The Iglu Guide | Blog
The Ultimate International Students’ Aussie Bucket List
Make the most of your time studying in Australia by ticking off some of the most incredible experiences in the world from your bucket list. This fantastic island is so diverse, there’s literally something for everyone. From beaches and surf through to rainforests and desert, Australia has a spectacular array of natural wonders and cultural landmarks that international students should definitely not miss. Not sure where to start? Here’s our top 10 to get you on your way.
1. Meet the natives
Australia is blessed with a fantastically diverse range of native wildlife that is never very far away – and there’s plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the cuddlier versions. It’s probably a fair assumption that snakes and spiders aren’t too high up the agenda, but who could pass up the opportunity to snuggle in at Brisbane’s Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or Sydney’s Taronga Zoo? And if the underwater variety are more your thing, there’s plenty of opportunity to jump in and get involved. Head to Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve near Manly and explore the underwater world that lies beneath. You’ll find a huge range of wildlife from fish through to sharks, and you may even spot an octopus or turtle. This is Australian living at its finest, and best of all? It’s completely free.
2. The Great Ocean Road
Nothing says Aussie living better than a good old road trip. Factor in some of the most spectacular ocean views along the way as well, and Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road is one student road trip that simply cannot be missed. Acknowledged as one of the world’s most scenic driving routes, this route spans some 240km along the Victorian coastline, just west of Melbourne. You’ll drive along towering clifftops and rainforest canopies, you’ll spot indigenous wildlife like kangaroos and whales and you’ll inhale some of the most breathtaking ocean vistas imaginable. Popular highlights include the surf-famous Bells Beach, the magnificent 12 Apostles, Otway National Park, and much much more. Keep your camera close, you’re going to need it.
3. The Great Barrier Reef
Whether you like marine life or not, it’s unthinkable to consider studying in Australia and not take time to visit the Great Barrier Reef. The holiday that needs no introduction, this natural wonder is the world’s largest coral reef system. It stretches over 2,300 kilometres and is literally visible from space. The reef runs parallel to the Queensland coast, and is easily accessible from land with popular launch points being the Whitsundays, Cairns and Port Douglas. Leave your studies behind and immerse yourself in this incredible environment. Try scuba diving or snorkelling, walk the white sands of Whitehaven Beach or simply relax and soak it all up. This truly is an Australian treasure that will stay with your forever.
4. Penguin Parade
Phillip Island, a popular daytrip from Melbourne, is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. Whoever knew? Not only that, these cheeky seabirds very kindly put on a show every single night as they waddle home from the ocean to their cosy burrows – and you can watch them do it! Located just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, this is one of the most memorable Australian experiences that any international student can take home with them. Choose from a self-guided experience or take the Ranger’s guide – but get your tickets well in advance as this gets booked up particularly early, especially in summer.
5. The iconic big things
As much as Australia is well known for her stunning wildlife, beautiful beaches and biodiversity, she’s also home to an impressive array of ‘big things’ – an unusual collection that date way back to the 1960s when Coff’s Harbour’s Big Banana was first revealed to a delighted audience. This Aussie love of the oversized makes any student road trip that bit more fun, with plenty of excuses to stop for a photo op. There’s the Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, the Big Barramundi in Normanton, Queensland, the Big Prawn in Ballina NSW, and the Big Potato in Roberson, NSW to name just a few. There are apparently some 150 of these Aussie icons dotted across the country – and we’re still counting.
6. The Daintree Rainforest
Nestled between Cairns and Cooktown, the heritage-listed Daintree rainforest is the world’s oldest rainforest clocking in at 180 million years’ old. It’s home to an incredible range of animals and plant life – think 663 species of animal, 230 types of butterfly and over 2,800 types of plant. Even David Attenborough named it ‘the most extraordinary place on earth’. Try out some croc spotting and spear fishing, or enjoy rafting down the river as you learn the customs of the traditional people. Alternatively, you may want to simply soak up the ancient energy that pervades this beautiful area. Not to be missed, this is every students’ dream Australian experience.
7. Sydney Harbour
The iconic Sydney Harbour never fails to impress when it comes to city living. Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney’s port is famed for her bright sparkling waters, spectacular shorelines and bustling shipping lanes. The iconic sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House frame the entrance, and they never fail to impress no matter the weather. Enjoy the views by day or night by jumping on one of the many ferries that keep the city connected, take a climb up the Harbour Bridge and enjoy the views, or have a guided tour of the Opera House and see how it all works. It’s not hard to see why Sydneysiders are so proud of their beautiful Harbour city.
8. Fan for a day
If you haven’t noticed already, Aussies are pretty crazy for all things sport, and AFL is right up there at the top of the tree. Known as Aussie Rules, Football or Footy, this fast-paced game has been played for over 150 years. It first began in Melbourne and has quickly spread to other states, with an untamed passion that permeates through whole generations of families, and where local clubs form the heart of the community. Sample what makes the average Aussie tick by heading out to an AFL game – the ultimate being the Anzac Day Clash between Collingwood and Essendon. It makes for great conversation at any time of day.
9. Watch the sunrise
Compared to many other countries, Australia is an early to bed, early to rise type of place which can be a surprise to some international students. But with the weather this good, it’s not surprising they make the most of the light. There’s nothing more Australian than starting the day with a sunrise view – and it doesn’t have to take you away from home. If you’re lucky enough to be by the water, head down to the beach and watch the sun come up. It connects you to the land, improves your mind and sets you up for another day in paradise!
10. The taste of Australia
Australia is known for her iconic foods, and it’s unforgiveable to leave these shores without trying them at least once. Sweet tooths will relish Tim Tams, Anzac biscuits, pavlovas and lamingtons. Those with a more savoury palette can chow down on burgers galore, meat pies, damper bread and the much-loved Vegemite. Haters, be gone.
