Known throughout the world for its wide open spaces of barren bushland, red earth, rocks and dry trees, Outback Australia is where the majority of Australia’s Aboriginal population live, where you will find spread out sheep stations, road trains rolling by, and well known Australian wildlife.

The Northern Territory is a truly unique travel destination for both foreigners and Australians alike, and there is enough diversity and opportunity for adventure to suit every traveler’s itinerary.

Chambers Pillar, Nitmiluk National Park, Kakadu National Park, Kings Canyon and Uluru (Ayers Rock) are some of the more noteworthy attractions; however, why not take a helicopter or other small aircraft to discover remote areas of the outback? While the rugged scenery is stunning from the ground, I can assure you it is even more spectacular from the air!

Is 4WDing more your pace? 4WD tracks lead you straight to UNESCO World Heritage areas such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Hiking trails end at dramatic, cavernous gorges where the year round warm weather makes for perfect swimming conditions. Additionally Simpsons Desert, known as the true “Red Centre” of Australia is as easily accessible by 4WD and the perfect day trip from the desert city of Alice Springs.

Extreme fishing tours give you the opportunity to feed crocodiles (from afar!), and catch barramundi. Bird watching tours are popular in the outback and you won’t ever have enough film to capture the amount of breathtaking moments. Or you can also relax in one of the countless resorts and enjoy your extraordinary surroundings by the pool!

Darwin is the perfect location to start or end your outback adventure. A cosmopolitan city, and a melting pot of different cultures, it’s quite easy to fly into Darwin, but why not cross the country on a great Australian road trip or on a slow train? When else will you have the opportunity to watch for wildlife, admire aboriginal art, and trek through rocky gorges and rainforests while sleeping in a swag and eating bush food?

The Ghan is a train which crosses the country twice a week between Darwin and Adelaide. I recommend a road trip, personally, as it gives you the flexibility and freedom to explore off the beaten path, and discover the Northern Territory at your own pace.

Along the East Coast of Australia you will find the Great Barrier Reef, which according to Australian’s is the eighth wonder of the world!  The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system comprising of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 picturesque tropical islands which stretch over 2,600 kilometres and some of the worlds most beautiful, sun-soaked golden beaches.  The reef is where dream vacations become a reality, and some of the most popular destinations include Hamilton, Drunk, Heron, Lizard and Fraser Islands, all offering plenty of opportunity for water sports, wildlife-watching, and plenty of coral for snorkeling.

The North Coast of Australia is just as stunning as the East, however less tourism means you can enjoy the likes of Melville and Bathurst Islands practically by yourself!

Byron Bay along the Southeast Coast is another popular coastal destination for those wishing to avoid the large crowds which converge on Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach.  Beaches along the south coast between Adelaide and Melbourne make a trip to Australia worthwhile – and not to be missed is a drive of the Great Ocean Road where travelers have access to iconic Australian attractions such as the 12 Apostles, located in Port Campbell National Park.  Warrnambool and Torquay are great bases to explore the Great Ocean Road.  Traveling even further south to Tasmania, travelers should plan a trip to Wineglass Bay and Norfolk Island for wild and natural beauty.

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania. Photo Source: DMCA

Australia is known for having unusual wildlife, and Australian animals are unlike any found elsewhere in the world! From kangaroos and koalas, to platypi (platypus), emus, Tasmanian devils, some 60 species of parakeets, and wombats – Australia has a huge range of wonderful wildlife and exotic species which provoke a sense of wonder and awe throughout the rest of the world.

Koalas mostly live in the forests of Queensland, however also have many colonies throughout Southern Victoria. Kangaroos can be found all over the country, including around Adelaide, Canberra, as well as in the National Parks of Kakadu and the Blue Mountains.  Kangaroo Island off South Australia also accommodates koalas, opossums and whales.

Western Australia is a mecca for marine wildlife; the dolphins in Shark Bay and whale and hammerhead sharks around Ningaloo Reef off Exmouth never disappoint.  Nor do the giant crocodiles and termite mounds in Kakadu.

Koalas at Kennet River, Victoria

Most tourists immediately recognize Sydney as the most interesting city within Australia, and with the modern architecture of the Sydney Opera House, a lively and vibrant harbor, green spaces like the Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park, cultrural heritage (the Rocks)  and outrageous festivals and events such as the Gay Mardi Gras, they’re not wrong!  Australia does, however, have many more cities around the country which are equally as unique and interesting.

Alice Springs is a unique city located in the heart of the desert; Melbourne is an upbeat, artsy city known for its urbanism; Adelaide is the city of churches and is situated at the foot of Mount Lofty; Perth is the isolated Capital of Western Australia and known for it’s marina and maritime museum; Canberra (Australia’s Capital Territory) is the political Capital of the nation; and Hobart for it’s culture, heritage and warf.  All of these cities are well worth a visit.

For the experience of a life-time be sure to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge!