The Best Places to Visit in Australia

If you're planning a holiday in Australia, there are dozens of things to experience. The uniqueness of this country provides an opportunity to explore a wide variety of terrains and enjoy tons of new and beautiful things. As you plan, keep these eleven things in mind. While they're all amazing, you should, of course, pick and choose the things that are most interesting to you. But don't be afraid to try something new!

Ayers Rock

Located in the heart of Australia, Ayers rock rises 348 meters above ground, making it one of the world’s largest monoloths (single, massive rock). This rock is made of sandstone which can look red, blue, violet or orange at different times of day. The Aboriginal people, the Anangu, called it "Uluru", which is its official name. In the same national park, you can also visit the Valley of the Winds and Kata Tjutu, or "Many Heads", a collection of monoliths shaped like heads.

Sydney Opera House

Construction for the Sydney Opera House began in the 1940's and it was completed in 1973. Located in Sydney, its architectural style is of modern expressionist design. Today, the opera house hosts a number of concerts and events, including some plays, operas, talks, some free shows and some family-friendly productions.

Sydney Harbour

While in Sydney, stop by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and walk across it. You can also take one of the inexpensive cruises around the city. It's an excellent way to see anything you might have missed and to enjoy the beautiful city scenes. It can also be a romantic way to spend an evening.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is incredibly beautiful and the largest reef in the world. Located off the coast of Queensland, it includes more than 900 islands and stretches across 2,600 kilometers. It is home to a wide range of sea life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles and various other fish. You can explore the depths by scuba diving, snorkeling or swimming. Don’t forget to enjoy some delicious sea food straight from the reefs.

Daintree Rainforest

Daintree Rainforest is located along the coast of Queensland, near Cairns. The rainforest is home to a large portion of the frog, reptile and marsupial population, the majority of the bat and butterfly population and it contains more than 430 species of birds. You can hike through it by following the marked trails or by taking a group tour. While there, you can try some exotic fruits, such as Lemon Meringue Pie fruit and Chocolate Pudding Fruit. Daintree Rainforest end at Cape Tribulation, where it merges with the Great Barrier Reef.

Rainforest Station

Also near Cairns, in the village of Kuranda, you can find Rainforest Station. You can reach this by taking a scenic train from Cairns, by driving or by taking the Skyrail cable cars. While there, you can visit the Barron Gorge and Barron River Falls. You can also ride an army duck through the rainforest, enjoy a tropical lunch and spend the day petting a number of Australian animals, including kangaroos and koalas. You can even have a picture taken with a koala!

Melbourne

While in Melbourne, take special note of the city's street art. What started as graffiti has turned into a major modern art business, with art galleries displaying the different stenciled art.

Melbourne is also known for shopping. Here, everyone from budget shoppers to lux shoppers can find something to satisfy them. Designer clothing, fruits and vegetables can all be purchased from the various street markets. And, amidst these, you will find delightful parks and gardens to wile away some time.

The Great Ocean Road

Built by soldiers, the Great Ocean Road is a 151-mile coastal road that stretches between Torquay and Allansford. It is a war memorial dedicated to the casualties of World War I, the largest war memorial in existence, and an important tourist attraction. The drive provides beautiful scenery and winding coastal roads along cliff tops. There are also some truly gorgeous and interesting attractions, including the “Twelve Apostles", island archways, blowholes, grottoes and secluded bays.

Kangaroo Island

Located off of Australia's southern coast, Kangaroo Island (or "KI”) provides a glimpse at a delightful wilderness, where kangaroos abound, koalas doze and sea lions sunbathe and play. The human population on the island is about 4,400 and some of Australia's finest gourmet food comes from KI's fertile soil. Whenever you visit, something fantastic is going on in the wildlife, whether it's watching newborn animals, baby joeys leaving a pouch or another of nature’s majesties.

Fraser Island

The biggest sand island in the world, this island is the only location in the world where sand and rainforest are found together. It has beautiful, white sandy beaches with patches of rainforest, where dozens of rare and endangered plants and animals, including dugongs, curlews and mangrove colonies make their homes. The island is also home to more than 200 different species of bird and is a protected World Heritage site. You can explore the beauties of the rainforest on your own or with a tour guide.

Kakada National Park

Kakada National Park is Australia's largest national park and is approximately the size of Israel. Whether you're looking for a great adventure or want to participate in some of the Aboriginal cultural practices, the park has something for you. Kakada contains the highest amount of Aboriginal rock art in the world. It also contains more than 10,000 insect species, 290 bird species, 120 reptile species, 26 frog species, 68 mammal species and 2,000 different types of plants.

While visiting, you might see some of its beautiful landmarks, such as the Twin Falls of Arnhem Lane, Gunlow Plunge Pool or Yellow Water. Beautiful cliffs, floodplains and crystal pools abound. While there, you can hike, fish and watch Aboriginal life.

Wherever you choose to go in Australia, you're sure to experience adventure and beauty. Whether you want to see the Outback, a rainforest or a little bit of everything, it's waiting for you.