Top Things to Do in Australia | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Australia mixes wild nature, lively towns, and rare animals, attracting millions of travelers each year. Its landscapes aren’t just scenic—they are central to Australia’s identity. Historian Geoffrey Blainey explains:

“Distance, like climate and mineral resources, has helped shape Australia’s history, and will continue to shape its future.” — Geoffrey Blainey, The Tyranny of Distance: How Distance Shaped Australia’s History (1966)

Australia mixes wild nature, lively towns, plus rare animals - pulling more than 10 million travelers every year. Skip the ordinary: dive into glowing coral at the Great Barrier Reef or stand hushed by Uluru’s rust-red earth. This guide spills real details on twelve must-hit spots down under, going deeper than rival lists. Get smart plans for exploring, stories shaped by First Nations knowledge, hands-on drives through open spaces, even how to stay online with local eSIM tricks while crossing wide-outback stretches

Tourism Australia points to coral reefs, seaside spots and wild inland sites as top picks. Besides Sydney’s ocean-side trails, think road trips along the Great Ocean Road instead. You’ll find chances to meet kangaroos, while snapping photos of quokkas happens often on Rottnest Island. Hiking through Daintree? That’s a go-to move. Toss in local eSIM options that fit smooth into your trip plan - helps online searches work better. This guide breaks down mini-plans, crowd numbers by season, weather tips, plus how to buy an eSIM when you need one. Landmarks across Australia stand out, whether it’s climbing peaks or diving deep. Action lovers get their fix with outdoor thrills. Nature seekers enjoy animal sightings and forest escapes. Travel routes are laid out clear, no fluff. All the real stuff about exploring Australia is right here - no hype, just what matters

Why Australia Dominates Travel Searches

Australia’s huge - nearly 7.7 million sq km - so getting around needs solid prep. Most travelers, about 80%, come for wild landscapes, animals, or thrilling activities, stats show. This guide goes further: 12 full picks, each with handy advice, access details, and how to use an eSIM while moving through areas. You’ll find eight UNESCO spots featured here - from city icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, all the way to ancient rainforest zones down south. It mixes polished metro life with raw outback vibes, giving a true feel of what drives Australia’s character.

Aboriginal culture stretches 65,000 years back, adding depth to trips - whether you're hearing Anangu tales at Uluru or seeing ancient paintings in Kakadu, kept safe by local authorities. Instead of physical SIMs, grab an eSIM from SimCorner that works across Australia, giving solid 5G even off-grid, so you can use Google Maps, send animal pics in real time, or book last-minute excursions without chasing internet. For best conditions, aim for May through October when the weather’s dry; perfect for snorkeling on reefs, hiking remote tracks, or road-tripping coasts - skip humid summers with fire dangers and fewer people around, plus catch colorful blossoms lighting up Western Australia

Visitors usually pair coastal cities - think Sydney or Cairns - with road trips, hopping on domestic flights through Qantas or Virgin to save time. Aim to spend around 150 to 300 AUD each day covering food, things to do, plus gas; deals such as Sydney’s Explorer Bus pass (priced at $80) help stretch your dollar. Kids love no-cost spots like public beaches and nature reserves, whereas adventure fans lean into sky-high experiences - like plane tours or shark diving in cages. With this mix, the guide stands out when it comes to picking top Australian highlights

1. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

The planet’s biggest coral network stretches 2,300km near Queensland - you can even spot it from orbit. It shelters about 1,500 kinds of fish along with roughly 400 coral varieties. This natural wonder powers a tourism industry worth around $6 billion each year. Trips run daily out of Cairns, Port Douglas, or Airlie Beach. Most last between eight and ten hours, costing 200 to 350 AUD. Snorkeling kits are top-notch, meals are warm, and experts in sea life lead the way. Some boats offer half-submerged viewing windows. Key spots such as Agincourt Reef or Lady Elliot Island show off manta rays, turtles, and bright little clownfish. Water clarity is sharp, sometimes letting you see up to 40 meters deep

Since getting UNESCO status in '81, the reef's been hit by climate issues - yet outfits such as Quicksilver push sunscreens that won't harm coral along with strict hands-off rules. Pair your trip with a sky-high rainforest glide via Kuranda Skyrail (that’s $70 Aussie bucks), or swing by Daintree Village for a solid day out. If you're bringing little ones, quieter inner zones work best - or try PADI’s Bubblemaker splash-about; ramps and adapted vessels help those who need easier access. Keep everyone looped in by posting GoPro clips fast using an Australia eSIM - you’ll have signal even way out on distant decks

Stay overnight on boats if you want night dives where glowing plankton light up - perfect for a unique vibe. Or pick glass-bottom rides when you’re not into swimming. The best time runs from June to November, right when dwarf minke whales show up; grab spots early, like 3 to 6 months before, straight through legit websites. Quick heads-up: drink plenty of water and wear rash vests to dodge stingers between November and May

2. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

This 1932 Art Deco metal curve - called "The Coathanger" - rises 134 meters over the water, where folks can join BridgeClimb adventures showing full-circle views of the Opera House, bridge towers, plus a sparkling city layout, no matter your stamina (around $300–400 AUD, lasts 3.5 hrs with prep and snaps). Whether early light, midday, dusk, or dark, each time paints its own mood; more than five million people have made it to the top since '98

Engineered by Dorman Long - the rivets still on display - it stands as a raw reminder of heavy industry; try teaming it up with the low-cost Pylon Lookout (20 bucks, 200 stairs) for that same rush. Right next door, Jørn Utzon’s Sydney Opera House turns this stretch into the globe’s most snapped harbor combo. Grab an Australian eSIM so your top-of-the-structure pics and clips upload fast, no lag

Safety gear plus breathalyzer checks make it easy to take part - children eight and older can tag along on family climbs. After reaching the top, celebrate with a bubbly drink at the peak’s little bar. Ideal time? Dry months in winter when skies are open and sightlines stretch far across Australia.

3. Tour Sydney Opera House

Jørn Utzon’s sail-shaped gem from 1973 became a UNESCO site in 2007 - now drawing around ten million people every year. Visitors explore on their own or with a guide during half-hour walks priced between $43 and $80 AUD. These tours reveal five performance areas, like the big Concert Hall seating nearly 2,700 folks. Also check out the Utzon Room showcasing Aboriginal artwork. See top-tier opera shows, live orchestras, or traditional dance acts by booking through the official ticket desk

"The Sydney Opera House stands by itself as one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity," per UNESCO's citation, reflecting 14 years of construction drama. Shahzeb Shaikh, SimCorner founder, notes: "Grasping cultural icons like the Opera House through eSIM-shared stories and live streams deepens global travel bonds and cultural appreciation." Dine at harborside Bennelong or Opera Bar for post-tour feasts.

Behind-the-scenes visits cost $225 AUD - they show where artists relax between acts. Audio commentary comes in ten tongues, helping global guests follow along. Ramps allow wheelchair users to move freely through areas. Sign language support is also offered. Night performances draw biggest crowds when festivals heat up in summer months

4. Drive the Great Ocean Road

This iconic stretch along Victoria’s coast - 243 kilometers long, crafted between 1919 and 1932 by veterans - winds beside famous rock formations like the Twelve Apostles, then slips by Loch Ard Gorge where old shipwrecks linger, passes London Arch, also moves through gum trees buzzing with koalas. Drive it yourself from Melbourne over one to three days, costing around $100–$200 in fuel plus camping fees; otherwise tag along on compact guided trips at roughly $150 per day, or hop into a chopper ride priced between $150 and $300 for sweeping sky views.triplanner+1

Apollo Bay or Port Campbell’s your spot for whale watching - southern rights show up May to October. Head to Lorne, hit Teddy’s Lookout, catch the Twelve Apostles glowing at dusk. This kind of road trip? Hard to beat it. Try camping at Johanna Beach when you want skies full of stars. Need maps or reservations out back? Grab a local SIM or eSIM - they work even where signal barely crawls

Take a break at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures - costs 25 bucks - to stroll above the forest floor. Stick to the left side while driving if you want better sightlines; more folks are grabbing e-bikes or electric cars these days, going green. Try visiting during shoulder times - it’s quieter, way less packed

5. Walk Uluru-Kata Tjuta Base Trail

The spiritual 348-meter rock of Anangu glows deep red during sunrise or sunset, surrounded by a walking trail that loops its 10.6-kilometer base - costing $38 AUD for three days - and uncovers hidden pools, old earth layers, while sharing symbols tied to Mala tales. Inside, the local hub explains Tjukurpa customs using artwork shows along with guides chatting about traditions

Climbing stopped after October 2019 to respect Anangu traditions - try the Mutitjulu waterhole sunrise walk instead, costs $50 AUD. When night falls, spot the Southern Cross in clear skies while exploring glowing art displays; around 50,000 stems shine during limited seasons, entry is $42 AUD. Grab an eSIM in Australia to load maps ahead of time so you can wander trails solo without signal issues

Kata Tjuta’s 36 rounded peaks go well with Valley of the Winds walks - about 7.4km, fairly steady pace. Stick to rules where photos aren’t allowed; food spots dish out local bush flavors instead. Travel during dry months if you can

6. Spot Wildlife on Kangaroo Island

South Australia’s wildlife haven - spanning 4,400 sq km with a third covered by protected reserves - offers up-close encounters like walking near sea lions at Seal Bay (tour costs $40 AUD). You can spot kangaroos roaming free in Flinders Chase plus snap photos beside oddly shaped boulders known as the Remarkable Rocks. For thrill seekers, Little Sahara delivers fast slides down golden dunes on a board. Overnight trips, priced between $500–$800 AUD, often feature cooling dips at Vivonne Bay along with evening strolls to watch tiny penguins waddle ashore at Penneshaw

Bushfires left scars after 2020, yet some plants bounced back fast - try tossing fish to pelicans in Kingscote. Seeing a platypus near Kelly Hill Capes feels like luck, but it’s one of Oz’s best wild moments. Snap cute animal pics then send them quick using solid eSIM deals from zensim

Ferry or hop on a plane from Adelaide; go with a 4WD if you're tackling rough tracks. Places such as Southern Ocean Lodge make your stay way better. Visit in spring to spot newborn wildlife

7. Sail Whitsunday Islands

The 74 islands of the Whitsundays showcase Whitehaven Beach - its sand’s nearly pure silica, glowing bright. Over at Hill Inlet, water swirls in wild turquoise patterns. You can hop on a full-day catamaran ride starting from Airlie Beach, costing around $250 to $350 AUD. These rides mix snorkeling fun, kayak spins, and grilled meals docked at Tongue Point. Want more? Snap heart-shaped views of Heart Reef high above, best seen by seaplane - for about $200 extra

UNESCO’s ocean park safeguards sea turtles along with manta rays. Barefoot Cruises limits spots to 40 folks - keeps vibes cozy. Offbeat Aussie experiences mean booking boats for overnight stays. With eSIM access, hopping between islands feels smooth

Try it alongside Cupecoy stand-up paddling. During May to October, wind slows down. Kids enjoy quiet coves just as much

8. Cage Dive Ningaloo Reef Sharks

Western Australia’s 260-kilometre coastal reef - equal to the Great Barrier Reef on UNESCO’s list - lets you swim with whale sharks at certain times (March through July; trips cost $400–600 AUD out of Exmouth), while tiger and hammerhead shark cage diving happens any time of year. Humpbacks pass close by between July and October

Snorkeling near 12-meter giants? King's Ningaloo Reef keeps it safe - no chum allowed. Watch Turkey Nest Hill glow during sunset hikes through Cape Range National Park. For high-energy escapes, these spots rank among the most thrilling in Australia.

Coral Bay’s got manta rays that come with their young ones. You can fly there from Perth; or drive a 4WD to explore deep gorges. Spots fill up quick when whales are around

9. Hike Blue Mountains National Parks

Sydney’s backyard - about an hour and a half west - has the tale of the Three Sisters at Echo Point; Wentworth Falls drops sharply, 187 meters down; meanwhile, Scenic World offers a well-known mix of cableway, railway, skyway - all bundled around $50–$100 AUD. The Giant Stairway leads into Jamison Valley, opening up deep nature walks

Aboriginal Darug leaders tell ancient tales while Jenolan’s caves bring stunning rock forms into view - for about 40 bucks Aussie. A full-day mountain trip costs around $150, featuring close-ups with koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Instead of a regular SIM, grab an eSIM to keep your phone working on hikes or when snapping pics

Getting around is easy with ramps for wheelchairs; glowing worm caves get children excited. Trees show their brightest colors from April to May in Australia.

10. Stay Connected Across Aussie Adventures

From the deep waters of the Barrier Reef to sunrise over Uluru, big rigs rolling through desert highways to fireworks lighting up Sydney skies - SimCorner’s eSIM or physical SIM gets you running on 5G/4G right after landing, covering 98% of areas, whether near coastal towns or outback trails in the Northern Territory, no sky-high roaming bills. Pick a plan that fits - 1GB to 30GB - works for lone travelers, whole families, or remote workers; scan a QR code and you’re online fast, refill straight from your phone. Need maps while driving the twisty Great Ocean Road? Want to send quokka pics live from Rottnest Island? Or keep group chats updated during cross-country trips using WhatsApp? No stress. Hitting Australia’s top spots without dead zones is doable now. Snag an eSIM or SIM before you go, jump into adventures like hopping with kangaroos, diving colorful reefs, climbing above harbors, then say G’day instead of Aloha and beam those wild moments home instantly

FAQs: Top 10 Things in Australia

What’s worth checking out in Australia if you’ve never been before?

Start by checking out the Great Barrier Reef with some snorkeling, then head to Sydney for a look inside the Opera House. After that, walk around the bottom of Uluru - it’s a must-see spot down under. Instead of just driving anywhere, hit up the Great Ocean Road for wild coastal views. While you’re at it, swing by Kangaroo Island and see how many roos you can find in the wild. To keep things smooth while moving between spots, use an eSIM so your phone works without hassle no matter where you go. Most travelers say this combo packs plenty into one run

What’s the ideal moment to try activities in Australia?

Dry months from May to October are best for reef dives, trekking Uluru, walking Sydney’s coast, or sailing the Whitsundays - skip cyclone risks. Wildflowers pop up across Western Australia when spring hits; city events heat up in summer. An Aussie eSIM keeps your phone fed with real-time weather and traffic alerts. Sources like Lonely Planet agree.

What’s the best way to plan must-see spots in Australia by day count?

10 to 14 days exploring Sydney’s top spots, the reef, then Uluru - throw in a Great Ocean Road drive. Flights inside Australia link everything smoothly and fast. Tweak your plan with side trips to Blue Mountains if you feel like it. An eSIM means maps and plans stay live no matter where you roam. Rated high by travelers everywhere

What fun stuff can families enjoy in Australia?

Kangaroo Island wildlife tours keep everyone excited, while Whitsunday beaches bring sunny fun. Instead of swimming, try a reef boat with clear floors - great for those who stay dry. In the Blue Mountains, hop on a cable car for big views. Walking from Bondi to Coogee? A relaxed way to see coastal cliffs. With an Australia eSIM, snap pics and share them fast. aus+1

Wondering if eSIM works well for driving trips across Australia?

For sure, SimCorner’s eSIM works fast on Aussie roads - think Melbourne all the way to Cairns - with solid 5G that keeps your maps running, music playing, even when you need help quick; better than sketchy motel internet. Getting it going is a snap, no card swapping or waiting around, perfect if you just decide to hit the road.