5 "must do" activities in Australia
You've finally decided to take that trip to Australia you've been dreaming about for years. To make your journey complete, there are five essential activities you simply can't miss.
1. Meeting Kangaroos
Kangaroos are the ultimate symbol of Australia. While you won't encounter them in downtown Sydney, as soon as you get outside the cities, it's common to spot them along the roadsides and even in the middle of them.
This is a good reminder to be cautious when driving your vehicle! It's generally not recommended to drive your 4x4, van, or campervan at night. Many travelers have had unfortunate encounters with these animals, resulting in damaged vehicles and hours lost waiting for a tow truck. It's much more enjoyable to see them from a distance or in other circumstances.
Of course, you can also meet kangaroos on the famous Kangaroo Island, which is teeming with them, as the name suggests. You'll also have the opportunity to see wallabies, koalas, and even penguins there.
If you're lucky on your road trip, you might even find kangaroos that are used to humans, for example, in national park campsites. This is the ultimate Aussie experience—you might even share a barbecue with them!
For a bit of trivia, kangaroos are a species of marsupial found exclusively in Australia, which is why they are so emblematic of the country.
2. Crossing the Desert by 4x4, Van, or Campervan
It's worth highlighting that few countries in the world offer the chance to have this kind of experience, so take full advantage of it!
Pick up your van in Darwin or Adelaide and hit the road. Whether you're heading south or have chosen to do the route in reverse, you're in for an unforgettable journey.
You'll drive for hours through incredible and unique landscapes: red and ochre-colored rocks, arid vegetation in the south that becomes more lush in the north, and salt lakes stretching as far as the eye can see. The Australian Outback is a treasure trove of natural beauty.
You'll quickly adapt your daily rhythm to the sun, which is the best way to enjoy the heart of Australia. This works out perfectly, as you'll witness some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the country. At dawn and dusk, the sky fills with brilliant colors. The vibrant yellow sun and bright pink clouds perfectly highlight the desert terrain.
When you're at the Uluru site, don't miss these two key moments of the day. A little before 6 AM, the sun appears behind Ayers Rock. With each new ray of light, the monolith changes color, creating a truly magical spectacle. At dusk, head to the Kata Tjuta rock formations, behind which the sun slowly sets before giving way to darkness.
Above all, during your road trip in this part of Australia, you'll experience a sense of freedom like never before. With no one around for miles, except for a few stray snakes and kangaroos, the vast desert is infinite, and the world feels like it belongs to you.
3. Surfing the World's Best Beaches
Australia is a land of contrasts, with incredibly diverse landscapes. Thousands of kilometers away from the Outback, on the East Coast, you'll find a completely different vibe and some of the world's best surf beaches.
If you're spending a few days in Sydney, a day at Bondi Beach is a must. Along with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Bondi is one of the most iconic sites in Sydney. You can drive your campervan to Bondi from the city center in less than 30 minutes. If you don't have your vehicle yet, taking a bus from the city center is just as easy.
Go early in the morning, before the beach is swarming with surfers and young Aussies soaking up the sun with friends. If you're lucky, you might even catch a surf or skateboard competition. On a quieter day, watching the seasoned surfers tackle the waves is entertainment enough. Since you're there, why not try it yourself? Many operators in Sydney offer beginner surf lessons.
For the less adventurous, opt for the famous Bondi Icebergs Club pool, which overlooks the beach. It's a great way to cool off and enjoy a panoramic view of Bondi Beach.
For more experienced surfers, try the less crowded beaches of Bronte and Coogee. There's a scenic coastal walk that takes you from Bondi Beach to these two spots.
If you're planning to drive up the East Coast and drop off your van in Brisbane, be sure to stop at Byron Bay. This is the ultimate surfer town, with a laid-back, hippie-chic vibe. The currents are often perfect for surfing, and even the dolphins know it—keep an eye out from your surfboard!
4. Skydiving
You've thought about it often but never managed to take the plunge. Well, Australia is the perfect country for your first "sky dive."
Skydiving is very popular in Australia, especially in tourist hot spots along the East Coast. It's the ideal place to do it, as you'll get a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the region's massive surf beaches from thousands of meters above the ground.
So, leave your fear and your van in the airport parking lot and take the leap into the most thrilling experience of your life.
5. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Australia is also a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. It's home to some of the most beautiful underwater ecosystems in the world.
Before or after returning your campervan in Cairns, book a day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, arguably Australia's most unmissable site. In the morning, you'll take a boat from the dock to the reef, located just a few kilometers from the coast.
The water over the reef is shallow, so you can see most of the underwater flora and fauna just by snorkeling with a mask and snorkel. With its colorful fish and phosphorescent corals, the reef is a real palette of vibrant colors. However, to access the deeper areas, scuba diving is recommended. This will allow you to explore hidden corners where the shyer fish hide. You might even spot the "big blue fish," that strange, thick-lipped creature you see in traveler photos, though it's quite rare to see in reality.
No matter the equipment you use, the Great Barrier Reef will dazzle you every time. So pack your bags and get ready for one of the most beautiful experiences of your life.
