A whole new world of adventures awaits in your new home when you plan to move to another place. If you’ve recently relocated to Australia, there are so many incredible things to see and do across this vast, beautiful country. Here are some of the top attractions and activities to help you explore Australia after your international move.
Marvel at Iconic Australian Landmarks
Some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks should be at the top of your sightseeing list. Majestic Uluru in the Northern Territory is a stunning sandstone rock formation and sacred Aboriginal site. The glittering sails of the Sydney Opera House are instantly recognizable, while the towering Sydney Harbour Bridge offers spectacular views over the harbor. Don’t miss the unusual rock formations of the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.
Explore Pristine Beaches
With over 35,000 km of coastline, Australia is famous for its breathtaking beaches. Bondi Beach in Sydney attracts surfers and sunbathers, while Cable Beach in Broome sees camel rides at sunset. The clear waters of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays Islands are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Wineglass Bay in Tasmania impresses visitors with its curving white sands and turquoise waters.
Get Close to Australian Wildlife
One of the biggest perks of moving to Australia is getting to see unique native wildlife up close. Hand-feed kangaroos and cuddle koalas at Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills. Spot crocodiles, dingoes, and other species at Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. For an unforgettable experience, swim or dive with giant whale sharks off the coast of Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.
Explore the Outback
Make sure to spend time exploring the rugged, remote Outback, the vast wilderness covering much of inland Australia. In the Northern Territory, majestic Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon offer breathtaking scenery and hiking trails. The shimmering salt plains of Lake Eyre in South Australia are an otherworldly sight after heavy rainfall.
Hit the Slopes for Winter Sports
Escape the summer heat by heading to the Snowy Mountains for skiing and snowboarding at leading resorts like Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass. These alpine regions in New South Wales offer varied terrain for all skill levels. End the day relaxing in front of a crackling fireplace at a cozy mountain lodge.
Sample Local Food and Wine
Let your taste buds explore the rich culinary delights of Australia after your international relocation. Seafoods like Barramundi and Kingfish are fresh catches in coastal regions. Savor delicious wines in the vineyards of Barossa Valley and Yarra Valley. Try a classic Aussie pie or pick up artisan foodie treats at farmers’ markets in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Don’t leave without sampling indigenous ingredients like lemon myrtle, wattleseed, and Kakadu plums.
Experience Aboriginal Culture
Learn about the deep spiritual connection of Australia’s indigenous people by taking an Aboriginal cultural tour. In the tropical north, Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land offer the chance to see ancient rock art and meet local Aboriginal communities. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park provides powerful insights into creation stories and indigenous law.
Explore Australia’s Cosmopolitan Cities
While you may imagine Australia as the land of sweeping wilderness, don’t overlook the cosmopolitan allure of cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Wander through lively inner-city neighborhoods lined with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and street art. See world-class museums and immerse yourself in thriving arts and culture scenes.
Embark on Road Trips
One of the best ways to experience the diversity of Australian landscapes is by road trip. The coastal route of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria offers beach stops and iconic coastal rock formations. In Western Australia, drive through old-growth karri forests along the Southern Forests Highway. For serious four-wheel driving adventures, head along the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley.
Enjoy Australia’s Outdoor Activities
With such incredible natural landscapes, Australia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Try surfing and kayaking along the coast or hiking through national parks and reserves. Go mountain biking in alpine regions or abseiling and canyoning in Blue Mountains National Park near Sydney. The Barossa Valley and Yarra Valley offer leisurely cycling amid vineyards. Take to the skies for a hot air balloon ride over Canberra or scenic flights over sites like the Bungle Bungles and Horizontal Falls.
Discover Fascinating History
Walk the cobblestone streets of colonial settlements and historic towns to immerse yourself in Australia’s rich history after relocating from overseas. Tour the World Heritage penal colony of Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania. Step back to the 1850s gold rush era in Victorian-era Beechworth. Explore Fremantle Prison in Perth and hear intriguing convict stories. In South Australia, discover the German heritage of Hahndorf.
Treat Yourself to a Luxury Getaway
You deserve a relaxing getaway after an international move. Treat yourself to a stay at a secluded resort nestled amid the rugged beauty of the Red Centre or the Whitsunday Islands. Or check into a chic inner-city hotel and dine at Sydney’s vibrant restaurant scene. For total pampering, book a stay at a day spa in the Hunter Valley wine region northwest of Sydney.
Plan Multi-Day Walks and Hikes
Lace up your hiking boots and embark on an epic multi-day walk, immersing you in Australia’s most spectacular scenery. The Overland Track through Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain takes you through alpine wilderness over 6-7 days. Walk the 91 km, 5-day Thorsborne Trail across Hinchinbrook Island’s rainforest-clad mountains. Tackle the iconic 6-day, 65 km Larapinta Trail from Alice Springs along the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Dive into the Great Barrier Reef
This natural wonder is a must-visit, especially for scuba diving and snorkeling. Stretching for over 2,300 km along the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Drift over vibrant corals, get up close to sea turtles and tropical fish, and, if you’re lucky, spot massive whale sharks and manta rays. Top diving destinations include Cairns, the Whitsunday Islands, and Port Douglas.
See Australia’s Quirky Side
Australia has plenty of quirky, offbeat attractions to amuse you as a new resident. Visit the “Big” attractions dotted across the country, from the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour to the Big Pineapple in Nambour. Stay in a unique accommodation like an underground motel room in Coober Pedy or a glass-domed observatory suite near Perth. For a fun day out, head to Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill, an 1850s gold rush village with actors in period costumes.
Enjoy Festivals and Events
Experience Australia’s vibrant events calendar, from major arts and culture festivals to beloved local traditions. Sydney’s summer celebrations include New Year’s Eve fireworks and the Festival of the Winds kite-flying festival. In South Australia, don cowboy hats for the annual rodeos and country music hoedowns of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The colorful Vivid Sydney festival lights up the city with dazzling light installations.
Relax at Spas and Wellness Retreats
Recharge from your international relocation with a stay at a luxury day spa or wellness retreat. Victoria’s Peninsula Hot Springs offers relaxing thermal mineral pools. Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa in Daylesford provides indulgent spa treatments and therapies. Or check into a multi-day yoga, meditation, and detox retreat like Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
With so much diversity across landscapes, cities, and experiences, you’ll never run out of things to explore in Australia. Refer to PMR’s international movers and packers to help you settle after relocating from abroad. Their global immigration services ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
About Author
