Australia does have its fair share of ‘roos, but this country offers so much more than just kangaroos, beaches, and g’day mate. With many awe-inspiring mountains, epic road trips, beautiful parks, and countless waterfalls, Australia is one of the best countries to visit, as the list is really endless. The country is known for its Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, desert wilderness called the Outback, some luxurious and villas in Australia, and unique animal species such as duck-billed platypuses and kangaroos. If you’re planning to visit the Land Down Under anytime soon, here are some of the best places to visit.
Brisbane
Brisbane has everything. Unlike its counterpart capital cities of Melbourne and Sydney, it boasts all the perks at a fraction of the cost. One of the top places to visit is the Southbank, the home of performing arts and Queensland. You can also find alley bars and riverfront dining where you can experience various cuisines. Southbank is the only place in Australia that features an inner-city beach, a human-made marvel which takes you away from the busy and noisy surrounding of the city and brings you into a tropical oasis with white, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. To get that hipster vibe, best coffee in town, and street markets for shopping, head to West End. For a perfect and relaxing view of the city from the top, visit Mt. Coot-tha for its incredible 360 views of the entire city and the surrounding hinterland. You can also try climbing the Brisbane Story Bridge for an extra addition to your vacation to get a stunning view.
Gold Coast
Gold Coast is one of the top go-to spots, especially during the hot summer months, with some of Australia’s great beaches. But if relaxing on soft, fine sand beaches or swimming in the turquoise ocean water doesn’t entice you, the Gold Coast Hinterland is just a short drive from the beach and offers some of the most amazing viewpoints and walking tracks in Queensland. Gold Coast gives you a laid-back vibe yet electric, with visitors from all around the globe enjoying the day’s charming atmosphere and the party scene at night. Burleigh Heads beach and the Lamington National Park are top recommendations for the best places to visit when planning to go to Gold Coast.
Airlie Beach / Whitsundays
To get a taste of everything the country has to offer, Airlie Beach is the perfect spot for you. Go on an adventure to the Great Barrier Reef, sail to the Whitsundays, try some of the best and fresh straight-out of-the-ocean food. Or you can walk some of the most stunning coastal walks in the country. You wouldn’t believe this, but there are some great beer gardens as well. If you’re a backpacker looking for an adventure, Airlie Beach is the best hub to meet other backpackers who are also into an adventure. You can also husk your own coconuts and play with the wallaby and turkeys on the island. This beach is best known for its human-made lagoon, an excellent spot for beachside or poolside cocktails.
Noosa
Australians dream coastal destination, Noosa, is a sub-tropical town that maintains its wonderful seaside town vibe while also being a popular destination among locals and tourists. Unlike many other iconic coastal cities, Noosa isn’t filled with the biggest shopping malls and tallest skyscrapers. The officials of this coastal town don’t let anyone build higher than the trees to retain its awesome vibe. However, most of the time, the main beach can be busy with so many sunbathers, so alternatively, you can do a trek through nearby Noosa National Park to one of its beautiful and deserted stretches of sand. You can also go on a 45-minute walk along the Tanglewood Track and relax at Alexandria Bay, where tiny fish is swimming in the shallows. It’s a total paradise!
Atherton Tablelands
For a perfect getaway to the countryside, head to Atherton Tablelands, where you can witness endless waterfalls, rolling green hills, and amazing cafes. It’s just an hour’s drive from Cairns; Atherton Tablelands is perfect for a day trip or long weekend holidays. The great way to experience Tablelands is to get an area map and drive in a car. Don’t forget to include the waterfall circuit of Zillie, Millaa, and Elinjja Falls in your itinerary. During the last Saturday of the month, make sure to check out the Yungaburra markets.
Townsville
Townsville should definitely on top of your North Queensland itinerary, as it offers palm-laden beach fronts, sunshine, and warm temperature all year round. Wander the area and learn about the rich history of WWII or take an adventure to the Great Barrier Reef and dive the S.S Yongala shipwreck, which is one of the best dives in the world. Townsville is also home to some of the most impressive food scenes, great nightlife, and easy access to the stunning Magnetic Island.
Cairns
Cairns is one of the best places in the world where you can spend your morning at the ocean, snorkeling through the crystal clear water and underground playground. In the afternoon, you can dip into turquoise water holes. Cairns is also home to two natural world heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest making it so appealing to visit the place. Some of the things you should do here are horseback riding along Cape Tribulation beach, croc-spotting at Daintree River, and a trip to the GBR.
