Top 6 Unforgettable Australia Travel Highlights: A Traveler's Insider Guide
When I crafted my ultimate Australia travel bucket list in spring 2015, I never imagined it would take five more years to visit. Long-time readers will recall Australia was on my original 2010 round-the-world itinerary, yet it took a decade to finally book the trip.
I'm thrilled I did. What I often postponed as "later, when the time is right" proved perfect, especially with COVID-19 derailing 2020 plans elsewhere. I completed my Australia journey just as the pandemic escalated—check my 2020 travel roundup for the timeline.
I fell in love with Australia beyond expectations. Despite no strong initial pull, I sought Melbourne's renowned coffee culture, street art laneways, quokka selfies, and a run across Sydney Harbour Bridge. Aspirations included Bells Beach (inspired by Point Break, though filming wasn't there), Great Barrier Reef snorkeling, and wild kangaroos.
I achieved all that and more. Among dozens of highlights, here are my top six Australia travel experiences.
Let's dive in:
Top 6 Australia Travel Highlights
6. Melbourne's Vibrant Street Art Scene
Melbourne's street art drew me to start my trip there over Sydney. Iconic laneways like Hosier Lane, plus Fitzroy and Collingwood neighborhoods, overflow with graffiti, murals, and stencils.
The scene exceeded expectations—murals everywhere, even stumbled upon while wandering. Returning later, I saw fresh pieces reflecting current events, like January's bushfire tributes. Artists keep walls dynamic canvases.
I joined a Fitzroy-Collingwood street art tour by Liam, uncovering hidden gems: Melbourne Street Art & Alternative Culture Walk.
5. Snorkeling and Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef—a bucket-list must before climate impacts worsen—was key. Skipping crowded Cairns, I chose the Whitsundays' 74 islands, including world-famous Whitehaven Beach.
From Airlie Beach, I pivoted from sailing to an island resort stay, accessing snorkel sites and Whitehaven. (Day trips available too.)
4. Exceptional Food Across Australia
Australia's cuisine earned its spot. Nearly every meal impressed, especially breakfasts: fresh, veggie-packed, healthy, and delicious—unlike heavy U.S. pancakes or European bread.
Standouts to bookmark:
- Sydney: Suzy Q’s (Surry Hills), Dolce Terra (Manly)
- Melbourne: Industry Beans (Fitzroy), Grain Store (CBD), Cartel Coffee Roasters, Proud Mary (Collingwood), Miss Jackson Café (St Kilda). Plus Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market stalls.
- Great Ocean Road: The Pond Café (Torquay)
- Brisbane: Morning After, Little Loco
- Byron Bay: Bayleaf Café, Byron Fresh
- Fremantle: Moore & Moore, Ootong & Lincoln
3. Australia's Unique Wildlife Encounters
Home to more species than any country, Australia's endemic wildlife thrilled me. Goals: wild kangaroos, reef fish, koala viewing, quokka selfies—avoiding giant spiders!
No koala hugs (restricted outside Queensland; I skipped ethical concerns at Lone Pine). Instead, Maru Koala & Animal Park near Melbourne offered kangaroo feeding.
Wild kangaroo first sighting? Roadkill on Great Ocean Road—shared misfortune. Later successes: wild roos in Western Australia, wallabies on Philip Island (outranking the penguin parade), city birds (lorikeets, cockatoos, ibis), reef turtles, and Maori wrasse. Spiders? None encountered.
2. Every Moment in Sydney
Expecting Melbourne favoritism, Sydney surprised. Diverse neighborhoods—Paddington, Darlinghurst, Glebe, Newtown, Bronte, Bondi, Manly—each unique. Great street art, coffee, and vibe. Superior weather and beaches (Manly's harbor gems topped Melbourne's).
1. Quokka Selfies on Rottnest Island
Quokkas topped my list since 2015 viral fame. Discovering Rottnest off Perth (Australia's most isolated capital) meant a detour—but worth every AU$100 (ferry, bike, snorkel gear).
Quokkas everywhere, selfie-ready! Island beauty stunned: pristine beaches, clear waters, solo bays. Bike loop (25km, car-free), lighthouses, snorkeling. Regret: no overnight. Highly recommend.
Australia's vastness demands return: Pinnacles, Lucky Bay kangaroos, Darwin, Outback await.
