Australia’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Australia’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Australia’s Background

 

About 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploring the continent in the 17th century, Aboriginal inhabitants came from Southeast Asia. There were no official territorial claims made until 1770 when Capt. James Cook seized possession in the name of the United Kingdom. Six colonies were established in the late 18th and early 19th century; they merged to become the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.

The new country used its natural resources to swiftly expand its agricultural and manufacturing sectors, as well as to contribute significantly to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Australia has evolved into a globally competitive, advanced market economy in recent decades. During the 1990s, it had one of the fastest growing economies in the OECD, thanks in large part to economic reforms implemented in the 1980s. Long-term problems include pollution, notably ozone layer depletion, as well as management and conservation of coastal regions, including the Great Barrier Reef.

From the picturesque neighborhoods of metropolitan Melbourne and Perth to the nearly unknown Outback, where cattle ranches may be larger than most European countries, Australia, The Lucky Country, and the world’s sixth biggest country, has so much to offer.

The first decision you must make is which of the eight states you wish to visit; to be precise, two of them are territories. From the metropolis to the countrysides, each state and territory is distinct. If you want to be genuinely secluded, go to the Outback, but be prepared for extreme temperatures, with summers exceeding 40°C (104°F) and freezing winter overnight temps. Summer in Australia’s Tropical North may be humid and wet, categorized as the wet season, and is not always a pleasant time of year.

 

 

Australia is packed with a potential for

adventure which makes it worth experienceing

 

 

In comparison to the size of the nation, the population is relatively tiny (23.5 million people), with the bulk of the population residing on the outskirts of the country. If you’re looking for adventure, head to the lovely red core. It can be hard, and you’ll need to be prepared, but the brave can experience the beauty of Alice Springs. Or, for a whole different experience, drive south to the highlands of Victoria or Tasmania, especially when it snows!

The true adventure is renting a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and exploring thousands of kilometers of off-road paths, but bring lots of water and don’t rely on your phone; it won’t work!

Come to Australia if you want to see the most breathtaking landscape, wonderful animals, and experience the most diverse of countries.

It is impossible to see everything Australia has to offer in one week, but you will be able to tour a significant chunk of the nation. However, smart planning will help you to maximize your time and explore some of the main sights. Divers must see the Great Barrier Reef, but keep in mind that you must arrange time for flying on each side of your reef trip. In actuality, you’ll have to choose between the Reef and the Rock if you want to scuba dive in Queensland.

Top Places in Australia

Sydney Opera House

When most people hear the words “Sydney, Australia,” they immediately think of the Sydney Opera House. The setting is breathtaking. The building is surrounded by water on three sides, and the Royal Botanic Gardens border it on the south. Theaters, studios, a music hall, exhibition halls, and a cinema are all part of the complex. It is now receiving a 10-year, $275-million refurbishment, however it will remain operational during this time. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is one of the greatest places to shoot this popular Sydney tourist landmark.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was assembled in 1975 to safeguard the reef’s vulnerable ecosystems. More than 3,000 coral reefs, 600 islets, 300 coral cays, and inshore mangrove islands are among them. The park, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, runs over 2,300 kilometers along Australia’s east coast. Soft and hard corals, more than 1,600 tropical fish species, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays, and gigantic clams are among the amazing marine life. Because of the size of this ecosystem, it can even be seen from space.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a World Heritage Site co-managed by Parks Australia and the Aangu people, the traditional proprietors. Uluru, which means “shadowy spot” in the local Aboriginal tongue, rises 348 meters above the surrounding plain. Joining a tour conducted by Aboriginal guides and rangers is a terrific opportunity to appreciate these holy locations. The park also has the red dome-shaped rocks known as Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

Blue Mountains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park is a popular day trip from Sydney and lies 81km west of the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning park protects more than 664,000 acres of wilderness. Hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in the park. The most famous attractions are the towering sandstone rock formations called the Three Sisters.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is an excellent place to experience Sydney’s beach lifestyle. Walk the Bondi to Bronte coastline walk while strolling along this world-famous beach. You may also go shopping at Sunday markets or swim in the seaside pool. Strong rip tides frequently take unwary swimmers out to sea, particularly at the southern end.

Daintree National Park

The Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland is one of the world’s oldest ecosystems. Mossman Gorge, where crystal-clear rivers cascade over granite rocks, and Cape Tribulation are two of Australia’s most picturesque tourist destinations. The park’s incredible biodiversity includes over 18,000 plant species and a diverse range of animal species. Accommodation in Port Douglas is likely your best chance for arranging wilderness excursions into the park.

7-day Itinerary in Australia (with extension options)

Days 1  (with possible  1 day extension)

 

Arrive in Sydney

Check into your hotel and spend whatever time you have upon arrival recovering from the almost-guaranteed jet lag. If you arrive in the morning and have a full day ahead of you, try to stay up. Hit the nearest cafe for a shot of caffeine to keep you going. Head to Circular Quay, and from there, get a fantastic view of Sydney Harbour Bridge before strolling to the Sydney Opera House and soaking up some history at The Rocks. If you have time, take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly beach and round off a fairly easy day with fish and chips. Then head to bed for some much-needed sleep.

 

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This section will be added shortly.

Days 2+ (with possible 1 day extension)

 

Explore Sydney

Start with a ride to the top of the Sydney Tower to experience Sydney’s highest open-air attraction, Skywalk, a breathtaking 260 m (853 ft.) above Sydney. Harnessed onto a moving, glass-floored viewing platform that extends out over the edge of the tower, you can view all of Sydney’s landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and even the Blue Mountains beyond. Don’t worry, it’s not actually as scary as it sounds.

For an introduction to Australia’s wildlife, head to Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Aquarium. If you have time to spare, another great choice is Featherdale Wildlife Park, but keep in mind it’s about an hour and a half from the city center. If you enjoy museums, put the Australian Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour, and the interactive Powerhouse Museum on your list for the day. For an insight into Sydney’s beginnings as a convict settlement, visit the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, a convict-built prison. Finish off your day with a twilight (or later on weekends) BridgeClimb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Days 3+

 

The Blue Mountains

Take the train from Central Station to Katoomba for a day, exploring the beauty of the Blue Mountains—only 2 hours from Sydney. Once there, jump on the Blue Mountains Explorer bus , which allows you to hop on and off wherever you please. There are also many day-tour operators running to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. Whichever mode of transport you use, don’t miss the spectacular Three Sister rock formations, best viewed from Echo Point Road at Katoomba. Make sure you also spend some time at Scenic World , where you can ride the world’s steepest railway into a valley full of ancient rainforest, and come back up on a cable car—among other adventures that kids especially will enjoy. At the end of the day, head back to Sydney and have dinner somewhere with a view of the harbor.

Days 4+

 

Cairns, the Gate to the Great Barrier Reef

Take the earliest flight you can from Sydney to Cairns—flight time is 3 hours—and check into a hotel in the city, which on such a tight schedule will make getting to the major attractions quicker and easier than staying on the out-of-town northern beaches. Explore the city a little and see some wildlife—including a massive saltwater crocodile—in the bizarre setting of the Cairns Wildlife Dome, atop the Hotel Sofitel Reef Casino. You will have the rest of the day to head out to visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. If you are not going to the Red Centre, this is a great place to learn about Aboriginal culture and life, albeit in a theme-park kind of way. You could spend several hours here, or save the visit for the evening, when Tjapukai by Night tours offer a different look at traditional ceremonies, including dinner and a fire-and-water outdoor show.

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This section will be updated shortly

This section will be updated shortly

Days 5+

 

Explore The Reef

Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef leave from the Reef Fleet Terminal. The trip to the outer reef takes about 2 hours, and once there, you will spend your day on a pontoon with about 300 people. Experienced divers may prefer to take a day trip with one of several dive charter companies that take smaller groups and visit two or three reefs. The pontoons of the big operators also offer the chance to take a scenic flight—a truly spectacular experience. Divers must spend another 24 hours in Cairns before flying. If you are content to snorkel, ride the glass-bottom boats, and soak up the sun, you will be able to fly the next day. After returning to Cairns, take a stroll along the Esplanade and eat at one of the busy cafes and restaurants that line the strip.

Days 6+

 

The Rainforest Village of Kuranda

Waiting out the day after diving (you can’t fly for 24 hours after you’ve been on a dive) can give you a chance to discover another aspect of Australia—its rainforests. Take a trip to the mountain village of Kuranda aboard the steam train along the Kuranda Scenic Railway, past waterfalls and gorges. In Kuranda, explore the markets and the nature parks and maybe take a Kuranda Riverboat Tour, which runs about 45 minutes. Return on the Skyrail cableway, which carries you over the rainforest (you can get to ground level at a couple of stations on the way) to the edge of Cairns. The views are sensational. This is a big day out!

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This section will be updated shortly.

This section will be updated shortly.

Days 7+

 

Cairns to Sydney

In the morning, head to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Unless you are lucky enough to have an international flight directly out of Cairns, you will spend most of your last day in Australia returning to Sydney. With the time you have left in Sydney, treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbor, with its bridge and Opera House illuminated. It’s a sight you’ll carry home with you.

The Most Popular Food in Australia

Until the 1950s, British and Irish dietary habits greatly affected early Australian cuisine, and for most Australians, it reminded them of ‘home.’ The Anglo-Celtic forefathers instilled a love of meat-and-three-vegetable dinners, robust puddings, and tea and beer. Not to mention the Aboriginal (Original land dwellers) diet can also be seen in many traditional Aussie dishes. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Lebanese, French, African, and Greek cuisines have also had a profound effect on Australian preferences, and major cities offer a diverse range of restaurants. Australian chefs are well-known across the world for their fusion cuisine, which combines classic European cooking with Asian ingredients.

Aussie Meat Pie

Aussie Meat Pie is a traditional Australian dish that has come to symbolize the country’s identity. While the rest of the world enjoys pie for dessert, the Australians have fashioned their own kind of pie and made it a vital part of their gastronomic culture. Special pie stores may be found all around the country, and they are quite popular. Cheese, minced beef, onions, gravy, and mushrooms are used to make the Aussie meat pie. These components are then supplemented with an unique sauce, which adds the finishing savory touch. If you want to experience traditional Australian cuisine, the Aussie meat pie is hard to beat.

Barramundi

Another delicacy from Australian cuisine that you should not pass up is barramundi. The actual meaning of the name in Aboriginal language is “large-scaled river fish.” While it may be found all around the country, Queensland is regarded for having the best Barramundi.

Lamb Leg Roast

The lamb leg roast is carefully prepared in Australia, and the natives take great delight in this meal. Aside from the apparent primary component, the remaining ingredients include a fairly minimal list of olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. At restaurants, the dish is typically served with baked potatoes, and it is regarded as a hearty lunch that would round off a long day in Aussie country nicely.

Witchetty Grub

Witchetty Grub is a traditional meal of the Aboriginal people, Australia’s indigenous people. It’s essentially a giant wood-eating moth larva that’s edible and high in protein. Some people prefer to eat it raw, although adding peanut sauce and grilling it is also popular. Witchetty Grubs may not be something that the average Australian eats on a daily basis, but it is a distinctive form of Australian food.

Grilled Kangaroo

Foreigners, who frequently appreciate these robust creatures, may find eating a kangaroo to be fairly contentious. It’s Australia’s national animal, but shooting is still permitted, so you’ll find grilled kangaroo all throughout the country. This is also the only spot on the planet where kangaroos can be found in their native habitat, and roasted kangaroo is a staple of Australian cuisine. Kangaroo meat is considered lean and low in saturated fats, thus it’s also highly healthful.

Barbequed Emu

This Australian bird is both an Aboriginal and an Australian delicacy. Typically mixed with oil, vinegar, tomato, mustard, garlic, and sugar, then marinated. Then grilled over charcoal until browned, with the marinade brushes on the grill providing the most taste.

What's the Travel Budget in Australia?

Final Thoughts on Australia

From the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney and beyond, Australia packs a punch for those looking to have a unique experience in the midst of a bustling city, and in the wild. Would you visit Australia? 

Have you ever been there? 

Let us know in the comments below.

Cruisit Team

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