Backpacking Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that must be experienced! The only problem is that the place is unbelievably huge. There is so much to do, and you need help figuring out where to start. To help you out, I’ve created a top ten list of my favourite Australian attractions. The list is not meant for you to follow from 1 to 5, but rather as inspiration when you plan your journey. Enjoy!
Dive and explore the mystical Great Barrier Reef
Diving the Great Barrier Reef is an experience of a lifetime. The reef is the world’s largest structure made by living organisations and is also one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World”. Exception for being astonishing huge, it’s also the home to thousands of species. Playful dolphins, lazy sea turtles and nibbling reef sharks are just a few examples of reef habitats.
The reef has not been given a lot of attention from the “Best Job In The World” stunt from the Australian Government, where you could apply for the position of reef caretaker. Even though I can not give you that job, I can still give you a great recommendation. Use the opportunity to get a PADI diving license. Plenty of companies will teach you the basics of diving, and diving with a license will give you more freedom and an even better experience.
Self-drive the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island
Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, is located along the southern coast of Queensland. The island is a world heritage listed and a precious part of Australia’s natural heritage. With unique attractions like dingoes, shipwrecks and the “Champagne pools”, Fraser Island is one of a kind.
It’s also a hostess to one of Australia’s biggest backpacker attractions, the 4-wheel self-drive. Groups of 12-16 backpackers get stuffed in huge 4-wheel trucks and sent off to the island for a 2- or 3-day hike. Fill your backpack with warm clothes, mosquito spray, dingo protection and loads of alcohol and join in on a big adventure.
Attend a surf camp and experience the surfing lifestyle firsthand
Ever dreamed of riding the waves? Well, now is your chance. Surfing is huge in Australia. Not just as a sport but also as a lifestyle. There is something special about the people that live and breed for surfing. They have a natural ease and calm for life that is hard to find elsewhere. And it’s almost only possible to understand it once you try it. The two seconds of glory while you stand on the board for the first time, with knees shaking like drumsticks, will stay with you forever. At least long enough to recover from the wave that will hit you two seconds later.
You were mostly wrong if you ever imagined surfing was easy. Surfing is tough and can be a real pain in the ass. At least if you need to know where and how to start. There is only one way to learn how to surf. Attend a Surf Camp. On a surf camp, you will be taught and taught how to surf as a beginner on a beginner surfboard. In most cases, they will get you up on the board during your first day of surfing! Take the opportunity to experience the surfing lifestyle firsthand. Attend a Surf Camp!
Drive the world-famous Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is recognised as one of the world’s most scenic drives. The road follows the south-west coast of Victoria, from Torquay to just south of Geelong. The road was built after World War 1 by returned soldiers and was constructed to memorialise those who died in the war. The road is surrounded by spectacular nature. Most famous are the mesmerising twelve apostles.
The Twelve Apostles is an amazing collection of rock formations that follows the coast. The rocks have been carved by the fierce waves of the ocean over the last 20 million years. Despite the name, there are not 12 of them. The name was given in the mid-50s to attract tourists. The Great Ocean Road is truly a wonderful sight and a must on a road trip around Australia.
Watch the incredible view of the Sydney Opera House with the fantastic Harbor Bridge in the background
Sydney Opera House is widely recognised as the symbol of Australia. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most famous performing arts centres. The main attraction is, of course, the unique design. The shellproof, which no one thought was possible to construct, was designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who 2003 received the “Pritzker price” architecture highest honour.
While The Sydney Opera House is a well-recognised symbol of Australia, the Harbor Bridge can be considered the symbol of Sydney. The bridge has always been the focal point of major celebrations in Sydney’s history, like New Year’s Eve and the Sydney Olympic Games. For the adventurous, it’s also possible to climb the bridge. BridgeClimb hosts daily climbs up to the bridge’s highest point. Each trip takes about 3.5 hours.