First, let me give you the BIG picture…
For scale, if you visited one beach a day here, you’d need about… 27 years to see them all. That’s just how big and downright unbelievable Australia is. It’s home to the only living thing visible from space (Great Barrier Reefs send regards), and the biggest monolith on Earth!
It’s got the world’s oldest rainforest, the whitest beach, and the longest continuing civilization anywhere. Oh, and 80% of the wildlife? You won’t find them anywhere else on the planet. But it’s not just about record-breaking nature.
Australia is consistently ranked among the best places in the world to live and visit, and it’s easy to see why. So if you’re wondering where to start, look no further, because these cities make an excellent place to begin!
Spend a Few Days with the Icons of Sydney
For almost all travellers, Sydney is usually their first hello to Australia, and it’s not exactly shy about it. The harbour is its centrepiece, anchored by the instantly recognisable Opera House and the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Perhaps, taking a walk around the harbour foreshore is often the best way to understand the city, with ferries crossing the water, cafés spilling onto pavements, and beaches never too far away.
And while most people are happy admiring the Opera House from the outside, stepping in is where it gets interesting. Depending on the day, you might catch an opera, a theatre show, live music, or just wander through on a tour and see what goes on behind those famous sails
If you want to cover some of the major Sydney attractions without constantly checking maps or schedules, a flexible pass that includes experiences like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Sydney Tower Eye is worth considering.
For travellers willing to venture beyond the city, the nearby Blue Mountains offer one of the most stunning things to do in Sydney; riding the world’s steepest passenger railway through rainforest canopy and sandstone valleys.
The Question at Cairns: Reefs or Rainforests?
Cairns is often recognised as a gateway, but I think that undersells it slightly, because the place sits between two UNESCO-listed natural environments! This means most days here begin with a very difficult decision: reef or rainforest?
A trip to the Great Barrier Reef remains among the most unforgettable things to do in Australia, no matter what you choose to go there. Whether you snorkel above coral gardens or explore them by boat, the sheer scale of marine life makes it clear why this reef system remains one of the world’s most studied ecosystems.
Back on land, Cairns gives you access to the tropical highlands of Kuranda. One of the most scenic ways to reach it is via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, followed by a beautiful rail journey through waterfalls and dense jungle!
Want the full Aussie experience in one go? Check out this 13-day all-Inclusive Australia Coast to Outback Holiday!
It’s All Sunshine and Rainbows Along the Gold Coast
When you’re finally here, start at the shoreline of the Gold Coast and head straight to Surfers Paradise. Find a patch of sand, watch surfers do their thing, maybe even try a lesson if you’re feeling brave. Wander the beachfront, grab something cold, and let the ocean decide how long you stay.
When you’re ready to swap waves for something a little different, spend a full day at Warner Bros. Movie World. Go all in on the roller coasters, and stay back for the stunt shows. But if marine life feels more your speed, try Sea World, where you can mix rides with dolphin encounters and other wholesome animal experiences.
Then do something most people forget to do, leave the beach behind…
Drive inland toward Springbrook National Park, chase waterfalls, stop at lookouts, and take a slow walk through rainforest trails that feel worlds away from the coastline.
And if you’re still not done with nature, try a longer walk through Lamington National Park!
If you're a first timer, explore this Australia Essentials Holiday that packs nine days of must-see highlights across Cairns, the Gold Coast, and Sydney!
Beyond Surf, Sand and Sun at the Gold Coast
Start by following the curve of the Brisbane, because the city is best experienced by sticking close to the Brisbane River. Walk along the riverfront, hop on a CityCat ferry for the views, or stop wherever the skyline and water make you want to stop for a bit.
Make your way to the South Bank, where it somehow always feels like the city is in the middle of celebrating something, even when there’s no official reason to. Stroll the promenades, browse galleries, maybe catch a street performance if you stumble upon one. If the weather’s playing nice, slow down by the lagoon or grab a riverside table and just watch Brisbane go about its day.
Don’t forget to set aside a few hours to visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Walk through at your own pace, spot kangaroos roaming freely, and see koalas up close in a space that truly focuses on conservation…
Curious about the creatures that make Australia so unique? Don’t miss our recent article on Animals in Australia where we bust a few myths on some of the continent's unique wildlife!
.webp)
Take it Easy in Perth…
Surprisingly, Perth sits closer to Southeast Asia than to Sydney, which explains its slightly different way of living!
Cottesloe Beach still remains a favourite sunset spot for many, while the vast Kings Park gives you stunning skyline views and botanical gardens that showcase Western Australia’s unique plant life. Nearby Fremantle provides weekend markets, maritime history, and a cuisine stretch built heavily around seafood. From Perth, you may also take a ferry to Rottnest Island, home to the famously photogenic quokka and some of the clearest coastal waters in the country!
If you’d like a holiday shaped around your pace and interests, connect with our travel specialists who can design an itinerary that brings together the experiences that matter most to you.
Food, Wine, and Wildlife? That’s Adelaide
Food first, obviously; who’s going to argue with that?
Want to eat, shop, and gossip all at once? Head to Adelaide Central Market for a start. Wander the aisles, nibble your way through cheeses, pastries, and fresh produce, and maybe even try something that’s totally not your thing!
Feeling fancy (or thirsty)? Make your way to Barossa Valley. Taste some of South Australia’s finest wines, stay over lunch, and perhaps talk about quitting that job.
If you’re itching for a wildlife fix, Kangaroo Island is among the most popular things to do in Adelaide. I mean, can you really resist spotting sea lions lounging by the shore, curious birds flitting about, and koalas snoozing in the treetops?
My Favourite Things To Do in Australia
• Take in Sydney’s landmarks with flexible access to leading attractions like SEA LIFE and the Sydney Tower Eye
• Ride the world’s steepest passenger railway through rainforest landscapes in the Blue Mountains
• Experience blockbuster rides at Movie World and marine encounters at Sea World on the Gold Coast
• Travel through tropical rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail cableway journeys
• Watch fairy penguins return ashore at dusk on Phillip Island
• Drive the legendary Great Ocean Road past the Twelve Apostles and Southern Ocean cliffs
If Australia has sparked your curiosity about exploring further, discover expertly curated international holidays with Cox & Kings!
