Your Guide to Australia: The 10 Best Things to do Down Under

Your Guide to Australia

Australia is home to some of the best sporting events in the calender — nothing beats watching cricket with the sun on your back, experiencing an Aussie roar at the rugby, and seeing sparks at a Formula One race.

Yet, Australia has so much more to offer than its incredible sports events. It's a land of diverse landscapes, unique culture and unforgettable experiences.

From incredible wildlife encounters and private tours of famous vineyards to aboriginal culture and soaking up the surf culture on Australia's east coast beaches, we're here to help you make the most of your time Down Under.

Take a look at our top 10 best things to do in Australia below.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Australia

1. Watch Incredible Live Sport
2. Soak up some Surf
3. Explore Famous Wine Regions
4. See the Great Barrier Reef
5. Play your Favourite Sports
6. Go on an Australian Safari
7. Immerse in Aboriginal Culture
8. Experience the Buzzing Coffee Culture
9. Spend Christmas and New Year
10. Stay in the best luxury hotels

10. Watch Incredible Live Sports

Why you'll love it:

• Iconic sports events are held in Australia every year

• The home crowds are electric

• The sports culture is unmatched

• See the Ashes, Rugby World Cup, F1 and more

It's no secret that Australians are mad about their sport, so watching some world-class live sport is a must-do activity Down Under.

Cricket is Australia's national sport, and 2025 will be a huge year with England heading Down Under for The Ashes in November. Playing five Tests across some of Australia's best cricket stadiums in some of its most vibrant cities, there's no doubt in our minds that the series will be an absolute classic.

The rugby culture in Australia is wild too, and a trip to the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to watch the Wallabies is high up on any rugby fan's bucket list — it's one of our favourite rugby stadiums in the world for its raucous atmosphere.

Formula One fans will know that the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne is always a spectacle to behold, and this year it's the opening race of the season on the 16th of March, so expect some early season thrills and spills as teams try to work out their best set ups.

If you fancy a spot of tennis and some incredible evening concerts, look no further than the Australian Open or, if you prefer thundering action on the flats, the Melbourne Cup attracts over 100,000 racing fans every year. And, if you're in the land of Aussie Rules football, why not catch an AFL game and witness this truly unique sport live amongst the roaring crowd?

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9. Go Surfing at Bondi Beach and Byron Bay

Why you’ll love it:

• Iconic surf spots

• Great for beginners and advanced surfers

• Surf schools available for lessons

Nobody surfs quite like the Australians, especially at Bondi Beach in Sydney. That stereotypical wavy-haired surfer look is the norm here and there is a lot of surf culture to soak up. The beach is by far Sydney's best — only a 16-minute drive from the centre — and will be up there with the best surf of your life.

Byron Bay is another favourite stretch of golden sand, with a buzzing beach atmosphere and epic swells to conquer. Private surf lessons are highly recommended to make the most of your time on the water, wherever you decide to surf.

Byron Bay is a unique area with its beauty extending beyond its beaches. Head inland to discover hidden waterfalls like Minyon and Killen Falls, swim in secret waterholes, or hike Mount Warning for a breathtaking sunrise. Adventure awaits in the lush rainforest!

“A private surf lesson at Byron Bay is a must when visiting Brisbane — it’s the surf capital of Australia so there’s more than just sun to soak up here. Secret waterfalls are abundant in its surrounding rainforest and offer the chance to see glow worms and southern cassowaries in the wild.” Simon Gee, Product Manager

8. Explore Australia's Famous Wine Regions

Why you'll love it:

• Exceptional wines

• Stunning scenery

• Laid-back atmosphere

• Gourmet food pairings

Australia has developed some of the finest wine regions in the world over the last 50 years, and visiting its many vineyards is a must for any wine lover.

The Barossa Valley in South Australia has gained international acclaim for its flavourful, full-bodied wines. It is particularly renowned for its Shiraz, Grenache, and Mataro (Mourvèdre), producing complex vintages with deep, rich flavours.

In Western Australia, the Margaret River region is well worth a visit, especially if you're in Perth. While not as globally famous as some other wine regions, it produces exceptional wines. Leeuwin Estate stands out as a top vineyard in the Margaret River region, crafting Cabernet Sauvignon that matures beautifully in French oak barrels. Over time, these wines develop a nuanced smoky character, along with sumptuous dark fruit flavours and subtle herbal or minty notes.

“Just south of Perth, the Margaret River Region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, world-class wineries and legendary surf spots. This stunning area showcases the rugged beauty of Western Australia’s diverse geography.” Simon Gee, Product Manager

7. See the Great Barrier Reef

Why you’ll love it:

• Bucket-list experience

• Vibrant Coral Reefs

• Colourful marine life

• Magical sunsets

If you ask anyone what’s on their bucket list, you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll say seeing the Great Barrier Reef. It’s one of the top things to do in Queensland, Australia, and there are so many different ways to experience it, depending on your style.

Take a helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of vibrant coral reefs, snorkel in its crystal-clear waters to see a kaleidoscope of shimmering marine life up close or charter a luxury yacht for the most incredible sunset over the Coral Sea.

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6. Play your favourite sports

Why you'll love it:

• Play on scenic Championship Golf Courses

• Play a game of tennis on the coast

• Play padel in the sun

Why stop at watching incredible sport on your tailor-made Australian sports holiday? Amongst all the sightseeing and cultural experiences, make time to play a round a golf on a championship golf course, play a few games of tennis at a scenic coastal court, or play some padel in the evening sun.

5. Go on an Australian Safari

Why you’ll love it:

• See Kangaroos in their natural habitat (including the beach)

• Explore the Outback with a 4WD safari

• See over 350 species of native birds

• Go Whale watching off Kangaroo Island

Without a doubt, an Australian safari offers one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters you’ll ever experience. Head to the Outback on a 4WD adventure through red desert dunes, vast plains, gorges and lively waterholes, all the while keeping an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, emus, dingoes, and more.

Just south of Adelaide, you can spot kangaroos on Kangaroo Island's beautiful beaches. A haven for wildlife, the island is also home to echidnas, sea lions, and wallabies — it's also a hotspot for bird watchers with over 250 species of native birds. Offshore, you can even embark on a whale-watching expedition to see Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales surfacing from May to October.

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4. Immerse in Aboriginal Culture

Why you'll love it:

• See incredible Aboriginal Rock Art

• Discover ancient dreamtime stories

• Walk on sacred land

• Marvel at Australia's spiritual home

One of the best places to experience aboriginal culture is Uluru (Ayers Rock). Known as the spiritual home of Australia, it's a sacred geological site that has been the focal point of the Aboriginal Anangu community for thousands of years.

Elsewhere, Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is famous for its perfectly preserved aboriginal rock art with some dating back over 20,000 years. Here, you can visit sites like Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock to see incredible depictions of dreamtime stories, animals, and early human life.

You can pair your Ayers Rock or Kakadu National Park excursion with a wildlife safari to make the most of your time in the bush.

3. Experience Australia's Famous Coffee Culture

Why you'll love it:

• Experience the unique buzz of Australian coffee culture

• Savour a flat white where it originated

Australia's thriving coffee culture is best experienced in Melbourne's many independent cafés. Stroll through the city's vibrant Southbank neighbourhood for dozens of options for high-end espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes crafted by expert baristas.

Sydney is another buzzing coffee hotspot with heritage — did you know that the 'flat white' was first made in a Sydney coffee house in 1985? There's no better view than the Sydney Opera House to sip your morning brew to.

2. Stay for Christmas & New Year’s Eve

Why you'll love it:

• Christmas on the beach in Melbourne

• Syndey has iconic NYE celebrations

• Spend the festivities with a Cricket legend

Swap snow for sunglasses and experience an Australian Christmas and New Year. Falling in the summer, the festive period Down Under is best spent on the beach with barbecues and parties.

Melbourne and Sydney are the places to be for Christmas, with markets, light shows and lots of festive buzz.

Sydney always puts on a show for New Year's Eve, with a massive celebration of fireworks on Sydney Harbour that's one of the most famous displays in the world.

You can even spend Christmas and New Year's Eve with a former Ashes winner in 2025.

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1. Experience the Best Luxury Hotels

Why you'll love it:

• Stay in the most luxurious hotels

• Experience unparalleled levels of service

• Choices for every type of traveller

Australia boasts a range of exceptional hotels with impeccable service, amazing locations close to the most popular attractions and unique amenities. Whether you'd prefer a hotel with an opulent spa to pamper in like Crown Towers Perth or a premier gaming hub to keep you entertained into the late hours like EOS by Skycity in Adelaide, there are options for every type of break.

We know the best places to stay across the country, from Crystal Brook in Byron Bay to the Louise Hotel in the Barossa Valley, so when you book a sports holiday with us you can trust you’ll be staying in supreme luxury.

Ready to head Down Under?

When it comes to watching live sports in Australia, we're the experts. With Spectate you'll get to witness the most exclusive sports from the best seats, so you won't miss a second of the action.

With hospitality upgrades available at Australia's best events, you'll be in your element as every ball, bat, twist or tackle gets you off your seat.

Your dream sports holiday will be so much more than watching first-class sports. Our team take time to understand your vision of excellence to craft bespoke extensions, and spectacular excursions and organise stays at the most luxurious hotels and resorts.

Enquire online or call to speak to our experts today to get the ball rolling on your dream holiday.

FAQs: Australia Travel Tips

What is the number one tourist attraction in Australia?

The Sydney Opera House is the most visited attraction in Australia. This iconic landmark, recognised worldwide for its unique sail-like design, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in Australia.

Located on Sydney Harbour, it offers world-class performances, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. Whether you take a guided tour, watch a show, or admire it from a ferry, the Sydney Opera House is the most famous and visited attraction in Australia.

Is 7 days enough for a holiday in Australia?

Yes, seven days is enough to experience a small part of Australia, but not the whole country. Australia is vast, so you'll need to focus on one or two regions (like Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, or the Outback).

If you're happy with a fast-paced trip, you can see major highlights on a seven-day trip. However, for a deeper experience, at least 14 days is ideal. Our experts can create a bespoke itinerary for you so you can get the most out of your trip, whatever the length!

What is Perth best known for?

Perth is most known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and laid-back lifestyle. As the capital of Western Australia, it offers a mix of urban attractions like Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay, as well as natural wonders such as Rottnest Island and the Swan Valley wine region.

It is also recognized as the sunniest major city in Australia and a gateway to stunning coastal and outback landscapes.

What should I see in Sydney?

There is so much to see in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, but the main things to see and do are:

• Sydney Opera House, an UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Sydney Harbour Bridge

• Bondi Beach

• BridgeClimb

For personalised advice on what you should see when visiting Sydney on your sports holiday with Spectate, contact our specialists.

Is Fraser Island worth a visit?

Yes. Part of the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island (K'gari Island) in Queensland is well worth a visit. Near Brisbane, it is recognised as the largest sand island in the world. With its ancient sand dunes, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and diverse recreational activities, you can explore the island's stunning landscapes and spot local wildlife, making it a perfect destination for both ecological and adventure enthusiasts.