2025’s Australia Bucket List: 25 Must-Do Adventures, Feasts, and Luxurious Stays
Planning your next big adventure? Australia is ready to dazzle you with a handpicked selection of the best experiences to enrich your 2025 travel plans. From thrilling outdoor adventures to indulgent dining experiences and exclusive accommodations, this curated guide by Tourism Australia guarantees unforgettable moments.
Plan Your Trip Around These Spectacular Events
Vivid Sydney: Where Art Meets Light
Vivid Sydney, the yearly festival celebrating art, technology, and creativity, returns from May 23 to June 14, 2025. Over 23 days, the city comes alive with innovative works by artists, musicians, and chefs, offering live performances, stunning Instagram-worthy installations, and inspiring experiences at venues throughout Sydney, Australia.
The Australian Open: Game, Set, Match in Melbourne
As the most thrilling tennis tournament in the Oceanic region, the Australian Open at Melbourne Park is a must for true tennis enthusiasts. Launching the year’s Grand Slam events, this annual spectacle begins on January 12, so there’s still time to grab your tickets!
The Men’s Ashes: Cricket Glory in Perth
Calling all cricket enthusiasts! After 43 years, Perth is set to host the Ashes opener at Perth Stadium from November 21 to 25. Originally scheduled as the fifth Test of the 2020-2021 season, this long-awaited match promises excitement. With Australia’s impressive record of winning the last eight Ashes Tests in Perth, this First Test is one you won’t want to miss!
TCS Sydney Marathon: Race Across Iconic Landmarks
The Sydney Marathon, now recognized as the 7th member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, is one of the world’s most iconic marathon routes. Spanning landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this incredible course ends at the Sydney Opera House. Mark your calendar for August 31, and whether you’re running, walking, or chasing a personal best, bring your friends along for an unforgettable finish in Australia.
Dark Mofo: Tasmania’s Winter Wonderland
Dark Mofo, Australia ’s most iconic midwinter festival, returns in full force in 2025. Running from June 5 to 15, with a solstice swim on June 21, this Hobart event, organized by the Museum of Old and New Art, offers unparalleled cultural experiences, captivating performances, and indulgent winter feasts. Embrace the night and celebrate the southern winter solstice like never before!
Savor Five Unique Foodie Experiences
Vertigo Brisbane: A Dining High
Ever dreamed of dining 17 meters above the ground? At Vertigo Brisbane, Australia ’s first vertical restaurant, you can do just that. Suspended above the Brisbane Powerhouse, enjoy a curated menu by Bar Alto while soaking in breathtaking city views. For a memorable finale, descend through the powerhouse or opt for an exhilarating dropline adventure.
Sounds of Silence: Dinner Under the Stars
Sounds of Silence, at Ayers Rock Resort, offers Australia ’s original dining-under-the-stars experience. Enjoy a bush tucker-inspired menu featuring native ingredients under a glittering outback sky, accompanied by a didgeridoo performance and stunning views of Uluru. After your meal, embark on a guided tour of the mesmerizing southern night sky.
Coffin Bay Oyster Farm & Bay Tour
Oyster enthusiasts, this is an experience you can’t miss! Cruise 16 kilometers of crystal-clear waters along the stunning Coffin Bay coastline to explore thriving oyster beds up close. If you’re lucky, you might even spot playful dolphins along the way. Afterward, enjoy freshly shucked oysters paired with local beverages on a relaxing boat ride.
Truffle Hunting in Oberon
A favorite among food lovers, truffles are both abundant and elusive in Australia , especially during winter. In Oberon, near the iconic Blue Mountains, join a truffle hunting adventure with skilled truffle dogs. Unearth your first truffle and then retreat to your cozy farm stay to savor the rich flavors of freshly harvested truffles.
Dining in the Dark: A Feast of the Senses
Awaken your senses with a unique gastronomic adventure at Dining in the Dark in Perth. Indulge in a surprise three-course meal that lets you fully explore the power of taste, smell, and texture. Share this extraordinary sensory experience with a partner and make it a night to remember. Dining in the Dark is also available in cities across Australia , from Hobart to Sydney.
Stays That Redefine Luxury
Wukalina Walk: Tasmania’s Cultural Journey
Delve into the rich stories of the land and sea with Torres Strait Islander guides who hold a deep ancestral connection to the Country. Join a small group tour spanning four days and three nights to explore cultural traditions, bush tucker, and traditional foods. Each evening, relax in the beautifully crafted Krakani Lumi domed huts or a refurbished lightkeeper’s cottage at the northern tip of Larapuna (Bay of Fires).
Thorngrove Manor Hotel: Live Your Fairytale
Make your dream of staying in a storybook castle come true at Thorngrove Manor Hotel, just outside Adelaide. This boutique accommodation features exquisitely designed interiors and immaculate gardens, earning its reputation as one of the world’s most exceptional places to stay.
Desert Cave Hotel: Sleep Underground
A trip to Coober Pedy, the Opal Capital of the World, isn’t complete without a stay at the Desert Cave Hotel—the only international underground hotel. For a genuine desert experience, opt for the unique ‘underground’ rooms and explore the hotel’s opal interpretive center, underground bar, and restaurant.
Reefsuites: Sleep Beneath the Reef
Make your dream of front-row seats—and a bed—with a view of the Great Barrier Reef a reality at Reefsuites, Australia’s first underwater accommodation. This unique stay offers an up-close experience of the vibrant underwater world, complete with inclusive meals and optional activities like scuba diving and submarine tours for an unforgettable Reef adventure.
Wollemi Cabins Secret Treehouse
Nature enthusiasts will find the ultimate escape in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Hidden within the Wollemi Forest lies the Treehouse, a beautifully designed cabin perched high in the treetops. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows and unique wooden interiors, this secluded retreat offers a truly immersive experience in nature, just 90 minutes from Sydney.
Adventure Into Australia ’s Great Outdoors
Uluru: Australia ’s Spiritual Heart
Rising 348 meters above the desert plains, the majestic Uluru is a sight to behold. Whether you choose to watch its ancient rock formations shift colors at sunset from a helicopter or, alternatively, decide to wake up to the striking red sands at Longitude 131, Uluru undoubtedly offers a truly unforgettable and unparalleled experience. Additionally, the serene beauty of this iconic destination enhances every moment, making it a must-visit for all travelers.It’s an ideal road trip stop along the Red Centre Way loop from Alice Springs.
Fraser Island/K’gari: Nature on Sand
Home to the world’s only rainforest growing on sand dunes, Fraser Island is a one-of-a-kind destination. Its breathtaking 75 Mile Beach stretches across the island, providing the perfect route for self-guided trips, guided tours, or thrilling 4WD adventures with friends. Best of all, it’s just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Brisbane.
Horizontal Falls: A Natural Wonder
Located in the Kimberley region at Talbot Bay within the Buccaneer Archipelago, Horizontal Falls is a breathtaking natural marvel. Praised by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world,” this phenomenon is both mesmerizing and unique. Explore the area on a scenic day cruise or take to the skies for a stunning aerial view of the tides and dramatic cliff formations.
Kuku Yalanji Country: Rainforest Meets Reef
Discover two World Heritage Sites in one trip just north of Cairns. To truly immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning beauty of the Daintree Rainforest, join Aboriginal guides from Walkabout Cultural Adventures who will share their cultural insights. Afterward, you can seamlessly transition to exploring the Great Barrier Reef with a guided dive into its vibrant Underwater Museum, while this unique combination offers not only a deep cultural experience but also an unforgettable marine adventure, thereby further enriching your journey.
Great Ocean Road: A Coastal Masterpiece
In Victoria, embark on a journey along the iconic 243-kilometer Great Ocean Road. As you travel the route, marvel at sleepy koalas and soak in views of the 12 Apostles. In addition, consider staying at the Great Ocean Road Resort, surrounded by beaches and nestled in bushland. Moreover, the resort offers a peaceful retreat to complete your adventure.
Wildlife Encounters You’ll Never Forget
Shark Cage Diving: Face the Great Whites
Experience the thrill of seeing majestic Great White sharks up close aboard the world’s first Aqua Sub—all without getting wet! For an even closer encounter, gear up for the cage diving experience, no prior diving skills required. Don’t forget your camera—this adventure promises unforgettable photo opportunities!
Lucky Bay: Beachside Kangaroo Sightings
Camp at Lucky Bay in Esperance and wake up to stunning sunrises over its expansive coastline. Spot wild kangaroos basking on the pristine white sands and enjoy the turquoise waters teeming with wildlife, including a variety of native birds.
Jumping Crocodile Cruise: Northern Territory Thrills
Get up close with remarkable crocodiles on the Adelaide River, just an hour from Darwin. These guided daily tours offer the chance to witness numerous crocodiles leaping out of the water for food, in a river teeming with biodiversity and an average of four crocodiles per square kilometer!
Whale Watching in Sydney
Tick whale watching off your bucket list with a three-hour discovery cruise, just a short 15-minute ferry ride away. Enjoy clear views of these magnificent gentle giants from spacious air-conditioned cabins with large windows or comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The Maria Island Walk: Tasmania’s Wildlife Haven
Embark on a true adventure along Tasmania’s east coast, where you’ll encounter photogenic wombats, kangaroos, birds, and Tasmanian padymelons. Choose a guided three- or four-day trek to spot rare wildlife and soak in stunning landscapes from sunrise to sunset. Rest each night in exclusive wilderness camps or the historic Bernacchi House for a perfect blend of comfort and nature.
Discover Australia in 2025
Australia isn’t just a destination; it’s an adventure waiting to be discovered. From world-class events to breathtaking natural wonders, every moment promises excitement, luxury, and unforgettable memories. With these 25 must-do experiences, make 2025 the year you immerse yourself in the magic of Down Under. For more inormation, visit Tourism Australia.
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