• Exploring Iconic Australian Wildlife
The kangaroo and koala are our most loved furry friends. Australia is also known for our (not so cute) saltwater crocodiles who were so famously broadcast to the world by the legendary croc hunter, Steve Irwin.
If you’re visiting Australia for the first time, you have to get up close and personal with our Aussie mascots. Choose from many world-class wildlife experiences, including the iconic Australia Zoo, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or Sydney Zoo.
Apart from our furry and scaly friends, Australia is also known for its vast uninhabited outback as over 85% of the population lives within 50km of the coast.
Much bigger than it is represented on a map, Australia is a similar size to the United States if you exclude Alaska and Hawaii. Keep this in mind on your upcoming trip to Australia, as you’ll need plenty of time to explore the cities, coastal areas, and the outback.
• Indigenous Communities: The First Nations Peoples
Australia has two Indigenous populations – Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. Indigenous communities are commonly known as First Nations peoples. Australian Aboriginals are the oldest surviving peoples on earth. They have lived here for up to 80,000 years.
There are more than 350 Aboriginal First Nations, and each one has its own language, song, complex cultural morays, and Dreamtime.
The lessons of the Dreamtime are passed down through the generations through storytelling, songs and dance, ceremonies and art.
They are stories of creation – the land, sea and all living creatures, and they are full of teachings about respect, honour, gratefulness, and wisdom.
• Queensland: The Sunshine State
In Australia’s Top End of Queensland at the tip of Cape York Peninsula, you’ll find the Torres Strait Islands. Torres Strait Islander First Nations peoples are seafarers and have long been famous for their lustrous pearls.
The region is made up of 274 small islands, and each island has its own history, Traditional Owners and generational ties.
Their songs, dance, art, and traditions are based on the sea and maritime experiences as they traded between their close and distant neighbours.
Their elaborate traditional dress, instruments, tools, and watercraft were fashioned from what the land and sea provided, skills that are still widely practised today.
• New South Wales: A Hub of Cultural and Natural Wonders
Australia has eight states and territories. The sunny state of Queensland in the northeast is known for being beautiful one day and perfect the next.
The state has a diverse landscape of rainforests, reefs, beaches, and farmland. Queensland produces some of our favourite fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, bananas, and avocados.
• The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest
Queensland is home to the world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef.
As a major tourism destination now under threat by climate change, visitors are encouraged to make more sustainable travel decisions, including supporting eco-accredited tour operators, visiting the research centre on Heron Island, and staying at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.
In far north Queensland and in close proximity to the reef, you’ll find the Daintree Rainforest. A spot not to be missed on your Australian itinerary, the Daintree is known to be one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in the world.
Not what you first picture when you think of Australia, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to a place that feels larger than life, with plants and species that can be found nowhere else.
• Victoria: Discovering Melbourne's Rich Culture
Further south on the East Coast is New South Wales. Home to Sydney, Byron Bay and the Blue Mountains, it’s no wonder why New South Wales is a popular state on almost every visitor's itinerary.
In northern New South Wales and the central coast you can visit many sleepy surf towns with old pubs and beautiful beaches.
Some of our favourites include Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay, South West Rocks and Nora Head.
When heading to Sydney, there should be no need to remind you that the Sydney Opera House is a must-see landmark. Visitors also love to indulge in a cocktail with a stunning view at the famous Bondi Icebergs on Bondi Beach.
• The Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island
Between New South Wales and Victoria is the Australian Capital Territory. The capital of Australia, Canberra, is of course home to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Art.
If you think Australia doesn’t get any snow - think again. Canberra has close access to ski fields and ski resorts such as Falls Creek, Perisher, Selwyn, and Thredbo. July and August are the best months to visit, but the snow season runs from June to October.
Heading further south to Victoria, you can find the City of Melbourne. A diverse city full of art, music, great food, and coffee.
On your visit to Melbourne, you will marvel at the grand architecture, both new and old, and the gorgeous Victorian and Edwardian era terrace homes that line the streets of the Fitzroy area.
• Western Australia: Exploring the Vast Outback
It’s not only the houses that show Melbourne's history, but the tram system first started in 1889. Today the trams connect the entire city and are the preferred method of transport amongst locals and visitors.
A shopper's dream, Melbourne has plenty of options for every type of shopper. From the Bourke Street Mall to the Fitzroy Markets, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Great Ocean Road is a popular day trip or getaway from Melbourne CBD. Approximately a four-hour drive from the CBD, the coastline of the Great Ocean Road is well worth the journey.
The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage-listed 243-kilometer stretch of road and is home to large limestone structures in the ocean such as the 12 Apostles.
Phillip Island is also on the south coast. Here, visitors flock each night on the seashore to watch hundreds of Fairy Penguins emerge from the surf and strut up the beach to their burrows. These little cuties can capture even the hardest hearts and definitely uplift the spirits!
• Tasmania: Exploring the Island State
Approximately 250 kilometers further south of Victoria, separated by the Bass Strait, you’ll find Australia’s Island state of Tasmania. Tasmania, or ‘Tassie’ as the locals prefer, is known for its unique flora and fauna.
Its fertile soil and coastal surrounds make Tasmania a perfect spot for the production of delicious wines, dairy, and seafood. Tasmania is also home to the endangered Tasmanian Devil.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Tassie Devil and even seeing one for yourself, head to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo for a wildlife experience without the fences and cages.
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and an adventure seekers paradise. Hobart has 1,270m-high Mount Wellington as its backdrop, that boasts plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails.
If kayaking is more your style, you can paddle through the many lichen-covered Alum Cliffs and sea caves.
Another popular area to visit in Hobart is Battery Point. Aptly named Hobart’s historic district, Battery point is complete with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages.
• South Australia: A Culinary and Wildlife Haven
Back on mainland Australia on the southern coast is South Australia. Its capital, Adelaide, is home to large food and wine festivals, as well as its many award-winning restaurants and wine regions within its reach.
South Australia is famous for its wildlife-rich Kangaroo Island and being home to some of the best wine regions in Australia and around the world.
South Australia produces more than 50% of Australia's wine every year. If you’re a wine lover visiting South Australia, the internationally recognized Barossa Valley is one of many regions to add to your itinerary.
Other surrounding wine regions include Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Adelaide Hills.
• Western Australia: The Land of Vast Beauty
Heading to the west coast now, Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, making up approximately one-third of the entire country.
Although it is the largest state by size, it is the fourth largest by population due to the majority of the state being arid outback.
It’s beautiful coastline and aquatic wildlife make Western Australia a great place to visit for both Australians and International visitors.
Try to avoid the summer months if you can, as temperatures typically soar over 40 degrees!
• Perth and the Wonders of Western Australia
The capital of Western Australia is Perth. With the nearest neighboring city being 2,092 km away, Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world.
Popular places to visit in Perth include Kings Park, the Botanic Gardens, Cottesloe Beach, and Swan Valley.
Another popular town to visit in WA is Broome. With its red cliff shoreline and white sand that spans over 22 kilometers Broome is a great place for a day trip from Perth.
Ningaloo Reef, A UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-do activity for ocean lovers visiting Western Australia. Ningaloo Reef is the world's largest fringing reef, spanning over 260 kilometers in length.
The reef is easily accessed by the shore, and visitors can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, swimming with the whale sharks. Other incredible Ningaloo experiences include flying above humpback whales on a microlight flight and luxury glamping by the reef.
• Northern Territory: Exploring Uluru and Darwin
Looks like we’ve come full circle, to the very top of Australia, the Northern Territory. The southern part of the Northern Territory, known as the ‘Red Centre,’ is a UNESCO World Heritage area and home to Uluru.
Formerly known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is a single massive rock formation that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the middle of the country each year.
Uluru is sacred to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal people. The land is a deeply important part of Aboriginal cultural identity with over 40 sacred sites and 11 Dreaming trails in the area.
• Exploring Darwin: Australia's Northern Capital
On the coastline of the Northern Territory, you’ll find the state capital of Darwin. Darwin has a rich history from being a former frontier outpost and being devastated by bombs in WWII.
If you are hoping to spend some time near the water please be careful and do your research, as both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles are found in the Northern Territory.
Gifting Owl is home to incredible Australia experience vouchers
Gifting Owl has thousands of Australian adventures to give as gift cards to your loved ones either living in or traveling to Australia.
Search by city or give them a gift voucher so they can choose which experience to book for themselves. Forget about the classic gift box, let's make gift giving better by gifting a present they'll actually adore - an unforgettable experience.
Whichever activity they purchase from our huge range, they are sure to remember the perfect gift for years to come.
Whether you're searching for the perfect gift, need a great gift idea for a memorable experience, or simply want to share the joy of the best presents, Gifting Owl has you covered with an array of unforgettable Australian adventures.
