The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Australia
Boasting just under three million square miles of space, Australia is simply massive. So, it’s often quite easy to only focus on the top tourist spots while visiting this country. Sydney Opera House anyone? But doing that leaves you without a glimpse into the real heart and soul of the land. Fortunately, you can broaden your horizons without having to explore every last inch of the country by simply heading out on any or all of these five adventures.
Go Back in Time with a Visit to Arkaba
For a journey into the past and future of Australia, a trip to Arkaba is a must. Set in the Flinders Ranges, this 60,000-acre wildlife conservancy lets you explore all the local birds and wildlife on air, driving, and walking safaris galore.
Emus, wallabies, and kangaroo regularly make an appearance, of course. But there are also wedge-tailed eagles, goanna, fat-tailed dunnart, and so much more wandering all across the land. If you simply cannot tear yourself away after your explorations, stick around to stay in their lodge for the weekend or longer.
Explore Ocean Wonders at the Ningaloo Reef
If you’d like to see all the ocean wonders around Australia, put the Ningaloo Reef on your radar, for sure. Located along the western side of the continent, this 160-mile ecosystem faces the Indian Ocean, offering a truly unique snorkeling experience for all.
As you snorkel along the reef, you’ll get a chance to see dugongs and manta rays up close and even swim alongside whale sharks. Over 270 types of coral will come into view as well along with marine species not found anywhere else in the world, including humpback dolphins.
Take the City Circle Tram Through Melbourne
For a whirlwind tour of all the best sights in Melbourne, you just have to hop on the City Circle Tram. As you ride on the iconic green and yellow W-class tram, the audio commentary will point out all the landmarks along the way.
Depending on where you get on and get off, you’ll likely see:
- Melbourne Museum
- Federation Square
- SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium
You’re welcome to hop off at any stop along the way to visit the major attractions that speak to you the most.
Sign Up for a Full Tour of Beautiful Sydney
The sky is the limit in what you can do in Sydney, so why not see it all on a world-class tour? There are many tour options to consider, too, including cruises through the harbor, Blue Mountains retreats, and cheese, wine, and chocolate explorations.
If you plan wisely, you can work two tours into a single day, allowing you to see all the best sights around. Then, you can use the rest of your time to explore all the top spots discovered with help from your informative guides.
Travel Along Scenic Routes While Piloting a V8 Holden
If you just want to feel the wind in your hair while exploring all the Australian landscapes, rent a V8 Holden and hit the road in style. The continent offers seemingly endless road trip routes to explore, like:
- Gold Coast to Cairns
- Sydney to Brisbane
- Red Centre Way Loop
- Gibb River Road
- Perth to Esperance
Plan your trip wisely because the wide-open swathes of land can take a considerable amount of time to traverse. Don’t forget to pack extra food and water, emergency supplies, a paper map, and a personal locator beacon along with all your other supplies.
The choice is yours on how you want to experience Australia. You just have to reflect on what you want to see and do, and then map out all your adventures before landing.
