Australia has had closed borders due to the pandemic since early in 2020, causing many to pause their travel plans until all of the states opened back up. Now the time has finally come that all of Australia’s states are open to western travelers, so it’s time to get that trip planned! As the sixth-largest country in the world, we have rounded up the must-visit places to check out.

Sydney

Sydney is one of the more well-known cities in Australia, thanks to its scenic harbor; Sydney is famous for its marriage of city and beach life. Across Sydney, you will find stunning beaches like Boni and Manly that are not far from the main hustle and bustle of the city. 

There is also no shortage of green spaces in the heart of the city, like a National Park in the south of the city that features Aboriginal art. You won’t have to worry about a food adjustment, as Australians take their “brekkie” (brunch) very seriously. Australians are well known for being healthy, so there is avo smash, acai bowls, eggs, fresh-pressed juice, and anything green to enjoy. A visit to Sydney isn’t over until you go to the iconic Sydney Opera House. The Opera House is an architectural beauty that has caught many eyes over the years with the best views! Locals swear to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens or hop on a ferry to get the best, non-touristy views of the building. 

Melbourne

Melbourne consistently ranked as the world’s most live-able city by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveability Index since 2011. Melbourne has also earned the title of, “cultural and sporting capital” of Australia, thanks to the numerous international festivals and sporting events. 

In Melbourne, a cup of coffee is considered a work of art. Boutique coffee shops are more abundant than coffee chains here, thanks to the Melburnian love of the expert baristas. Lattes are the local favorite, but you can find any other kind of coffee. No matter what time of the year you visit, you can experience many types of sporting events, which are turned into public holidays for all to celebrate! You can experience AFL (“Aussie rules football”), cricket, the Australian Open, and the Australian Grand Prix to name just a few! As you explore the city, you’ll come across street art from the many artists that call Melbourne home. Hosier Lane is one of the more popular spots for street art, with art that starts at the cobblestone streets and goes to the top of buildings. When it comes to food, Melbourne is known for its very diverse and delicious food choices, from the best pasta and pizza in Carlton to freshly caught seafood, and vegan restaurants all over! 

Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, the second-largest city in Australia. In Brisbane, you rarely have to worry about the weather. Brisbane has warm weather and sunny skies for 261 days of the year, with Winter temperatures staying in the 60s! 

Brisbane is a paradise for all kinds of wildlife. Koalas have become a symbol of Australia, and Brisbane is home to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary! This sanctuary has over 130 koalas where you can visit and learn more about them and the conservation behind the sanctuary. Brisbane is also only an hour away from the Australian Zoo, made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. This 700-acre zoo helps support conservation projects around the world and you can learn everything about crocodiles and other animals through their live demonstrations. Some of the wildlife can be dangerous at some of the beaches, so man-made swimming beaches like Streets Beach were created to enjoy the water safely! This crystal clear lagoon has white sandy beaches perfect for a day of relaxation, and you have the rest of the South Bank to explore when you need a break from the sun! When you need a break from the wildlife and the sun you can explore one of Australia’s best art museums, The Gallery of Modern Art. You’ll take a deep dive into Australian modern art from the 1970s to today. They are both permanent and rotating exhibits that include cutting-edge video installations, photography, film, and sculptures.  

Australia has over 2 million square miles to explore, making it an excellent destination to keep coming back to! No matter what, you will find something new with every visit. You can just give us a call today at 843-626-9998 to get your trip down under-booked!