Table Of Contents

1. Sights & Attractions
2. Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens
3. The Sydney Opera House
4. The Blue Mountains
5. Jenolan Caves
6. Government House Sydney
7. Take a Visit around the Rocks
8. Walk the University of Sydney Campus
9. Street Art
10. Activities
11. Relax on the Sand of Bondi Beach
12. Swim in Ocean Pool
13. The Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk
14. Take a Visit to the Taronga Zoo
15. The Manly Ferry
16. Walk Across Harbour Bridge
17. Art Gallery of NSW
18. Surfing Lessons
19. Picnic at the Paddington Reservoir
20. Where to Eat!
21. Spice Alley's Asian Fusion Feast
22. Try the Local Cuisine at Paddy's Farmers Market
23. Party on Oxford Street
24. Sydney Fish Market
25. Sample Dozens of Dumplings at Din Tai Fung
26. NOMAD
27. Mecca Espresso
28. Good Time Artisan Ice Cream

Sights & Attractions

Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens

One of the first places I came after getting off the plane in Australia was to the Royal Botanic Gardens. There is something about wandering the green, tree-lined pathways and brightly coloured flower gardens which put me at ease and made the jetlag float away. Despite being a stone’s throw away from the centre of town, this place feels a mile away from the hustle and bustle. If you’ve never been to Australia before, this is also a wonderful place to get to know the different flora and fauna which dot the landscape. Keep your eye opens for the various birds which call this place home. Coming from North America, seeing wild cockatoos, parrots, wattlebird and lyrebirds is like stepping into another world.

The Sydney Opera House

On every postcard, every brochure, every travel guide and even every travel blog, you’ll find pictures of the Sydney Opera House. Even if you’re not a fan of opera, studying the building as an architectural masterpiece is a must for any Australian visitor. Designed by modern architect Jorn Utzon, it was created to resemble a set of opening ship sails in the shape of abstracted seashells. While the design has been somewhat divisive, you need to make your way down to the harbour to see it for yourself. It is now known as one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century and facing out onto magnificent seaside there’s no better view in the city.

The Blue Mountains

An hour and a half north-west of Syndey are the stunning Blue Mountains. The first time I came here I couldn’t believe all this beauty could be found in Australia. When I first pictured Australia, I thought of desert landscapes with red rocks and golden sand. But the Blue Mountains are a lush panorama of brilliant green treetops, bright blue skies and sparkling waterfalls. If you’ve been looking to escape the city, this is the perfect day-trip. Standing atop the lookout point, you can study the Three Sisters rock formation, indulge in the various bakeries which serve locals and tourists alike, as well as the hike down the mountainside to explore the trails and waterfalls below.

Jenolan Caves

While you’ve made your way up to the Blue Mountains, be sure to stop by the Jenolan Caves. The caves contain stunning underground rivers, angelic limestone formations and ancient stalactites. The Jenolan caves require a guided tour ticket but the guides are well worth the price of admission as their fantastical storytelling abilities make the unmoving rocks, come to life.

Government House Sydney

In the midst of the busy city centre stands, what looks like an old castle. Built in 1846, less than a hundred years after Australia was colonized. The Government House in Sydney was home to Australia’s various Governors over the years but is now a museum. The building is so important due to the beautiful architecture. Its neo-gothic influences can be found along the walls, structure and in the art inside. While gothic architecture might not be what you think of when you this Australia, this is what is so wonderful about this country. It surprises you ar every corner.

Take a Visit around the Rocks

The Rocks was originally the first European settlement in Australia, established in 1788. While the first building erected here was made of thatch and wattle, some of the houses were made of local sandstone and still stand today. This small area of town is now a very popular tourist district but the history which lies in between the souvenir shops can still be found if you look closely enough. Visit Cadman’s cottage, the oldest residential house in Sydney, for a peek into the daily life of Australian’s in the 1800s. If you are someone with an affection for the macabre, you might consider taking a guided ghost tour of the Rocks after the sun goes down. While they might not be “scary” they are full of history about the darker sides of Australia and it’s criminal contingent.

Walk the University of Sydney Campus

While in the city centre, I implore you to take a walk around the University of Sydney. Founded in 1850, it has some of the most marvelous architecture in the entire city. Today, it is ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful university in the world. Most of the buildings are open to the public, so you can wander around the hallways, courtyards and even food halls. The campus feels like Hogwarts in many ways since it’s design was inspired by many old English schools. The cafeteria serves up reasonably priced food since they’re for students, so if you’re looking for a bargain and a great place for a picnic, head on down here.

Street Art

Sydney, being a huge metropolitan city, is a hub for fantastical street art. And there is most definitely something about Australian art which I find absolutely compelling. Being so far removed from the rest of the world, they are both inspired by the west but also create something completely new for themselves since they don’t feel compelled to be like them. Most of this can be explored by taking the side streets instead of main roads. New pieces pop up every day and disappear just as quickly. So take leave of the main sights and see what you can discover off the beaten track!

Activities

Relax on the Sand of Bondi Beach

When you think Australia, you think of the beach. And the most iconic of all the beaches in Sydney is Bondi Beach. Many will argue there are more intimate, less touristy places to spend your time at but this beach is so popular for a reason. It’s way more than JUST a BEACH. Bondi is easily accessible by public transit so even if you’re not renting a car, you can make your way here with ease. The beach itself is nestled between two suburban landscapes, which dot the skyline with bursts of colour. Surrounding the beach are dozens of shops and food vendors selling iconic Australian grub to picnic with on the sands. The atmosphere is full of life and energy. So grab a towel and head into the water. But if you’re scared to get in the ocean this next point will be right up your alley.

Swim in Ocean Pool

An Ocean Pool? “Now, what’s that?” you might say. For many young children learning to swim, being thrown right into the ocean is a little daunting. So is braving waters where sharks are known to wander if you’re someone who is paranoid about that (although it’s very very rare.) These man-made pools are situated beside the sea and filled with ocean water. Entry to the pools is only $7 and well worth the price for peace of mind if you dream of swimming in the ocean, but too afraid of what creatures lie beneath. Bondi isn’t the only place where you can find these ocean pools but their is one of the most iconic.

 

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The Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk

Every time someone asks me what they should do while in Syndey, the first thing I tell them is to be sure to do this coastal walk. The Bondi to Coogee boardwalk takes you along the cliffside next to the ocean to see various parks, the famous Waverley Cemetery, many different scenic picnic spots and access to the best swimming holes in the city. The walk takes about 3 hours at a leisurely pace but if you want to stop at the various cafes and restaurants along the way you could easily spend the entire day out there. Be sure to bring hats and sunscreen since most of this area is uncovered.

 

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Take a Visit to the Taronga Zoo

While spending time at a zoo might seem like a strange “must-do” for any seasoned traveller, I would recommend it to everyone. Taronga Zoo is truly an incredible place with views across the bay to the cityscape of Sydney Harbour, a view unlike you’ll get anywhere else. The zoo is set along the cliffside and you walk up and down lush green pathways, where the animal exhibits seem nestled in naturally.

To get to the zoo, you have to take a ferry from Circular Quay, then a cable car up to the entrance of the zoo. Both of these modes of transportation are not just necessary but a beautiful tour of the city itself. Inside the zoo you’ll get to see many different animals unique to Australia like koalas, platypus’, and, of course, kangaroos. If you have a little bit of extra cash to splash out you can even stay overnight at the park in their Roar and Snore luxury tents situated atop the zoo where you’ll have the best view of Syndey this side of the harbour.

The Manly Ferry

The waterways of Sydney are home to dozens upon dozens of tour companies, willing to take tourists out for putters around the harbour. But if you’re looking for a scenic ride at a quarter of the price, jump on the Manly Ferry! You can ride the Ferry from Circular Quay down to Manly Terminal and despite it being nothing more than public transportation, the ride is an incredible way of taking in the sights of the city.

Walk Across Harbour Bridge

While some daredevils might want to take the Bridge walk to the extreme and climb across the top of the bridge, for the rest of us who are either too scared or too poor, a gentle stroll along the pedestrian walkway is still an iconic experience for anyone visiting Australia or Sydney for the first time. At night, the city lights up and if you look over to the north you can see the lights of Luna Park dazzling across the night sky.

Art Gallery of NSW

If you love art, you need to make your way to the Art Gallery of NSW. While the building is an impressive monument to Australian architecture and their collection of worldly’s artists is a pleasure to behold, the real gift of this place is its Australian collection. And for good reason. Blnded with historical, modern and indigenous artists, these painting and installations help you connect with the Australian culture and history in a way that is otherwise sometimes hard to understand.

 

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Surfing Lessons

My favourite place for Surf Lessons is Manly Surf School. Maybe I’m biased since it’s my favourite beach but Manly’s slightly less crowded waters also are great for learning to surf without constantly running into people like you would at Bondi. Lessons run here several times a day, in the busy seasons be sure to call to book in advance. You can just try it out for the day, or give it a whole weekend to see if you can master this very Australian endeavour. You can’t come back from a trip to Australia without someone asking you, “did you go surfing?!” and you want the answer to be “YES!”

 

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Picnic at the Paddington Reservoir

In the early 19th century, all of Sydney’s water reserves were supplied through the Paddington Reservoir. But as early as they were created, they were shut down due to industrial improvements in the distribution of water. The reservoir lay dormant for years until 2009 when the architecturally stunning reservoirs were transformed from forgotten history into an immaculate garden park for the public. You can now explore this treasure of Sydney’s past, traversing raised walkways, lunching on hidden picnic tables and simply getting lost in this incredible space.

 

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Where to Eat!

Spice Alley’s Asian Fusion Feast

Australia’s proximity to Asia results in some of the best Asian fusion restaurants the world over. And the best place to dig into this incredible cuisine can be found along Kensington street, along their self-titled “Spice Alley”. Spice Alley is made up of 18th-century historic townhomes and modern restaurants. The tiny laneway feels like hidden passageway. Hanging Chinese lanterns colour the skyline and the smells of Singapore pour out from the kitchen and onto the street. Many of the restaurants here spill out onto the streets on small patio tables so you can eat in the open and enjoy that Australian air!

 

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Try the Local Cuisine at Paddy’s Farmers Market

Strolling the aisles of a farmer’s market early in the morning, smelling the fresh produce, studying the foreign offerings and listening to the vendors scream out their daily specials is one of the best ways to start any day. Paddy’s Market is Sydney’s largest farmers markets open. It has been open for over 150 years now and houses over 1,000 stalls, so there is something for any appetite. If you’re looking for cheap souvenir this is also a great place to come since the stalls also sell fashions, accessories, home good and yes, souvenirs.

 

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Party on Oxford Street

If there is one thing that Australians do better than anyone else it’s partying! This country eternally put a smile on my face. Oxford Street is one of Sydney’s most vibrant neighbourhoods which still retains a ton of historical charm. It is the heart of gay and lesbian culture and as such has dozens of hip bars and restaurants that are often better options for tourists than the hard knock pubs of the inner city. Everyone here is so welcoming and friendly and if you happen to be here over Pride weekend, get ready for a wild ride! There are so many bars to hop in and out of along the street but my favourite is Pocket Bar. This hipster bar is filled with modern street art on the walls, vintage couches on the floor and some of the best cocktails in the city in your hand!

 

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Sydney Fish Market

Australia is surrounded on all sides by the ocean, so it should be no big surprise that seafood is one of its most vibrant industries. The Fish Market in Sydney was first established in 1945 and processes over 14,500 tonnes of seafood every year. While you might not be in the market for quite that much, the market also has dozens of different restaurants and cafes serving up the catch of the day. My favourite are the Oyster tasting flights where you can sample all different kinds of these molluscs until you find your absolute favourite!

 

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Sample Dozens of Dumplings at Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung originally opened up in Taipei, Taiwan and now their flagship location seats hundreds of people a day. Their proximity to Australia meant that once they began to expand internationally, Australia was one of their first locations outside Taipei. Now, there are three different locations just in Sydney, so clearly, the Aussie’s are a fan. Their long heralded xiao long bao, a soup dumpling filled with pork, is their keystone menu items and believe you me, you’ll need more than one order. No matter which location you try, there is usually a line but the smallish menu, and quick on their feet staff, means you’ll never have to wait longer than needed.

 

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NOMAD

Lots of people come up to me and ask what they should eat while they’re in Australia, and sometimes it’s hard to answer this question. Although there are a handful of things which are notoriously Australian it’s true that there are not as many iconic “meals” as you might find when travelling to Asia or even Europe. But what I DO tell them is it’s the ingredients which make all the difference in Australia. Australian lamb, their locally grown vegetables, wine pairings and fresh seafood all contribute to some of the best meals in the world, albeit not perhaps the most “foreign” food despite being halfway around the world. Nomad is one of the best examples of this with their seasonal menus using only local Australian ingredients to create some absolutely incredible dishes.

 

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Mecca Espresso

While I knew that beer was the national beverage of Australia, I had no idea that Australia had such a HUGE coffee culture. Even when I lived in student residence my housemates would make themselves frothed milk every morning for their coffee. Mecca Espresso is located right in the centre of the city, along historic King Street, but has a laid-back and cheerful atmosphere. I would love nothing more than to order a large cappuccino and sit on the patio to people watch all day long.

 

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Good Time Artisan Ice Cream

In the heat of Australia’s summer or even just a hot winter day, there is nothing better than a good ice cream cone. And when I say ‘good’, I mean ‘good times‘. Good Time Ice Cream is a next step up from regular ice cream. They offer decadent toppings and put a modern twist on traditional soft serve. My favourite offering is the “Ziggy Stardust” which is smoked vanilla bean ice cream topped with blackberry crispies, pop rocks, strawberry powder and gold dust stars. Fabulously instagrammable.

 

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Lay by the beach, eat and drink to your hearts content and wander the streets, whatever you do there’s fun to be found around every corner.

The post The Ultimate List of Things To Do in Sydney, Australia first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Sydney – Day One

Congratulations — you’ve arrived in Australia! Most flights from North America arrive early in the morning. Sydney is usually people’s first stop since it is both the most notable city in the country as well as the cheapest one to fly into. The day of your arrival is a good chance to take it easy, but still, push yourself to move around and try to fight the jet lag. Drop off your stuff at the hotel or Airbnb, take a shower (an essential part of waking up after a long flight) and go for a relaxing walk or bike ride around the city. The best place to start off is at Circular Quay.

Circular Quay is the most picturesque harbour in Sydney. Nearby you’ll find the Sydney Opera House, historic waterfront shops, views of the Harbour Bridge, and lots of ferries puttering about. If you have the energy, jump on a boat and take a one-hour harbour tour. It will give you an idea of the size and scope of this great city.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

If you don’t feel like a ride on the water, opt for a stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Opened in 1816, it is considered the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world. The gardens span 30 hectares along the water and are the perfect place to take in all the new Australian sites and sounds.

Another great way to get a highlight tour of Sydney is to rent a bike. I’ve heard that some light cycling is the best way to combat jet lag. Pick up a bike from one of the dozens of companies around Circular Quay and noodle around the city, exploring whatever catches your eye. Before you know it, you’ll need to call it a day. Try to push yourself to stay up as late as you can, but an early bedtime will give your body the rest it needs for a great second day in the city!

Sydney – Day Two

Start your morning off with a visit to the Sydney Fish Market. This spot has an excellent patio along the water and you can taste local oysters for only $1. Despite the low price, it’s some of the best seafood in the world. They have plenty of local specialities and the view is unbeatable. Going in the morning is ideal since it gets incredibly busy during the day.

Since it’s only your second day on the other side of the world, let’s try to take it easy. Take the Metro over to Bondi Beach. What better way to get acquainted with the Australian way of life than to relax on a beach? The morning is the best time to arrive since it’s not as hot and you can nab the best spot on the sand. Don’t miss a chance to swim in the ocean pools, as well as, you know, the actual ocean. If you’re feeling up for it, you can also take a surf lesson. Walk up to any of the surf shops along the opposite side of the water to get a spot in the next class. Day-of reservations are almost always available except during extremely busy season. Best to go when they first open to secure your booking.

After lounging on the beach and perhaps grabbing a quick bite to eat, take the Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk hike. It’s more of a walk than an intense hike, but easily one of the most scenic routes you can stroll in the city. Lasting approximately two to three hours (depending how many stops you make and how fast your pace), the path along the coastal boardwalk takes you through stunning ocean views, secret beaches, cliffside parks, the famous Waverly Cemetery, as well as various cafes and restaurants if you need a pit stop. At the end of the walk, Coogee beach is the perfect spot for a spectacular dinner with a view.

Sydney – Day Three

If you have kids or are interested in Australian flora and fauna, checking out the Taronga Zoo is a must. To get there, you can take the ferry across the water (which provides remarkable views of the harbour). It’s one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. The layout and design of the space is fabulous. Officially opened as a zoo in 1916, this spot still has much of its historical landscaping and architecture, making it feel like you’ve stepped back to when the English settlers first came to this sunburnt country. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the various animals in Australia — the good, the bad and the ugly.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

After the zoo, take a walk across the Sydney Harbor Bridge, an icon of the city. It is over 48 meters wide and 134 meters tall. There are two ways of getting across. The simplest and FREE way is simply to walk along it. While this might seem tedious, it is an excellent way to see the city on all sides and is notably less precarious. But if you’re brave enough (and don’t mind forking over $150) you can climb to the top of the bridge. In addition to the cardio workout, you will also be given a guide that will tell you all about the history of the bridge and Sydney itself. While my preference is to save the money, there are plenty who have loved this experience, so it’s really up to you!

If you still have some time and want to visit another beach, ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. It’s got golden sands and a refreshingly cool ocean breeze. This charming coastal town is ripe with trendy restaurants and cafes. A great place to shop if you’re looking for some Australian inspired fashions or a pair of Havaianas sandals (or as the Aussies say, “thongs”.)

Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves – Day Four

The Blue Mountains are about 2 1/4 hours away from the centre of Sydney, but well worth the trek. You can take the train out to Katoomba Station or rent a car for the day. The range is comprised of various mountains, plateaux, and escarpments. The most iconic formation is the ‘Three Sisters’ which towers over the lush, green Jamison Valley. Take time to walk along the lookout and then head down the stairs to hike along the basin. You’ll see some of the most beautiful waterfalls that provide the much-needed water to keep those trees so green!

After grabbing something to eat in Katoomba, head over to the Jenolan Caves. Made of limestone, these are considered the most ancient discovered open caves in the world. The calcite formations inside are one of the biggest draws. They can be bright white and look almost like marble carvings. One is shaped like the closed wing of an angel (incredible to see such a thing formed by nature). During your guided tour, the calcite structures are artistically lit up to accentuate their beauty. In the middle of the caves, your guide will turn off all the lights for one minute so you can appreciate the overwhelming silence and darkness which naturally kept all these shapes hidden for generations.

The Hunter Vallery – Day Five

The Hunter Valley is known for its award-winning wineries and quiet countryside atmosphere. It’s only a two-hour drive north of Sydney, so you can rent a car and make a day of it! There are hundreds of wineries to visit and really, it doesn’t matter which ones you try. They each have their speciality. Unless you’re a sommelier, you’ll have a great experience wherever you go.

Audrey Wilkinson Winery is known for being the most picturesque winery in the valley. Brokenwood Winery is a must for chardonnay lovers. Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard has one of the most exquisite gardens and an ancient cellar. Meerea Park Wines has a unique sandstone tasting cottage and unusually spicy reds. If you’re feeling indulgent and want to stay overnight, many of the wineries feature accommodations and luxury spas.

Fraser Island – Day Six and Seven

It’s time to say goodbye to New South Whales and head up north to Queensland. Fly out to the small, seaside town of Hervey Bay. From here you can rent a 4×4 and catch the ferry over to Fraser Island. Before you leave, be sure to stop by a grocery store and stock up on food and drinks for your camping adventure on the island. There are a few restaurants on Fraser, but they are either mediocre or somewhat costly. Plus having the freedom to eat anywhere your heart guides you is part of the fun! On the Ferry ride over, be sure to keep your eye out for whales since many can be spotted on this stretch of water.

K’gari (the aboriginal word for Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world! Yes, that’s right, the entire island is made of sand. But unlike what you might expect, it is incredibly lush! The island is filled with rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, mangrove forests, peat swamps, dunes, and green shrublands.

Accomodation on Fraser Island

On Fraser Island, you can book pre-assembled tents so you won’t have to rent or buy camping equipment. Sunset and sunrise are unreal, so planning a meal on the beach around that time is fantastic. They talk about the island having dingos aplenty, but no one I knew ever saw one. There are spiders though, so be sure to check your shoes before putting them on! Despite its natural beauty, many people don’t make it out here. At times you feel like you have the entire place to yourself. Your own private island.

Spend your days visiting the Maheno shipwreck site, swimming in the champagne pools, hiking the sands to picturesque Lake McKenzie, fishing along the Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and floating down Eli Creek, the island’s natural lazy river.

Townsville/Magnetic Island – Day Eight and Nine

Try to head out early in the morning and catch a short flight from Fraser Island up to Townsville. Many people opt to visit the famous city of Cairns, but I prefer Magnetic Island. It gives you that small town/island experience. Take the ferry from Townsville over to the island where you can stay at one of the world’s best hostels or some impressive Airbnb’s.

While on Magnetic Island, you can visit a koala sanctuary and have brunch alongside these pretty creatures. You can also opt for a hike up to visit the old WWII forts. Check out the Arthur Bay Lookout trail where you can see wild koalas along the path. Horses make their home here and you can book a tour here which will take you into the waters on horseback. A unique and thrilling experience.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef

You can also catch a boat from the Magnetic Bay harbour. It will take you two hours out into the ocean to go scuba diving or snorkelling and see the most amazing fish and coral reef. Queensland is where the reef is the most stunning. I got hugely seasick on the ocean waters, but even despite that, the snorkelling was one of the best experiences in my life. If you are afraid of being that far out in the ocean, you can always just snorkel off the beach on one of Magnetic Island’s many offshore reefs. The fish aren’t as big and the coral not as bright, but it’s still an incredible experience.

While on the island, there are these little “cars” that you can rent. There’s a local bus that can get you around just fine, but it isn’t super frequent, so these open roof cars are a great option and fun to drive. They can help you get out to the remote spots much faster than the bus.

Daintree National Park – Day Ten

Whether you’re staying on Magnetic Island or in Cairns, make a point to take a day trip out to visit the Daintree Rainforest. It’s a bit of a trek to get out there, but well worth the travel time. You can either rent a car for the day or join one of the many tour buses which leave daily from Cairns. The Daintree rainforest is a national park and is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. You can visit the Mossman Gorge amd take a refreshing swim in the waterfall basin. There is also a retro cable ferry which will take you over the oldest parts of the rainforest. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, opt to take a stroll along the boardwalk to see if you can spot native wildlife relaxing in the treetops.

Melbourne – Day Eleven

Fly from Cairns back down to Melbourne to see the state of Victoria. The reason I suggest doing this is that you’re much closer to Syndey (most likely your return airport) on the tail end of your trip. Melbourne is a bustling city and a great contrast to the laid back living on Magnetic Island. The best way to see Melbourne is by bike. You can explore so much of the city in a short period. The architecture in the city ranges from old world to neo-modern, changing at every corner. The most impressive building is the golden yellow Flinders Street Ballroom.

Melbourne Street Art

Be sure to wind your way down side alleys and hidden corners to check out the impressive street art that Melbourne is well-known for. Great food is plentiful here and if you’re sick of camp grub, now is your chance to make a reservation at one of Australia’s top restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Victoria, The Great Ocean Road – Day Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen

After a day of city living, it’s time to hit the road one final time. This time to travel to the Great Ocean Road. You can easily do it on a one or two-day bus tour from the city which is relaxed and carefree. While the bus is the simplest way of seeing the Great Ocean Road, it is not the most personal. You can feel like cattle being shipped on and off the vehicle with the rest of the herd. I would opt for renting a car or campervan (a popular option) and driving it yourself. You can choose the pace, the destinations and, best of all, stay at some of the most picturesque campsites in the entire world. Most driving routes recommend 72 hours which I think is a good estimate to fit everything in without running yourself into the ground.

Twelve Apostles

You’ll drive to see the iconic Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park. Stop off at a Kangaroo preserve to feed the big and little fellas. Make a point to take a walk into Mait’s Rest rainforest. If you have kids or love animals, stop off at The Nobbies on Phillip Islandwhere you can see hundreds of tiny penguins. This breed of penguins can only be found in Australia. The little critters have made homes along Phillip Island where you can see them hopping in and out as they bring food in from the ocean.

Sitting on the edge of Victoria’s limestone cliffs at sunset is the perfect way to spend one of your last nights in Australia. Time to reflect on your favourite moments, your most memorable culinary treats, and those one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll talk about for years to come.

This itinerary is a great way to get you started. Feel free to customise it based on your travel wishes. The overwhelming size of the country often makes people feel just as overwhelmed in the planning, so it’s nice to have a starting point. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you’re bound to have one of the greatest times of your life. Don’t stress about missing out or not making it to a particular place. Leaving something behind just means more of a reason to return.

Share your favourite Australian destinations with me!

The post Discover the Best of Australia in Two Weeks: Your Ultimate Itinerary for a Memorable Trip first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.