Explore Australia: day trip locations you need to visit

Are you a new Aussie keen to explore everything the down under has to offer? There’s much to see and do around this nature-loving, scenic country. Plan a weekend getaway and go on some cheap and easy day trips to discover Australia in her best light, through beautiful scenery, regional, picturesque towns, and iconic landmarks.
 

Kangarro Island is the perfect day trip destination in South Australia. Less than an hour’s ferry ride off the South Australian coast, Kangaroo Island is known for its protected nature reserves, variety of native wildlife (such as sea lions, penguins, and koalas), and remarkable caves and coastal rock formations.

There’s a whole heap of experiences and landmarks waiting for you to explore at Kangaroo Island. From the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery to the Island Beehive to the Little Sahara Adventure Centre, there are many different stores and venues to check out on the island. You can also explore the Cygnet Valley with electric bike rentals.

Depending on what you’re looking to discover around the island, you can join a group or private tour to maximise your day trip experience. You can either spend time walking around the island coast or get driven around to various locations around the island. With everything from fishing charters to art galleries, there’s definitely something for you at Kangaroo Island.
 

Noosa is a famed resort area on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, known for its beautiful seaside scenery, beach cafes and boutiques, and water sports adventure activities. Whether you’re after a slow-paced day relaxing on the beach, an adrenaline-pumping river kayaking experience, or a fun shopping day while enjoying live music and art, Noosa has something for everyone.

There’s a wide variety of water activities to experience at Noosa, including sheltered swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, and kayaking. You’re free to explore the sea and Noosa Tiver however you’d like, although you can also hire a guide or instructor to maximise your time at the resort area. For some memorable activities on land, you can see a show (comedy, music, and dance) at Noosa’s premier entertainment venues, visit local art exhibitions at the Noosa Regional Gallery, and learn more about the area’s history at the heritage Noosa Museum.

What’s more, all these fun activities are only a two hours’ drive from Brisbane. A beautiful representation of the adventurous Australian spirit, Noosa is a great place to visit if you’re ever looking for a day trip location in Queensland.
 

About a 30-minute drive from Canberra, Uriarra Village is a hidden gem in regional Australia. Belonging to the Coree district, the village is located at the foot of the Australian Alps and is also surrounded by Canberra Nature Park’s heritage land.

Rich in Australian history, indigenous culture, and tight-knit community spirit, Uriarra Village is a great place to pay a visit to, at least once in your lifetime. It is Australia’s only “community title” village, meaning it is independently owned by the community and receives minimal government funding for infrastructure and services like garbage disposal. As a small, self-sustaining village, Uriarra Village gives you a peek into rural town life in Australia.

A few landmarks around Uriarra Village include the Uriarra Crossing (a bridge over the Murrumbidgee River) and the Uriarra Forestry Settlement. There are also various 20 000-year-old artifacts belonging to indigenous Australians in the area, alongside cave paintings reported at the nearby river.
 

From arts and cultural displays to heritage sites to guided scenic tours, you can spend a whole day exploring Kakadu National Park. A natural wonderland full of diverse native plant species and wildlife, Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s most prized nature reserves. What’s more, the park is only a two and a half hours’ drive from Darwin.

Expanding over 20,000 square kilometres, the enormous national park is home to saltwater crocodiles, flatback turtles, as well as exotic birds such as White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Square-Tailed Kite and Jabiru. The park holds family-friendly outdoor activities you can sign up for, as well as water and forest tours around the park. There are also rock art tours, water adventure tours, Aboriginal art and wildlife tours as well as 60-minute scenic flight tours. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a tour for you at Kakadu National Park.
 

If you’re looking to take a day trip out from Hobart, Port Arthur is the perfect place. Now an open-air museum, Port Arthur contains the historical remnants of 19^th century British settlement and the Convict Church. It is one of 11 Australian Convict Sites listed as World Heritage.

The best way to explore Port Arthur in a day is to join a tour. Depending on your interests and who you’re travelling with, there’s a variety of themed tours you can join. For example, the Escape from Port Arthur Tour is run like a true crime adventure novel while the Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tour is a respectful guide through the resting place of over 1000 solders, convicts, and free settlers. You can even join the Port Arthur Ghost Tour for a thrilling, lantern-lit experience.
 

Yarra Valley is Victoria’s oldest wine region, just a half hour drive from the Melbourne CBD. Known for its luscious green pastures and prestige as one of the country’s most indulgent food and wine regions, Yarra Valley is a perfect day trip location if you’re situated around the Victorian state.

Yarra Valley is also right next to the Dandenong Ranges that’s famous for its scenic winding roads and tranquil hilltops. Not only does the area host wineries and luxurious restaurants, but there are also many art studios, craft stores and Instagram-worthy gardens in the Dandenong Ranges. For some more outdoor exploring and fresh air, there are also a few walking and cycling trials you can take through the mountain ash forests.

This regional area is the perfect pet-friendly get-a-way, with most outdoor wine tours allowing dogs to tag along. The vast green fields are also a great place for your dog to explore and run around, all with stunning natural views. There’s even a Posh Pooch Gourmet Day, where your dog can also enjoy the delicious premium foods, Yarra Valley has to offer.
 

Fremantle is a town 30 minutes’ drive away from Perth and is dubbed Perth’s Old Town, as it is full of historical sites, English heritage, and markings of Australia’s own architectural development. Fremantle is a port city and was first established in 1829 when the British settled. It is now a bustling area of Western Australia with art, culture, and maritime festivities.

There’s much to do and explore in Fremantle. If you’re into the Australian justice system, you can tour the cellblocks, tunnels, and gatehouses of Fremantle Prison. Little Creatures Brewery is also a local favourite, offering beer tasting, fresh seafood dishes, and great musical entertainment.

Another site to explore is the Fremantle Markets. The Fremantle Markets has been running since 1897 and houses over 150 shops from craftspeople, merchants, and local fashion designers. You can also find fresh food produce and other small retailers at the market. 
 

Kiama is a small town tucked away on the New South Wales coastline, less than a two hour drive from Sydney. Another Aussie day trip favourite showcasing the country’s natural landscape, Kiama is a great location for hiking, relaxing on the beach, whale-watching, and water sports activities.

The idyllic seaside town of Kiama is also known for its natural blowholes and volcanic rock formations that you can’t see anywhere else in Australia. The Kiama Blowhole is a magnificent sight to see, blasting seawater more than 20 metres into the air over fortress-like cliffs. You can explore the natural beauties of Kiama on the Kiama Coast Walk, which also takes you through the local mountain lookouts and the town’s 40-year-old historic terrace houses.

Kiama’s local vibrant surfing community is also incredibly welcoming to all visitors, whether you’re a seasoned surfer or an absolute beginner. You can enjoy Surf Beach’s world-class waves with the help of an instructor or simply take them on by yourself under the safeguard of local lifesavers.

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