Australia has its fair share of ‘roos but offers so much more than just kangaroos, beaches, and g’day mates. 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 endless. The country is known for its Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, the desert wilderness called the Outback, some luxurious villas in Australia, and unique animal species such as duck-billed platypuses and kangaroos. If you plan 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. This human-made marvel takes you away from the busy and noisy surroundings of the city and brings you into a tropical oasis with white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. To get that hipster vibe, the 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, 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 Queensland’s most amazing viewpoints and walking tracks. Gold Coast gives you a laid-back yet electric vibe, with visitors from 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 the Gold Coast.
Airlie Beach / Whitsundays
Airlie Beach is the perfect spot for you to get a taste of everything the country offers. Go on an adventure to the Great Barrier Reef, sail to the Whitsundays, and try some of the best and fresh straight-out-of-the-ocean food. You can also take some of the most stunning coastal walks in the country. You wouldn’t believe it, but there are also some great beer gardens. If you’re a backpacker looking for adventure, Airlie Beach is the best hub to meet other backpackers who are also into adventure. You can also husk your 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 being a popular destination among locals and tourists. Noosa isn’t filled with the biggest shopping malls and tallest skyscrapers until, like many iconic coastal cities. The officials of this seaside 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 trek through nearby Noosa National Park to one of its beautiful and deserted stretches of sand. You can also take a 45-minute walk along the Tanglewood Track and relax at Alexandria Bay, where tiny fish swim 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. Check out the Yungaburra markets on the last Saturday of the month.
Townsville
Townsville should definitely be on top of your North Queensland itinerary, as it offers palm-laden beachfronts, sunshine, and warm temperatures 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 into the S.S. Yongala shipwreck, 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, and dip into turquoise water holes in the afternoon. Cairns is also home to two natural world heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, making it so appealing to visit. 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.
