My Top 5 Favourite Places in Australia

I love Australia. It will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my first big trip abroad and my first time traveling solo.

I was lucky enough to see a fair amount of the country in the six months I spent there, and so many places stole my heart, so choosing only 5 favourites was a difficult task.

1) Coral Bay

Coral Bay automatically comes to mind when I think of my favourite places in Oz. The beach is beautiful with soft, white sand and gorgeous blue water. Not to mention, Ningaloo reef is literally right off the beach. The reef is amazing and, in my opinion, more impressive than the Great Barrier Reef!

I also went snorkeling with Manta Rays, Reef Sharks, and spotted the first Whale Shark of the season from our boat. My only regret is not extending my stay in Coral Bay.

2) Melbourne

Oh, Melbourne. I can’t remember what exactly it was that made me fall in love with this city, but it was love at first sight. Maybe it was the unique architecture, or the huge cafe culture. Maybe it was the amazing variety of restaurants, or the street art that covers every alleyway. Maybe it was the fact that the city is totally walkable and so easy to navigate. Regardless, I love everything about Melbourne.

3) Coogee Beach

Coogee will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s the only place I’ve ever celebrated Christmas abroad. My memories of Coogee are of days spent lounging on the beach, eating gelato, and BBQing in the backyard of our fantastic hostel. And there’s really nothing like spending Christmas Day tanning on the beach.

4) Magnetic Island

From Townsville, it’s only a short ferry ride to the little paradise that is Magnetic Island. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived, but Magnetic Island definitely exceeded my expectations. From hiking to scenic lookout points, spotting wild koalas, and hand feeding rock wallaby’s, I couldn’t choose a favourite activity from my time there.

5) Rottnest Island

This island is so charming because the main mode of transportation is bicycle. However, biking around Rottnest Island is not always easy. Trying to bike uphill in 40 degree weather was exhausting, but totally worth it. The beaches and snorkeling were fabulous, and I loved hanging out with the native Quokka.

What are your favourite places in Australia? Or where would you most like to visit?