Australia’s borders are open, but where should your first stop be?

Australia’s borders are now open to visitors and tourists after being mostly closed for nearly two years. The reopening means it is time for family reunions to hold and tourist attractions to boom again.

With travel to Australia getting much easier, the question for many tourists from New York to Reykjavik is: where should be the first stop? Australia comprises six states and two territories, each of which offers an abundance of unique tourist attractions.

Here are the top tourist destinations in Australia.

Melbourne

Many visitors and Australians consider Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, to be their favourite city. Located in southern Australia, Melbourne is one of the colder cities. It makes up for its lack of warmth and sunshine with its art, culture, cuisine, architecture, and entertainment. Melbourne is renowned for its trendy cafes, art galleries, nightlife, and extensive restaurant options.

Karijini National Park

Located in western Australia, Karijini National Park is ideal for adventurous travellers and is truly one of the best places to visit in Australia. This vast wilderness area is overflowing with natural beauty and outdoor activities. The park is most well-known for its gorges and canyons, which feature extremely photogenic rock formations.

Ningaloo Reef

This is one of the best places in Australia for marine life enthusiasts to visit. Located near Exmouth in Western Australia, Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places to observe whale sharks. Tourists can book a tour to go snorkelling and swimming alongside these massive but docile animals as they feed each year.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsundays is one of Australia's most beautiful locations for those who love a perfect island paradise. Located on the east coast of Queensland, it comprises over 70 islands with beautiful beaches and abundant marine life. As most of the islands are uninhabited, visitors often choose to stay in Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Islands’ beaches which offer some of the best views in the region. You can go snorkelling or scuba diving in the reef, sail around the islands, or take in the view from a helicopter ride over the famous heart-shaped reef.

Darwin

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is a home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. You can explore the city of Darwin in a couple of days and then visit nearby destinations such as Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park.

Snow-capped mountains

The Snowy Mountains are one of the best destinations for those who wish to try out winter sports. Spanning southern New South Wales and northeastern Victoria, the Snowy Mountains are replete with jagged peaks, native wildlife, and several world-class ski resorts. Hike at the Kosciuszko National Park and observe wildlife in the summer months from December to February, or go skiing and snowboarding from June, July, and August when the mountains are blanketed in fresh snow.

Sydney

Being the largest travel hub in Australia, Sydney is home to many of the country's most popular tourist attractions including the Sydney Opera House, Botanic Gardens, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and enjoy Sydney's beautiful beaches, or take the bus to Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, and Bronte.