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Wander rainforests, hangout with animals, and explore the beauty of this wild country.
Australia. What can I say! This country is so full of adventure, you can never fit it all into one trip. We visited Queensland and Sydney for a week, and I feel like we barely scratched the surface. Read more for a full list of things to do on your first trip to Australia!
queensland & sydney, australia
where I went
Welcome to the Sunshine Coast! First stop on our Australian journey is Queensland. This corner of Australia is full of vibrant rainforests, animals, and adventure. Here's what I would do when you visit!
-Kuranda. This village, tucked away in the rainforest, is home to wildlife parks, local artists, lively cafes, and more. We got to meet kangaroos, wallabies, and even held a koala! His name was Paul and he was adorable.
-Fitzroy Island. Take a short ferry from Cairns to visit this spectacular tropical paradise. Swim in the bluest water, hike the trails, or sunbathe on the coral shores. I suggest renting snorkeling equipment and checking out the reef!
-Drive the coast. Don't let the "wrong side of the road" scare you. Rent a car and drive one of the most beautiful highways in the world! With tons of spots to pull over, the drive from Cairns to Port Douglas is one I recommend!
-Crystal Cascades. We stumbled upon this hidden gem by accident, but it was so beautiful! There are tons of spectacular waterfalls all over Queensland. Get out there and explore one for yourself!
queensland
where I went
Now onto Sydney! My sister and I didn't get to spend that much time in Sydney. What little time we had, though, we made the most of! Here's what you should definitely do and see here.
-Royal Botanical Gardens. Of course you're going to visit the Opera House while you're here. But explore a little east and you'll stumble on this beautiful garden complex! Walk the grounds to get a spectacular view of downtown Sydney.
-Manly Beach. This beach is a must-visit, but the real secret is how you get there. A ferry! The ride from Sydney Harbour will cost you roughly $15. Along the way you will get an exceptional view of downtown Sydney, the Opera House, and the Bridge. Don't pay for a harbor cruise, just take the ferry!
-Bondi to Coogee. One of the most famous beaches in the world, Bondi is spectacular! But the real treat was this gorgeous coastal walk, Bondi to Coogee. This roughly 3 mile walk takes you through tidepools, beaches, cliffs, and overlooks for an amazing outdoor activity. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Sydney
what I ate
where I ate
my favorite food memory
Australia definitely has a unique blend of food. While you're here, this is what I recommend trying!
-Meat pie (trust me, delicious!)
-Vegemite (iconic)
-Tim Tams (the tastiest treat)
-Kangaroo (we skipped this, but you might enjoy it)
-Coffee (we enjoyed many mochas here!)
One of my favorite memories of Australia is drinking mochas in the rainforest. I'm not sure what possessed me and my sister to start, but mochas became kind of a tradition on this trip! We loved taking it easy, drinking a tasty mocha, and enjoying each other's company (as well as the view)!
Here's a few recommendations on where to eat (both in Queensland and Sydney):
-The Bucket List (Bondi Beach, Sydney)
-Busby's Bar (Royal Gardens, Sydney)
-Kuranda Rainforest Coffee (QLD)
my favorite spots
royal botanical gardens
Fitzroy island
kuranda
Take a ferry from Cairns to this gorgeous island right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. With hiking trails, snorkeling, food, and lodging, this island really has it all! Pro tip: you can rent a "stinger suit" so you don't get stung by jellyfish!
Skip over the crowds at the Opera House and head to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Once there, you can wander the grounds exploring native Australian flora with amazing views of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge! Find Busby's Bar for a cold beer at happy hour.
One of our favorite spots! Here you can explore animal sanctuaries, feed kangaroos, hold koalas, and learn about Australia's diverse wildlife. It's also home to the Kuranda Candy Kitchen- my go to spot for yummy candy and souvenirs!
