The Ultimate Australian Bucket List

The Ultimate Australian Bucket List

Moving to Australia has been one of my favorite experiences to date! Living and working abroad has always been something that I wanted to do so choosing Australia was EASY! Australia is an English-speaking country and the Australian people are famous for hanging out with animals like Koalas and Kangaroos. Any doubts I had quickly left my mind…I WAS SO IN! I couldn’t wait to move “down under” and live like a real Aussie. I moved to Australia with bucket-list items already in mind. Some of these were holding a Koala, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and tasting Vegemite (very much an acquired taste). The longer I lived in Australia, the longer this list grew.

After living and traveling in Australia for a year I can now share with you my Ultimate Australian Bucket List:

 

Take a picture in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is arguably Australia’s most recognisable landmark. The placement of the Opera House at the end of Bennelong point makes for amazing views of the unique building. Depending on where you are in Sydney, your view of the Opera House will change, so keep an eye out for your favorite angle. My favorite view of the Opera House is from Lady Macquarie’s chair, where you can view both the Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Feed a Kangaroo

There are a couple of different places where you can feed these amazing animals. My personal favorite is the Australia Zoo. They have an open enclosure called Roo Heaven!

Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge

I can remember years ago when Oprah flew her entire studio audience to Australia and they climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge together. It looked like such an adrenaline rush and an opportunity to capture stunning views of Sydney. Since I saw that episode I knew I just had to do it! I mean, if Oprah did it, I had to do it (I love her!). We did the bridge climb at twilight, which made for a magical sunset over the city.

Soak up the sun at Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most famous beaches. There is so much to do at Bondi Beach! You can soak up the sun, take a surf lesson, or enjoy some food at one of the nearby restaurants. I highly recommend Bondi Icebergs Club, where you can swim in the lap pool or grab a cold drink. Open to visitors all year round!

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

This reef is the largest coral reef in the world. Try snorkeling the reef or seeing it from the sky for a completely different perspective! I have to say, my absolute favorite way to explore the reef  is from the sky. There is nothing else like it! Check out this site for more information on the reef.

Yep, that’s a heart reef you can see from the sky!

Drink a schooner of beer in the arvo

Arvo = An Aussie slang term for the afternoon. When I think of Australia I think of dangerous animals, the beach, and beer, beer, and more beer. Therefore, drinking a beer in the arvo is a must while in ‘Straya!

Hold a Koala

Have yourself a looonnngggg cuddle with a Koala. I couldn’t get enough of this little guy! Believe me, you won’t want to give them back.

Eat a Meat Pie

Aussies seem to be very proud of their meat pies! It may not look very appealing but believe me, it tastes much better than it looks. My absolute favorite pie shop in Sydney is Harry’s Cafe de Wheels. Their famous ‘Tiger’ pie is full of beef, peas, mash, and gravy! It is out of this world!

Rent a car and take a road trip through Australia

Don’t forget to drive on the left in Australia! If you forget, don’t you worry. There are lots of signs posted to remind you! Road tripping through a new place is one of my favorite ways to explore. I love that it allows you to discover places on your own time!

Drive the Great Ocean Road and take a picture of the Twelve Apostles

One of my favorite road trips in Australia was along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. We started in Melbourne and stopped, several times, to see the many points of interest along the road. Eventually, we reached the Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell National Park. The Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks that hug the Australian coastline. They are a majestic sight, to say the least.

Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet

I vote Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island as Australia’s most beautiful beach! It is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. Hill Inlet is at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. It is made up of swirling white sand and turquoise water. It will literally take your breath away!

Walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach

Discover Sydney’s beaches and take the estimated four mile coastal walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach. Throughout your stroll, you will walk along Gordon’s Bay, Tamarama Beach, and Bronte Beach. This beach walk is one of the most scenic in Australia.

Discover the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. These are uninhabited national park islands, except for four that offer different types accommodation. My personal favorite is Hamilton Island, an ideal hub to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach.

Dip your toes in some of the whitest sand in the world

Hyams beach, located in Jervis Bay and two hours south of Sydney, and Whitehaven Beach, in Queensland and part of the Whitsundays, rival each other as possessing the whitest sand in the world. Both are beautiful locations and deserve a visit!

Try Vegemite!

Vegemite…who knows what it really is?!! This Ozzie staple food is so unique that you can’t pass it up! I had to see, for myself, what all the hype was about. After trying it first hand, I suggest lots of butter and a very, very, very LIGHT spread of Vegemite on toast!

Jump out of a plane! 

I still ask myself how in the world I got talked into skydiving??? To be completely honest, skydiving was NEVER on my bucket list. After I survived, I made sure to check that one-off immediately. There are so many epic locations to skydive in Australia. We chose to do it from a helicopter and just outside of Sydney. I will say, it made for exquisite views of the city skyline.

Indulge in the famous Tim Tams 

How I ever lived without these delicious treats I just don’t know! My favorite way to eat a Tim Tam is with a hot Flat White coffee!

Read more: One World Bucket List: Trekking to Machu Picchu, Peru 

Over to you, what’s on your Australian bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!

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Carissa Owens is the travel-obsessed author of travel & lifestyle blog, One World State of Mind featuring travel destinations, tips, food, awareness and photography made with love from around the world.

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