10 Best Things To Do Over The Summer Holidays In Australia - Updated 2024

Hemasudha
Hemasudha 
Updated
| 4 min read

Bounded by lush rain forests, scenic parks, vibrant beaches, and golden deserts, Australia is truly bliss for a nature lover. If you wish to get drenched in sun, head to the beautiful Bondi Beach; check out the stunning marine life at the Barrier Reef; enjoy horseback riding at The Blue Mountains; get connected to the Mother Nature at the Daintree Rainforest; go boating at Gippsland Lakes; pack your picnic bags to Kings Park; admire the marvelous collection of fine arts at The National Gallery of Victoria; enjoy unlimited shopping at Queen Victoria Market. With a huge list of attractions and activities, Australia is a one-stop destination for all types of travelers. Here is a list of best things to do over the summer holidays in Australia.

1. Explore the Snowy Mountains on horseback


Snowy Mountains is a hot spot in Australia known for horseback riding since the 1940s. Relaxing campfire moments along with a hearty meal on the way can guarantee the best time of your life in Australia. Put on your cowboy hat and hop on the horse to start your cowboy journey in the countryside. Guided tours are available to assist you through this magnificent journey. Some of the tours will cover enthralling destinations like Kosciuszko National Park, Bago State Forest, and Tumut State Forest to enhance the travel experience.

Snowy Mountains horseback ride

Address: Snowy Mountains, Australia

Visited this place?

2. Go kayaking at Penguin Island (from USD 132.0)

Kayaking is the best way to explore the wonders of the waters in Australia. Start your journey from Perth by kayaking and discover the splendors of wildlife in the area of Western Australia. Ride through the striking Shoalwater Bay, Seal Island and Penguin Island and enjoy watching whales, penguins, Sea Lions, and sea birds. After checking out the marine life of Australia, you can relish the fulfilling picnic lunch provided by the tour agents. After feasting, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling or hiking as per your wish before returning to the city.

Visited this place?

Seal Island and Penguin Island or Point Peron Sea Kayak Tour

Duration: 1 day

49 reviews

3. Climb up the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge

On this tour, climb the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia. This express climb can enable you to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Professional climb leaders will assist you in ascending the bridge faster. You will be crossing the catwalks and stairs of the bridge during this climb. After climbing and a short stay, you will descend through the second arch. You cannot take personal belongings like a camera for safety. Photos will be taken by the leaders. At the end of the tour, you will be awarded a Climber Certificate and leave with a Climber Cap, and a free group photograph as a memento.

Visited this place?

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – The Express Climb

4. Watch Australian Open tennis


Australian Open Tennis was initially started by the Lawn Tennis Association of Australia at Albert Reserve in Melbourne in 1905. The Warehouseman’s Cricket Club lawn was used as the first venue for the game. Till the year of 1988, the tournament venue changed between Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide. Then finally, every year National Tennis Centre in Melbourne Park is used to conduct the games for the mixed doubles, men’s and women’s doubles, men’s and women’s singles, girls and boys contests and master’s competitions.

Australian Open Tennis

Address: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Website: Australian Open Tennis

Visited this place?

5. Taste the pinot noirs at Mornington Peninsula

summer holidays in australia | taste the pinot noirs at mornington peninsula
Source: www.klook.com

After an hour drive from Australia, you will be reaching the captivating destination of Mornington Peninsula. Explore its natural landscapes and visit the local areas. Next, visit the Murrays Lookout, Point Nepean National Park, Portsea, Sorrento, Port Phillip Bay and many more marvelous locations in the area. Tour a local farm and pick up fresh strawberries, go on wine tastings and sample artisan chocolates at Mornington Peninsula Chocolates.

Visited this place?

Mornington Peninsula Ultimate Day Tour - Melbourne, Australia - Klook

Duration: 10hrs30 Min Duration

6. Go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef (from USD 166.0)

This amazing snorkeling trip starts from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef. You will be visiting two secluded outer reef locations to marvel at the marine life. Lunch is served onboard during this tour. The tour can also be customized to include scuba diving and a helicopter ride over the UNESCO World Heritage site. Trained professionals will be there to help you with the activity so prior snorkel experience is not mandatory.

Tip from tour guide

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind for your next snorkeling trip:

1. Carry sunscreen to protect yourself from the unforgiving Australian sun. This way, you can comfortably head out for a snorkel/dive and enjoy the magic of the reef.

2. Bring a towel and a change of clothes to help you dry off after your big afternoon out on the water.

3. Don't forget your phone or underwater camera to capture all your memories of the magnificent reef. This will allow you to reminisce and share your experiences with your family and friends for years to come!

Visited this place?

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

2889 reviews

7. An unforgettable skydiving experience in the Gold Coast (from USD 260.0)

Experience the thrill of skydiving and enjoy the unparalleled views of the Gold Coast. At first, you will be learning skydiving basics from the skydiving professionals. Later, you will be taken on a flight journey of 20 minutes to approximately 12,000 feet (3600 meters) altitude. In this tandem skydiving, you can enjoy an open-air adventure with the guidance of the expert skydiver.

Visited this place?

Gold Coast Skydive

8. Visit the world's smallest penguins at Phillip Island (from USD 106.21)

visit the world's smallest penguins at phillip island

This full-day tour takes you to the renowned Phillip Island Nature Park to meet the penguins and koalas. Phillip Island Nature Park houses the Koala Conservation Center, Penguin Parade, Maru Koala & Animal Park, and The Nobbies Center. During this tour, enjoy the spectacular views of Western Port and at dusk, admire the penguins returning to their burrows in Summerland Beach.

Visited this place?

Phillip Island Nature Park Full-Day Tour from Melbourne

Duration: 10 hour

14 reviews

9. Cruise along Brisbane River and visit the Koala Sanctuary (from USD 63.41)

cruise along brisbane river and visit the koala sanctuary

This fabulous journey takes you to cruise on the enchanting Brisbane River and visit the world’s oldest and largest, Koala Sanctuary. This tour has been operating for over 60 years and it serves the travel-hungry visitors of Australia. Informative commentary is given by the captain of the ship while you cruise through the Brisbane River. You can savor homemade teas, meals and light snacks from the café on-board. Once you reach the sanctuary, you can cuddle a koala and take a photo for keepsake. Visit the Platypus House and feed the beautiful kangaroos and wallabies. Finally, enjoy the sheepdog show and return to the ship to relax with wine and Australian music.

Visited this place?

Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

Duration: 5.5 hour

335 reviews

10. Tour and camp in Nightcap National Park (from USD 281.0)

tour and camp in nightcap national park
Source: www.viator.com

This overnight tour offers an authentic Australian adventure. This tour provides transport, camping, and food to the guests. You will take the journey on a 4WD in the Nightcap National Park and you’ll halt at Minyon Falls to admire its gorgeousness. You can go swimming in the isolated beaches and explore the galleries, cafes, and shops of vibrant Nimbin. Later, camp at Mount Warning and savor the delicious barbecue and retire for the day under the stars. On the last day, go shopping at Bangalow and visit Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Visited this place?

2-Day Byron Bay, Nimbin and Banglow Tour Including Camping in the Nightcap National Park

Enjoy your summer in Australia

Australia is a lovely city with a load of unimaginable attractions. This is the right destination to enjoy summer holidays to the fullest. Browse through our best things to do over the summer holidays in Australia and experience the best holiday ever.

Enjoy nature at Alexander Bay

Contributed by Content Creator, Elliott Gill

Alexander Bay
Source: Elliott Gill

Located 85 kilometres east of Esperance, Alexander Bay is accessible via an extension of Alexander Bay Road. The picturesque white sandy beaches, granite headland and views of offshore islands appeal to those of us who want to experience Esperance beach camping. The campsite includes 12 - 15 camp bays and a long-drop toilet. No water. And of course, like every spot we stay at, it is DOG FRIENDLY.

Camping is also allowed on the beach and we can’t complain since it’s $10 a night.

Very popular area for:

  • Surfing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Bushwalking
  • Kayaking
  • Motorbikes
  • Buggies
  • 4x4
  • Swimming
  • Camping life
  • Beach fishing
  • Fishing
  • Rock fishing

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Hemasudha is a dedicated travel writer whose true passion lies in exploring the world. Traveling, for her, is not just a hobby but a profound spiritual experience that she is deeply passionate...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Australia
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.