1. Dive and explore the mystical Great Barrier Reef

Diving the Great Barrier Reef is an experience of a lifetime. The reef is the world’s biggest structure made by living organisms and is also one of the “Seven natural wonders of the world”. Except for being astonishing huge, it’s also the home for thousands of species. Playful dolphins, lazy sea-turtles and nibbling reef sharks are just a few examples of the reef habitants.

The reef has lately been given a lot of attention from the “Best Job In The World” stunt from the Australian Government, where you could apply for the position as the reefs caretaker. Even though I can’t give you that job, I can still give you a great recommendation. Use the opportunity to get a PADI diving license. There are plenty of companies that will teach you the basics of diving, and diving with a license will give you more freedom and an even better experience.

2. Self-drive the biggest sand island in the world, Fraser Island

Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, is located along the southern coast of queensland. The island is a world heritage listed and a precious part of australias natural heritage. With unique attractions like dingos, ship wrecks and the “Champagne pools” is Fraser Island a one of a kind.

It’s also hostess to one of Australias biggest backpacker attractions, the 4-wheel self drive. Groups of 12-16 backpackers get stuffed in huge 4-wheel trucks and sent off to the island for a 2- or 3-day hike. Fill your backpack with warm clothes, mosquito spray, dingoprotection and loads of alcohol and join in on a big adventure.

3. Attend a surf camp and experience the surfing lifestyle first-handed.

Ever dreamed of riding the waves? Well, now is your chance. Surfing is huge in Australia. Not just as a sport, but also as a lifestyle. There is something special about the people that live and breed for surfing. They have a natural ease and calm for life, that is hard to find elsewhere. And it’s almost impossible to understand it until you actually try it. The two seconds of glory while you stand on the board for the first time, with knees shaking like drumsticks will stay with you forever. Atleast long enough to recover from the wave that will hit you two seconds later.

If you ever imagined that surfing was easy, you were terribly wrong. Surfing is extremely hard, and can be a real pain in the ass. At least if you don’t know where and how to start. There is only one way to learn how to surf. Attend a Surf Camp. On a surf camp you will be instructed and teached how to surf as a beginner on a beginner surf board. They will actually in most cases get you up on the board during your first day of surfing! Take the opportunity to experience the surfing lifestyle first-handed. Attend a Surf Camp!

4. Drive the world-famous Great Ocean Road:

The Great Ocean Road is recognized as one of the world’s most scenic drives. The road follows the south-west coast of Victoria, from Torquay to just south of Geelong. The road was build after World War 1 by returned soldiers and was constructed as a memorial to those who died in the war. The road is surrounded by spectacular nature. Most famous are the mesmerizing twelve apostles.

The twelve apostles is an amazing collection of rock formations that follows the coast. The rocks have been carved by the fierce waves of the ocean over the last 20 million years. Despite the name, it’s not actually 12 of them. The name was given in the mid 50s to attract tourists. The Great Ocean Road is truly a wonderful sight, and a must on a road trip around Australia.

5. Watch the incredible view of Sydney Opera House with the fantastic Harbour bridge in the background.

Sydney Opera House is widely recognized as the symbol of Australia. The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world. The main attraction is off course the unique design. The shellroof that no one thought was possible to construct was designed by the Danish architect Jørn utzon, who in 2003 received the “Pritzker price”, architectures highest honour.

While The Sydney Opera House is a well recognized symbol of Australia, the Harbour Bridge can very well be considered the symbol of Sydney. On major celebrations in Sydney history, like New Years Eve and the Sydney Olympic games, the bridge has always been the focal point. For the adventurous, it’s also possible to climb the bridge. BridgeClimb host daily climbs up to the bridges highest point. Each trip takes about 3.5 hours.

6. Visit the most talked-about zoo in the world; Australian Zoo!

Australia Zoo is the lifework of the passionate and wildly beloved crocodile hunter. Steve Irwin was except for being a mad, mad man, one of the greatest wildlife protectors of all time. We will never forget the tapes of him fighting the biggest crocodiles in the world with nothing but a huge smile on his face. “Oh crikey, that’s a biggie! “

Today the Australian zoo is still driven by the Irwin family. The Zoo is ultimate wildlife adventure where you can see wildlife animals in friendly environments. Take a stroll with the wild kangaroos, cuddle with the lazy koalas or watch the crocs while they are fed in the Croccoseum. Give Australia Zoo a visit!

7. Go hiking in the wonderful nature of Tasmania:

Tasmania, an island south of Australia, must surely be one of the most beautiful places on earth. The island including a few surrounding islands also form a state called Tasmania. The state is often promoted as the Natural state. Almost 37% of Tasmania is reserves, National parks and World heritage sites. The island is a perfect place for hiking, camping and canoeing in stunning surroundings.

Tasmania is also home to a fierce little fellow, mainly recognized as the cartoon character Taz, the Tasmanian devil. The devil is on the size of a small cute dog, but looks might deceive. The devil has earned his name, and is strongly build with a fierce temper. Attack on humans has been reported, but the devil normally eats everything from frogs to small kangaroos. Tasmania is the only place in theorld where you will be able to see this fascinating creature in the wild. Do you have the nerves?

8. Enjoy the alternativ lifestyle in Australia’s hippie town Nimbin.

The small hippie town a few miles out of byron bay is well worth a visit. Nimbin was just a sleepy little town until 1973, when a hippie festival the Aquarias festival was arranged in town. All good festivals have one thing in common; you wish it would never end. Well, in this case it didn’t. After the festival, a large amount of the participants decided to stay, and formed a traditional hippie town.

The well known main street has sadly been heavily glorified for tourism over the years, with shops like “Bringabong” and “Happy High Herbs”. But the old atmosphere isn’t all gone. You can still enjoy the hippie lifestyle in the nearby hostels and buy magic cookies from the old lady on the corner. The town is easily accible by daily bus rides from Byron bay.

9. Experience the fantastic atmosphere at an Australian football match.

Watching sports in Australia is a huge event. Australians are nutters for sports, we are talking about a country that can fill up a cricket stadium with 90,000 people! Yes, Cricket! It doesn’t really matter if they kick the ball, throw the ball, toss the ball or just watch it. As long as it’s a sport, Australians will love it. And with an active beer service on the stadium, Australian sport watched live is as good as it gets. So if you’re going to see an Australian sport, why not watch their own sport, the Australian Football league?

Australian Football League or AFL is like no other sport. It’s a combination of rugby, football and American football played on a huge cricket field. The only comparison to American football is probably the roughness of the game, but in Australia they don’t wear protection. And when you add the rule that it’s not even possible to get a red card, you know you are in for a real treat. AFL is as Australian as it gets. Do not miss out on this!

10. Go on a safari in Kakadu National park:

Kakadu National park is Australia’s most famous national park. Located in the Northern Territory, and sized almost 1/2 of Switzerland, Kakadu is surely a magnificent sight. Dominated by wetlands, the park features great natural beauty and sweeping landscapes. The park is also very important to aboriginal people, and many communities still occupy the area.

Going on an adventure safari is a great way to see the national park. Local guides take you out on a 4-wheel drive on the wildest tracks you can imagine. Watch them while they catch reptiles and feed wild crocodiles in real Crocodile Dundee style. In fact, most of the Crocodile Dundee movie was filmed in this area. Buy an outback hat and join in on the adventures in Kakadu National park.