Exploring the Best Places Down Under: Your First Time in Australia

G’day, mate, let’s start off by asking you this: When you think of Australia, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it a whole lot of sun, sea and warm glowing beaches? Epic cities and otherworldly Outback landscapes? If you’re nodding your head, then you won’t be disappointed. From vast red deserts and ever-changing metropolises to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, your first time Down Under is going to be one you’ll never forget. Here are just some of our favourite hotspots that’ll make you wish you were staying longer. 

Sydney

Home of the famous Sydney Opera House and the fictional destination of P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney (Finding Nemo, 2003), this is the oldest and largest city in Australia. Sydney as we know it today dates to 1788, when the first European colonies arrived in the area, the city now welcomes over 10 million domestic and 4 million international travellers every year. But where do you begin exploring? A Sydney Harbour cruise is the perfect introduction – sail by the extraordinary metropolis of contemporary architecture, hum a rendition of “Out there beyond the sea” as you gaze at the wonders of the deep blue, while not so far away are a swell of luxuriating sandy beaches like Manly (one of the city’s most celebrated seashores). 

Of course, a visit to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without sipping cocktails on the seafront and enjoying delicious cuisine in a vibrant bistro – you can choose everything from Michelin-star dishes to fish and chips for a taste of home away from home. Away from the harbour, there’s the curiosities of the Botanic Gardens, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, a stellar selection of museums and browsing in shopping outlets spread throughout the city (we recommend travelling light). And that’s before you’ve even got to the beaches of the Eastern Suburbs. Now, how about the Sydney Harbour Bridge, eh? 

Blue Mountains

It's time to have your breath taken away by the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park, just a quick train ride or drive out of Sydney. A spot of bush walking is an ideal way to see the UNESCO world heritage site in all its glory. Hike up the Jamison Valley for a spectacular view of forests. See the mystical blue haze that gives the region its name (it comes from the eucalyptus trees, if you’ve ever wondered...) and snapshot the two-million-year-old Three Sisters rock formation. At the height of all this is your opportunity to take on the exciting attractions at Scenic World. Ride the Scenic Railway (the world’s steepest incline railway) down into the ancient rainforests – will you spot a yellow-bellied glider? – and tower over the mysteries of the forest in a Scenic Skyway cable car. Did we mention the floor opens (not literally) to the wonders of the world below? 

Brisbane

Brisbane, or, “Brissy” to the Aussies, is the multi-cultural capital of Queensland. So how about beginning your discoveries by tickling your taste buds in Australia’s third largest city? Treat yourself to delicious dishes from across the world.  

Walking along the South Bank you’ll find some of the prettiest parklands, promenades and cooking experiences in the Epicurious Gardens, as well as some inspiring galleries and cafes to cool off from the hot sun. Across the river is the famous CBD (Central Business District), boasting Streets Beach and a man-made lagoon perfect for a refreshing dip. But if, like us, you’ve been guilty of forgetting your bathers, Queen Street Mall has no end of outlets that will certainly fulfil your needs. And you can’t leave the striking sights of the city without strolling through the Botanical Gardens and cuddling a koala – yes, you heard that right – at Lone Pine Sanctuary. From the national animal, kangaroos, and tropical birds to endemic species like the dingo and Tasmanian devils – the sanctuary has protected a diverse array of wildlife for almost a hundred years. 

Kuranda

Covered in white sand beaches and mountainous peaks, Cairns is a small city on the north-east coast. We'll get onto the Great Barrier Reef in just a moment, but first let’s tell you about the mountain settlement of Kuranda. Located on the outskirts of Cairns, find yourself riding on the Sky Rail Rainforest Cableway. Glide over 4.6 miles of the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest, peaking into the amazing wilderness below and coming across lookouts, walking trails and interactive centres within the jungle canopy. In the village, find charming markets, welcoming locals and a whole lot of colourful restaurants and cafes. And of course, there’s the chance to ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Gaze at breathtaking valleys, pass through century-old tunnels and over marvellous bridges, not to mention the epic Baron Falls. Hopefully you’ve got enough storage to take plenty of photos.  

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The Great Barrier Reef

A trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without visiting the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Located off the north-east coast, large beaches and spectacular marine life make up this extraordinary spot. Explored by boat rides across the pristine waters or diving excursions, there's no end of snorkel and dive sites. Whether you’re keen to try shallow-water submersions or deep-sea diving, swimming amongst thousands of marine species is an unmissable encounter. From clown fish and parrotfish to turtles, sea cucumbers and coral spawning in the spring season, there’s always a reason to “just keep swimming” in this underwater paradise.

Melbourne

Culture vultures will be in heaven in Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital and one of the world’s most liveable cities. Fantastic to explore by tram or simply on foot, reward yourself with shops, bars and live music venues tucked away within the heart of an ever-growing metropolis. Whether you’re wandering along the Yarra River, diving into history at the Melbourne Museum or waving at animals in the zoo, your stomachs will certainly be rumbling at some point along the way. Local and international cuisine is everywhere you go. Local chefs are constantly having fun with their plates, experimenting with new takes on dishes like fish dumplings in Chinatown, infusing French-Vietnamese flavours and curating some European classics. Nothing will lure you in quite like the smell of fresh coffee on the street corners of Melbourne.  

The Great Ocean Road

One of Australia’s most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road spans 250km across some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. From the likes of the Memorial Arch and Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles and the Bay of Islands, there isn't another stretch of natural beauty quite like this incredible coastline. Built after the First World War by a group of soldiers commemorating those who didn’t return home, the Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial. Winding past green landscapes, stunning beaches and craggily cliff-faces, native wildlife spotting is a real treat. See the likes of dolphins and whales in the water or keep your eyes peeled for a whole lot of emu and kangaroos, there’s no other place in the world with sights quite like this. 

Phillip Island

Home to sun-kissed beaches, colourful landscapes and wildlife sanctuaries, Phillip Island is a treat for any animal (and wine) lover. Activities are everywhere you go across the island, from hiking trails and MotoGP to the temptations of the chocolate factory and the production of the region’s cool climate wines. Of course, one of the island’s main attractions is the famous Penguin Parade at the island’s Nature Park. Smile and wave at the charming flippered birds dashing across the beach at sunset and explore the boardwalk at night, observing the penguins socialising in their colony. 

Have you ever wondered what koalas get up to behind the scenes? At the Koala Conservation Reserve, go a little higher across the treetop boardwalks and see the cuddly creatures eat, sleep, repeat. Other fascinating animals include echidnas, wallabies and an array of native birds. It's good to know that every visit to the island supports conservation, research and education to protect the wildlife into the future. 

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

In Australia’s Red Centre, a magnificent sandstone monolith stands tall, its natural walls changing colour in the shifting sunlight. Known as Uluru by the ancients, it measures 348m high and 9.5km in circumference. For context that’s taller than the Eiffel Tower and has a larger area than the entire nation of Monaco. And just 30km away is Kata Tjuta, another natural wonder made of 36 huge domes. These majestic monoliths are 500 million years in the making, but to the local Anangu people, they have been on Earth forever. Told in Tjukurpa stories, the Anangu people believe ancient beings created the land during the creation period. 

Since the 1990s, UNESCO have recognised the relationship between the natural formation and Anangu belief system, making it one of the few places in the world with a dual heritage listing. The area is open for visitors to embark on walking trails around or through the canyons – sunlight only hits the canyons for 90 minutes a day, – so take a jacket, it might get a bit chilly. Down the likes of the Mala walk, wander to the edge of the Kantju Gorge and really appreciate the mammoth size of the monolith (it goes even further underground). 

Have we covered everywhere you thought of? See it all on our exciting Australia tours.

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