30 Best Things To Do In Australia 2025 Guide
Welcome to the land of endless adventures, where every day brings a new wonder! Australia, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, offers unforgettable experiences that will make your heart skip a beat. Plan an Australia Tour to experience the best things to do in Australia like enjoying the sunrise at Byron Bay Lighthouse or trying snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef and many more!
From watching the spectacular Field of Light at Uluru, sipping wine in Barossa Valley, and taking magical hot air balloon rides over Canberra, this continent has something for everyone. Are you ready to create memories that will last a lifetime? Let’s dive into an adventure where you can sail Sydney Harbour, walk among ancient treetops, and even take selfies with the world’s happiest animal, the quokka!
1. Relax At Mataranka Hot Springs
Picture this! You’re enjoying sandy-bottomed pools that are surrounded by palm forests and nearby crystal-clear waterfalls. That’s Mataranka Pools in Australia for you! Visitors can unwind and also spot local wildlife here. In addition to the main thermal pools, the less-crowded Bitter Springs pools offer equally peaceful and scenic experiences. Needless to say, relaxing here is one of the most refreshing and famous things to do in Australia.
2. Sail On Sydney Harbour
Paddling on the Sydney Harbour is one of the top things to do in Australia. Watch the sunset behind the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge. The calm waters make for easy paddling and stunning photo opportunities to share on social media.
One of the must-do experiences in Australia includes exploring the world-famous Sydney Opera House and enjoying the best views from Sydney Harbour Bridge.
3. Enjoy Sunset Camel Ride On Cable Beach
Experience Cable Beach in Broome which has been consistently rated as one of the world’s best beaches and the top Australia tourist places. Take a sunset camel safari, watching the sky reflect stunning colours on the serene waters, one of the most exciting Australia things to do on your tour.
4. Visit St Mary’s Cathedral
One of the best activities in Australia is to explore St Mary’s Cathedral, the main catholic church in Sydney. It was built in the Gothic Revival style and opened in 1928. The cathedral is a popular tourist attraction due to its history and valuable treasures inside. One unique feature is that the cathedral is oriented north-south instead of the more common east-west direction.
5. Experience The Uluru’s Field Of Light
The “Field of Light” is a large-scale art installation created by British artist Bruce Munro. It has been illuminating the area around the iconic Uluru landmark in Australia’s Red Centre since 2016. The installation features over 50,000 individual solar-powered light spheres spread across the desert landscape.
Experiencing this magic is one of the top things to do in Australia. Visitors can enjoy it best during the dusk hours.
6. Imagine An Evening At Circular Quay
Circular Quay is a famous area in Sydney, Australia. It is home to major landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and more. You’re sure to enjoy the best activities in Australia at Circular Quay like dining in stylish restaurants, and cafes, and exploring other entertainment options along the waterfront.
7. How About Exploring The Great Ocean Road?
One of the best activities in Australia is driving on the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia is a scenic coastal drive that takes around 4 hours to complete from Torquay to Warrnambool. Along the way, you can see famous landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Arch. Don’t forget to stop at the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op for fresh seafood like grilled lobster with garlic butter and fries.
8. Wander Through The World’s Largest Lavender Farm
Looking for some of the most famous things to do in Australia? Head to the Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania known for its lavender fields that bloom from December to February. Visitors can wander through the purple flower fields, take in the sweet scent, and even try lavender-flavoured ice cream. The estate is located about a 50-minute drive from the city of Launceston. Did you know that the estate is the world’s largest private lavender farm?
9. Why Would You Miss On Tasting The Best Wines?
It is indeed one of the top things to do in Australia. The Barossa Valley in South Australia is renowned as a premier wine region, with over 150 wineries and 90 cellar doors to explore. It is particularly suited for producing rich, red wines that visitors can sample all day long. Some top wineries to visit include Penfolds, which is Australia’s most famous wine producer, as well as the secluded Seppeltfield, and the boutique Rockford Wines. With so many options, you could easily spend weeks or even months at Barossa Valley.
10. Experience The First Sunrise Of Australia
The Byron Bay Lighthouse is one of the best Australia tourist attractions. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunrise, as you can be one of the first people in the country to see the sun come up. From the lighthouse, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Byron Bay area. After watching the sunrise, you can take a swim at the nearby Watego’s Beach which is one of the best Australia things to do. If you visit during the right season, you may even spot whales or dolphins in the waters.
11. Challenge yourself And Walk On The Tree Top
In Western Australia, you can take a treetop walk that suspends you 40 metres above the ground in the forest canopy. As you ascend, you will be surrounded by the unique tingle trees, which only grow in this part of the world. And the part? If you’re uncomfortable with heights, there is also a ground-level Ancient Empire Walk that allows you to stroll through the centuries-old native eucalyptus trees instead.
Enjoying the tree-top walk while appreciating nature is one of the most famous things to do in Australia.
12. Experience Nightlife At Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a lively and one of the top Australia tourist attractions. It is located right on the waterfront and offers the best activities in Australia like visiting the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo.
In addition to these major attractions, Darling Harbour also has a vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. There are always events and exhibitions happening in the area making it a must-visit destination at night!
13. Hike Up Mount Koscizosko
Visit Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia, and take in the stunning views of the snowy Mountains. The best time to go is from December to March after the snow has melted.
One of the must-do experiences in Australia is hiking up Koscizosko. It is a 13km return trip from Thredbo or an 18.6km return trip from Charlotte’s Pass. Along the way, you will see beautiful wildflowers in the summer or icicles in the winter, depending on the season.
14. Explore QAGOMA’s World-Class Art
Exploring the Queensland Art Gallery is one of the top things to do in Australia. Located in Brisbane, it is home to an art collection of over 20,000 works, with a strong focus on Australian and Asian/Pacific art. The gallery offers free exhibitions as well as major shows. It also has a cinema, and an interactive kids’ area, and hosts many special events throughout the year. No matter when you visit, there is always something interesting happening at the art museum.
15. Get lost In Melbourne Lanes
Would you believe Melbourne’s lanes are the best Australia tourist attractions? The inner city of Melbourne is known for its vibrant lanes that are full of hidden gems. The lanes have many small bars, cosy cafes, excellent restaurants, and unique fashion shops.
With that said, some of the best Australia things to do include tasting a diverse array of food and drinks and enjoying unlimited shopping!
16. Enjoy Thrilling Rides At Luna Park
Enjoying the thrilling rides at Luna Park is one of the best activities in Australia. It is a famous and historic amusement park in Melbourne that attracts thrill-seekers and families alike with its wide variety of rides from roller coasters to motion simulators. It is one of Melbourne’s top parks that has been entertaining people for generations. So, get your adrenaline pumping!
17. Ride A Hot Air Balloon At Canberra
Riding a hot air balloon is one of the most famous things to do in Australia, that too in Canberra! The city is home to many excellent museums and art galleries, but it’s also known as a great place to go hot-air ballooning! Taking an early morning hot air balloon ride offers stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin and the surrounding natural landscapes.
18. Mind Sharing A Selfie With Quokka?
Rottnest Island of Western Australia is known for its famous quokkas. These friendly, smiling marsupials are a major attraction for visitors to the island, and interacting with them is one of the must-do experiences in Australia. Quokkas are very curious animals, so they are easy to spot during your time on Rottnest Island. While you can take photos of the quokkas, it’s important to remember that you are not allowed to touch or feed them.
19. Explore The Oldest National Park
The Royal National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Sydney. It covers a large area of 160 square kilometres and is known for its beautiful natural features.
The park has many hiking trails that allow you to explore the bushland, beaches, and rainforests. Visitors can access the park from multiple entry points, and there is also a scenic ferry service that operates between Cronulla and Bundeena.
To truly appreciate the beauty of the Royal National Park, hiking at least one trail available is one of the best activities in Australia. This allows you to take in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife that the park has to offer. Established in 1879, the Royal National Park is a protected natural area that provides a wonderful outdoor getaway!
20. Visit The Great Barrier Reef For Snorkelling
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most incredible Australia tourist places. Whether you’re an experienced scuba diver, a beginner snorkeller, or prefer to stay dry, there are many ways to see this amazing coral reef system. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and 1,050 islands. Visiting it offers the chance to swim alongside all kinds of marine life, like turtles, squids, and brightly coloured fish. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef in person is a truly magical and peaceful experience. It’s something that everyone should try to do at least once during a visit to Australia. So if you have the chance, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get up close with the Great Barrier Reef.
21. Explore Warner Bros. Movie World
Warner Bros is one of the top Australia tourist places. It is the largest movie-themed amusement park in Australia’s Gold Coast region. The park features areas based on Comics superheroes and villains, as well as Warner Bros. movie franchises. Visitors can see props, cars, and costumes from various Warner Bros. productions. Opened in 1991, it is the oldest Warner Bros. theme park in the world and a top attraction for tourists on the Gold Coast.
22. Interact With Wildlife On Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is one of the must-visit Australia tourist attractions. It is the third-largest island in Australia, located off the country’s southern coast. It was originally inhabited by Aboriginal Australians, but rising sea levels have made it more of a tourist destination today. The island is known for its natural beauty and is part of the state of South Australia. The nearby Warner Roadshow Studios has produced films like Peter Pan and House of Wax.
The island is home to its abundant native wildlife like wallabies, koalas, and kangaroos. Visitors can also explore the Remarkable Rocks, a striking natural landmark on the island.
23. Explore Royal Botanic Gardens
Exploring the Botanic Gardens is one of the famous things to do in Australia. It is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the world, having opened in 1816. It is considered one of the finest places to visit in Sydney, especially for those deeply interested in botany. It is home to an extraordinary collection of rare and exotic plants from Australia and around the globe. It is divided into four main sections—– the Lower Gardens, Middle Gardens, Palace Gardens, and Bennelong Precinct.
Within these sections are smaller themed gardens showcasing diverse plant life from Australia and around the world. At the centre is the Palm Grove Centre with a restaurant, cafe, bookshop, and visitor’s centre.
24. Meet Your Favourites At The Madame Tussauds Sydney
One of the must-do experiences in Australia includes visiting Madame Tussauds. It is a wax museum, the only one of its kind in Australia. Located in Darling Harbour, it is part of the Merlin Entertainment group. Visitors can take photos with wax figures of their celebrities, superheroes, politicians, and sports stars.
25. Enjoy The Best Views With The Wheel Of Brisbane
One of the best Australia tourist places is the Wheel of Brisbane, a giant observation wheel located in South Bank, Brisbane. Standing 60 metres tall, it features air-conditioned glass pods that give visitors clear views of the city and its surroundings. This popular attraction offers tourists a comfortable way to see Brisbane’s beautiful cityscape from high above.
26. Spot Penguins At St Kilda Beach
In Melbourne, you can find adorable little penguins (also known as fairy penguins) at St Kilda’s backwater. Though these penguins live there throughout the year and can be seen while taking a walk along Jacka Boulevard, the best time to spot these black-and-white penguins is during summer evenings after sunset. This makes it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy wildlife without leaving the city.
27. Enjoy Your Brunch At Bills
Bill Granger is a famous Australian chef who transformed breakfast dining in Australia and gained worldwide recognition. His restaurants in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, and Bondi serve iconic dishes like avocado on toast, ricotta hotcakes, and corn fritters. These dishes have become popular Australian breakfasts known for their simple yet delicious flavours.
28. Head To Bondi Beach For Surfing
Catching waves at Bondi Beach is the best Australia things to do. If you’re not confident surfing, there is a 2-hour class for beginners, and they teach you everything you need to know from how to stay safe in the water, avoid dangerous currents, paddle your board, to ride waves. They’re so good at teaching that you will definitely stand up on a wave before the lesson ends, even if it is just for a moment!
29. Relax And Refresh At Cottesloe Beach
Perth has many beautiful beaches, but Cottesloe Beach stands out as one of Western Australia’s most beautiful spots for photos. The beach is perfect, with clean white sand and tall Norfolk pine trees that provide shade. Whether you want to swim, explore underwater, catch some waves, or just relax at a beachside bar as the sun sets, Cottesloe has it all.
30. Enjoy Your Meal At Saint Peter
For amazing fresh seafood in Sydney, visit Saint Peter’s restaurant in Paddington. Top chef Josh Niland runs this upscale restaurant and will tell you about each special dish himself. The menu changes every day based on what fresh fish and seafood the fishermen catch that morning. You might get to try special items like cockles or rock crab; you’re sure to have a great meal!
Conclusion
Australia truly stands as a paradise for adventurers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the serene Mataranka Hot Springs, every corner of this country tells its own unique story. Whether you’re sampling fresh seafood at Saint Peter, catching waves at Bondi Beach, or watching penguins at St Kilda Beach, Australia offers experiences that cater to all interests and comfort levels.
The country’s diverse landscape allows you to explore pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities. With world-class wineries, historic landmarks, stunning natural wonders, and friendly locals, Australia promises memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and prepare to fall in love with Australia!
What are some budget-friendly activities in Australia?
Visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, exploring public beaches like Cottesloe and St Kilda, hiking in national parks, walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visiting free galleries like QAGOMA, or exploring local markets and street art are some of the budget-friendly activities in Australia.
What are the best outdoor activities in Australia?
Surfing at Bondi Beach, hiking Mount Kosciuszko, taking treetop walks in Western Australia, or snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef are some of the best outdoor activities in Australia.
What are the top things to do in Australia for first-time visitors?
Some of the top things to do in Australia for first-time visitors include visiting the Sydney Opera House, climbing the Harbour Bridge, snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef, and exploring the Great Ocean Road to name a few.
How much time should I spend in Australia to see the main attractions?
Plan at least 7 to 10 days to see the main highlights. This will give you enough time to explore various Australia tourist attractions from Sydney and Melbourne, natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, and enjoy unique experiences like wine tasting and wildlife interactions.