When it comes to bucket list experiences, Australia has you covered. No matter what you’re into, be you a hiker, thrill-seeker, beach lover, or wildlife enthusiast, you are sure to find something to love about this incredible country. If Australia itself isn’t on your bucket list of countries to visit already, then we highly recommend you remedy that situation and pronto.

However…

Here’s the thing about Australia, it’s absolutely huge. It is the sixth largest country in the world, and so, if you are considering road tripping it, you need to know that it will take you an age to get from A to B. As an example, it will take you a whopping 18 hours if you’re going from Melbourne to Brisbane, and a bum-numbing 3 days to get from Sydney to Melbourne if you’re going by car. Still, with the beautiful scenery around you, and the right car for road tripping, you might not complain too much. 

But our point is this….

Don’t expect to see and do everything on one trip to Australia, unless you are planning on an extended stay. There are hundreds of bucket list experiences to choose from, but to get the most of your stay Down Under, you will need to pick and choose those that might be a priority for you. We have some of our favorites here but do your own research too so you can make the most of your time in this incredible country.

Here are our favorite bucket list experiences.

Best City For Your Bucket List: Melbourne 

Okay, so Sydney is famous for its opera house, Brisbane has its beaches, and Canberra has its wineries. Wonderful cities all, and each one worthy of a place on your bucket list. However, after New York, Melbourne has become known as the second greatest city in the world, and after ranking at number one for years, is also the world’s second most liveable city. Just visiting the city will give you kudos from your friends and followers. Why does it rank so highly? According to tourism experts, the city has an incredible music scene, with some of the greatest music venues in all of Australia. The city contains Australia’s largest and most Instagrammable shopping centre in the shape of the elegant Melbourne Central. There’s the luscious Royal Botanic Gardens for those looking for a paradise getaway. And for wildlife lovers, there are opportunities to visit the penguins at Phillips Island and swim with dolphins at nearby Port Phillip Bay. So, book yourself a stay at the fabulous Novotel Melbourne Central, add Melbourne to your bucket list, and embark on some of the many other bucket list experiences in the city.

Best Road Trip For Your Bucket List: Drive the Great Ocean Road

If you are planning on taking a road trip, then let it be this one. Stretching over 250 miles from Melbourne to Warrnambool, this coastal journey attracts thousands of visitors each year, with some incredible sights to stop and gawp at on your travels. There are the famous 12 Apostles (although only eight remain, despite their name); massive limestone structures that have been around longer than the Biblical 12 apostles, dating back to over 20 million years ago. Away from the coastline, you can head to the ancient land of Otways National Park, where you can immerse yourself in the lush greenery of trees and ferns, and stand in awe at the beautiful waterfalls that are the highlight of this dreamy haven. And if you have come to Australia for the Koalas, you should stop off at the small seaside town of Kennett River, where Koalas can be spotted clambering in the trees and pottering along the roadside. For these and other highlights, check out this bloggers guide to the Great Ocean Road, and add them to your itinerary. 

Best National Park For Your Bucket List: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to Australia’s national parks. There are over 500 of them, any one of which are worthy candidates for your bucket list. The Blue Mountains National Park is the place to be if you want to get up close and personal with Aboriginal culture. Daintree National Park is for those who want to bush-walk through rainforests. And crocodile lovers (and wildlife lovers in general) should venture into the beautiful Kakadu National Park. For these and more, check out these links to Australia’s national parks. However, for the purposes of this list, our highlight has to be the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Reef is the only living thing on Earth that can be seen from Outer Space. This 2,300 km in size ecosystem spans over hundreds of islands and comprises of a countless number of species of tropical fish, sharks, dolphins, turtles and more. And you can choose to explore it however you like. You can take to the skies with a scenic flight and then (if you’re brave enough) skydive down to it. Or you can take a sailing boat across the beautiful blue waters. Or, and this is our preferred choice, you can also scuba dive beneath the depths to get an up close and personal look at Nemo, Dory, and quite possibly even Jaws himself if you take a cage dive. You can find out more about the Great Barrier Reef by following our previous link.

Best Thrill-Seeking Experience For Your Bucket List: Erm…there’s too many to count!

Okay, a bit of a cop-out we know, but it all depends on your personal preference. If cage diving with the sharks at Great Barrier Reef wasn’t enough for you, then you might want to snorkel with the Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef. Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin gives you the opportunity to cage dive with a ginormous Saltwater Crocodile. You could speed around the tracks of Queensland Raceway in a V8 Race Car. Or you could go white water rafting along the rainforest rivers of Cairns. And that’s barely scratching the surface. If you’re looking for excitement, check out this thrill-seekers guide to Australia, and pick out your favorites.

Finally

So, those were our bucket list ideas, but let us know what you think. Do you agree with us, or do you have favorites of your own? Whatever you think, we are sure you can agree with us one thing; Australia is an amazing place to visit, so if you haven’t already, perhaps now is the time to book your vacation to the land Down Under!