Things to Do in Australia

It's truly wet and awesomely wild at this Gold Coast water theme park! The star attraction is the Kamikaze jet spray water slide, with its sheer drop and over-the-top speeds. The Tornado slide blasts visitors from a tunnel into a wet and wild storm. Travelers can also enter the Blackhole's dark, enclosed tunnels to go spiraling through the heart of darkness until the final splashdown.

Walpa Gorge is the shortest and easiest trail in Kata Tjuta. For what it lacks in length, however, it makes up for in dramatic views looking out over sandstone domes. Far less crowded than popular Uluru, Kata Tjuta is where Aborigines still practice cultural ceremonies. There’s a certain power to Kata Tjuta that emanates out of the rocks, and the 1.5 mile trail through the gorge is a way to experience the energy. Flowers here are in greater abundance than on neighboring Valley of the Winds, and the gorge is particularly scenic in afternoon when the valley is filled with light. A viewing platform at the end of the trail provides sweeping views of the Olgas, which have stoically weathered millennia of storms to be shaped how they are today. To have the gorge trail all to yourself, consider hiking at first light when the air is nice and cool. 

Like a vein through the heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the trail through rugged “Valley of the Winds” is a scenic, mind-bending journey.  Far less crowded than the trail at Uluru and in many ways more powerful, the Valley of the Winds traverses land that’s used by Aborigines for traditional cultural ceremonies. It’s a spot where the silence can often seem deafening—even in busier times of year—and the sun bathes the rocky Olgas in a deep, reddish hue. The first lookout is less than a mile from the main trailhead parking lot, and the entire loop past both lookouts is approximately 4.5 miles. Allow three hours to complete the hike—and be sure to pack plenty of water—as portions of the trail are actually closed in summer for stifling desert. As the longest hike in the Kata Tjuta, Valley of the Winds is the deepest foray you can make out into this landscape, where dreamtime stories and ancient spirits all seem to drift on the wind.

Watarrka National Park protects one of the Northern Territory's most legendary destinations, Kings Canyon.

It's a rocky red desert park of rugged geological formations and sheer-edged sandstone gorges plummeting to waterholes and unexpected oases of cycad palms.

Walking trails lead to lookouts for views over the canyon, and there are picnic tables at the sunset-viewing area and Kathleen Springs.

The overnight Giles Track takes you along the top of the range from springs to canyon, while the much easier Kathleen Springs walk takes 1.5 hours and is recommended for families.

To get the most out of your visit to Watarrka National Park, take a guided walk with a ranger or guide to learn about the spiritual significance of this land for the local Anangu people.

In the heart of Australia’s Red Centre lie the Western MacDonnell ranges. 1,500 kilometres south of Darwin and just west of the infamous Alice Springs, the western MacDonnell Ranges offer an enchanting look into an ancient culture and an even older landscape.

The best ways to explore the often rugged territory are by 4WD, motor-home, or even on bike -a mode of transport that is surprisingly well catered for, with even the famous Simpson’s Gap providing a seven kilometre section of sealed bike track.

Covering an area of just over 2,000 square kilometres, the canyons, gorges, and waterholes in the National Park area provide a stunning and insightful backdrop for any number of outdoor activities, including camping, swimming, and hiking, to name a few.

Hiking enthusiasts should consider the 250 kilometre Larapinta Trail, which traverses the ranges from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. This trail can be hiked either with a guided tour or independently, but independent hikers should seek expert guidance before their tour as the conditions can be harsh. Those not wishing to undertake the full length of the famous trail can choose to do shorter sections.

Dingoes, native fish, carpet pythons, and endemic birdlife frequent most areas of the Western MacDonnell ranges, especially those that are more obscure and located off the well travelled roads. The summer months see the Ormiston Gorge, in particular, a haven for a large assortment of native reptiles.

The Ranges are rich in indigenous culture and historical locales. The Ranges, like the rest of the Territory, are most pleasant in the cooler months of April to September. Camping facilities are well maintained and modern, and the National Park is accessible year round, with the exception of short periods of sporadic road closures following heavy rain.

If you want to know more about Australia’s indigenous owners and wish to see or purchase genuine Aboriginal arts and craft, consider a visit to the Waradah Aboriginal Centre (sometimes referred to as Koomurri Aboriginal Centre) in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains.

One of Australia’s best Aboriginal cultural centers, Waradah is the place to learn more about Australia’s unique heritage and first peoples, as well as witness traditional Aboriginal dance and didgeridoo performances.

Various shows featuring Aboriginal dancers or musicians in traditional costume are scheduled throughout the day and include an introduction to the story and an explanation of the significance of each performance.

The recently refurbished fine art gallery contains genuine Australian Aboriginal paintings, while the center’s shop has a large collection of more affordable and varied Aboriginal art and crafts, such as totem statues, ceramics, glasswork and didgeridoos.

The Waradah Aboriginal Centre is just a short walk away from the Blue Mountain’s famous Three Sisters and Giant Stairway at Echo Point, Katoomba.

Set on the narrow southern head of famous Sydney Harbour, Watson's Bay is one of the city's most underrated attractions. Whether it's hiking the Hermitage Foreshore Track or bathing in the buff at Lady Bay Beach, this eastern suburb is about being outside and taking in the views of the harbor. That is, of course, unless you’re seated at a café enjoying some fish and chips, which locals suggest are some of the best you'll find in all of Sydney. History buffs can wander the bluffs to see guns, cannons and military installations that have guarded Sydney Harbor, while swimmers can head to Camp Cove Beach to splash in the protected waters.

Magical, enchanting and serene are just a few of the adjectives people use to describe Wanggoolba Creek. A fresh water creek containing crystal waters cascading through lush rainforest over white sugar granules, you’ll be amazed at how fertile an island made of sand can be. In appearance Wanggoolba Creek is similar to Eli Creek, however, has a much less touristy vibe, retaining an air of peace. Those who enjoy biology will be interested to know the spot contains a beautiful and rare King Fern or Giant Fern.

Feeling stressed or need to relax? Wading in the creek’s still and lucid waters is said to have calming effect. Another option is to enjoy a leisurely hike along a walkway around the creek’s perimeters, a favorite for photographers. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery, and stop in the visitor center to learn more about the area.