Top 10 tourist spots in Australia: a complete guide for exchange students in 2025
Discovering Australia's most spectacular sights while studying English is one of the most enriching experiences you can have.
Why is Australia the perfect destination for exchange students?
Before we dive into the most incredible destinations, it's important to understand why Australia became the dream of thousands of Brazilians. The country offers a unique combination: world-class education, permission to work while studying, breathtaking landscapes and a welcoming culture that welcomes foreigners with open arms.
With the program Study and Work in Australia, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight during classes and Full time on vacation, which makes it possible to finance your adventures through the most spectacular tourist spots in the country.
Australia's 10 must-see tourist spots
1. Sydney Opera House: world architectural icon
A Sydney Opera House it's much more than a postcard - it's a complete cultural experience. Its unique shapes, which resemble sails in the wind or giant shells, make it one of the most recognized buildings on the planet.
What to do:
- Guided tours behind the scenes of the building
- Shows Of opera, theater and dance
- Iconic photos with the Harbor Bridge in the background
- treks by the Royal Botanic Gardens next door
Be Easy tip: Visit during the Vivid Sydney (May-June), when the Opera House gains spectacular light projections that completely transform its appearance.
Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney How to get there: Train to Circular Quay + 5-minute walk
2. Great Barrier Reef: underwater paradise
Considered one of Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on the planet, visible even from space.
Unique experiences:
- scuba With a cylinder to see giant corals
- Snorkel in crystal clear waters
- boating with glass bottom
- Remark of sea turtles, rays and tropical fish
Featured marine life:
- More than 1,500 fish species
- 600 types of corals Hard and soft
- Whale sharks (harmless giants)
- Dugongos (rare marine mammals)
Best bases: Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays Ideal season: May to October (less rain)
3. Uluru (Ayers Rock): Australia's spiritual heart
In the center of Red Center Australian, Uluru is a sacred rock formation of 348 meters high that changes color throughout the day, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Cultural experiences:
- Trails around the base (10.6 km)
- Sunrise and sunset with dramatic color changes
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center with Aboriginal art
- Sounds of Silence Dinner (dinner under the stars)
Cultural meaning: For the people Anangu, Uluru is a sacred place connected to stories from Aboriginal dreamtime. It is essential to respect local traditions and not climb the rock.
Distance: 450 km from Alice Springs Accommodation: Ayers Rock Resort or Campground
4. Great Ocean Road: the most beautiful coastal road in the world
Essa 243-kilometer route along the coast of Victoria offers cinematic landscapes that include dramatic cliffs, wild beaches, and rainforests.
Mandatory stops:
- Twelve Apostles: Rocky pillars emerging from the ocean
- London Arch: Natural arc sculpted by waves
- Loch Ard Gorge: Rock formation with shipwreck history
- Apollo Bay: Perfect beach town for surfing
Must-do activities:
- Road Trip 2-3 days from Melbourne to Adelaide
- Surf on the beaches of Torquay and Bells Beach
- Koala watching In nature in Kennett River
- Helicopter tours about the Twelve Apostles
Best season: December to March (Australian summer)
5. Blue Mountains: natural haven near Sydney
Just 2 hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a perfect escape from urban life, with mountainous landscapes covered by eucalyptus trees that create a characteristic bluish mist.
Main attractions:
- Three Sisters: Iconic rock formation
- Scenic Railway: The world's steepest train
- Katoomba Falls: Spectacular waterfall
- Jenolan Caves: 340 million-year-old cave system
Adventurous activities:
- Bushwalking (trails) for all levels
- Canyoning In rocky gorges
- Wildlife observation (kangaroos, wallabies)
- Wine tasting at local wineries
Base city: Katoomba Transportation: Direct train from Sydney Central Station
6. Bondi Beach: Australia's most famous beach
Bondi Beach it's much more than a beach - it's a lifestyle. With its golden sand, perfect surf waves and vibrant atmosphere, it represents the best of Australian beach culture.
Unique experiences:
- Bondi to Coogee Walk: 6 km coastal trail with spectacular views
- Surf On the world famous waves
- Icebergs Club: Iconic ocean pool
- Saturday market: Art, Food, and Local Products
Nightlife and gastronomy:
- Cafés with a view of the sea
- Restaurants Of fresh seafood
- Beach bars For sunset
- Festivals all year round
How to get there: Train to Bondi Junction + bus Best period: October to April
7. Whitsunday Islands: tropical paradise in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
Este Archipelago of 74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, it offers some of the most perfect beaches on the planet, with white silica sand and turquoise waters.
Absolute highlights:
- Whitehaven Beach: Voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
- Hill Inlet: Sand formation that changes with the tides
- Heart Reef: Heart-shaped reef (seen by helicopter)
- Sailing Between the Islands
Water activities:
- Snorkel on preserved reefs
- Kayaking through mangroves and deserted beaches
- Stand-up paddle In calm waters
- scuba with abundant marine life
Access base: Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island Accommodation: Luxury resorts or sailboats
8. Kangaroo Island: Australia's natural zoo
Kangaroo Island It is a natural sanctuary where you can observe Australian fauna in their natural habitat, including kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and an incredible variety of birds.
Unique wildlife:
- Kangaroos in freedom (especially at dawn)
- Koalas Sleeping in eucalyptus trees
- Sea lions On Seal Bay Beach
- penguins Coming home at dusk
Impressive landscapes:
- Remarkable Rocks: Rock formations sculpted by the wind
- Flinders Chase National Park: Protected wildlife
- Little Sahara: Sand dunes for sandboarding
- Admirals Arch: Natural arch with seal colony
How to get there: Cape Jervis ferry or flight from Adelaide Recommended duration: 2-3 days
9. Daintree Rainforest: the oldest rainforest in the world
With 180 million years, to Daintree Rainforest It is the oldest continuously active rainforest on the planet, housing species that existed since the era of the dinosaurs.
Wild experiences:
- Crocodile spotting On the Daintree River
- Canopy walks Between the treetops
- Cassowary watching (giant prehistoric bird)
- Trails by primitive vegetation
Single date: Daintree is one of the few places in the world where two World Heritage Sites meet - the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Cultural tours:
- Walkabout Cultural Adventures with Aboriginal guides
- Bushfood tasting (native food tasting)
- Dreamtime stories (traditional stories)
Base: Port Douglas or Cape Tribulation Best season: May to September (dry season)
10. Fraser Island: the largest sand island in the world
Fraser Island (K'gari) is a unique natural phenomenon - the largest sandy island in the world, with 123 kilometers of extension, housing tropical forests, crystal clear freshwater lakes and wild beaches.
Off-road adventures:
- 4WD driving through the beaches (sand is the main road)
- Lake McKenzie: Freshwater lake with silica sand
- Champagne Pools: Natural pools among the rocks
- Maheno Shipwreck: Wrecked 1935 ship
Protected wildlife:
- Dingos (Australian wild dogs)
- Humpback whales (migration from July to November)
- Over 350 bird species
- Sea turtles (spawning season)
Unique experience: Camping under One of the most starry skies from the southern hemisphere, away from light pollution.
Access: Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach Ferry Accommodation: Eco-friendly resorts or camping
Planning your adventures during the exchange
Smart budgeting for tourism
With work permit With an Australian student visa, many exchange students are able to finance their trips exploring the country:
Popular jobs for students:
- Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, hotels)
- Retail (stores, supermarkets)
- Tourism (guides, reception at hostels)
- Agriculture (fruit picking on vacation)
Savings tips:
- Hostels and Backpackers For accommodation
- Cooking facilities To save on food
- Greyhound passes for bus trips
- Working holidays On farms
Best times to travel
Summer (December-March):
- Best for beaches and water activities
- High season = higher prices
- Ideal for Great Ocean Road and Sydney
Fall (March-June):
- Mild temperatures and fewer crowds
- Perfect for Uluru and Alice Springs
- Great season for Fraser Island
Winter (June-September):
- Dry season in the north (Cairns, Darwin)
- Best time for Great Barrier Reef
- Whale watching season
Spring (September-December):
- Wildflowers in Western Australia
- Pleasant temperatures across the country
- Good for Blue Mountains and Kangaroo Island
Combining study, work and tourism in Australia
Strategies for experienced exchange students
Strategic location: Choose cities that offer easy access to multiple attractions. For example:
- Sydney: Access to Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, and Hunter Valley
- Melbourne: Gateway to Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island
- Cairns: Base for Great Barrier Reef and Daintree
- Perth: Rottnest Island and wild west coast
Making the most of school holidays: During the Academic breaks, many students do Epic road trips:
- East Coast Road Trip: Sydney → Cairns (4-6 weeks)
- Red Center Explorer: Adelaide → Darwin via Uluru
- Tasmania Discovery: Tasmania Island (2-3 weeks)
Networking and cultural experiences
International community: Australia attracts students from around the world, creating unique opportunities for global networking as they explore the sights together.
Seasonal cultural events:
- Vivid Sydney (May-June): Festival of Lights
- Melbourne Cup (November): “The race that stops the nation”
- Adelaide Fringe (February-March): Arts Festival
- Darwin Festival (August): Multicultural celebration
Be Easy: your partner for Australian adventure
Na Be Easy, we understand that exploring Australia's most incredible sights during your exchange is a fundamental part of the transformative experience we offer. Our expert team not only takes care of all the documentation and planning of your study program, but also offers valuable guidance on how to make the most of Australian natural wonders. Contact us today and start planning the Australian adventure that will change your life forever!
