Australia Travel Tips
Australia is a huge country that offers something for everyone, beaches, cities, deserts and everything in between. To get the most out of the vast continent/country would take years, and even then you’d be missing something. For the casual traveler though, there are some key destinations to visit that create memories to last a lifetime. Here are some of my travel tips for exploring Australia. Just as a side note, I realize that this is in no a comprehensive guide. It merely reflects my experiences in Australia. As I travel to more areas in the land down under, more topics will be included.
Australia City and Region Guides
Top Activities in Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – There’s nothing quite like this adventure, climbing to the top of one of the most iconic bridges in the world. Not for the faint of heart, but not an experience to be missed either.
Sydney Opera House – This strange, white modern building is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world and no visit to Sydney would be complete without a tour.
Driving Through the Red Centre – At the heart of the Australian continent is the Red Centre, home to camels, kangaroos and some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Take a few days to rent a 4WD and see the best the Northern Territory has to offer.
Alice Springs Desert Park – For a look at the strange wildlife that call the Outback home, a stop at this world class wildlife center is a must. If time allows, take the nocturnal tour to observe animals you’d never be able to see on your own.
Ghan Train Museum – The Ghan train is one of the most famous train journeys in the world. This small museum in Alice Springs details the history of this improbable train.
Kings Canyon Rim Hike – One of the most popular spots in the Northern Territory, a dawn hike around the rim of this great canyon isn’t easy, but the views are worth the extra effort.
Sounds of Silence Dinner – One of the most popular activities for visitors to Uluru is this amazing dinner under a vast canopy of stars.
Uluru and the Anangu Tours – Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. A great way to learn more about the importance of this ancient site is through the traditional caretakers of the area.
Hidden Secrets Tour – Melbourne is recognized as one of the best cities in the world, and this quirky tour will show you why. Not your average sightseeing march, the Hidden Secrets Tours show you the real wonders of Melbourne.
Healesville Sanctuary – Located near Melbourne, this wildlife sanctuary manages to combine active guest participation with the preservation of Australian species, including a highly respected rescue facility and hospital. Best experience is to participate in the daily kangaroo feedings.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade – This strange, nightly ritual has been a favorite tourist destination for decades, and with good reason. Just an hour from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a quick escape and the parade is one of the most interesting wildlife experiences in the world.
Additional Australia Resources
Hidden Treasure – Cape Leveque, Western Australia
The Unknown Art Oasis in the Outback of New South Wales
Driving in Australia – Signs of Impending Doom
Interactive Travel Planner – Path to Australia
7 Lessons I Learned About Driving in Australia After My Accident in the Outback
Quirky Australia – The Great Ned Kelly Debate
Five Ways Australia Surprised Me
Boat Tourism – Seeing the Other Side of a City
Desert Oasis – Kings Canyon Resort Experience
Travel Mystery – Why Australia Will Never Have Burger King
Finding the Best Hotel For Your Visit to Uluru
42 Things I Love About Australia’s Northern Territory
Hairy Coos, Baby Animals and Amazing Views on Churchill Island
Australia iPhone Apps
Alice Springs Genius Map – Offline map offers street level detailed map with streets and landmarks. Cost $0.99
Alice Springs Airport – Fast and convenient access to the latest arrival and departure times. Cost Free
Museum of Central Australia – Audio guide to compliment the experience of visiting the museum. Cost $1.99
Australian Road Trips – Discover the best of Australia with 25 classic Aussie road trips, including the Red Centre. Cost – $3.99
DIY Tourguide: West MacDonnell Ranges Self-Drive Audio Travel Guide – This app is GPS triggered and is designed for the independent, self-drive traveler. It’s an audio tour that activates as you drive through the Northern Territory. Cost – $16.99
OutbackNT – Provides you with everything that’s great about the Northern Territory in one place, identifying great culture, points of interest, attractions and events. Cost – Free
The West Macs – Listen and watch stories of scenic beauty and history from this ancient landscape and culture. Cost – Free
Australia: Where to Go – Gives the insider low-down on how to explore Australia like a local. Cost – $4.99
Melbourne Essential Guide – This app gets under the skin of the ‘Paris of the Southern Hemisphere’ by exploring its hidden bars and finding its coolest sites. Cost – $2.99
Time Out Melbourne – The app features over 4,000 events and things to do, updated every hour. Cost – Free
Melbourne Getaways – Vibrant guide containing over 220 reviews of accommodations, attractions, dining and shopping within a few hours’ journey of Melbourne. Cost – $3.99
Phillip Island Nature Parks – This app helps you plan and enhance your visit to this must see wildlife attraction in Victoria, Australia. Cost – Free
Sydney Travel Guide Essentials – This app includes essential sites and sights plus secret spots and the author’s favorite local haunts. Cost – $2.99
Time Out Sydney – The app features over 4,000 events and things to do, updated every hour. Cost – Free
Sydney Harbourside Walks – If you’re into sightseeing, this app shows how to see the best the city has to offer from a unique point of view. Cost – $2.99
