10 Epic Experiences You Can Only Have in Australia

Snorkel alongside the world’s largest fish – the whale shark – at the World Heritage-Listed Ningaloo Coast, in Western Australia. Growing to a mammoth 12 meters in length, these tranquil filter feeding sharks are completely harmless and Ningaloo Reef is the only place in Australia where you can see them. Whale Sharks are spotted between March and August and depending on the month, you may even see humpback whales, dugongs, and manta rays.

Come face to face with Australia’s ferocious Saltwater Crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove inside the Cage of Death. Located in Darwin, the park is home to the world’s largest collection of Australian reptiles and is the only place in the country offering not one but two underwater experiences with crocodiles. Once you’ve climbed into the cage, which hangs suspended above the enclosure, it will be lowered into the water. Once submerged, you’ll meet the enormous prehistoric residents known as Chopper, William and Kate, and spend 15 thrilling minutes with them.

Spend a weekend trekking through the Snowy Mountains National Park and climb the ten highest peaks in Australia. Known as the Aussie 10, the challenging 50 kilometre hike starts at Charlotte’s Pass and includes Carruthers Peak at 2,145m, Unnamed Peak’ SW of Abbott Peak at 2, 159m, Abbott Peak at 2,145m, Alice Rawson Peak at 2,160m, Rams Head North at 2,177m, Unnamed peak on Etheridge Ridge at 2,180m, Rams Head at 2,190m, Mount Twynam at 2,195m, Mount Townsend at 2,209m, and Australia’s highest peak Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228m.

You’ve heard of the Northern Lights, but did you know that in Australia you can see the Southern Lights? Known as Aurora Australis, the natural light phenomena occurs when electrically charged protons from the sun enter the Earth’s magnetic field and collide with gas particles, emitting a dancing kaleidoscope of light. The eerie Aurora is best seen in Tasmania, but can sometimes be seen in Victoria too.

There’s nothing more exhilarating than entering the water and safely encountering a Great White Shark. Adventure Bay Charters not only offers Australia’s first eco-friendly, bait-free experience, but they have the world’s-only Shark Aqua Sub which allows you to see the sharks underwater without getting wet. Using audio-vibrations to attract the giant white pointers, you will have multiple heart-racing dive opportunities, leaving you with a healthy respect for sharks. Tick this toothy encounter off your bucket list by visiting Port Lincoln in South Australia.

Since Bridge Climb launched in 1998, over three million visitors from all over the world have scaled Sydney Harbour Bridge. At 134 meters above sea level, this engineering marvel offers unrestricted panoramic views of the harbour. The dawn, day, twilight and night climbs take approximately three hours, while the Bridge Sample provides an express experience. Anyone above the age of ten can climb the bridge, with the oldest climber being 100. Bridge Climb also makes for an unforgettable setting to pop the question, with over 4,000 proposals on record.

Take an exotic safari along Cable Beach – a 22 kilometres stretch of dazzling white sand fringed by turquoise water and fiery tangerine soil – on the back of a friendly camel. Situated in Broome, Western Australia, the experience allows visitors to admire the glorious sunset over the Indian Ocean and between March and October, you can bare witness to the natural phenomenon known as Staircase to the Moon.

Twice the size of Switzerland, Arnhem Land is a remote and mysterious corner of the Northern Territory. Home to the oldest living culture in the world, the Yolngu people have inhabited the region for 60,000 years and continue to keep their traditions alive. Approximately 17,000 people live in Arnhem Land, 12,000 of which are the Yolngu people. Arnhem Land is best accessed through nominated tour operators who have earned the trust of the Yolngu people.

Located 18 kilometres west of Fremantle, off the coast of Western Australia, lies an island paradise populated by the smiling Quokka. Curious by nature, these adorable nocturnal marsupials are anything but camera shy and will often approach and pose with tourists for selfies. Be warned, you can be fined for feeding Rottnest Island’s furriest residents and should never forcibly handle the creature. Rottnest Island is accessible by air, boat and ferry.