Planning a weekend away and need some travel inspiration? Heading on a Big Lap around Australia and building your itinerary? Qantas recently released their list of the Qantas top 100 Aussie experiences and there are certainly some crackers.
From luxury bucket-listers like riding the Ghan and seeing the Aurora Australis, to low-key family-friendly outings like dinner at Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Markets or a wander past Melbourne’s best street art, the cliché is true. There really is something for everyone among the Qantas top 100.
Art hits the streets in bright colour Credit: Visit Victoria
Adelaide Fringe Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival and Broken Heel Festival made the cut out of Australia’s favourite festivals. Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, taking the plunge in the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove and riding a camel on the beach in Broome topped the animal encounter charts. Cricket fans would be delighted to see both the MCG and SCG hit the chart. Foodies should explore the recommendations for top spots for a true-blue treat.
Learning about Aboriginal history and heritage also features prominently on the list, with particular shout-outs to Aboriginal owned and operated tours available in Kakadu National Park and the Northern Territory more broadly.
Camels on beach at sunset, Broome, Western Australia. Picture: Shutterstock
Of course, no Aussie driving holiday is complete without stopping for a photo at one of our ‘Big Things.’ Take a snap at the Big Banana in Coff’s Harbour, or the Big Pineapple.
It was also no surprise to see a swim at Bondi, a visit to Uluru and a snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef on the list. But you’ll also find some unexpected reminders of just how broad a spectrum of attractions and experiences Australia offers. We forgot about the crab migration on Christmas Island, and catching a movie at Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest picture gardens in Broome.
Australia’s Red Centre is truly magnificent. Credit: Shutterstock
Click here for the Qantas top 100 story and start dreaming about your next family holiday.
And in the meantime, read up on our guide of best family-friendly Hunter Valley wineries, trips to the Snowy Mountains, houseboats on the Murray River, teen-friendly hikes and Canberra with kids – all experiences featuring on the Qantas countdown.
Read more:
20 best Australian road trips from beginner to hardcore.
Your top holiday destinations – Best of Family Travel awards.
Top family movie destinations you can visit.
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Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.