| 1. Visit Uluru |
There is probably no other natural sight that sums up Australia that Uluru, formerly called Ayer’s Rock. Even from a distance the rock looks huge. It’s the largest single rock anywhere in the world and the best time to see it is at dawn or sunset when it takes on its trademark red hue. The rock is sacred to the Aboriginals and after years of tourists being able to climb it unrestricted, the Australian government has begun to take into account the feelings of the native people.
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| 2. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge |
You can see Sydney Harbour bridge from many parts of the city, the best being from the water but had you ever thought of climbing to the top of it? It’s a scary trip, it requires strength and stamina but once you’ve made it, you’ll feel like a king. Generally, the walk is very safe but the tours that take you on this incredible adventure insist that you are fit, wear protective headgear and follow strict rules. Despite the red tape, you should not miss the opportunity.
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| 3. See an Opera at Sydney Opera House |
It’s been around for decades and some even think it looks a little dated, but those visiting the city for the first time won’t want to miss the iconic landmark. The ‘sails’ or ‘waves’ of the building, whatever you think they look like, are instantly recognisable. It’s great to see the building from the outside but for opera buffs, no visit to the city could be complete without watching an opera here!
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| 4. Great Barrier Reef |
Probably the top dive site in the world, this massive natural structure, over 1600 miles long, topples record after record. It’s the largest structure made by living creatures, it’s visible from space and it has the biggest diversity of marine life in any environment on earth. It’s also one of Australia’s biggest tourist money-spinners but this has raised concerns over its survival. It’s now a UNESCO protected site and it’s hoped that it will now be protected for the future.
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| 5. Alice Springs |
There’s not a huge amount here but it’s just one of those places you have to tick off on your list. It’s hot and arid in summer, not much different in winter but travelling to it or even out and around it gives the visitor an idea of just how isolated and remote it is. Think back to films like ‘Walkabout’ and you’ll also see how skilled Aborigines must be to survive their rite of passage in the outback. It’s not a place you’d want to get lost.
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| 6. Melbourne Cricket Ground |
Australians are sport mad and probably their favourite sport, followed by millions, is cricket. There are a number of grounds around the country but probably the ‘home of cricket’ to Australians is the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It’s the tenth largest stadium in the world and has witnessed many memorable Aussie victories. If you have time on your hands, book a ticket and take a picnic down to enjoy some of the most exciting matches when the national team are in residence.
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| 7. Visit a Vineyard |
We are all familiar with Australian wine and it now ranks amongst some of the top vineyards in the world. Whilst in Australia, take time to visit some of the well-known estates in Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale but also try some of the smaller producers. The climate in the south of the country is perfect for viticulture leading to production of great wine. Many vineyards now have exquisite restaurants attached where you can enjoy fine dining matched with an appropriate estate produced wine.
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| 8. Drive The Great Ocean Road |
This stunning stretch of coastline links Melbourne and Adelaide across the south of the country and is perfect for those that love to drive. It’s also not bad for those that like to sit back and watch gorgeous coastal scenery glide by. In places the road is almost in the sea, in others you soar above vivid blue waters. Our recommendation would be to splash out on an upmarket convertible car and head off along driving heaven.
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| 9. Coral Bay |
If you like the Maldives and the coral atoll experience with great snorkelling and stunning diving then you really ought to consider one of Australia’s best kept secrets, Coral Bay in Western Australia. The beaches are simply perfect – there’s no other way to describe them. Ningaloo Reef is the biggest reef of its kind in the world and the diving and snorkelling is second to none. Check out the dives with whale sharks – a breath-taking experience.
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| 10. The Blue Mountains |
The Blue Mountains are very close to Australia’s biggest city, Sydney but you’d never believe it when you travel out of the city and up into them. They are close to Sydney and yet a million miles from city life. You can ski in the mountains only an hour from the city centre, or in summer, spend a weekend camping, hiking or fishing. The mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range and get their name from the blue tinge the mountains show from a distance because of the mineral content of the limestone that forms them.
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