Australia is an island continent, a beautiful country of kangaroos and aborigines amalgamating with the melting pot of cultures. The only continent that fully falls to the south of the equator, Australia experiences its Christmases during summer and Easters during winter. In such a diverse, and to an extent, polar opposite continent, nature has bestowed a great many wonders. To make your trip to this 'Land Down Under' a memorable one, here are few of the best tourist places to visit in Australia, from Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane to the great Barrier Reef.

The second largest city in Australia and the capital of the state of Victoria, Melbourne brings together the best of Australia in one place. With a wide range of activities to indulge in, Melbourne is a must-visit destination for all travellers. From Wildlife Parks and Amusement Parks, open-air theatres and a thriving art scene, to top-notch restaurants and lounges, sports arenas, and sporting events, Melbourne is the place to be in. Melbourne is also known for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. With festivals and events happening all year round, we suggest you pick a time when you can attend your favourite events.

The capital of Western Australia, Perth lies on the south-western coastline of the continent nation. Relatively more secluded than other cities, Perth does create a mark for itself with its youthful atmosphere and fun loving attitude. Perth has numerous festivals happening all year round and the city will tempt you with its slick restaurants and lounges, sweeping parklands, pristine beaches and excellent markets. This city is going to be a joy for the young traveller. With plenty of children-oriented activities, Perth is a must-visit destination for families as well.

The capital city of the state of Queensland, Brisbane is a booming city. An erstwhile penal colony of the British, it was home to prisoners sent in from Sydney. However, today, the city is one of the most attractive destinations in Australia. With various activities like surfing, wildlife watching, weekend markets, and the botanic gardens, Brisbane has become a must visit place in Australia. It also has a number of swanky hotels and plush restaurants to splurge on. A Hot Air Balloon ride, an experience of a lifetime, is a few hours drive from Brisbane.

Arguably, the ultimate holiday destination in Australia, Gold Coast has the sun, sand and the sea. It just doesn’t end there. It is also home to varied species of animals in the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and has thrilling activities for the entire family at Warner Bros Movie World, Wet n Wild Water World and the Sea World. With top of the line hotels and pubs, this also promises to be a crazy party destination. All in all, Gold Coast will offer a mixed bag of entertainment options to get every visitor grooving.

An archipelago of 74 islands, Whitsunday is the ultimate paradise in Australia. With its own commercial airport and flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands are a favourite among tourists. The islands boast of the famous heart reef over which you will fly to land in Hamilton Island. Once on the islands, you must visit the Whitehaven Beach and engage in the water sports there or meet Pancake and Picket, the huge resident stingrays of the Living Reef. You can also play golf in the only 18 ball course of the reef. These car-free islands have a number of restaurants and taverns to ensure good food and ale.

Lying just off the coast of Melbourne, Phillip Island is host to the Penguin Parade every evening at the Summerland Beach. Due to its location and apt climatic conditions, Phillip Island is host not only to a variety of penguins but also the Pacific Gulls and the Short-Tailed Shearwaters among other species. You could head to Churchill Island for an old world wagon ride or even visit the Koala Conservation Centre. The animal lover in you is surely going to revel in each of these experiences. As are the kids!

Among the most famous architectural marvels of the 20^th century, the Sydney Opera house is a performing arts centre with multiple venues. Designed by Utzon, a Danish architect, the Sydney Opera House has been declared World Heritage Site. Its roofs, commonly called shells, are made in a chevron pattern with three different colours of tiles, though from afar they appear white. Each tile has been shaped to perfection to fit in the exact place. With over 8 venues within, hosting over 15,000 shows a year, it attracts more than 8 million people. We suggest taking a guided tour to understand the many interesting facts and details about the Sydney Opera House.

The largest living and growing coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is teeming with life. Spread over 2300 km and across 900 islands, it is home to over 1500 species of fish. The reef also welcomes 6 species of turtles to breed. A large number of dugongs live in this area and one can also spot the occasional humpback dolphin or whale here. Snorkel in the reef region or go scuba diving to see the beauty of nature up close. Bear in mind, due to extensive conservation measures in the area, tourist activities are limited to Cairns and the Whitsundays.

Originally home to the Anangu tribe, this national park gets its name from Uluru or the Ayers Rock and the Kata Tjuta or the Olgas. They are both distinctive dome-shaped rock formations which are sacred to the aboriginal people of Australia. Situated in Northern Australia, the national park falls under the protected region. Spread over 1326 square kilometres, it is home to over 46 varieties of exotic flora and over 40 indigenous species of fauna. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, a 3-day entry ticket costs 25 AUD.

The 108-mile long coastal drive along the south-eastern coast of Australia will take you through a picturesque journey. Well known for its smooth drives, you could rent a convertible and drive down this road to enjoy the sunset at the Twelve Apostles which you can see along the way. The Twelve Apostles are limestone rock formations along the coast which get their distinct shape from centuries of water lashing against them. As of today only 8 of the 'Twelve' Apostles stand.

While these are just a few places you should not miss, Australia has a lot more to offer. Begin planning your trip with these places in mind and then let the Land Down Under surprise you.

A city that sits on the harbour, with beaches, opera houses, lighthouses and helicopter rides — Sydney. Its modern fast paced life reminds you of cities like New York and London, and yet Sydney is nothing like them. You can visit the Harbour Bridge, Manly Wharf, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor National Park and of course, the Bondi Beach. Surfers, sunbathers, beach babies throng the beaches. While here, also do not miss the Macquarie Lighthouse and the Queen Victoria Building.

All of Australia’s best tropical climate is blessed on Cairns. Its easygoing town vibe along with the vacation-style hotels and resorts make it a very coveted tourist hotspot in the country. The Great Barrier Reef is also very close to this city, hence a large number of footfalls are recorded here. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, beaches, gorges and the Cairns Esplanade where bars, pubs and restaurants line the way awaiting you!

Adelaide is located on Gulf St Vincent’s eastern shore, making it one of the biggest most important cities of the south. It is even the capital of this region. The Adelaide Hills surround the city, imparting a natural vibe to its metropolitan nature. Visit the vine-growing belts here, from Clare Valley to Barossa Valley, Langhorne Creek to McLaren Vale. You not only get to see vine plantations but if in season, also get to observe the wine making process. There are tastings involved of course, that goes without saying! Other than wineries, you also can enjoy ancient churches, museums and movie events here.

A northern city of Australia, Darwin is perched on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Ever since its inception, Darwin has been a trade hub, but was almost destroyed after World War II and the devastating Cyclone Tracy. Now it has been rebuilt and is home to amazing sandy beaches, seafood joints, open air bars and drive-in cinemas. A chill, relaxed holiday is what you will get here. Also, do visit Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park and Crocodylus Park when here.

Broome was once upon a time the ‘pearl capital’ of Australia. It hugs the coast and hence produced huge number of pearls. It is recommended that you plan a trip to Broome in a span between March and October, as this is the time when the famous ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomena is witnessed here. Some of the coveted places to visit include Cable Beach, Broome Historical Museum, Cape Leveque, Gibb River Road, Purnululu and Broome Crocodile Park. Visit the Broome Historical Museum and Horizontal Waterfall too.

Yarra Valley is the valley of hot air balloons. Imagine those postcards of hills and valleys, meadows and vineyards with the sky that is dotted with vivid coloured hot air balloons. Yarra Valley makes that dream come true. The landscape is lush and fertile, blooming with grapes through the season, making a ride above very beautiful. Dawn and dusk trips are the best as you get to experience sunrises and sunsets. Chardonnay and Pinot noir are its best in the world. Tourist places to visit around are Yarra River banks, Yarra Valley Railway Station, Dandenong Ranges and Mount Donna Buang.

Snorkelling, swimming, surfing, scuba diving — all adventurers and adrenaline seekers, here’s the place for you. Rottnest Island is a city of unparalleled natural beauty, with tropical sun shining bright on its turquoise waters. The island’s main ferry port is Thomson Bay, while Strickland Bay is considered the best for surfing. You also get to see fur seals and sea lions, as they live and thrive in large colonies here. Other important tourist places welcoming you include monuments, museums and biking trails. 

A little town in the northwest region of Australia, Mudgee is very colonial and elegant in its culture. Not only old monuments and buildings sing a tune of its colonial past but the food and parks also reverberate with its ancient hangover. It is a wine-making town and hence you get a lot of tourist stuff to indulge in. Some places that attract visitors are St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Moothi Estate Vineyards, Lowe Wines, Avisford Nature Reserve and the colonial building walk down Cudgegong River. If you are into stars and cosmos, then don’t miss the Mudgee Observatory.

Byron Bay is a unique climate in Australia's tropical paradise — it is a temperate hinterland. Even though there are bays and beaches, Byron still maintains its cool, dry weather almost all year round. You get to enjoy unique beaches, waterfalls and windy gardens where kite surfing is highly coveted. Go explore the Cape Byron Lighthouse, Cape Byron Headland Reserve, Clarke’s Beach etc when here.

A very popular tourist destination on the land down under, Fraser Island is highly coveted by domestic as well as international visitors. You can reach Fraser Island by hiring a ferry from Hervey Bay and setting sail. The weather of this island is its highlight, attracting tourists for a charming laid back vacation in lush rainforests as well as sandy dunes, creeks and freshwater lakes as well as shores of a sea where ship wrecks still sit. Go diving and swimming in Lake Mckenzie, enjoy some me-time on the beaches and bask in the Scottish aura of Fraser!