Top 10 Experiences

Australia is a continent of superlatives — the sixth largest country in the world, surrounded by two oceans, with natural wonders found nowhere else. These ten experiences make a trip to Australia unforgettable:

1. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef — The world's largest coral reef system stretches over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Queensland. While snorkeling or diving, you'll float over hundreds of coral species and thousands of fish species — an underwater universe in Technicolor. From Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Whitsundays. → Chap. Queensland
2. Uluru at sunrise and sunset — The sacred monolith of the Anangu glows in over a dozen shades of red as the sun rises or sets. A spiritual experience in the heart of the Outback that humbles you. → Chap. Outback & Red Centre
3. Sydney Opera House from the water — The iconic white sails of the Opera House are most impressive from the harbor. Take the ferry to Manly and enjoy the view from the water — or book a performance inside. → Chap. Sydney
4. Driving the Great Ocean Road — 243 kilometers of coastal road along Victoria's stormy southern coast. The Twelve Apostles — towering limestone stacks in the surf — are the dramatic highlight. Best as a two-day trip from Melbourne. → Chap. Melbourne
5. Exploring the Daintree Rainforest — The world's oldest tropical rainforest (over 130 million years) meets the Great Barrier Reef directly at Cape Tribulation. Nowhere else do two UNESCO World Heritage sites converge. → Chap. Queensland
6. Kangaroos and koalas in the wild — Forget the zoos: In Australia, kangaroos hop across golf courses at dawn, and koalas doze in eucalyptus trees along the Great Ocean Road. Almost guaranteed on Kangaroo Island or in Grampians National Park. → Chap. Nature & Wildlife
7. Harbour Bridge Climb in Sydney — 1,332 steps to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134 meters above the water. The panoramic view over the harbor, Opera House, and city is breathtaking. From 388 AUD — expensive but unique. → Chap. Sydney
8. Quokka selfie on Rottnest Island — The "happiest animals in the world" live only on this car-free island off Perth. The small marsupials are friendly and readily pose for photos. A 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. → Chap. Western Australia
9. Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach — Dazzling white quartz sand, turquoise waters, 74 tropical islands — the Whitsundays are Australia's Caribbean paradise. Whitehaven Beach is regularly voted the most beautiful beach in the world. → Chap. Queensland
10. Barossa Valley wine tasting — Australia's most famous wine region produces world-class Shiraz. Over 80 wineries, many family-run since the 1840s, offer tastings with views of endless vineyards — plus top-notch food. → Chap. Melbourne (Yarra Valley)