One of the world’s most diverse destinations, Australia has everything from beaming winter sun and a rich aboriginal culture to an otherworldly natural pedigree in its aquatic treasures and the expansive Outback . Also known for the prolific golden beaches that line each coast, Australia hosts a legion of epic bucket list toppers. Try diving and cycling alongside luxury fly-and-flop holidays that are punctuated with surf and turf and swirls of shiraz for the authentic Antipodean experience.
From understated Ningaloo to the thrilling delights – and heights – of Sydney’s urban suburbs, Australia definitely makes for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. To give intrepid travellers a proper taste of Oz, here are some of the country’s highlights and how to tick them off your bucket list. Read more: The best Australia holidays to do in your lifetime, from the Kimberley to Kangaroo Island Though the famed Great Barrier Reef may be on the top of your scuba spot wishlist, switching speed to its quiet and crystalline sister Ningaloo , off the northwest coast, enables you to experience the iridescent Indian Ocean for a deep dive into Australia’s marine life.
The protected Unesco World Heritage site promises a lively underwater world including sightings of the “big three”: whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales swimming in the palette of blues below the surface. Dive Ningaloo features a seven-night luxury liveaboard diving trip to the world-class reef from A$5,900 (£3,0.