Australia is one of the most visited countries in the world due to its versatility and winsome beauty. In fact, since 2011, Australia has seen a rapid rise in tourism. In fact, despite travel restrictions for international tourism, Australia welcomed nearly 138 thousand international visitors in 2021 and is expected to reach 15 million by 2026-27.
However, travellers in 2022 must note that these restrictions are likely to cease this year, and hence, you must plan early to avoid any inconvenience.
To help you plan your Australia trip better, take a look at the top 15 places to visit, as discussed in this piece. However, before that, it is crucial to understand the importance of having an international travel insurance policy, especially during such trying times wherein COVID-19-related repercussions are still a concern.
Besides covering expenses arising due to loss of passport, delay in check-ins of baggage and flight delays, a well-rounded international travel insurance plan also covers adventure activities, such as bungee jumping and scuba diving.
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1. Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is known for its rugged and scabrous beauty. Located on the southwest coast of Victoria, it is often regarded as one of the world’s most picturesque panoramic coastal drives. Both sides of the road meet the cliffs and take you to the Southern Ocean. You will witness the phlegm of the monstrous cliffs, tranquil ocean and lush countryside.
Top things to do –
- Experiencing 12 Apostles,
- Swimming with dolphins and seals,
- Witnessing Mount Gambier,
- Stalking the platypus and others.
How to reach –
Travelling there involves a train journey and a bus journey. Catch a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station (Melbourne) to reach Geelong.
2. Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park is a popular destination for a day trip from Sydney. It is placed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is named after the mesmerising view of blue haze created by the eucalyptus trees.
Top things to do –
- See the Georges
- Visit Three Sister, Jamison Valley
- Katoomba Valley
- Experience the exotic wildlife species of Australia.
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain biking
- Abseiling
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To visit from Sydney, take the M4 and the Great Western Highway for Glenbrook. You can also take the southern side for Katoomba, Lower Grose Valley and Blackheath areas.
3. Kakadu National Park
This is Australia’s largest national park and is truly a cosmopolitan destination. Kakadu National Park is also a World Heritage Site and is famous for its wilderness.
Top Things to do –
- Visit Jim Jim Falls
- Hike Twin Falls and Maguk
- See 300 different species of birds, waterfall, rock art, Georges and rivers.
- Observe the crocodiles of yellow water
How to reach –
Fly to Alice Springs or Darwin and then take a drive to the park.
4. Uluru
Located within the Kata Tjuta National Park, Ayers Rock or Uluru is one of the largest monoliths in the world. Every year it attracts thousands of tourists across the globe. This red sandstone monolith is about 348 metres in height and is often regarded as one of the best places for hitchhiking in Australia.
Top Things to do –
- Exquisite sunset and witness the change in colour of rocks.
- Go for a pleasant tribal tour with rangers.
- Witness stunning landscapes around the monolith.
How to reach –
Flying options are available to Uluru from all prime cities of Australia.
5. Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and is one of the top tourist attractions of Australia. It is located a short distance from Hervey Bay and is famous for its unique four-wheel driving adventures.
Top Things to do –
- Scuba diving in Lake Mckenzie
- Explore Lake Boomanjin and Lake Wabby
- Witness the lush forests for wildlife
- See the sand dunes, sand cliffs, and the wonderful sea coast.
- Explore marine life with sharks, whales and dolphins.
How to reach –
You can reach Fraser Island by driving 4 hours from Brisbane and 14 hours from Sydney. Also, fly to the destination from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
6. Harbour Bridge
It is one of the world’s engineering marvels and is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. Also, the people of Australia affectionately call it ‘the coat hanger’, attracting thousands of tourists worldwide.
Top Things to do –
- Enjoy the excellence of engineering and the cityscape
- Climb the bridge
- Know about its history and construction
- Visit the south-eastern pier museum.
How to reach –
The bridge can be reached from Botanic Gardens, Cahill walk or the east end of Circular Quay.
7. Heide Museum of Modern Art
It is one of the most iconic museums globally due to its unique mixture of contemporary, heritage and historical art. With an entry fee of INR 1,400, you can witness stunning art pieces from around the country.
Top Things to do –
- Witness stunning art
- Walk around Heide’s vast area.
How to reach –
Take a train from Heidelberg and then bus number 903 to reach the destination. Apart from it, walk to Heide from Banksia Park via Pedestrian Park.
8. Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art
This is counted as one of Australia’s most unorthodox museums. It displays a lot of idiosyncratic arts, and if you enjoy unique and rare arts, this museum is a must-visit.
Top Things to do –
- Enjoy the rare art pieces of the Aboriginal tribes.
- Also, taste the fantastic cuisines from restaurants.
How to reach –
Take a ferry from Hobart or access it by road or plane to reach this museum.
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9. Sydney Opera House
Sydney opera house, coupled with scenic Harbour Bridge and beautiful Botanic Gardens, is often regarded as the top tourist destination of Australia. It is also considered an architectural masterpiece of the 20th century, and in 2007, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Things to do –
- Take a tour of the opera house, and witness the architectural excellence.
- Devote in the palatable cuisine of the fine restaurants.
How to reach –
It can be reached from Saifi Hospital, which is about 4 minutes walk distance.
10. Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest barrier reef system and is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. According to science.org.au, it houses around 150 soft coral species, 1,625 fish species, 130 species of sharks and rays, and 30 marine mammals.
Top Things to do –
- Dive in the turquoise water to witness the mesmerising complexity of the ecosystem.
- Visit the underwater viewing stations with glass bottom boats.
How to reach –
Take a flight from Melbourne, Sydney, or Queensland to reach the Great Barrier Reef.
11. Carlton Gardens
The Carlton Gardens is listed among the World Heritage Sites, and it is among the oldest existing tourist destinations.
Top Things to do –
- Enjoy the flower beds, fountains and lakes.
- Walk between the collections of Moreton Bay fig trees.
How to reach –
The distance can be walked from Melbourne and is also well connected by public transport.
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12. Sea World Marine Park
This is the largest marine park in Australia and provides entertainment for adults and kids. You have to pay $90 to enter, and it is open daily between 9:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M.
Top Things to do –
- Watch a performance by dolphins, sea lions and water ski-ballet.
- Ride the roller coaster
- Also, ride to the monorail to get a bird’s eye view.
How to reach –
This place is well connected by road, and you can opt for private or public transport to get there.
13. Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is famous for its lush landscapes and spectacular vineyards. In addition, it is renowned for its ballooning experience, and hence it attracts tourists from around the globe.
Top Things to do –
- Take a balloon ride to witness the spectacular landscapes and vineyards.
- 14. SkyDiving In Melbourne
This is the thing for adventurous souls. When you fall from the sky, you can look at stunning landscapes right below your feet.
Top Things to do –
- Skydive over the Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley
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15. Mt. Kosciuszko
Australia is known for its snow adventure sports at Mt. Kosciuszko. But, this is primarily restricted to winter seasons only due to the availability of snow.
Top Things to do –
- Skiing
- Snow-boarding
- Snow-shoeing
- Snow-tubing
- Explore the caves of Yarrangobilly
How to reach –
To reach here, you need to fly Cooma and take a drive to the snowy mountains.
Things to keep in mind while planning your Australia trip
- Apply for the Tourist Visa in Time
You cannot start your Australia trip without having an approved visa in hand. To ensure you have it approved by the concerned authorities, apply for it at least two months in advance of your scheduled travel date. If you share all the required documents and have a clean travel history, the chances are high that your visa will get approved within a few days.
You should wait for at least 3-4 working days, or more, as mentioned on the visa application site, before following up with the authorities for the final status. You can apply for the Australia visa for Indians online and get it delivered via email on approval.
- Get Your International Travel Insurance
For international travellers, most countries have now mandated travel insurance. However, Australia has yet to do so, but experts strongly advise doing so. Travel insurance gives a lot of benefits and secures your unnecessary monetary flow during inconveniences. Getting international travel insurance from a reliable insurer gives travellers peace of mind as it covers the insured against financial losses due to loss of passport, change in travel date, unpredictable flight delays, baggage theft, missed flights, etc
- Stay Aware Of All The Health Advisories In Place
Most countries, including Australia, are changing health advisories and requirements for international travellers. Hence, before travelling, it is important to check the official websites and news channels to stay updated about the country’s current situation and alterations in regulations.
Apart from it, make sure to stay updated regarding the acceptability of vaccines. Also, as most countries don’t recognize every COVID – 19 vaccine, make sure that the Australian authorities recognize your vaccine. But, if you are not vaccinated yet, make sure to get the dose as soon as possible.
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Before travelling to these exotic locations like Australia, make sure to make an itinerary and include places to visit. Also, before travelling, apply for the Australian visa for Indians and check the prerequisites such as documents, travel insurance, funds and health advisories.
