5 things to see "down under"

Melbourne has everything - beaches, cool hangout spots, kangaroo sanctuaries, museums, shopping, casinos, (street) art - and fantastic coffee. Melbourne has actually been voted for having the best coffee in the world! Head to one of the many coffee shops, and enjoy a coffee cup with a cupcake. And then you'll be ready to explore the many things Melbourne is about.

Melbourne is home to many cultural events, so remember to check the calendar for what's going on when you're visiting. 

• Pssst, Melbourne also has a lot of cool - but hidden - bars, be sure to check out Goldilocks, or head to one of the many roof-terraces if the sun is out

Visit Queen Victoria Market, buy some lunch, and take it with you to the Docklands or the Botanical Garden.

Head to St. Kilda beach, enjoy the vibe at the many cool cafes or do a BBQ on the beach. At night, head to the breakwater and watch the penguins arrive onto land.

A little bit further down the coast is Brighton Beach. Brighton Beach is full of small colorful beach huts, and they are definitely worth a visit. 

There are so many things to do in Melbourne - just check out all the things I've added.

Sydney, probably the most famous city in Australia, has loads of attractions to fill out several sightseeing days! Many hostels/hotels offer free sightseeing tours that will take you to some of the most iconic places or point you in the right direction once the tour ends. 

Just remember to go to the Royal botanical gardens for a good view of the Opera House. And do remember to go to the Opera House as well!

Experience the view of Sidney

For another great view of Sydney Darling Harbour, you can go on a boat cruise or - if you dare - go on a bridge climb! You can also check out the view from the Sydney Tower. 

Don't miss out on Bondi Beach! 

Bondi Beach is a must-see as well, and a good place to relax for a couple of hours. After chilling, do the Bondi to Cogee walk - it’s definitely worth it, as you’ll get some great views along the way! 

Roadtripping up or down the East coast is one of the most popular backpacker things to do in Australia. You can rent a car and do it yourself - that will definitely provide more freedom. You can also go by public bus or on a tour. Either way, it will be a fun adventure! Be sure to stop by Byron Bay, the perfect spot to go surfing, and Nimbin, a hippie village not far away. 

If you are a bit of a Steve Irwin fan or just like animals, then visit Australia Zoo. There’s also a cool koala sanctuary just outside of Brisbane, that’s worth the visit. 

A trip to Fraser Island is a must-do! Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, and if you go on a 4WD tour, you’ll get to experience driving and camping on the beach, swimming in lakes, and view the famous shipwreck. 

Another must-do is a sailing trip to the Whitsundays. You can go for just a short trip, or take a couple of days out on the water. The Whitsundays has so much to offer, so I definitely recommend going for a longer time. Just check out the link above and see all of the things you get to explore!

There are also many national parks along the way, and just north of Cairns is Daintree National Park, where you can encounter rainforest with cool lakes and beautiful waterfalls. 

You have without a doubt heard of the big rock in the middle of Australia! Ayers Rock - or Uluru - is a giant sandstone formation in the middle of Australia, so getting there can be a bit tricky or/and expensive! Ayers Rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred site to the Aboriginal people.

The nearest airport is located just 6 km away - so you’ll be able to see the rock from the plane! The nearest big town is Alice Springs, which is also seen as the “gateway” to Ayers Rock, as it might be easier to find cheap tickets to Alice Springs. You can either rent a car and go there on your own, hop on a bus, or join a tour. If you join a tour from Ayers Rock, most trips are overnight, as the drive is roughly 4.5 hours. Overnight trips are worth it, though, as you will get to experience the sunrise/sunset at Ayers Rock. 

Fiji is a dream vacation and not long away from Australia. So while you are Down Under, why not head to Fiji and explore the perfect beaches and the friendly locals? 
 

Fiji has so many beaches and islands. Check out Beachcomber Island if you’re looking for a cool backpacker hang-out or head to Leleuvia Island for a more secluded experience. Leleuvia Island offers different tours to local villages and water activities! Fiji has so many islands, so I'm sure you can find the perfect one for you. 
 

The Fijian people will often welcome you with open arms and invite you to a Kava Ceremony - one of the best and most authentic things to experience! Local music, laughter, and Kava in a big bowl, and you’re ready to enjoy the evening.

The mainland has many exciting activities, just try out Fiji Mud pools, where you can relax in warm mud! If that’s not your thing, then check out Sigatoka Sand Dunes, and go sandboarding.

Fiji also offers great food - a mixture of Indian and traditional Fijian with many spices, so be sure to try some local dishes and fresh fish.