Australian Travel Experiences
It’s true, it takes more than a lifetime to truly explore the big and beautiful country that is Australia. But, that hasn’t stopped me exploring and trying to see as much as I can. As a Sydneysider, I’m lucky to live in a city that’s already on many people’s bucket lists. But, as much as I adore the harbour, the beaches and the mountains, it is always a different experience to get out and see what the rest of the country has to offer.
I’ve only made it to a few states so far. The humongous size of the Land Down Under makes every trip feel like a small expedition — flights, long drives and the biggest pain in the neck: planning. But those Australia tours have always given me a story worth telling. So, unless I have the chance to cover the entire map (believe me, that’s the plan), here are my top five Australian travel experiences so far…
Cruising on Sydney Harbour
I know, I said ‘outside Sydney’, but I can’t, in good conscience, leave this one out. Even though I live here, cruising on Sydney Harbour still feels like entering a magical realm. I believe that the phrase “out of the world” was coined with Sydney in mind. Cruising past the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and other iconic harbour attractions makes me see my own city with fresh eyes.
Back in college, I remember learning about a literary technique called defamiliarisation, where writers make something that is familiar feel strange or new again so you can truly notice it. A lunch cruise in Sydney does exactly that. I’ve walked past these sights a thousand times, but from the water, it’s a new experience!
Dark MOFO in Hobart
This year’s Dark Mofo (2025) was a jerk to the senses. Hobart in June was alive with fire, art and music. I joined the crowd for the Ogoh-Ogoh burning, watching a giant effigy go up in flames, along with hundreds of handwritten fears from strangers. It sure was strange and cathartic. The same was the case with the Nude Solstice Swim.
Everywhere you turned, there was something shocking or thrilling: car-crash performances, decapitated sheep heads, nude portraits, tomato throwing and many more. Dark Mofo felt both ancient and punk-rock, sacred and chaotic. It was a messy and striking festival that reminded me that art can make you feel weird—and that’s exactly the point of the festival. And yes, I’ll definitely be going next year.
Snorkelling in Cairns
Flying into Cairns, I remember pressing my forehead to the plane window like a kid, with the ocean and rainforest fighting for my attention. But not even the aerial view prepared me for what it felt like to be in the water. The moment my face went under the water, the rest of the world just… switched off. It was just me and this cool underwater neighbourhood—corals that looked like a blend of plants and sculptures, fish that swam like confident locals, turtles that gave me a strange glance before drifting away, completely uninterested in my presence.
And that’s what the Great Barrier Reef is… a world that existed long before us, and, if we take care of it, it will outlast us. Floating above those ancient corals, I felt the mix of awe and responsibility that you get when you realise you’re standing somewhere truly irreplaceable.
Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin
I’ve always kept a safe distance from crocodiles—out of fear, of course! But I decided to face my fear, not by being a dumb tourist swimming in a crocodile-infested river, but by visiting the Crocosaurus Cove. I didn’t just wander through the reptile enclosures; I signed up for the ‘Cage of Death’ experience. Yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like… you’re lowered into a pool with a massive saltwater crocodile, separated only by a clear acrylic cage. I’m not ashamed to say my heart was pounding the whole time. And will it be more shameful if I say that I almost shat my pants?
Looking directly into the eye of an apex predator that could crush you in seconds is humbling. You see the sheer power in every movement, the absolute stillness before a sudden snap of its jaws. It definitely will be a story that I’ll be telling for years.
Kakadu National Park
If Darwin gave me a taste of the Northern Territory’s wild side, Kakadu gave me its soul. Kakadu is already breathtaking from the ground, but seeing it from the air changes everything. I booked a 9-Hour Arnhem Land Flight & Cruise Combo Tour, where a small plane lifted us over endless wetlands, rock formations and waterfalls.
After landing, we explored sacred rock art sites, cruised over croc-infused waterways and explored Mount Borradaile. Kakadu National Park is a reminder of how deep Australia’s history runs and how much there is to protect and respect.
So, these five moments are just a small slice of what Australia offered me, but they’ve shaped the way I see my country, and, in some ways, the way I see myself. Each trip reminded me that travel is about feeling something you can’t quite put into words—because words can only take you so far. I’ve still got a long way to go: Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. But if the rest of Australia is anything like what I’ve already experienced, I know I’m in for a lifetime of unforgettable memories!
Author Bio – Charlotte Clark
A Sydney-based travel writer who loves chasing experiences that defy expectations – especially when great food and entertainment are part of the mix. From unforgettable hits to unexpected flops, I share real stories to keep the adventure honest and fun for everyone!
