Have you always wanted to visit Australia but don’t know which corner to start in? Learn about some of the best places to visit in Australia here for the outdoor enthusiast.
1. The Whitsundays
This is on almost every must visit blog post for Australia, and with good reason. The Whitsundays in Queensland are one of the most beautiful island clusters in the world, and they are surrounded by the inner part of the GREAT BARRIER REEF! This really does make it one of the best places to visit in Australia. Stunning white sand beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife galore, whether you want to lounge in a hammock by the beach, or swim with the fishes, there is something for everyone. I was fortunate enough to live and work here, several times in my twenties, check out Palm Bay Resort for island accommodation. The best month is September! Although it will be warm here year round, the rainy season is December to March.
2. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
Many people come to Australia to see our iconic Aussie wildlife. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve in Victoria is about a 3.5 hour drive from Melbourne. You can see kangaroos, koalas, emus, echidnas, black swans and reptiles in this beautiful ancient and dormant volcano. Day hikes are possible in the reserve, and Warrnambool and Port Fairy make for good accommodation stops close by.
3. Tasmania
Tasmania is the little island state in the far south east corner of Australia. Known for it’s wine regions and wilderness areas, Tasmania is bursting with things to do. You can hike in some of the most beautiful national parks, day and multi-day trips. See penguins in the wild! Eat delicious cheese produced in the state while sipping on some of the finest of wines. Being so far south Tasmania will experience snow in its mountain regions. Still a tourist destination year round, however if you love the sun, December to March are the best months to visit
4. The Kimberley
When many people think of Australia, they think of red, rugged outback desert. While a huge part of the country is desert, there are also other ecosystems like tropical rainforests! A visit to the Kimberley region in north western Western Australia (WA is our largest state!) will give that iconic Aussie picture that many foreigners imagine the land down under to look like. With a distinct dry and wet season, the Kimberley is best visited between April-October (dry season). I too was fortunate enough to live and work here in 2018! This is one of my personal best places to visit in Australia. Check out the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge for a glamping experience.
5. The 12 Apostles
The Great Ocean Road is a spectacular drive along some of the most stunning coast Australia has to offer, just a few hours west of Melbourne. The 12 Apostles, actually only 8 Apostles now and declining. Due to their natural erosion process they have been falling apart into the southern ocean. Many hikes are in this area and can range from 15 minutes to several days if you want to take on the Great Ocean Walk!
6. The Grampians
The Grampians National Park is a mountain range 3 hours north east of Melbourne and a huge hiking destination for day and multi-day hikes. Halls Gap is a cute little town that gives access to the national park. In town you can find Halls Gap bakery that makes excellent Aussie meat pies, a delicious treat you must try after your hiking adventures!
7. Margaret River
This stunning wine region in the south western corner of Western Australia is only a 3 hour drive from Perth. Known for its tall forests, rugged coastal swell, and award winning wines, this area makes for a great weekend away.
8. Uluru
The iconic big red rock, right in the heart centre of Australia. Located in the Northern Territory, a 5 hour drive from Alice Springs. This great big rock is fascinating and draws many tourists from all over the world. Learn about local indigenous people, see their art, wear a bug net to escape the flies, and go for some beautiful day hikes. This region has a lot to offer, check out the Larapinta Trail, it is high on my to do list of treks!
9. Wilsons Promontory
Wilson Promontory, or The Prom as it’s affectionately called by Australians, is a national park in Victoria, 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne. This is a camping destination with some bougie accommodation options available for those looking for a little more comfort. You are VERY likely to see a wombat on your visit to The Prom. There are day hikes and multi-day hiking options for those looking to get a bit deeper into the park. The beaches are stunning and great for swimming and surfing.
10. Far North Queensland
The north eastern corner of Australia is lush and tropical and warm year round. Known for its 4×4 and hiking scene, the major towns in this region are Cairns and Townsville. Be careful when swimming in the water though, this is saltwater crocodile territory, always check if it’s a known swimming hole before diving in!
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Georgie’s Wanderlust 
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