Daubed in ochre, bathed in light and ringed by impossibly blue water, Australia is a bucket list paradise, offering something for everyone. The inclusive destination blends ancient cultures, modern cities, multicultural influences and staggering natural beauty from coast to coast. Here are four mind-blowing experiences that can only be had Down Under.
Uluru Unveiled: Exploring the Sacred Heart of Australia's Outback
Nothing prepares you for viewing Uluru in person in the middle of the Australian outback. The geological marvel, which juts out of the sprawling desert in Central Australia, is taller than both the Eiffel Tower and the Chrysler Building. Depending on the time of day, its color flickers from rust to orange, red to violet. Visitors can circumnavigate its six-mile base, relax beside tranquil waterholes, and peer into hidden caves embellished with ceremonial paintings. Both Uluru and nearby Kata Tjuta are sacred sites for the traditional landowners, the Aṉangu. Join a guided tour to hear spiritual stories passed down for generations. For a ritzy stay, check into Longitude 131° whose tented pavilions offer unobstructed views of Uluru. It’s a must-see natural wonder that will rock your world.
Kangaroo Island Escapade: Immerse Yourself in Australia's Wildlife Wonderland
Known as a “zoo without fences,” Kangaroo Island offers wildlife encounters aplenty and is the perfect place to see creatures endemic to Australia. A 30-minute flight from Adelaide, or a two-hour stunning coastal drive with a short ferry ride, transports you to this spectacular sanctuary for seals, sea lions, echidnas, koalas, goannas, dolphins and, yes, kangaroos, among other fauna. The sprawling island, six times the size of Singapore, is also a draw for its appealing hiking trails, jaw-dropping beaches and gastronomic temptations — including a number of cellar doors and farm gates. Lodgings range from super-luxe beachside abodes to rustic lighthouse keeper’s cottages. It necessitates a multi-day visit. And you can tick off seeing so many of the country’s wildlife wonders in one place.
Diving into Paradise: Discovering the Great Barrier Reef's Aquatic Wonders
The Great Barrier Reef, a short flight from Brisbane or boat ride from Cairns, has rightfully earned its place as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Home to thriving marine life, it is fringed with coral reefs and secluded beaches, and the Whitsunday archipelago’s 74 jungle-clad islands are just one draw. Here, you can sail, swim, snorkel and dive at numerous sheltered anchorages. The Ribbon Reefs near Port Douglas have shoals of tropical fish, potato cods and dwarf minke whales in June and July. Cairns is another springboard to underwater nirvana, including Green Island, for its coral garden, and Michaelmas Cay, with its abundance of giant clams. Lady Elliot Island, on the southern tip of the reef, is known for manta rays. As the only living structure on Earth visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef is unmissable in more ways than one.
Scaling New Heights: Experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge Like Never Before
With its emerald water, lustrous beaches and pearlescent opera house, Sydney Harbour is a treasure. The most stirring way to experience it is from above — on the world’s tallest steel arch bridge that soars 440 feet high. Scaling the iconic, steel-arched, coat hanger-shaped Sydney Harbour Bridge is an outing you’re not likely to forget. Bridge Climb Sydney has multiple options and timings to choose from, including sunrise and sunset walks that reveal dramatic light shows. The venture is perfectly safe — climbers are fitted with harnesses — and suitable for those with a general level of fitness. At the summit, your guide will photograph you silhouetted against the famed harbor. Once you’ve descended to terra firma, head to the Opera Bar at the Opera House and revel in the satisfaction of having scaled one of the most-iconic structures in the world.
For more bucket list inspiration, check out our tips for unmissable outback experiences.
