Top Five Bucket List Sights in Australia
17/02/2025
Travelling ‘Down Under’ to Australia on an epic holiday features on many bucket-lists, and for good reason too! Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a nature lover; this vast country lets you experience everything from vibrant coastal cities and awe-inspiring natural wonders to fascinating wildlife, lush rainforests, colourful coral reefs, red-sand deserts, and so much more. To inspire you to take the plunge and jet across the globe for a unique and once-in-a-lifetime adventure; we’ve put together a list of Australia’s not-to-be-missed sights that you really need to visit during your stay.
1. Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. This aquatic playground not only boasts 240km of shoreline dotted with beaches, gardens, and natural greenery; but it’s also the setting for big-name attractions such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and Taronga Zoo Sydney. To experience unmatched views of Sydney Harbour; nothing beats the challenge of ascending to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge with expert Climb Leaders on the BridgeClimb or being guided by a First Nations storyteller on the Burrawa Aboriginal Climb Experience. The harbour also hosts the annual Vivid Sydney festival and New Year’s Eve fireworks, and is the starting point for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
2. Uluru
Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park in the Red Centre is undoubtedly Australia spiritual heart and rich in Aboriginal culture and iconic sights, including the Uluru and Kata Tjuta sandstone monoliths. Get a bird’s eye view over the Uluru and its ancient surroundings on a scenic flight, see Uluru up close on a segway or camel experience, or dip into local Anangu culture at the Cultural Centre. Relish an immersive evening at Winjiri Wiru where an ancient Anangu ancestral story unfolds high above Uluru with lights, lasers, drones, and projections. And, then lower your gaze to Uluru’s base to capture the Field of Light exhibition complete with over 50,000 glowing solar-powered stems.
3. The Great Ocean Road
Take the ultimate car journey as you experience the freedom of the open road and unfolding coastal views along the Great Ocean Road. This 243-kilometre spans Australia’s south-eastern coast; from the surf town of Torquay to Allansford on the Hopkins River. Spread the drive over a couple of days and savour the amazing sunset over the 12 Apostles, walk on the wild side at Wildlife Wonders, fly through the forest on a zipline, and paddle with a platypus in the Otways. Craft your own chocolate bars at Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery and swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Bay.
4. The Great Barrier Reef
For breathtaking underwater scenery and abundant marine life; few places can match the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Don your wetsuit or snorkel for a thrilling day in the crystal-clear waters of one of the Earth’s most diverse ocean habitats with its vibrant coral teeming with extraordinary sights. Swim amongst spectacular coral formations awash with the Great Eight marine animals including clownfish, giant clams, manta rays, Māori wrasse, potato cod, sharks, turtles, and whales. You could also explore by mini-submarine and underwater scooter, view the reef from above by plane or helicopter, or connect culture with conservation at the unique Museum of Underwater Art.
5. The Blue Mountains
Hit the open road for the two-hour drive from Sydney into the Blue Mountains. One of their most iconic natural landmarks is the unusual Three Sisters rock formations which are best viewed from the Echo Point lookout. Immerse yourself in nature on a bush walk through the Blue Mountains’ 140km of tracks and tour Jenolan’s underground caves filled with stalactites and lakes. Visit the quiet mountain towns of Katoomba, Leura, and Blackheath and relish a unique sky-high picnic with Scenic World’s Beyond Skyway experience. Capture amazing photos at Mayfield Gardens and gaze in awe at thousands of twinkling glow worms on a Glow Worm Tour.
Want to experience all this and more on a holiday to Australia? Pack your bags, book one of our amazing Australia adventures, and get ready to uncover the best things to see and do in Australia for yourself.