Whether you’re staying in Australia for your study break, or have an extra weekend or two set aside to visit somewhere new before heading back home, here are eight amazing ways you can soak up an Australian summer.
Drive the Great Ocean Road, (Victoria)
Why not hire a car and drive along this picturesque 250kms of beautiful Australian coastline? The Great Ocean Road is nationally heritage listed, and runs between the Victorian seaside cities of Torquay and Allansford, with many places to see and stay at along the way. The most well-known attraction is The Twelve Apostles; a set of huge limestone stacks that sit in the Port Campbell National Park.
Swim in the Great Barrier Reef, (Queensland)
There’s no better way to cool down on a hot day than to go for a swim, and with an amazingly beautiful backdrop, the Reef – which is off the coast of Cairns and Townsville – is a stunning place to take a dip. As the world’s largest coral reef system stretching 2,300 kilometers in length, it has 30 types of marine mammals and 600 different types of coral, and diving tours are run regularly so you can see all the amazing wildlife underwater.
Watch a game of cricket in the MCG, (Victoria)
Howzat! If you’ve not been to a cricket game in Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is an amazing location to do so. Affectionately known to fans as “The G”, one big match on the summer calendar is the Boxing Day test, which sees Australia take on India the day after Christmas. But if you are not familiar with the game of cricket, the day can be a long one so you might opt to see just one session (or innings) of approximately two hours.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, (New South Wales)
Not one if you’re afraid of heights! Climbing the Harbour Bridge is an amazing way to see Australia’s biggest city and the Sydney Harbour. If you’d prefer to stay closer to the ground, you can still get a glimpse at the view from the Harbour Bridge by walking from one side to the other, or by jumping on the train from Central or Town Hall stations.
Explore the Red Centre, (Northern Territory)
With most major cities having direct flights to Uluru, the Red Centre is only a plane ride away. The ancient centre of Australia has a rich culture of indigenous history and is a must see while you’re studying in Australia. The sunrises and night skies provide a stunning backdrop for you to see the ancient Uluru – also known as Ayers Rock. This massive sandstone monolith sits in the heart of the Northern Territory and is where the region gets its name from.
Taste the food and wine of the Barossa Valley, (South Australia)
The Barossa Valley is an amazing place to visit – whether you’re a fan of wine or not. With a stunning backdrop of farming and Australian agriculture, it’s home to delicious food and fresh produce markets, and will only take you an hour or so to drive to from Adelaide. Close enough to do a day trip, there are also accommodation options close by if you’d like to stay longer, and a bikeway that allows you to cycle from one winery to another.
Visit Rottnest Island, Perth & Margaret River, (Western Australia)
Just a short ferry trip from Perth is the beautiful, vehicle-free island of Rottnest. Home to the unique small Australian marsupial the Quokka, the island got its name from the original Dutch explorers who only saw the creatures from a distance, and incorrectly assumed they were rats. If you have a bit more time, travel to the Margaret River wineries, approximately three hours’ drive from Perth, but if you are a wine-lover, it’s well worth the trip.
Admire the art at MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, (Tasmania)
Less than half an hour’s drive from Hobart, the Museum of Old and New Art has caused quite a stir since it opened in 2011. With most of the museum being underground, MONA’s unique architecture and playful vibe makes it a must see.
Wherever you go walkabout in Australia, brush up on these 5 essential Aussie phrases - it’ll make your conversations a lot more fun and you will start to feel like a local in no time.
Thinking about studying overseas in Australia?
If you do make the decision to study in Australia, Cohort Go can help make your journey a little bit easier. From matching students with the right health insurance to offering competitive foreign exchange rates on international currency – we’ve got you covered.
To learn more about how our team can help you get prepared for your big trip, reach out to one of us today. We can’t wait to hear from you!