18 Bucket List Ideas for Australia

Australia, from our North American perspective, is this land full of adventure, wild wildlife, raw and untouched beauty. A landscape varied and rugged with a purity nature lovers crave. A destination worthy of its own bucket list with memories just waiting to be made!

I created this list with the help of google and my Australian brother-in-law. Some of these items I have done and the rest are now on my list! This beautiful country has so much to offer and this bucket list is just a taste.

Snorkel or Dive Great Barrier Reef

If you are familiar with Australia, this one is probably on your list already. Imagine the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life. The Great Barrier Reef is a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike. From vibrant coral gardens to majestic sea turtles gliding by, you’ve got to see the Great Barrier at least once if your life. While I have snorkeled here, I would love to dive the Great Barrier Reef one day and fully immerse in this underwater world.

Walk on Whitehaven Beach

Step onto the soft, powdery sands of Whitehaven Beach and let your worries melt away. With its dazzling white silica sands and azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see, it’s no wonder this slice of paradise is one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. I cannot recommend this one enough! I have the fondest memories of sailing the Whitsundays and playing soccer on Whitehaven Beach.

Lord Howe Island

Escape to the tranquil oasis of Lord Howe Island, where lush forests meet pristine beaches. Whether you’re hiking to the summit of Mount Gower or snorkeling in the crystal-clear lagoon, every moment on this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island is pure bliss. This is not something I have done yet, but it’s absolutely on my bucket list for Australia! They only allow a certain number of tourists on the island at one time, which adds to the appeal for me. And honestly, there’s just something about a tropical island that always draws me.

Great Ocean Road

Pivoting from the tropical vibes, we head south on the mainland. Rugged ocean views await along the Great Ocean Road, that will leave you in awe. From the iconic Twelve Apostles to the rugged cliffs of the Port Campbell National Park, this journey is a feast for the senses. It’s a day trip from Melbourne, but I did the drive with my sister and we stayed somewhere along the road for a night. One thing is certain, the views are worth it however you manage to get here!

Ride a Camel

When you think of Australia, camels are not the first thing that come to mind. However, it is estimated that one million feral camels roam about the Australian land. Experience the magic of the Australia landscape from the back of a camel? Why not! This is another one I am blessed to have done from a beach in Port Macquarie. There are plenty of places that offer this since there is such a massive camel population and when you recount your trip to Australia, that camel ride will surely be etched in your memory. At least it is for me!

Sunrise or Sunset at Uluru

Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Uluru as the sun paints the sky in hues of gold and crimson. This is a magical experience I have yet to do. Even though climbing Uluru is no longer possible, there is something about experiencing this part of the Outback that I find alluring. So whether you choose to greet the day with a sunrise or bid it farewell with a sunset, this site is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Chase the Southern Lights in Tasmania 

The Northern Lights have been on my bucket list for a very long time, yet they still elude me. Nevertheless, I would happily settle for any aurora experience and gladly check it off my bucket list from Australia. Venture to the southernmost tip of Tasmania and witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing light shows – the Aurora Australis. Dancing across the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colors, this display from the Southern Hemisphere would be a most treasured experience. And since the Aurora can be hard to predict, an epic display would be the ultimate bucket list item, Australia or not!

Ningaloo Reef and Whale Sharks

Western Australia is a territory with so much to offer and this UNESCO World Heritage site is one. Dive into the pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef and come face to face with the gentle giants of the sea – whale sharks. Swimming alongside these magnificent creatures is an experience you’ll never forget, so visit during the season from March to August to check it off your list. There are other places in the world where you can swim with Whale Sharks, but how many offer a UNESCO World Heritage site at the same time!

Great White Shark Cage Diving in Port Lincoln

This might not be for everyone, but I’ve had this on my bucket list a while. I even tried in South Africa and the sharks never showed. But there is just something about coming face to face with one of nature’s most fearsome predators – the great white shark, from the safety of cage of course, that has always intrigued me. With nothing but a cage between you and these majestic creatures, this adrenaline-pumping adventure is not for the faint of heart. The only place you can do this in Australia is in South Australia with the best months being between April and July or December and January.

See a Pink Lake

Discover nature’s whimsy at its finest as you gaze upon the surreal beauty of Australia’s pink lakes. Pink is my favorite color and while I love every pink sunset I get to see, the fancy pink lakes are fascinating and officially added to my bucket list. From Lake Hillier in Western Australia to Lake Eyre in South Australia, these candy-colored wonders are surely worth a long gaze.

See Quokkas on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is worth its own mention, but when I read that Quokkas are here, that had to be added to this Bucket List Australia item! Have you seen these happy animals on social media? I did and I was left giggling at myself as I realized this might be my spirit animal. Picture provided for context. And now I would love to meet the quokka and all the while do so on the idyllic shores of Rottnest Island. I’ve seen the koala in the wild and got close to Kangaroos in Australia Zoo, but the happy quokka is officially on my bucket list!

I reached out to my sister in Australia and asked their opinion on the list I created. My Aussie brother-in-law, who has traveled a lot of Australia, responded with the below additions. So if you’re looking for bucket list ideas for Australia that are not on the typical tourist track that say Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef are on, then check out the below!

Swim in a Waterhole in Litchfield National Park

Escape the heat and dive into the refreshing waters of Litchfield National Park’s picturesque waterholes. I read about waterholes, but wasn’t sure the experience was worthy of a bucket list. However, my Aussie brother-in-law specifically said this was a MUST DO! And for the record, he has mentioned some things as being overrated, so I know he means it. To be fair, being surrounded by lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls is not a hard sell. So add these natural swimming spots that are the perfect oasis in the Australian wilderness to your bucket list.

Kimberley, Western Australia

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Kimberley region, where towering gorges and ancient rock formations await. Whether you’re exploring the remote wilderness by 4WD or taking a scenic flight over the breathtaking landscape, every moment in Kimberley will likely be an adventure.

Bungle Bungles

In the Kimberley, you can marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park. From the striped sandstone domes to the hidden gorges and waterfalls, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is a true natural wonder. One tip I read was to see this from a plane to really appreciate the formations.

Karijini National Park

Journey into the heart of Western Australia and discover the raw beauty of Karijini National Park. With its towering gorges, sparkling waterfalls, and hidden swimming holes, this ancient landscape is a playground for adventurers.

Kakadu National Park

Explore the rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems of Kakadu National Park, Australia’s second largest national park. From ancient Aboriginal rock art to teeming wetlands and cascading waterfalls, this World Heritage-listed site is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders.

Hot Springs at Mataranka

Relax and rejuvenate in the thermal pools of Mataranka, where the warm waters provide the perfect remedy for weary travelers. Surrounded by lush palm forests and tropical vegetation, these natural hot springs are a blissful retreat in the Northern Territory.

Palm Valley in the Northern Territory

Discover an oasis in the desert at Palm Valley, where ancient palm trees thrive in the arid landscape. Whether you’re hiking through the rugged terrain or marveling at the towering red cliffs, this hidden gem is a testament to the resilience of life in the Outback.