5 Must-Visit Destinations in Australia

Australia, a strong contender for one of the best countries on earth. Stunning beaches, a vast array of wildlife and a quality of life. There’s not much not to love.

An Aussies way of life is something to envy, being a Brit. Their mentality that 17 degrees ℃ is cold, gives an understanding of why many Brits relocate there for good. People on the beach at 5 am walking their dog, people surfing and having a catch-up before work.

It’s a lifestyle to envy. People there don’t take life as seriously as in other places.

Cities like Sydney are close to unreal coastlines. In Victoria, you can enjoy the lively nightlife of Melbourne. Then there’s the peaceful Outback, which has its own special charm. You can drive the Great Ocean Road, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, or explore Sydney. There are many activities for solo travellers, couples, groups, and families. It’s endless.

I spent a little over six weeks travelling around the country. I wish I had 6 months to do it all. Thanks to its good transport system and many airports, it’s affordable to get almost anywhere.

Australia also has hidden gems away from the usual tourist spots. Dee Why, Palm Beach in Sydney, and Magnetic Island in Queensland.

I quickly felt at home here. What really impressed me was the wide-open spaces and how uncrowded it can be. After living in a busy city, I was surprised to find beautiful beaches. Everywhere. National parks too, with only a few people there.

Can you imagine not fighting for a spot on the beach in Italy at 7 am?

No matter your travel style or budget, Australia has something for you. Flight prices can vary depending on where you’re coming from. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip and worth the money. Whether you want lively cities, beautiful beaches, or exciting Outback adventures, Australia has it all.

This guide will help you find important tips to explore Australia. Stretch your budget, and make the most of your time in this amazing place. If you’re short on time and want the best experiences. I’ve listed some top spots with full descriptions to get you started.

I Sydney City Centre

Sydney’s central city is a good blend of old and new, with something for everyone. You can visit famous places like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. There are also many bars, restaurants, and things to do during the day

I didn’t get to go inside the Sydney Opera House, but it looks impressive from the outside. I did visit the bar there, which offers views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Bay. I was surprised to discover that they offered drinks and food at quite cheap prices. Can’t go wrong with 15-dollar cocktails with that view.

A short walk away is the Royal Botanic Gardens. It has over 27,000 plants and covers 76 acres. This makes it a great spot to explore after a meal in the area. Watch out for the Bin Chickens! These Aussie birds are everywhere in the city. They often steal food and aren’t shy about confronting people.

Sydney’s city centre boasts a lively mix of culture, entertainment, and beautiful scenery. This combination makes it one of the best cities worldwide. Most art centres are free. We visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales, next to the Royal Botanic Gardens. It has no entry fee.

Sydney can be pricey, below you’ll find some recommendations to cut costs a little and not compromise on quality.

⭐ Overall Solo Travel Score: 4.3/5

Category	Rating
Safety	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Walkability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Social Opportunities	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Budget-Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Hostel Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Local Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

II Palm Beach, NSW

Just a short trip north of Sydney is Palm Beach. Australia truly has stunning scenery. The peninsula features two beaches within a 5-minute walk, offering views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. While Bondi Beach gets crowded, Palm Beach provides a similar experience with fewer people, allowing you to relax anytime.

There are also a few restaurants by the sea if you want to linger or grab lunch. We brought a cooler and spent most of the day on the beach. At sunset, we took a short walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. The view from there is breathtaking, and in winter, you can even see whales from this spot.

I dont recommend staying here. Take a day trip from Sydney City. The bus is about 45 minutes long or 20 minutes by car.

⭐ Overall Solo Travel Score: 3.8/5

Category	Rating
Safety	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Walkability	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Social Opportunities	⭐⭐⭐(3/5)
Budget-Friendliness	⭐⭐ (2/5)
Hostel Quality	⭐ (1/5)
Local Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

III Magnetic island, Queensland

Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Townsville in Queensland, you’ll find Magnetic Island. This was my first trip to Queensland, and I spent 5 days here. The island is small but full of surprises and things to do.

The beaches are easy to reach, and many hiking trails connect different beaches around the island. While relaxing on the sand is nice and the sea is usually safe, be aware of jellyfish in the water. Swimming can be risky. So, always use designated swimming nets. This is especially true if you’re not wearing a stinger suit or if you’re alone.

Queensland and the island can get very hot in the summer, which can make walking tough.

If walking isn’t your thing or it’s too hot. there are buses and car rentals available near your hotel or hostel. If you’re able to rent a car, I highly recommend doing so. It’s cheap and gets you around the island fast. The heat is deadly in the summer, avoid walking for too long. 38 Celsius is not nice to walk in.

The island is home to various wildlife, especially Koalas. We spent hours searching for them, and it was amazing to see them up close (but don’t touch). It can be hard to spot them, just look up high and the little fellas should be sitting around eating.

One thing that struck me was the untouched beauty of the island, which is perfect for nature lovers. It’s a place I’ve never seen before. You can also explore the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy other activities the island offers. Whether you prefer scuba diving, relaxing, or partying, Magnetic Island has it all.

The selection of food on the island is varied and affordable. From Italian to Greek to Thai, there’s something for every night and everyone. There is a lack of such. The island is home to 10 restaurants maximum and in high season, its competitive so best to book ahead.

⭐ Overall Solo Travel Score: 4.2/5

Category	Rating
Safety	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Walkability	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Social Opportunities	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Budget-Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Hostel Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Local Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

IV Blue Mountains National Park, NSW

The Blue Mountains National Park is just a 2-hour drive west of Sydney. It is home to the famous Three Sisters peaks. The park spans 11,400 km and features around 359 trails. The trail lengths change based on your fitness level and how long you want to take for lunch.

The views, waterfalls, and nice spots to relax are just out of this world. It’s one of the few rainforests in NSW, and the nature there is amazing. Be careful of rocks and tall grasses; leeches are prevalent. I got home and lifted up my trousers to find one there, and my leg was covered in blood. It wasn’t ideal.

Remember to stay aware of your surroundings because there are many animals in Australia. including snakes, and yes, they are everywhere in the national parks. You will be fine if you stick to the path.

There is a main car park where you can find a viewpoint of the Blue Mountains, a restaurant. and other facilities. This makes it a great starting point for your hikes. There are no stops along the trails, so be sure to bring enough food and drinks.

A helpful tip: if you don’t see parking meter signs in nearby areas, you can park for free all day. It’s always a good idea to ask locals for tips to save money (Sorry, NSW council).

⭐ Overall Solo Travel Score: 4.2/5

Category	Rating
Safety	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Walkability	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Social Opportunities	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Budget-Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Hostel Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Local Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

V Snowy Mountains, NSW

The Snowy Mountains is a vast area within national parks and the Kosciuszko Mountains. It’s only a 4-hour drive from Canberra and 8 hours from Sydney. You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful mountains.

This part of Australia is special. It has lakes, long scenic roads, and kangaroos close to budget-friendly camping sites. It provides a unique experience that many places can’t match.

The campsite we chose was free and had a toilet. You can pay for nicer campsites with more facilities and privacy. Check out the NSW camping website to book reservations.

Cooking dinner while the sun sets over the mountains feels surreal. Kangaroos hop past, adding to the scene. It was one of my best experiences yet. It doesn’t cost much. Enjoy life without your phone for a while since you’ll get almost no data.

The flies in summer can be quite annoying. Remember to bring a fly net for when you’re at camp.

Visit the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool. The Thermal pool is a short walk from the car park down the hill, and it usually isn’t too busy. The caves were one of our favourite activities. After that, we enjoyed a swim in the spacious and relaxing thermal pool, especially on a hot day.

You do not need a 4×4 car for this. If the rain is so heavy that it is flooding. Check with the rangers.

⭐Overall Solo Travel Score: 3.3/5

Category	Rating
Safety	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Walkability	⭐⭐☆ (2.5/5)
Social Opportunities	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Budget-Friendliness	⭐⭐☆ (2.5/5)
Hostel Quality	⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Local Friendliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)