The 30 best things to do in Australia at least once in your life

Where: Uluru, Northern Territory

What is it? Designed by renowned British artist Bruce Munro, and named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara language, this dazzling light spectacle is currently the largest of its kind to date – promising a truly incredible viewing of the nation’s most important rock. 

Why go? The beauty of visiting Uluru while this installation is on is that you get a ripper view of the famous landmark illuminated by more than 50,000 multi-coloured LED lights.

Time Out tip: Visit it at dusk to see Uluru at its most spectacular.

Where: Along the southeastern coast of Victoria

What is it? Justifiably one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations (and Australia's favourite road trip).

Why go? Take a day trip, stay the weekend or just pack up and move there – there's plenty going on down the Great Ocean Road. The winding stretch from Torquay to Warrnambool takes four hours to drive non-stop, but you’ll want to take it slow to admire the jaw-dropping vistas, including the Two Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the London Arch. 

Time Out tip: A pit stop at Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op for some grilled lobster with garlic butter and thick-cut chips is a must.

Where: Sydney Harbour, NSW

What is it? A sunrise kayak tour with glorious photo opportunities that’ll make your hungover friends incredibly jealous. 

Why go? Along with their passionate team of kayaking guides, life and business partners Laura and Ben Stone run daily dawn tours that make the most of Sydney Harbour before most people turn over on their pillows and hit snooze. The harbour water is velvety smooth, and the kayaks are very stable, so you don’t need to work hard to paddle around Luna Park and into position as the sunlight hits the Sydney Opera House. Flat whites never tasted more satisfying than when you're bobbing under the bridge, paddle under arm and wrangling a camera for that perfect Instagram shot. 

Time Out tip: If you're too hungry to go hunting for your perfect post-yak brekkie, North Sydney's Victoria Cross Metro station is home to a sprawling food precinct with lots of excellent options. 

Where: Hobart, Tasmania

What is it? The crown jewel of Hobart’s arts culture. 

Why go? With revolving exhibitions, a trip to Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will never be exactly the same experience for every visitor. This colossal and futuristic alien space, which has been described as a “subversive adult Disneyland”, is stuffed with the weirdest, most dazzling and generally shocking exhibitions. 

Time Out tip: The hottest festival ticket to MONA is arguably Dark Mofo, a winter art party that takes over this Tasmanian city during June, bringing with it a wacky combo of art, music and community spirit.

Where: Located off the Queensland coast

What is it? The largest coral reef on Earth and also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Why go? Whether you’re a hardcore scuba diver, novice snorkeller or want to see the Great Barrier Reef without getting your hair wet, there are plenty of ways to see the world’s largest coral reef. It comprises more than 3,000 reefs and 1,050 islands, and you’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside squids, turtles and a myriad of psychedelic fish, making it one of the most magical and peaceful experiences you will ever have.

Time Out tip: For the ultimate experience, stay the night in Australia’s first underwater hotel with breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef.

Where: Sydney Harbour, NSW

What is it? A chance to scale the world-famous 'Coathanger' at golden hour.

Why go? During the day, you can see Sydney Harbour in all its majesty, but by night, it takes on a whole new magnitude. You'll climb up the inside arc so that you are surrounded by hand-riveted steel and feel a little like you’re inside the ribs of a metal skeleton. Adult tickets are upwards of $200, but it’s totally worth the money.

Time Out tip: This is also an incredible experience at dawn, as the day's first rays light up the horizon.

Where: Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, Western Australia

What is it? A chance to swim with the world's largest fish in the drop-dead gorgeous Ningaloo Reef.

Why go? Ningaloo is one of the longest fringing reefs on the planet, meaning in many places the coral comes right up to the beach. Whale sharks are what you should come to see – but don’t worry, they’re harmless filter feeders who just so happen to grow up to 18 metres in length.

Time Out tip: Be on the alert for Exmouth’s other visitors like humpback whales (July to November), giant manta rays, dugongs and spinner dolphins who drop by all year round.

Where: Kangaroo Island, South Australia

What is it? Native Australian wildlife reigns supreme on Kangaroo Island, the country’s third-largest island, which is easily accessible by ferry from South Australia’s Cape Jervis. 

Why go? Animals well and truly outnumber the island’s modest human population, with tammar wallabies, koalas, echidnas, brush-tailed possums, bottlenose dolphins, goannas, sea lions, about 250 species of birds, and kangaroos (naturally) calling Kangaroo Island home. 

Time Out tip: While there, be sure to check out the Remarkable Rocks, too. This natural landmark is, well, quite remarkable.

Where: Phillip Island, Victoria

What is it? About a two-hour drive from Melbourne is the wildlife wonderland of Phillip Island. Some 3.5 million people visit the island every year. 

Why go? There are plenty of activities for families, couples and solo visitors, including a chocolate factory, wildlife parks full of native animals and of course, the nightly penguin parade. 

Don’t miss: The fairy penguin parade, when hundreds of the little guys come in from a hard day's fishing and waddle up the beach to their homes in the rocks.

Where: Nationwide, including Sydney and Melbourne

What is it? The women’s league of the AFL hit the big time a few years back, and what better way is there to support the athletes than heading along to a game? 

Why go? Follow the pros and get yourself a pie, a hot jam doughnut and a beer, then yell like a bastard, heckle the umpires and have a bloody great time watching the AFLW’s brightest stars. The season starts in August and ends in December, with games played in all of Australia's major cities.

Time Out tip: If you can't watch it live, head to your local pub and catch the action on the big screen.

Where: Located 55 kilometres off the Queensland coast

What is it? A tropical paradise in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, comprising 74 islands, most popularly Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Daydream Island.

Why go? There’s no wrong way to do the Whitsundays – whether you’re relaxing on the silica-white sands of Whitehaven Beach (ranked fifth best in the world), wandering through the national parks (fun fact: the Whitsundays is 70 per cent national park), or snorkelling with thousands of brightly coloured fish in the Great Barrier Reef.

Time Out tip: Flying over Heart Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's totally worth the splurge! 

Where: Sydney Harbour, NSW

What is it? It's a chance to step inside Australia's most iconic building, granting you access to (almost) every corner of this architectural wonder.

Why go? You'll get to explore the theatres (providing there isn’t a show in session) – from the majestic Concert Hall to the quaint Drama Theatre. You’ll be regaled with the secrets and stories that go on behind the curtain. There's even an immersive experience that celebrates the past, present and people of our city's most famous building.

Time Out tip: As well as entertaining all the musical aficionados, the Opera House caters to the foodies of Sydneytown with their 'Taste of the House' tour, which takes place on the last Sunday of every month.

Where: Nationwide, including Port Macquarie, Jirrahlinga and Kangaroo Island

What is it? Arguably Australia's most adorable native animal that you won't find anywhere else in the world. 

Why go? When it comes to Australian icons, it doesn’t get much more true blue than the humble koala (and kangaroo). It isn't easy to spot these nocturnal creatures in the wild as they spend most of the day sleeping in eucalyptus trees. However, there are plenty of wildlife sanctuaries where you can see them up close.

Time Out tip: We recommend the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie – it does some incredible work in fighting to save these real-life teddy bears from extinction. Entry is free, and you can head behind the scenes to see the koalas in hospital. 

Where: Canberra, ACT

What is it? Commemorate the sacrifice of our service personnel at one of the top free tourist attractions in the whole world, the Australian War Memorial.

Why go? History buffs will love the attention to detail displayed at this Canberra museum. It’s the distinctly human angle that makes the Memorial appealing. More than just monuments, the memorial offers a genuine insight into what wartime life was like for Australian women and men, with multimedia displays, documentary footage and a moving Last Post closing ceremony at 4.30pm daily.

Time Out tip: You can pay your respects at the Anzac Day Dawn Service, which draws crowds of more than 30,000.

Where: Adelaide River, between Darwin and Kakadu National Park

What is it? A thrilling boat tour where you can see live saltwater crocodiles.

Why go? Get up close to Australia’s deadliest animal on a Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. Located en route from Darwin to Kakadu National Park (where Crocodile Dundee was filmed), this hour-long tour will have you trembling in your boots as you witness powerful saltwater crocodiles leap spectacularly in the air. It’s a year-round fear factor affair.

Time Out tip: Heads up – you can’t do it during the wet season because there are too many crocs and too much water for a boat to safely go out.

Where: Barossa Valley, South Australia

What is it? Characterised by its luscious rolling countryside dotted with charming stone churches, the Barossa Valley is home to many of Australia’s most renowned and historic wineries.

Why go? You could spend weeks, if not months, going between the 150 wineries and 90-plus cellar doors in South Australia’s beautiful Barossa Valley. Regarded as the wine capital of Australia, the region is perfectly suited for producing big, beefy red wines, which you can sip all day long. Start at the cellar door of Australia’s most famous wine producer, Penfolds, before touring along for tastings at the secluded Seppeltfield, the award-winning Hentley Farm or the boutique Rockford Wines.

Time Out tip: Here are more of the best things to do in the Barossa region, for when you've had a glass (or two) too many.

Where: Blue Mountains, NSW

What is it? Just two hours west of Sydney's CBD, the Blue Mountains – a vast, largely untouched wilderness, spanning some 11,400 square kilometres – is crisscrossed with many of Australia’s top walking trails.

Why go? Take in the most astounding views of the valley, including the Three Sisters, at Scenic World. You can ascend the valley in a glass-walled cable car suspended 270m in the air, and descend in the Scenic Railway, which chugs down a hair-raising 52-degree decline. Of course, the forested canyons, towering rocks and majestic waterfalls can also be explored on foot.

Time Out tip: If driving to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, be sure to make a detour at The Hydro Majestic. It’s one of Australia’s most historic hotels, and with sweeping views of the Megalong Valley, it would be a crime not to pop in for the famed high tea and feed your love itty-biddy sandwiches.

Where: Rottnest Island, Western Australia

What is it? Rottnest Island's cutest inhabitants who love to investigate and mingle with new visitors.

Why go? These adorable marsupials are native to Rottnest Island, an A-class nature reserve located off the coast of Perth. Rotto boasts 63 white-as-snow beaches perfect for snorkelling, diving, surfing off the back breaks and posting to Instagram with #nofilter, but these days it’s all about the quokkas. 

Time Out tip: Remember to always approach with caution when leaning in for a selfie, and don’t touch or feed them (it’s against the law).

Where: Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

What is it? A World Heritage-listed national park located within breathtaking alpine woodland in north-west Tasmania.

Why go? The national park comes to life in all seasons with a world-class maze of walking tracks showcasing its ancient rainforests, snow-kissed mountain tops, crystal clear lakes and playful wildlife. Experienced bushwalkers can conquer the Cradle Summit, which is a rewarding eight-hour return hike. However, you can also take a pleasant stroll around the picture-perfect Dove Lake, followed by a dip in the lake during the warmer months.

Time Out tip: Cradle Mountain is one of the best locations for wombat-spotting in Tasmania. Follow the Overland Track path from the Dove Lake car park and you’ll likely see heaps, especially if you time it for dusk, as that’s when they come out to munch on grass.

Where: Hobart, Tasmania

What is it? Tasmania's most visited tourism attraction, which brings together more than 300 stallholders in Hobart every Saturday between 8.30am and 3pm.

Why go?  Fuel your exploration through the loud and proud market stalls with freshly shucked oysters, barbecued scallop sticks, pocket curries or a fried weisswurst (white sausage). Pick up tasty treasures for the road too, including local liquor-filled chocolates, artisan cheese, Tasmanian truffles and award-winning gin.

Time Out tip: Get there early to avoid the bulk of the crowds (which seem to peak at around 10am) and you’ll be able to wander, as opposed to shuffle, around the stalls.

Where: Sydney, NSW

What is it? Surfing a wave at Bondi should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you’re rusty with a surfboard, book in for a class at Let’s Go Surfing.

Why go? The school prides itself on the popular two-hour beginners’ course, which goes through the essentials of water safety (including Bondi’s dangerous rips), paddling and how to catch a wave. Each lesson starts on the sand, so you can ask embarrassing questions without fear. 

Time Out tip: After your lesson, head to one of North Bondi's excellent cafés like Porch and Parlour or Harry's Bondi. 

Where: Melbourne, Victoria

What is it? The National Gallery of Victoria, the grand modernist building that sits pretty on St Kilda Road, is also Australia's oldest and most popular art museum.

Why go? The NGV brings major international art exhibitions to Melbourne, showcasing classic works of art alongside hot contemporary talents. In the past, we've seen Van Gogh, MC Escher, Dior, Dali, Warhol and works from New York City's MoMA gallery. 

Don't miss: Given the near-constant rotation of fabulous special exhibitions at the NGV, you’d be forgiven for neglecting the equally impressive (and free!) permanent collection. Next time you visit, make sure you spend a good few minutes with Dosso Dossi’s portrait of Lucrezia Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara (1519-1530). It’s one of the only known portraits of the illegitimate daughter of Pope Alexander VI, which makes it, as NGV curator Laurie Benson explains, “a unique record of one of the most famous women in history”.

Where: Perth, Western Australia

What is it? When it comes to beaches in Perth, we are definitely spoiled for choice. But for the most photogenic seaside destinations in WA, Cottesloe Beach is easily among the top hot spots. 

Why go? With its shady Norfolk pines, pristine sand and abundance of watering holes, there’s just something about Cott that makes it the ideal spot for any occasion. Swimming, snorkelling, surfing or sipping the evening away, this picturesque beach is a WA icon.

Time Out tip: On Sundays, head to the Ocean Beach Hotel for sundowner sessions with live DJs from 3 to 6pm.

Where: Sydney, NSW

What is it? Sydney locals use it every day on their commute to work, but the Manly Ferry voyage is an impossibly beautiful treat.

Why go? While the motors chug soothingly, enjoy the scenery of Sydney Harbour as it glides by, taking you past the bridge, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and harbourside beaches such as Shark Beach and Camp Cove out to one of the city’s most popular beachside suburbs, great for bars, restaurants, shopping and snorkelling.

Time Out tip: We suggest you hop off and explore part or all of the Manly to Spit walk for spectacular views of the north and south headlands.

Where: Broome, Western Australia

What is it? Jump on a friendly camel and be guided along the shore to watch the sunset at one of Australia's best beaches.

Why go? Cable Beach is consistently rated as one of the world’s very best beaches, and you can marvel at its magic in the most quintessential way with this safari tour. You’ll ride into sunset on your very own camel, watching the sky reflect onto serene waters in all shades of yellow and orange. 

Time Out tip: Join Broome's original camel lady, Alison Bird, who runs the tours via her local business, Broome Camel Safaris.

Where: Melbourne, Victoria

What is it? Nicknamed the "coffee capital of the world", Melbourne has no shortage of excellent coffee shops.

Why go? Although you’re rarely more than a hundred metres from a good brew, there still are some standout roasters. One such caffeine queen is Bonnie, a CBD coffee joint whose house specialty is cold drip coffee. We also back Collingwood’s Acoffee – more like a coffee museum than a café – and the ethical brews from Padre Coffee, located in Brunswick East or in the heart of South Melbourne Market.

Time Out tip: Nine Aussie cafés were named in the world's top 100 coffee shops for 2025 – and you can find the closest one near you here. 

Where: Gold Coast, Queensland

What is it? At 270 metres above street level, SkyPoint Climb is one of Australia's highest external building walks and begins on level 77 of Surfers Paradise’s Q1 building. 

Why go? Trust us, it’s worth facing your fears and swapping the beach for the clouds on a twilight climb. Upon reaching level 77 and stepping out onto the SkyPoint Observation Deck, you'll get to admire stunning 360-degree views of the Gold Coast region, including its golden beaches, city skyline and lush green hinterland. 

Time Out tip: Golden hour is prime time in our eyes.