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Step 1
Dive into the waters on the Queenland coast. The Great Barrier Reef and its islands, with their colorful marine life, are a diver’s paradise. Cruises will take you from the coast to a diving access point. Be sure someone notices you've made it back aboard before the boat leaves.
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Step 2
Visit the Ulura (formerly Ayers Rock). The changing colors on this rock, in the center of Australia, make it one of the country's big attractions. This rock is second in size only to Mt. Augustus, also in Australia. It has a deep spiritual meaning to the Anangu aborigines, which means tourists who climb it are showing disrespect. If you visit Ulura, you’ll want to stay at the Yulara Resort. It can be found just to the north of Ulura.
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Step 3
Enjoy a performance or sporting event at the Sydney Opera House. It’s famous for its architecture of a sail-like roof. The opera, which house floats in the harbor at Bennelong Point, is open to the public with hosted tours. You will discover the building to be several different halls under one roof. For a more extensive visit, sign up for a backstage tour. It includes a continental breakfast and starts at 7 am.
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Step 4
Explore, but make sure you have a guide in Kakadu’s rainforest. The national park offers a rugged adventure of beauty and dangerous wildlife, allowing a chance to experience aboriginal life first-hand. With 1,700 plant species, it's one of the richest flora areas of the world. There are some rare, even endangered, animals. Many are only active at certain times of the year or, at least ,specific times of the day. Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles live here. The park touts the best aboriginal rock art in all of Australia.
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Step 5
Curl your toes in the largest sand island of the world, Fraser Island. Make it a day trip with your main base at Sunshine or Gold Coast in Queensland. This island paradise has some dangers with dingoes and the ever-shifting sand dunes. If you are driving a vehicle, beware of soft or any uneven spots in the sand where you may get stuck. Join a tour with experienced drivers if you think you may have a problem.
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Step 6
Taste some of Australia’s best wines while visiting the wine country in Barossa Valley. It’s a couple of hours from Adelaide in the southern part of the country. With more than 50 wineries to choose from, you’ll want to see as much as possible. Family-operated Bethany wines is well known for its port wine. Tarac Australia is known for its exquisite brandies. The Easter season is probably the best time to visit the wine country as it hosts the Vintage Festival. However, it's held only every other year, so check on dates before you plan your trip.
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Step 7
Go out of the way to get to Monkey Mia on Australia’s west coast. It's the place to go if you’ve always dreamed of swimming with the dolphins. The bottlenose dolphins will come close to shore to talk and interact with you. These are very friendly cetaceans.
