Which really touristy places in Australia are still worth visiting?
Really touristy places in Australia that are still worth visiting include the Rocks, Uluru, the Whitsundays, Fremantle Prison and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Australia Travel Questions tries its best to highlight some of Australia’s lesser-known spots. You’d be hard-pushed to find many Australians that have heard of Kimba, Burracoppin or the Corroboree Billabong, for example. But there are many parts of Australia that are no secret whatsoever. Being crowded with tourists doesn’t mean they’re not worth visiting, though. Here are eight examples of really touristy places in Australia that are still worth adding to the itinerary…
The Bridgeclimb in Sydney
It is, alas, disgustingly expensive to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But the Bridgeclimb is undoubtedly good fun, and not as scary as might be imagined. It’s mostly just a walk along the arch with very little looking down – not the adrenalin experience many imagine. As you climb through the Bridge, you start to realise what an astonishing piece of craftsmanship it is. And the views of Sydney Harbour from the top are predictably astonishing. Climb the Pylon Lookout instead for much the same views at a fraction of the price.
Uluru in the Northern Territory
The big red rock in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre is in the middle of nowhere – the drive from Alice Springs to Uluru takes five hours. But Uluru lures in several direct flightloads of visitors every week regardless.
Uluru is a genuinely astonishing sight, though – and not just at sunset and sunrise. You can’t climb Uluru any more, but the Uluru Base Walk shows off several different sides to the perennially popular monolith. There are plenty of different activities to try as well – things to do at Uluru include dot-painting workshops, helicopter tours and camel rides. Just go in the Red Centre winter to avoid the worst of the heat.
The Eureka Skydeck in Melbourne
Sydney is a better-looking city than Melbourne, but you can still get some pretty incredible views from the top of Melbourne’s Eureka Tower. From the Eureka Skydeck at the top of the tower, it’s possible to see Mt Macedon in the north and the edge of Port Phillip Bay in the south. While at the Eureka Skydeck, why not test your nerve on the Edge? This is a glass cube extending from the side of the building. Step inside, then look between your feet, nearly 300 metres down to street level
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade in Victoria
Seemingly hundreds of tour buses arrive on Phillip Island on a day trip from Melbourne. There are other attractions on the Phillip Island, including a koala sanctuary, but almost everyone comes to see the Penguin Parade. These little penguins emerge from the sea, then scurry towards their nests for the night. It’s something of a circus, with visitors crowded onto viewing platforms around the beach. But just you try staying cynical as the adorably cute little penguins arrive, scout for predators then waddle along the path.
The Whitsunday Islands in Queensland
If Australians visit the Whitsunday Islands, it tends to be on a day cruise from Airlie Beach or staying on Hamilton Island. Overseas visitors approach the Whitsundays in a different way, with two to three day sailing cruises being hugely popular. There’s something magical about this – helping to crew the yacht, gently bobbing on the sea and having a beer on deck as the sun goes down. An alternative way of exploring is on a Whitsundays kayaking tour from Airlie Beach.
The Rocks in Sydney
Sydneysiders tend to regard the Rocks district as a useful corral for overseas tourists. “Let them wander around the Rocks Market and keep out of our way,” is the general school of thought. But beyond the touristy old pubs and expensive shops, the Rocks has real character and great harbour views. Dip into the back lanes, and Australia’s history begins to reveal itself. The Rocks Discovery Museum is a fine starting place, looking at Sydney’s heritage from several settler and Indigenous perspectives.
Fremantle Prison in Western Australia
The Fremantle Prison sits slightly back from the harbourside breweries, cafés and beaches that Australians come to Fremantle for. But overseas tourists head to the prison because it’s a convict-era World Heritage site. It closed as a prison, but is now open for well-subscribed tours. These are themed on escapes and prison life and brimming with stories. Once you reach the gallows where prisoners were executed until 1964, there’s an unmistakable chill in the air. There’s also a tunnels tour, which ventures below the prison in a rudimentary boat.
The Eumundi Markets in Queensland
Taking place every Wednesday and Saturday, these Sunshine Coast hinterland markets are gigantic. There are hundreds of food, art and craft stalls, ensuring the Eumundi Markets are one of the most touristy places in Australia. None of what’s on sale at the Eumundi Markets is essential, but it’s mostly locally made and interesting. Expect wood carvings, glass jewellery, organic insect repellents and floaty, hippy dresses.
