5 Travel Destinations in Australia that Overseas Visitors Must See
I was asked recently to guest post on a blog for HydroChic, a company in the USA that sells sun protective active wear for women. They asked me to select the top five travel destinations to the ‘Land Down Under’ that would appeal to travellers looking for places in the sun. So here they are:
Top 5 Travel Destinations to the Land Down Under
1. Sydney
The most populous city in Australia is located on the east coast of Australia in the state of New South Wales. It boasts the world’s largest harbour and has two iconic landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But it also has some of the most famous beaches such as Bondi, Manly, Bronte, Coogee and Palm Beach.
2. Gold Coast
It is no secret why I have included my own backyard, the fabulous Gold Coast, that is located on the east coast of Australia, just across the border from New South Wales into sunny Queensland. They say “Queensland is sunny one day and perfect the next” because we get 287 days on average of sunshine year round. It is a playground of all things fun in the sun – beach swimming, a surfing mecca, a boating paradise, thrilling theme parks, mesmerising national parks, sophisticated shopping and dining.
3. Tropical Far North Queensland
Most tourists that come to Australian visit either Cairns or Port Douglas in Far North Queensland because it is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest coral reef system is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres. It has to be seen to be believed. However if you travel further north you encounter the world’s largest continuous area of tropical rainforest in Australia, called the Daintree. In some sections the rainforest grows right down to the edge of the ocean and is a must see if you are heading to the far north of Australia.
4. Great Ocean Road
200 kilometres west of Melbourne, in the state of Victoria in South East Australia, is arguably one of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world – the Great Ocean Road. With awe-inspiring limestone cliffs and incredible rock formations and a rainforest area called the Great Otway, it is a must see on your travel itinerary. But not only that, it is also home to iconic surf locations such as Torquay and Bell’s Beach and the beach resort hot spots of Anglesea and Lorne.
5. Broome
Possibly one of the most remote places in Australia and known as the gateway to The Kimberley, is the town of Broome, that is located in North West Australia. The town has an intriguing pearling industry past, dinosaur footprints, majestic sunsets over the Indian Ocean and the world famous Cable Beach. You can take a sunset camel ride along the long stretch of Cable Beach, take a scenic flight to the wondrous Horizontal Falls or go on safari into The Kimberley to see awesome natural wonders such as the Bungle Bungles.
Australia will amaze you and enthrall at every turn. Our people are friendly and hospitable, we have a wide array of delicious cuisine and accommodation is first class. But more importantly you will get an all round holiday experience which will make you want to come back for more.
What do you think? Do you think my list is fair or could you suggest some other places that overseas visitors would like to see?
Of course I agree with all your selections – and congratulations on being able to narrow it down to just FIVE!!! I don’t think I could do it – there are just WAY too many hotspots like Tasmania’s Bruny Island, South Australia’s Arkaroola and Yorke Peninsula, Central Australia and Victoria’s High Country, not to mention Lord Howe Island – STOP! I can’t pick just five!!!
It was an extremely hard task narrowing it down to five travel destinations. I haven’t been to any of those spots that you have mentioned, except Central Australia, so now you have given me food for thought.
Great list and magic places but you’ve not mentioned Australia’s lovely South West ;) – forests, beaches and vineyards … but shshhh maybe it’s better that way ;) lol!
Jo I really did want to include the South West, but unfortunately Broome won out in the end. If I had been able to list six then it would definitely be on the list!
Great list. Thrilled to see my backyard (Great Ocean Road) make the cut! So many don’t-miss destinations; so little time. :)
I have driven the Great Ocean Road twice and both times was awestruck by its beauty. I could not possible leave it off my list!
Excellent suggestions. I had the best fish and chips by the beach I’ve ever eaten at Torquay. I love all the Eastern Suburbs beaches in Sydney too. But you really can’t beat Surfer’s Paradise can you :)
I’m glad you agree with my Top five. There are just too many great places in Australia. That’s what happens when you live in the best country in the world!
A very difficult task indeed! I agree wholeheartedly with your choices, although personally I prefer Melbourne over Sydney but from an overseas visitor perspective Sydney is a better choice and more a iconic representation of Australia. Of course there are lots of other places that come to mind but really, I think I would reserve those as suggestions for a second or third time visitor, or a longer stay.
Gabrielle, I adore Melbourne as well. I probably should have combined Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road drive as one destination, even if they are 200 kms apart. I think I was trying to go for destinations that have an international airport or are withing driveable range to an international airport and that have brilliant beaches. I also love the Sunshine Coast and a lot of people would probably say it is nicer than the Gold Coast these days. It really was a tough choice!