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Things to see in Australia

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Australia Attractions

A continent and a country at the same time, Australia spans thousands of miles from coast to coast and is packed full of wonderful sightseeing activities for visitors of every budget and every taste - from tropical rainforests and over 8,000 species of wildflowers in Western Australia to the likes of the Gold Coast and Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, on the east coast, Australia's attractions are amazingly diverse. Boasting 14 World Heritage-listed areas, 2,000 national parks and 7,000 beaches, there is plenty to explore in this land down under.

Head north to explore the rugged bush and ancient Aboriginal cultures while trekking across the Great Outback, visiting Ayres Rock along the way. Splash into the crystalline waters of the Great Barrier Reef for a spot of snorkelling and head south towards Sydney for a day of basking in the sun on Bondi Beach. Take in the historical sights in the Rocks, the site of the first European settlement in 1788 and the birthplace of Australia, go hiking in the Blue Mountains and pay a special visit to Hunter Valley for a spot of wine tasting. With all these options and hundreds more, visitors will have trouble narrowing down their to-do lists.

Australia is all about the great outdoors, with exciting and unique wildlife to boot and visitors should get out and explore the sights on foot. Travelling along the east coast of the country is best done by bus or car, while those wanting to cross the treacherous great expanse of the country are advised to catch a plane, unless they are interested in an outback safari.

With so many territories offering their own special flavour, it would take a few months, if not years to explore and discover all that this magical country has to offer.


Fraser Island

This is the world's largest sand island, situated a two-hour drive north of Brisbane, which provides a unique ecological system of giant dunes, forests, streams and freshwater lakes. In 1993 it was placed on the World Heritage List and draws visitors wishing to explore...  see full details



Wet 'n Wild Water World

This premier water theme park was recently voted Brisbane's best tourist attraction. Sited at Oxenford on the Pacific Highway in 20 acres of tropical parkland it incorporates a wave pool, children's pool, speed slide, toboggan ride and a variety of twisting slides - all...  see full details



Kangaroo Island

Australia’s third largest island is home to colonies of sea lions, fairy penguins, pelicans, marine life and, of course, kangaroos, and provides so much to do and discover that visitors are advised to stay for at least two days. Kangaroo Island is situated eight miles (13km)...  see full details



Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, sited on the slopes of Black Mountain, is the world's finest living collection of Australian native plants. Set among natural eucalypts, they provide an ideal setting to display the nation's unique and beautiful floral heritage. The variety of eco-systems...  see full details



Cockington Green

Opened to the public in 1979, Cockington Green at Gold Creek Village is an award-winning display of miniature buildings and landscaped gardens and one of Canberra's landmark attractions. As well as the stunning miniature displays and breathtaking gardens, there is a Heritage Rose Walk,...  see full details



National Gallery of Australia

Located on the south shore of the lake, the National Gallery has the best collection of art in the country. The Australian collection ranges from traditional Aboriginal art through to 20th-century works by Tom Roberts, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker. Aboriginal works...  see full details



Old Melbourne Gaol

Victoria's oldest surviving remand prison gives visitors a chilling insight into prison life in a model 19th-century gaol. Behind the thick and forbidding walls Ned Kelly, the infamous bushranger, was one of 135 men and women who were hanged on the gaol's scaffold. Visitors...  see full details



Monkey Mia Resort

At this remarkable resort, situated near the town of Denham about 525 miles (830km) north of Perth in the Shark Bay Heritage area, visitors have the opportunity to interact and hand-feed the local wild dolphins who visit the shore each day. Several bottlenose dolphins...  see full details



The Esplanade

The recently renovated Cairns Esplanade is the hub for visitors to the city, providing an entertaining promenade with numerous recreational opportunities, lined with a host of restaurants, bars and cafes. Apart from a safe, sandy swimming lagoon and vast lawns used for all sorts...  see full details



Eureka Tower

The Eureka Tower is the tallest building in Melbourne and the tallest residential building in the world, standing at just over 984ft (300m) tall, offering 360-degree views over the city. There is a public observation deck on level 88, the Skydeck, which affords visitors...  see full details



Royal Botanic Gardens

Sydney's 'green lung' is the 30-hectare botanical garden, established in 1816 and containing more than 7,500 species of plants. Australia's very first farm was on the site where the garden now flourishes, southeast of the Opera House. Paths and walks criss-cross the gardens, leading...  see full details



Sydney Aquarium

The aquarium is one of the most popular attractions at Darling Harbour, and is one of the biggest and most impressive in the world. More than 5,000 Australian fish are displayed in their natural habitats, along with Australian sharks, rays, platypus, seals, fairy penguins,...  see full details



Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

The name 'Tjapukai' means 'people of the rainforest' and applies to the indigenous people who have inhabited the tropical region between Cairns and Port Douglas, and inland to Kuranda, for eons. About 20 years ago a group of entertainers established Australia's first aboriginal dance...  see full details



Federation Square

Occupying a whole city block, Federation Square is one of Melbourne's major attractions. A cultural nucleus, Federation Square hosts over 2000 events a year, in its outdoor public spaces, St Paul's Court and The Square and vibrant covered space, the Atrium. Renowned for its...  see full details



Sydney Wildlife World

Attached to the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour, the new fauna and flora attraction features a huge variety of native Australian plant and animal species in nine different habitats. A walkway snakes through the enclosures, and the development comprises three floors of exhibits, with...  see full details


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