. So when planning your trip or road trip to the land of kangaroos, there are 2 options:
- Either be able to leave for several months
- Either favor the best places to visit according to your desires and the season, but by being well organized to enjoy serenely!
To help you, we have therefore decided to share with you our top 7 must-see places in Australia!
1.Sydney
Often considered by mistake as the capital of Australia (which is obviously Canberra!), Sydney nevertheless remains the iconic city of Australia!
Located in New South Wales, in the southwest of the mainland, Sydney is one of the cities to see at least once in your life.
Between its unique and world famous opera house, the mythical Harbor Bridge, Circular Quay or the vast Darling Harbour, you will be amazed.
We must also mention the royal botanical gardens, but also the beaches of Bondi and Manly, not to mention its street art districts.
If you have the opportunity, we advise you to also visit Melbourne (in Victoria) to appreciate the other unmissable metropolis of southwestern Australia and answer the famous question: “so, Melbourne or Sydney?” ! »
2.Perth
Speaking of metropolis not to be missed, it is impossible for us not to mention Perth, capital of Western Australia (Western Australia)!
If you want to visit Western Australia, with its more natural side, huge national parks and endless magnificent (and deserted!) beaches, Perth will most likely be your base.
But before setting off on an adventure at the wheel of your fitted van or your comfortable motorhome, we recommend that you take a few days to discover Perth and its surroundings; the famous Kings Park which offers an incredible view at sunset, the brand new Elizabeth Quay or the many walks along the Swan River.
Are you more of a beach person? The beaches of Cottesloe, Scarborough or Swanbourne will make you happy.
As a bonus, 2 unmissable activities during your stay in Perth; a passage through Fremantle, this colorful, calm and extremely pleasant little village for half a day and of course a day on Rottnest Island, the island of the Quokkas!
3. Byron Bay
Who has never heard of Byron Bay? The surf village par excellence!
Located just an hour from the Gold Coast, Byron is a top stop on any East Coast road trip.
This small village exudes a relaxed atmosphere that is quite unique; it is punctuated by surf sessions, local entertainment and walks by the ocean which will take you to “Cape Byron” or to the lighthouse which offers a breathtaking view of the coast.
And if you are there in the right season, with a bit of luck, you may see whales pass by offshore, a timeless spectacle!
Good surfing, if you haven’t tried surfing yet, Byron and its many spots will be the ideal place to catch your first waves.
Another unforgettable activity, a kayak trip to observe (without disturbing them!) the many dolphins that live in the region.
4.Alice Springs
Alice Springs, this name may seem trivial to you. But if I talk to you about Uluru or Ayers Rock, there you probably visualize this mythical hill of the Red Center (or Red Center for the locals!).
Alice Springs is a remote town in the Northern Territory, halfway between Adelaide and Darwin.
It was founded around 1870, when Charles Todd was responsible for the development of cable car lines. He thus named this city Alice, which was none other than the name of his wife!
But if Alice Springs attracts so much, it is because it is the most convenient gateway to discover this unique region of Australia.
Inevitably, Mount Uluru, a UNESCO heritage site, is the main attraction of the region, but we will also note the Larapinta hike, or the West McDonnel Ranges mountain range with its Ellery Creek gorges or by Glen Helen.
Finally, Alice Springs as such has a charm and a unique atmosphere in Australia reminiscent of the Australia of yesteryear, with its art galleries, its “raw nature” side but also its “Todd Mall” market to discover local art and stock up on souvenirs.
5. Noosa
Little jewel of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is located 2 short hours north of Brisbane.
It is also a place we highly recommend when organizing trips or road trips for our clients on the east coast.
Noosa has the distinction of offering many walks and hikes on its peninsula along the ocean.
As you can imagine, these walks offer breathtaking views at any time of the day.
With good advice, you will also find “natural pools”, natural pools in which to swim or around which to take a break to have a snack.
Noosa National Park is also the refuge of many viewpoints such as the Dolphin point lookout, Fairy pools, Alexandria Bay (a magnificent bay!) or paradise caves.
Last little recommendation, the “Laguna lookout”, which will allow you to gain height to appreciate Noosa and its surroundings!
6.Fraser Island
How not to include Fraser Island in this top 7 essentials of a trip made in Australia?
Fraser Island is located off Queensland, and is known to be the largest sand island in the world. 120 kilometers long and 23 kilometers wide, with unique flora and fauna!
Good to know: Fraser Island is also called K’Gari, which is its name in the Aboriginal language and which means “paradise”!
Fraser Island is one of the places for which you have to be well organized; the island is not as easy to visit as any other place along the coast.
This is where our team can help you; there are indeed several solutions for visiting the island, with your own vehicle (4×4, and you have to be very experienced to drive on the sand) or via an organized tour (over one or more days).
Ferries indeed provide the connection from Hervey Bay or Rainbow beach.
To enjoy the unmissable places of the island such as 75 miles beach, Indian Head, Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie or the Maheno wreck with complete peace of mind, we are here to advise you and help you book your excursion in the best conditions.
7. Whitsundays
Impossible to complete this list without including the Whitsundays!
Along with Fraser Island, the Whitsundays are probably the top excursion on the east coast.
Imagine spending 3 or 4 days on a sailboat exploring a paradise archipelago, diving to discover unique marine life, and enjoying a good meal cooked by a chef on the deck of the sailboat, admiring the sunset of Sun ?
This is simply what it is possible to experience in the Whitsundays Islands!
Of course, there are lots of organized tours, sometimes for “backpackers”, for travelers who want to combine adventure and party, or for people who want to explore in peace.
Here too, being advised on the tours best suited to your desires is important, because one boat is not the other. And here too, Vanz Travel can advise you and will be able to help you book the most suitable tour for your way of travelling!
What if your dream trip to Australia came true?
We sincerely hope that these “top 7” places not to be missed during a trip to Australia have made you want to explore this unique country.
Whether for a road trip or a trip, for a week or a month, for two or with the family; our team, whose founder has more than 10 years of experience in Australian tourism, will be happy to advise you in preparing your trip.
Do not hesitate to consult the equipped vehicles that we recommend or to contact us directly to discuss your future trip!