10 things you should never miss during your first trip to Australia

Australia is well known for its natural beauty, especially naturally formed structures, beaches, and reefs. Also there are a lot of places to go and restaurants to frequent. However, on a limited time, which are the places you should prioritize? Let’s take a look at this list of 10 things you should never miss during your first trip to Australia.

Also Read – 18 Rome Landmarks You Must Not Miss

Getting ready to travel

The most important thing is to get ready to go to Australia. Get your documents in order to get an Australian tourist visa from India. Since there is no provision for a visa on arrival for Indians in Australia, get your visa before you leave the country.

These are the things you should keep ready when you are applying for a visa. You would need a visa application form, original passport, PAN card or Aadhar card copy, and financial statements. Along with this, a cover letter mentioning details of applicants, hotel booking with the return flight ticket, marriage certificate, income tax returns, and employment proofs might also be required. You would also need a couple of photos to finish the procedure.

Other nationalities including those from US also need to obtain a Visa in advance before departure. However European residents are required to apply for a free a eVisitor Visa in advance which is valid for 3 months stay at a time over a 12 month period. Check out the document requirements in each case before you apply. New Zealand residents with a valid passport do not require a Visa in advance to visit Australia. They are granted a Special Category Visa on arrival which is a temporary visa.

Once done don’t forget to keep a few things in your baggage that will help you in Australia. Dry fit clothes, sanitizer, extra masks, caps, sunscreen, dusting powder, and anything that can make your time in Australia more comfortable.

Places to visit in Australia

1. Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a life-altering moment for anyone who visits it. Diving near the Great Barrier Reef can open your eyes to the natural wonders by showing you the beautiful coral formations, enormous clams, and various species of marine life. There are more than 1600 species of marine life near the Great Barrier Reef. You can go diving and swim with all sorts of fish too.

2. Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is an oasis of Arts and culture that has attracted patrons from all over the world for many years. The Opera House itself is a monument that is well-loved.

3. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is more than just a beach. It is an entire ocean side village that people go to for an entire day and spend it engaging in various activities. You can start your day with the sunrise and enjoy a picnic while watching birds and the beach buzzing with activity. If you are lucky, you may even see whales and surfing dolphins across the stretch of the ocean. The atmosphere around is electrifying.

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4. Kangaroo Island

Well-known for its population of wild animals like koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, and seals, Kangaroo Island is a perfect place for a holiday. You can laze on the Sandy beach and indulge in local food and beverages to make your holiday complete. You can stay in a luxury beach house and enjoy the beach view while lying in a bathtub under the stars. Take a walk through the lavender fields or have dinner under the fig tree to make the experience more magical.

5. Margaret River

The Margaret River is a jewel in Western Australia’s crown. It is packed with experiences and landscapes that can make this trip one of the best you’ve ever taken. You can gaze below from the limestone cliffs and spot dolphins riding the wave. If you are a fan, you can go kayaking or enjoy the Margaret river’s wine region.

6. Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a town that will take you on a trip through the quintessential Australian spirit. You can try a long list of outback activities, from camel rides to sunrise hot air balloons. Moreover you can relax in freshwater swimming holes or admire the magnificent monolith that binds this town together. Therefore if you are wondering what activities to indulge in, here are a few tips and trips for you to book.

7. The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a couple of hours’ drive from Sydney. They are the basin where Aboriginal Rock art and the iconic tourist attraction of Scenic World, where a suspended cable way and the world’s steepest train can be experienced. Take a hike to explore the valleys and cliffs or experience luxury at a wilderness retreat.

Also Read – Hike to Mount Vesuvius

8. Phillip Island

Phillip Island is an integral part of the life experience you can have in Australia. The famous Penguin parade is an attraction that every nature lover aspires to see at least once in their lifetime.

9. Barossa Valley

Best known as the wine-producing area, the Barossa Valley has more than wineries and 80 cellar doors. When you are not enjoying the wind, you can go on a hot air balloon ride or dine at world-renowned restaurants and explore villages and national parks.

10. Mudgee

A notable food and wine destination Mudgee offers gourmet experiences to those seeking a picturesque road trip.

When you are out to enjoy these distinct features of Australia, is it not better when you do it stress-free? Whether you are engaging in adventure sports or your airline loses your baggage, some things may leave you stranded and can cost you extra money. One of the ways to ensure that you are not hit due to an unfortunate incident is to get travel insurance.

Why Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance offers emergency accidental treatment and evacuation, personal accident cover, accidental death and disability cover, delay of checked-in baggage, total loss of checked-in baggage, and cover for loss of passport. When you are in another country, these things can cost more due to the exchange rate.

Apart from this, if you are traveling with your family, it’s better to have a backup for everything to ensure their safety. Use these tips to make your vacation to Australia the best one to date. 

If you loved the feel of Australia & the travel tips, PIN it for planning!

20 thoughts on “10 things you should never miss during your first trip to Australia

  1. Jason

    Auz !!! It’s still on my bucket list!! What a country I could most definitely see myself loving here and the Barrier reefs and Kangaroo Island sound like sights I need in my life.

  2. We are really hoping to get Australia back on our travel planning board this year. Great to see your list of things to help with our planning. We definitely need to plan to get out of the bigger cities and enjoy the great outdoors. A great list to start with.

  3. I agree with you! The Great Barrier Reef is a must-visit. Being able to dive and swim with the fishes and explore marine life is just and wonderful and unforgettable experience.

    We are actually planning to visit Phillip Island next.

  4. I wasn’t aware Australia had a wine region. I would love to spend some time there and take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards. There are so many great places to visit. I loved the penguin parade and would add a stop in Melbourne and the Twelve Apostles if already in the area.

  5. joanna

    I would love to visit Australia some day, but it’s so far away for just a casual trip. I’ve always said that if I go, I need to take at least one month off. I have recently took part in an event about the Northern Territory which made me really want to visit Alice Springs. It sounds like such an underrated town, with most people choosing it only as a stop over to Uluru.

  6. Wow! Australia has a vast variety of breathtaking natural wonders that should not be missed. Margaret River is just stunning! My favorite is the Sydney Opera House, which is a world-famous architectural classic. I suppose it’s time for me to prepare my documents in order to apply for an Australian tourist visa, as the country has captivated my heart.

  7. Natascha

    I have not yet been to Australia, but this is a very useful list of places to go for a first orientation. A very balanced mix of beaches, mountains and dessert. Kangaroo Island looks fantastic.

  8. I’m yet to plan my first trip to Australia but hoping to plan one soon. So thanks for this. The Great Barrier Reef is definitely the top of my wishlist too. Kangaroo Island sounds absolutely charming. I’d spend a few days here. I would definitely not want to miss Aboriginal art at Blue Mountains.

  9. Jennifer Prince

    Ah! There are so many iconic places in Australia. I would love to spend some time on the beaches there and see some of the wildlife, too. And, yes, travel insurance is so important. I think we all learned a lot during COVID!

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