Australia

Australia is a remarkable island nation and the smallest continent on Earth, situated between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Renowned for its breathtaking natural wonders and vibrant urban creations, it offers a striking contrast of wide-open spaces, golden beaches, arid deserts, lush bushlands, and the rugged Outback. From iconic wildlife like kangaroos and koalas to world-famous landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, and Harbour Bridge, Australia captivates travelers with its diversity.

My Trip

• 2026 July 06 to 16 (11 Days): I travelled to Australia to complete my bucket list item of setting foot in all seven continents before I turned 50, and visited all major attractions in Sydney, Cairns, and Canberra. It was a solo trip from India during my summer vacation from Qatar.

Visited Places/Attractions

• Sydney
  • Darling Harbour
  • Queen Victoria Building
  • Pitt Street Mall
  • General Post Office
  • Circular Quay
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Royal Botanic Garden
  • Mrs Macquarie's Chair
  • The Rocks
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Kirribilli
  • Bondi Beach and Park
  • Watson's Bay
  • Featherdale Wildlife Park
  • Blue Mountains National Park
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW)
  • Manly
  • China Town
• Cairns
  • Kuranda Village
  • Barron Gorge National Park
  • Great Barrier Reef: Flynn reef: Tracey's, Gorden, Coral Gardens sites
  • Cairns Esplanade
• Canberra
  • Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve
  • Australian War Memorial
  • Parliament House
  • National Museum of Australia
  • Lake Burley Griffin

Activities

• Sydney: Scenic Walk from Opera House to Mrs Macquarie's Chair through Royal Botanic Garden
• Sydney: Sydney Harbour Bridge crossing by walk
• Sydney: Trekking through Blue Mountains National Park to a waterfall
• Sydney: Ferry ride through Sydney Harbor from Circular Quay to Manly to Circular Quay
• Cairns: Kuranda Scenic Railway train ride from Kuranda to Cairns
• Cairns: Snorkeling in Great Barrier Reef
• Cairns: Scuba Diving in Great Barrier Reef
• Canberra: Trekking through Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve to see wild Kangaroos

Day Plans

• Day 01 (2026-Jul-06): Flight from Kozhikode to Bangalore to Chennai
• Day 02 (2026-Jul-07): Flight from Chennai to Singapore to Sydney, Darling Harbour night walks
• Day 03 (2026-Jul-08): Walking tour of Sydney attractions
• Day 04 (2026-Jul-09): Flight from Sydney to Cairns, Taxi to Kuranda, Scenic train back to Cairns
• Day 05 (2026-Jul-10): Great Barrier Reef Tour with diving and snorkeling, Cairns Esplanade walk
• Day 06 (2026-Jul-11): Flight from Cairns to Sydney, Bondi Beach and Park walks, Watson's Bay visit
• Day 07 (2026-Jul-12): Canberra day trip by bus from Sydney
• Day 08 (2026-Jul-13): Group tour from Sydney to Featherdale Wildlife Park and Blue Mountains National Park
• Day 09 (2026-Jul-14): Visit to Sydney spots like University of New South Wales (UNSW), Manly, Circular Quay , China Town
• Day 10 (2026-Jul-15): Flight from Sydney to Singapore to Chennai
• Day 11 (2026-Jul-16): Flight from Chennai to Bangalore to Kozhikode