It’s easy to look at international destinations with longing, but there are some great places Australians can visit right at home, and ones that should be on your travel bucket list.
It is easy to focus on international travel, and studies show that Australians travel internationally more than citizens from most other countries. Still, even though it is the world’s smallest continent, there is still a lot to do domestically.
Domestic travel is a little different than international travel, although you still need to be prepared for your trip. You’ll need domestic travel insurance, a well-planned trip, and a plan for what to do with your home while you are away.
Here are 6 great places in Australia that every Australian should visit at least once.
Adelaide
From the Laneway bars to the fruit market, there is plenty to see and do in Adelaide. It’s about more than just dining, drink, and food though. Walking around the historic port and visiting the galleries along the Elegant North Terrace boulevard add an element of culture to your visit.
This is an outdoor town, and everything from a relaxing day on the beach to a bike ride or a hike in the hills will keep anyone entertained. When you’re done with all of that, you can take a tour of the Adelaide Oval, considered one of the prettiest cricket stadiums in the world.
Perth
Yes, it’s a popular destination in Western Australia, but there’s a reason for that. The King’s Park and Botanic Gardens (the pride of Perth) is a must visit spot, but it certainly isn’t all the city has to offer.
From the fabulous Art Gallery of Western Australia to the stylish and delicious Brika restaurant among others, the fine dining alone can keep you satisfied. However, don’t skip the aquarium or the Dutch Trading Company, a great place for drinks and dancing after a long day of sightseeing at the Bell Tower or a relaxing day at Cottesloe Beach.
Darwin
Head to the Northern Territory for a great time in Darwin, a city that is a gateway to dozens of outdoor activities, but has a nightlife and culture all its own. If you visit for the Festival, an event that takes place annually over 18 days in August, you’ll enjoy live music, theater, visual arts, dance, and cabaret.
That’s not the only time to visit though. There are several art galleries open throughout the year, including the Nomad Art Gallery and the Mbantua Fine Art Gallery. There is also Bicentennial Park, a park that runs the length of the Darwin waterfront and Lameroo Beach.
Other places to visit include the George Brown Botanic Gardens and the East Point Reserve, a sure bet in the afternoon when the wallabies emerge to feed and you can watch the sunset over the bay.
Hobart
For a visit to the peak of “the mountain,” nearby Mt. Wellington is just a cruise by ferry or jet boat on the Derwent river away. Trust me, you’ll want to spend some time outside in Hobart. The outdoors has a lot of attractions, including the Convict Trail and Zoodoo Wildlife Park.
Inside though, you can visit the Penitentiary, St. David’s Cathedral, and even the Cascade Brewery. From historic sites to Brury Island and Port Arthur, you may not have time to do everything in a single trip.
Of course, besides breweries, you are in Australian wine country, and fine dining is all over the city as well.
Cairns
Cairns is the home of one particular feature that is a must-see: The Great Barrier Reef. Reef trips, snorkeling and diving are must do activities. When you get out of the water though, there is plenty of beauty around you.
The Botanical Gardens, much like other botanical gardens in Australia should be on your list. From an amazing variety of flowers, butterflies, birds, and other native animals. The plants will be different from what you may have seen in other cooler climates.
Follow that by a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a visit to nearby Palm Cove, or a dip in the Crystal Cascades, and you’ll have several full days of excitement. When you are ready to relax in the evening, hit the Night Markets or enjoy the clubs and nightlife at Lyquid Nightlife. Cairns will be a vacation spot you never forget.
Alice Springs
What you may be most amazed by in Alice Springs is the amount of culture and the number of museums available. From the Old Gahn Heritage Railway Museum to the Central Australia Air Museum, you can learn about the history of this amazing area several different ways.
You do need to set aside at least one afternoon to visit the Araluen Cultural Precinct, the cultural hub of Alice Springs. You can wander freely outside, accessing the cemetery and grounds, but a Precinct Pass will get you access to the exhibits and displays for two days, and is well worth the investment.
There are several fine dining restaurants, and the food in the area will not disappoint, nor will the bars like Rock, where you can relax after a long day of tourist activities.
Conclusion
It’s easy to look at international destinations with longing, but there are some great places Australians can visit right at home, and ones that should be on your travel bucket list.
Do you have any hidden gems of Australia no Aussie should miss? Share your destinations in the comments below.
Gary Wilkinson is a 27 year old entrepreneur from UK England whose worked with small and large business alike to secure loans.
