Seek out the best travel experiences Down Under with our ultimate Australia bucket list for 2025!
It’s actually hard to narrow down an ultimate Australia bucket list because this country has so much diversity, wildlife, architecture, nature, and culture to discover.
On the East Coast you can surf in Byron Bay, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, and admire the Sydney Opera House.
Down south you can road trip past the Twelve Apostles, camp on Bruny Island in Tasmania, or tour the wine regions outside Adelaide.
Explore the West Coast to see kangaroos in Lucky Bay, explore Rottnest Island, or ride a camel across Cable Beach.
Or explore the Northern Territory, from the lush national parks of the Top End to the rock formations and desert landscapes of the Red Centre.
You can scuba dive, ski, snowboard, and discover Indigenous cultures. You can drive along breathtaking coastal routes, ride a train across the Outback, or 4WD across the world’s largest sand island.
And there is so much more! Australia is one of the most unique countries in the world, and there are so many incredible places to see. To foster inspiration in my fellow travellers, I’ve made a list of Australian bucket list experiences that you can have Down Under.
It will be near impossible to complete this Australia bucket list in one trip, unless your trip extends to multiple years. But even if you just cross one item off your Australia bucket list, you’ve had the privilege of experiencing one magical thing in Australia.
Plan your trip with our list of Australia travel tips!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Australia Bucket List – 41 Epic Adventures
This article will outline some of the best activities to add to your Australian bucket list. It would take a lifetime to visit all the best spots in Australia and try all the coolest things, but use this article as inspiration for planning a few fun adventures.
There are honestly so many ways to enjoy Australia. Here are a few to get you started!
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.
1. Swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef
Lovers of water sports and marine life have to have this on their Australia bucket list!
Ningaloo Reef, located off the coast of Western Australia, is a vibrant section of flourishing reef. Every year between March and August, coral spawning attracts large numbers of whale sharks.
Visitors can snorkel, swim, or scuba dive with these majestic ocean giants as they explore the coral reefs. It’s an awe-inspiring experience!
Whale sharks are gentle giants.
2. Learn about Indigenous culture around the country
Travellers in Australia can gain appreciation for the land and its history by learning about Indigenous culture.
Australia’s Indigenous cultures are some of the oldest civilizations on Earth, and it would be a shame to leave Australia without connecting with the Traditional Owners of the Land.
All over Australia, from Cairns to the Blue Mountains to the Outback and everywhere in between, you can join demonstrations and tours to learn about Indigenous customs, traditions, languages and stories.
Even if you just wander through an Aboriginal art gallery or read the informational signs at certain places, you can enhance your understanding of Australia’s original inhabitants.
3. Take a quokka selfie on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, located just off the coast of Perth in Western Australia, is a popular bucket list destination in Australia.
Aside from the stunning beaches and lush walking trails, Rottnest Island is most well known for its quokka population!
These adorable and friendly marsupials often show off a quirky smile when approached by humans. If you browse Instagram, you can find tons of hilarious quokka selfies, where travellers pose for photos and the quokkas do too. Give it a try on your next day trip from Perth!
4. Stay in an underground hotel in Coober Pedy
If you’re venturing into the raw, unforgiving wilderness of the South Australian desert, you’ll have a memorable experience in the Australian Outback.
One of the top places to see in South Australia’s Outback is Coober Pedy, an opal mining town where almost all of the infrastructure is underground.
And it’s not just a tourist attraction – more than half of Coober Pedy’s inhabitants actually live underground to escape the brutal heat of the desert.
Staying the night in your own underground hotel room in Coober Pedy is a classic Australia bucket list experience.
5. See the highlights of Sydney Harbour
No ultimate Australia bucket list is complete without a visit to Sydney! As Australia’s most populated and most famous city, Sydney is home to plenty of world-class landmarks.
Most of these bucket list worthy landmarks reside in Sydney Harbour, the heart and soul of the city.
Spend a day wandering through this gorgeous waterfront area and see places like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Rocks, and more.
Or ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and admire Sydney Harbour from the water!
Read our ultimate backpackers guide to Sydney for more tips.
6. Ride a camel at sunset on Cable Beach
One of the more underrated bucket list experiences in Australia is visiting Cable Beach.
This remote and vast stretch of pristine beach is located near Broome in the northwest of Australia. As Broome is a tiny town surrounded by desert, not many travellers actually venture all the way out here.
Whether you’re doing an epic Western Australia road trip or just flying into Broome, you can’t miss a visit to Cable Beach.
Elevate your experience by riding a camel on Cable Beach at sunset. It doesn’t get much more magical than that!
Ride a camel along Cable Beach!
7. Go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef
A must-do activity for any passionate divers in Australia? Dive on the Great Barrier Reef!
Running for about 3,200km along the coast of Queensland, this is the world’s largest coral reef system and largest living organism. Scuba diving or even snorkelling amongst this incredible natural wonder is easily one of the best things to do in Australia.
You can book diving tours to the Great Barrier Reef from places like Cairns, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach.
8. Drive a 4WD on K’gari, the world’s largest sand island
Australia is home to the world’s largest sand island! K’gari, formerly called Fraser Island, is one of Queensland’s best bucket list destinations, as you can see so many incredible things here.
There are crystal clear perched lakes that form from rainwater, such as Lake McKenzie. There are towering rainforests like Central Station and Pile Valley, where giant trees grown mystically out of the sand.
There are thriving populations of wild dingos, and miles of ancient golden sand dunes.
K’gari is only accessible with a 4WD, so you’ll have to either hire a vehicle or join a tour from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.
9. Watch the sunrise over Uluru
Another item that tops many Australia bucket lists is seeing the sunrise over Uluru. As the largest monolith in the world, and a sacred site to Indigenous people of the Northern Territory, Uluru is special for many reasons.
A trip to the Red Centre is simply not complete without visiting this giant red monolith surrounded by stark desert landscapes.
To witness Uluru in all of its glory, visit at sunrise or eve sunset to admire the pastel natural colours of the Outback sky.
10. Admire the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains National Park is a majestic area of blue gum forests, towering canyon walls, massive waterfalls, and untouched natural beauty.
Visiting the Blue Mountains is one of the best things to do while visiting Sydney in New South Wales, as the national park is just west of the city.
Though there are countless hikes, waterfalls, and lookouts, the Three Sisters is the crown jewel of the area.
These unique rock formations hang onto the edge of a cliff overlooking the Jamison Valley. It’s a very touristy area because it’s the most famous viewpoint in the Blue Mountains, but it’s still definitely worth admiring the Three Sisters!
The Blue Mountains are breathtaking!
11. Camp amongst the wilderness in Tasmania
For adventure lovers, camping in Tasmania should definitely be on your ultimate Australia bucket list!
This wild and untamed island off the southeast coast of Australia has so many cool things to do, from hikes to beaches to charming towns and more.
Camping is the best way to immerse yourself in Tasmania’s wilderness.
Bruny Island, Freycinet National Park, Tasman National Park, Maria Island, Coles Bay, the Bay of Fires, and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park have some of the most amazing camping places in all of Australia.
Read our complete guide to camping in Tasmania for tips and recommendations.
12. Go cafe-hopping in Melbourne
Australia has a prestigious coffee culture, and you can find some truly delicious, high-quality coffee all over the country.
But many would consider Melbourne to be the best place to go for a tour through Australia’s coffee scene.
The vibrant, cosmopolitan city is packed with cafes and coffee roasters who pride themselves on their products. Spend a day cafe-hopping through Melbourne, visiting hole-in-the-wall coffee shops as well as trendy, Instagram-worthy cafes.
13. Take a surf lesson at one of the many stunning beaches
If you’ve never tried surfing before, Australia is the place to do it!
Among the bucket list experiences for many, surfing is a beloved sport Down Under and there are so many places where you can learn to ride the waves.
From Byron Bay, Sydney, or Newcastle in New South Wales, to Surfers Paradise, Rainbow Beach, and Noosa in Queensland, the East Coast is scattered with surf schools.
You can also try surfing down at Bells Beach in Victoria, or in Western Australia destinations like Perth or Margaret River.
14. See kangaroos on the beach at Lucky Bay
Many people would have seeing kangaroos on their ultimate Australia bucket list. Take that to the next level and see kangaroos on the beach!
Lucky Bay is one of the most stunning beaches in Australia, with gleaming white sand and saturated sapphire waters.
Located in Cape Le Grand National Park, Lucky Bay is a popular place to stop on Western Australia road trips around the Esperance area.
Visit at dawn or dusk for your best chances of spotting the local kangaroos hopping along the white sands.
Only in Australia can you spot kangaroos on a beach like this!
15. Plan a day in Australia’s Capital City
Canberra, Australia’s capital city, often gets overlooked by tourists.
But anyone with a slight interest in history, politics, or culture can find some worthwhile things to do in Canberra. So don’t count it out!
See unique gardens at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, or browse through the art at the National Gallery of Australia.
Dive into history at the National Museum of Australia or the Australian War Memorial. There are lots of museums, landmarks, and attractions awaiting travellers in Canberra.
16. Swim in the gorges at Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park is a breathtaking place to visit in the Hamersley Range of Western Australia.
The national park is best known for its dramatic gorges and canyons, where vibrant layers of rock carve through the countryside. Some of the best swimming spots in the park are the natural pools that lie within these gorges!
Hamersley Gorge is one of the most famous swimming places in Karijini National Park. Other amazing gorges to see include Weano Gorge, Knox Gorge, Hancock Gorge, and Dales Gorge.
Read next: The Ultimate Guide To Hiking In Australia
17. Try sandboarding on Moreton Island
Moreton Island is a popular day trip from Brisbane and a worthwhile bucket list destination in Australia.
Visitors to Moreton Island can scuba dive or kayak through the Tangalooma Shipwrecks, or bound along the island’s beaches in a 4WD.
But one of the coolest things to do on Moreton Island is sandboarding! The island has some massive golden sand dunes that you can glide down on a board or toboggan. Definitley a bucket list activity!
18. See the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island
Another bucket list activity for animal lovers is seeing the famous Penguin Parade down in Victoria.
Take a trip down to Phillip Island, an easy day trip from Melbourne. Once here, you can explore abundant natural beauty and spot wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos.
But the highlight of Phillip Island is undoubtedly the Penguin Parade. Every evening, tiny penguins waddle out of the sea and across the beach into their burrows on land. It’s an absolutely adorable spectacle.
19. Drive along the Outback Way
You haven’t really seen the Outback of Australia until you’ve driven along its seemingly never-ending roads.
The Outback Way is the perfect place to road trip through the desert and admire the vast nothingness that makes the Outback so intimidating.
At around 2,720km long, the Outback Way trails across Central Australia, from Laverton in Western Australia to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to Winton in Queensland.
It’s a mighty drive, so make sure you have lots of spare supplies and are prepared to take on such a journey.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
20. Stroll through the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth
Seeing the Daintree Rainforest should be on the Australia bucket list for everyone!
Located just 3 hours north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Daintree National Park encompasses flora and fauna that is estimated to be 180 million years old. That makes this the oldest rainforest on Earth.
You can visit on a day trip from Cairns, or rent a car and spend a few days driving through the mystical and powerful wilderness of this lush, verdant rainforest.
The Daintree Rainforest also touches the Great Barrier Reef on the coast at Cape Tribulation, making this the only place in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet.
The Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, where two World Heritage Sites meet.
21. Hike Australia’s tallest mountain
Embark on an epic trek up Mount Kosciusko, Australia’s highest peak. The mountain stands at about 2,228 metres above sea level and is located in Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales.
Mount Kosciusko is on the Main Range of the Snowy Mountains. You can admire dramatic alpine views and enjoy a refreshing hike out in nature. Try to do your hike in summer when the weather is warmer and more pleasant for outdoor activities.
So if you love hiking, add the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk to your ultimate Australia bucket list!
22. See humpback whales migrate along the East Coast every winter
Every winter, between June and September, thousands of Humpback Whales migrate along the East Coast of Australia.
These beautiful ocean creatures depart the icy waters of Antarctica and begin a massive journey up to the tropics in Northern Australia. Up here they will breed and raise their young in the calm, warm, protected waters around the Great Barrier Reef.
You can often spot whales on any coastal headland in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, or Tasmania in the winter months. Or you can join a whale watching cruise to see the whales up close!
23. Go wine tasting in one of the famous wine regions
Australia has several world-class wine regions where you can go on a tasting tour and sample delicious products.
Adelaide is one of the best places for some wine tasting adventures. The Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Adelaide Hills are all right outside the city and full of vineyards.
Or visit the Hunter Valley outside Sydney in New South Wales. Or head south of Perth and explore Margaret River. Wherever you go, sampling wines from the countryside is like taking a sip of the local nature and climate!
Check out our complete guide to Margaret River, WA!
24. Visit Whitehaven Beach, one of the best beaches in the world
Another top item for your Australia bucket list is visiting Whitehaven Beach. Often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, this destination has to be seen to be believed.
It has brilliantly white silica sand, bright turquoise waters, and tropical warmth year-round. The best part of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, where the sand and sea swirl together to create a postcard-worthy scene.
You can get to the remote and beautiful Whitehaven Beach by boat from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.
25. Walk along the scenic coastline in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a popular addition to any ultimate Australia bucket list. Its laid back vibe and hipster culture draw in backpackers from all over the world!
Byron Bay does have a vibrant atmosphere, but it also has a fabulous coastline.
The best activity in Byron Bay is walking along the coastal path that leads up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. The trail snakes along the beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs, and green forests of Byron Bay, bringing you to mainland Australia’s most easterly point.
Check out our guide to Byron Bay, Australia!
26. Explore the vibrant city of Perth
Before or after your day trip to Rottnest Island to see the quokkas, be sure to spend some time exploring the city of Perth.
From Fremantle Prison and Markets, to Kings Park, to the Perth Cultural Centre, the city is packed to the brim with cool things to see and do.
And don’t forget the beaches! Perth has some breathtaking beaches including Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach.
There are some gorgeous beaches around Perth.
27. Spot crocodiles in Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is another popular destination for your Australia bucket list.
It’s one of the largest national parks in Australia and showcases the lush, tranquil beauty of the Top End. Highlights of Kakadu National Park include Aboriginal rock art displays, tumbling waterfalls, and cruising through the serene wetlands.
Whether you’re on a boat in the wetlands or passing the treacherous river crossing known as Cahills Crossing, you’re likely to spot a saltwater crocodile.
These prehistoric beasts are the largest reptiles in the world, and the tropics of Northern Australia are there preferred home. There’s nothing like seeing a saltwater crocodile in real life.
Find more epic day trips from Darwin while you’re in the area.
28. Go skiing or snowboarding in winter
Lots of people don’t even know that Australia has snow! Down in the mountains of the southern New South Wales and northeastern Victoria, there are several ski resorts where you can enjoy a winter getaway.
Head to Thredo or Perisher in New South Wales, and Mount Hotham or Mount Buller in Victoria.
You can ski and snowboard to your heart’s content!
29. Spot koalas on Magnetic Island
In addition to quokkas and kangaroos, there is one more marsupial that is on most people’s Australia bucket list. Koalas!
Koalas are notoriously hard to spot in the wild. They are endangered, and they easily blend in with the environment. And they sleep for most of the day, making them difficult to see.
But if you visit the gorgeous Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville in Queensland, you’re likely to spot them. The island has a small surface area so it’s an easier place to spot these fuzzy marsupials.
Read next: How to get to Magnetic Island, Queensland – Everything You Need to Know
30. Hike the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk
In addition to Uluru, Kings Canyon is another highlight of the Northern Territory that should be on your ultimate Australia bucket list.
Nestled in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon has rocky red cliffs and sparse but special vegetation.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the Outback’s best hikes. It takes you all around the canyon walls, providing epic views of the Australian wonder.
31. Stroll along Brisbane’s South Bank
Brisbane is one of the greatest Australian cities. As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane has much to offer in terms of history, art, culture, cuisine, architecture, and nature.
The South Bank is the bustling waterfront hub of the city. Stroll along the South Bank to see the famous Wheel of Brisbane, the man-made Streets Beach, and the colourful Brisbane sign on the water.
Other highlights of the South Bank include the Nepalese Pagoda, Epicurious Gardens, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art and various public art installations.
Brisbane is an amazing Australian city!
32. See remnants of Australia’s convict past at Port Arthur
Australia is known as the country built by convicts. It’s true that Great Britain sent a ship full of convicts to this isolated continent in the Southern Hemisphere, and you can see remnants of this at Port Arthur in Tasmania.
The Historic Site of Port Arthur in Tasmania has landmarks from the original penal settlement and interactive exhibits where you can learn about this unique piece of Australian history.
33. Ride the Ghan train cross country
This is a more luxury item to add to your Australia bucket list, but it’s 100% worth the money.
Riding a train across the vast continent of Australia is a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll get sweeping views of the Outback, and disembark for cool activities in various destinations around Australia.
The Ghan travels north to south between Darwin, Alice Springs, and Adelaide. Or you can take the Indian Pacific which travels east to west between Sydney and Perth.
34. Fly over the Heart Reef in the Whitsundays
One of the absolute best Australian experiences to have is flying over the Great Barrier Reef. The sprawling reef is amazing below the water, but it’s absolutely incredible from the air as well.
A scenic flight tour in the Whitsundays takes you over the massive reef, giving you views you could never think up in your wildest dreams.
You’ll fly over the tropical islands, the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach, the sapphire waters of the Coral Sea, and even the iconic Heart Reef. This piece of the Great Barrier Reef is naturally shaped like a heart.
35. Visit the Australia Zoo
Those who want to mingle with Australian wildlife should add the Australia Zoo to their bucket list!
Founded by the beloved Irwin family, the Australia Zoo is an incredible sanctuary for Australian animal residents. It’s located on the dreamy Sunshine Coast and has loads of interactive exhibits and activities where guests can make memories with iconic Australia creatures.
See koalas and other creatures at the Australia Zoo.
36. Cruise through Katherine Gorge
Nitmiluk National Park is a gem of Australia’s Top End. Nestled in the Outback wilderness of the Northern Territory, this is one of the most beautiful spots to explore.
Katherine Gorge is the most impressive landmark in the park. Its towering sandstone peaks dominate the skyline, and you’ll get the best views by cruising along the calm waters in the middle.
Most people visit Katherine Gorge on a tour from Darwin. Your guide will take you to other nearby attractions like Edith Falls or Katherine Hot Springs.
37. See the Southern Lights in Tasmania
The Southern Lights, also known as Aurora Australis, are the shimmering colours you can see in the night sky, similar to the Northern Lights.
This is a pretty hard item to cross off your Australia bucket list because the conditions have to be perfect. You need clear skies, not too much light from the moon, and the exact right movements of light up in the sky.
Though they are rare, seeing the Southern Lights is possible if you research the weather patterns and conditions. Remote places in Tasmania offer the best chances of seeing the Aurora Australis!
Read next: The 25 Best Things to Do in Tasmania
38. Observe ancient fossils in Hamelin Pool
At Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve in Western Australia, you can see the famous Stromatolites.
These ancient layered rock and coral formations are home to living bacteria and microorganisms that are said to be the oldest lifeforms on Earth.
If you’re a history or science lover, seeing this key piece of natural history with your own eyes is definitely a bucket list item in Australia.
39. Beach hop along the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most touristy destinations. It has theme parks, nightlife, hiking trails, and of course, beaches!
The beaches of the Gold Coast boast that quintessential golden sand and sapphire water of Australia’s East Coast.
From the busy waves of Surfers Paradise, to the more remote sands of Burleigh Heads, a day of beach-hopping here showcases some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see.
Check out our epic 7 Day Gold Coast Itinerary for more things to do!
40. Road trip through the Kimberley
Last but certainly not least on your ultimate Australia bucket list is the Kimberley. This remote, wild, and colourful region of northwest Australia is home to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
You can drive along the unpaved Gibb River Road and not see another person for days. You can camp at deserted beaches surrounded by turquoise waters and rich red rocks.
You can admire rugged limestone gorges and search for crocodiles in the pools (swimming not recommended, of course). If you want to see the most stunning scenery in Outback Australia without any crowds, head to the Kimberley.
Experience true wilderness in the Kimberley.
41. Road trip along the Great Ocean Road
Road trips are one of the best ways to explore Australia, and the Great Ocean Road is one of the country’s best routes!
Located on the south coast of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is a breathtaking stretch of rugged coastline. Here you can find famous rock formations and landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, Loch Ard Gorge, and more.
If you don’t have your own car, you can also join a day tour from Melbourne! Either way, spending a day or two road-tripping along this pristine route is sure to amaze.
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Appeared first on: nomadasaurus.com
