Australia：Your Guide to the Enchanting Land Down Under

Covered with pristine beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, red deserts and incredible exotic wildlife, Australia really is the land of dreams. With a myriad of picture-perfect holiday destinations and vibrant cities stretching around the coast, we've helped you compile a list of some of the places you have to visit in the land down under.

1. Ayers Rock (Uluru)

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It's often said Ayers Rock in Australia has some of the best sunsets in the world and we'd have to agree. This huge monolith of sandstone rock in the midst of the arid Australian outback is said to have been formed around 550 million years ago. This iconic Aussie landmark has long had a huge cultural significance to the Anangu people, the traditional inhabitants of the area where it is said to have healing and spiritual benefits. The rock is notable for its appearance of changing color depending on the time of day such as the red glow it gives off around dawn and sunset.

2. Opera House (Sydney)

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The most iconic landmark in Sydney and arguably the whole of Australia, the Sydney Opera House is a beautifully designed performing arts center offering numerous shows such as opera, music and plays almost every day. To get a perfect view of the building head to Mrs Macquarie's Point or take one of the numerous ferries that travel around the harbor.

3. Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)

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The largest span of coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef comprises of over 2,900 reefs and around 900 small islands dotted around Australia's Coral Sea. With a huge diversity of animals particularly in regards to marine life and birds, the Great Barrier Reef is often described as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It's a perfect option to spend a few days snorkeling or diving around the beautifully clear waters witnessing the wildlife common to the area.

4. Fraser Island

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The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island is known for its long picturesque beaches and stunning diversity of local wildlife. With one of the longest beaches in the world, 75 Mile Beach stretches for 120 kilometers down the east coast of the island. Due to its length, a popular activity is to rent a car and drive down the beach and while it doesn't have an airport, its long beaches are often used to land small planes visiting the island. Be sure to check out the unique sand dune rain forest that engulfs much of the island, the area is full of a diverse range of exotic wildlife.

5. Nitmiluk National Park (Northern Territory)

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The perfect place to witness the natural beauty Australia has to offer, Nitmiluk National Park consists of numerous picturesque natural landscapes such as waterfalls, gorges and rivers. Most visitors opt to see the gorges by canoeing down the Katherine River but you can also go by foot or even take a helicopter ride for a breathtaking birds-eye view of the scenery.

6. Sydney Harbour Bridge (Sydney)

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One of the most prominent landmarks in Sydney and an unmissable destination for visits to the city, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge stretching across the Sydney Harbor. Due to its picturesque view, the bridge - together with the harbor and the nearby Sydney Opera House - has become an iconic image of Sydney and the whole of Australia. Its arch-based design has led locals to nickname it "The Coat-hanger."

7. Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk (Sydney)

One of the best places to take in the stunning scenery on the coast of Sydney, the Bondi to Coogee walk is an oceanfront path stretching for six kilometers. Along the walk you'll find breathtaking views across cliffs, beaches, parks and bays of the local area. This picturesque strip of coastline offers a perfect day trip as you wander along the coast stopping at beaches and parks to relax on the way. You'll also find restaurants and cafes to stop for a break if needed. Although there are some steep paths, the walk is relatively easy and can be done by all ages, some stairs along the way may be a little hinder-some for those with prams however.

8. Sunshine Coast

Photo by Darren Tierney/Shutterstock

Not quite as crowded and busy as the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast has a more laid-back, chilled-out vibe along with a wealth of unspoiled beaches. For those wanting to relax and soak in some Australian rays, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect option. Those wanting more of a city feel along with an unrivaled nightlife scene would be advised to spend some time on the Gold Coast instead.

9. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens (South Yarra)

Photo by Olga Kashubin/shutterstock

Although there are two sites of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the one in Melbourne is a must-see. First opened in 1846, these beautiful tended gardens stretch across an area of 36 hectares, providing an essential lifeline of greenery in the urban center of Melbourne. The gardens really are stunning with numerous rare and exotic plants, picturesque lakes and a range of wildlife that frequent the area.

10. Whitehaven Beach (Whitsunday Island)

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Another of Queensland's numerous havens of paradise, Whitehaven is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and even the world. The beach stretches for seven kilometers and is particularly famous for its sand having a high 98% concentration of silica, giving it a bright white color. That and the crystal clear waters that flow over the sands make the area extremely picturesque.

Conclusion

Although it's often a long flight from most places around the world to Australia, the trip is well worth it to visit some of the world's most stunning scenery along with the vibrant, dynamic cities around the country. After visiting the land down under, you'll see why Aussie cities like Melbourne are constantly rated as the most livable cities in the world.

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