As a travel writer, one of the toughest questions I’m asked is, “What’s the number one thing you’ve done in Australia?” From snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef to watching the sunset over Uluru or cycling around Rottnest Island, it's impossible to name just one.
So, I turned the question over to you, our adventurous Time Out readers, to find out your top picks. Whether you’re into coffee and culture or sanctuaries and sports, here are the must-do things in Australia, as recommended by the ones who know it best.
1. “Visit Palm Beach, the iconic location of Home and Away, known as ‘Summer Bay’.”
2. Head to “Melbourne for the Australian Open”.
3. “Go to Bunnings and get a sausage in bread.”
4. “Rent a campervan and road-trip, anywhere.”
5. Why not “take a trip down the Great Ocean Road”?
6. “Ride the Manly ferry across Sydney Harbour to Manly Beach for the cheapest views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.”
7. While you’re in the area, “say hello to Benny the seal at the Opera House”.
8. “Go to Queensland and visit the Great Barrier Reef. Go swimming and snorkelling there at a time when it is safe from poisonous nasties.”
9. “See a rockin’ alternate band in a sticky carpet pub.”
10. “Go to local markets to buy handmade goods for gifts and souvenirs.”
11. “Eat a meat pie.”
12. ...For a ripper combo, pair it with “a ginger beer”.
13. “Visit the outback and Uluru.”
14. “Watch a game of AFL.”
15. Go “wine tasting in McLaren Vale”.
16. “Visit any wildlife park and see our amazing fauna.”
17. How about “Moonlit Sanctuary”?
18. Do the “Bondi to Bronte walk”.
19. “Have Gelato Messina.”
20. “Visit Canberra and Parliament House.”
21. “Put your feet in the sand somewhere.”
22. “Lord Howe Island” and “Jervis Bay” are both popular options.
23. “Have lots of great coffee and food in Melbourne.”
24. ...For example, “visit Brae restaurant.”
25. “Visit Whitehaven Beach in North Queensland.”
26. “Walk or cycle across the Harbour Bridge from Milsons Point into The Rocks. Both activities are free. Also, hop on a Sydney train only to change the orientation of the backrest.”
27. “Visit Rippon Lea Estate.”
28. “Travel across WA – so remote, so stunning!”
29. “Purchase Meredith Goat Cheese. Eat Meredith Goat Cheese. Repeat.”
30. “Go to Kmart.”