“Down Under” – 5 Places You Must Visit in Australia

January 3, 2022 Destinations

As the world emerges from a costly pandemic and countries begin to open their borders again, traveling has taken back its rightful place as the hottest commodity during the holiday season. With all the options you have to consider, we are here today to put a bug in your ear from the Land Down Under! Whether you need a relaxing beach scene, a national park to traverse, an inherent “foodie” itch to scratch, or a simple candid in front of the Sydney Opera House just to say you’ve been there, we believe that Australia has something for everyone. With hopes that all cities and tourist attractions will be open and operating at 100% capacity soon, we wanted to give you the inside scoop on just a few places that could anchor your trip to the great country of Australia!

Sydney Opera House

Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Now, it’s only fitting we start with the elephant in the room…the Sydney Opera House. Widely known and highly favored, the multipurpose performing arts center is the most recognizable landmark in Sydney and has a rich history of hosting some of the most talented artists and musicians from all around the world. Construction of the opera house began in 1953, based entirely on the design of Danish architect Jorn Utzon, and was finally completed after much structural adversity in September of 1973. While today the opera house has a full-service restaurant and outdoor amphitheater on its campus, this magnificent landmark on Bennelong Point is still welcoming and captivating all who pass through Sydney Harbor. Whether you’re in the market for an orchestral experience, a thrilling theatrical play, or just a quick bite to eat, the Sydney Opera House could entertain you for a whole evening!

Perth

Blue boat shed at Crawley in Perth, Australia

The next destination to consider takes us away from the eastern coast, but only for a moment, as we set out to see what the vibrant city of Perth has to offer on the western horizon of Australia. With more sunny days than any other Australian capital city, Perth has the perfect climate to host all of your vacation activities. If you enjoy scouring the great outdoors, Perth is home to Rottnest Island, an idyllic island full of lush vegetation and can be reached by a quick ferry ride off the mainland. As a protected nature reserve, Rotto, as the locals call it, is highly underdeveloped and has been able to maintain many of its natural habitats. It is a little known fact on the island that you must get a selfie with a Quokka, the island’s friendly, furry mascot with a reputation for being in close quarters with all who visit the reserve. The island also boasts an impressive 63 beaches and transportation for whale watching if the ocean waters are more enticing. Back on the mainland of Perth, you can indulge in a day at the wineries located in Swan Valley. Luxury wines and viticulture are on full display here and complement the rush of tourist entertainment. 

Great Ocean Road

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The 12 Apostles, Australia

On the road again, it’s so nice to be on the Great Ocean Road again! 

Back to the east coast we go, and this time we’re calling all our foodies! The charming coastal villages along the Great Ocean Road have more than just a beachy view; they are teeming with superb spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks and will always keep you coming back for more. Bomboras Cafe Bar and The Swing Bridge Boathouse are just two notable eateries of many along the Great Ocean Road; the granola & berry compote yogurt bowl from Bomboras and the “Wakey Wakey Roll” from Swing Bridge are must-haves from both! If you stay on the GOR long enough, you will run right into The 12 Apostles. These limestone pillars that sit just offshore have been carved out from the mainland cliffs by waves and winds over hundreds of years. There are currently only eight “Apostles,” but separation from the cliffs is inevitable, and many locals watch expectantly for the next pillar to form. 

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru, Australia

If you want to take in a great expanse in a desert climate, we suggest the breathtaking Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the northern ridge of Australia. Just eighteen miles apart, Uluru and Kata Tjuta are sandstone monoliths that stand over 1100 feet high and take center stage amidst the arid Red Centre Lands. 

Whether by car or by plane, reaching the national park is no problem at all. Flying or driving directly into Yulara, the township right outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta, will lead you right up to these great sandstone structures and all the activities surrounding them. There are many different ways you can tour the national park. There are segway tours to cover the base of both monoliths, Camel tours to scale the surrounding terrain and nightly tours that take you up the side of Uluru to have an elevated view of the Field of Lights- a solar-powered webbing of colorful lights that is sure to amaze you. If you are looking for more of a romantic getaway within this lovely landscape, Longitude 131 will happily host you in one of their luxury tents and accommodations at the desert’s edge. 

Daintree Rainforest

Perhaps the desert terrain bores you, or you want to keep puddle jumping through your Australian adventure. In that case, we suggest rounding out your trip in the northeast corner of Australia in the much cooler climate of the Daintree Rainforest. As the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, Daintree captivates its visitors with its lush vegetation and rich history of creatures and cultures alike. You can go on an adventure down the Daintree River to spy on some of the planet’s biggest saltwater crocodiles or go for a relaxing raft float down the river’s calming, serene shores (well out of the way of crocodile territory, of course). If you would rather take your experience, indoors there are many options to enjoy the wildlife from within. There’s the Daintree Ecolodge that offers spa experiences inspired by the forest surrounding it, as well as the Silky Oaks Lodge that tucks you away in a treehouse and gives you lodging wholly immersed in the nature around you. Whether you like the rush of adventure, the stillness of relaxation, or the mindless wandering on a hike through the terrain, the Daintree Rainforest just might check all of your boxes!

The Matagarup Bridge over the Swan River in Australia at night
The Matagarup Bridge over the Swan River in Australia

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