| Many people are lucky enough to get to visit | | | | down the east coast of Australia is home to a |
| Australia at some point in their lives. But once | | | | huge variety of marine life, including turtles, |
| you've sorted out the essentials, including applying | | | | dolphins, whales, sharks, and crocodiles, not to |
| for a passport and getting your Australian visa, | | | | mention the many hundreds of bird species that |
| the next big thing to consider is what you're going | | | | inhabit the area. |
| to do when you get there. Here are three of the | | | | The Great Barrier Reef is a haven for divers who |
| most famous attractions in Australia that you | | | | go to explore its spectacular underwater scenery |
| really shouldn't miss when you visit. | | | | and the sea creatures they come across. But |
| 1. Uluru | | | | even if you are not a diver, you can go |
| Can you think of any natural site more incredible | | | | snorkeling, swimming, or just laze on one of the |
| than Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock? This | | | | many pristine beaches, of which the area has |
| mighty monolith, the biggest in the world, is one | | | | hundreds. |
| of the defining natural wonders of Australia. A | | | | For a really special experience, head out in a |
| sacred site for the aborigines for thousands of | | | | glass-bottomed boat to see the underwater world |
| years, it is now a major tourist attraction in the | | | | from the surface. Or head to the skies in a plane |
| heart of the desert. | | | | to get an unbeatable view from the air. |
| Situated in Alice Springs, the trip here will take | | | | 3. Sydney Harbor |
| some time but it is certainly worth it. The huge | | | | Australia is not just a country of natural wonders, |
| rock is 348 meters high, and measures 2.2 miles | | | | as Sydney Harbor clearly shows. Sydney is a |
| along and 1.2 miles across. It is absolutely colossal, | | | | fantastic city in its own right, but this is the |
| and standing there surrounded by the flat desert | | | | highlight. Of course the most noticeable feature is |
| makes it even more impressive. | | | | the Sydney Opera House, which is one of the |
| Walk around the rock, or even climb up it-just | | | | most recognizable buildings in the world. Simply |
| make sure you go well prepared, it's a long way! | | | | getting an up-close view of the building is enough, |
| Aboriginal guides are on hand to teach you about | | | | but you should also head inside to catch a |
| the history of Uluru, making the whole experience | | | | performance for an unbeatable experience. |
| a fascinating and unmissable one. And make sure | | | | The other main feature of the harbor is the |
| that you get to see it at the best times of the | | | | Sydney Harbor Bridge. Tours are available, and if |
| day: sunrise and sunset. The changing colors at | | | | you really want to get adventurous you can even |
| these times make it truly spectacular. | | | | climb it with the help of an official guide. The top |
| 2. The Great Barrier Reef | | | | of the bridge offers a fantastic view of the |
| Another natural wonder that Australia can boast is | | | | surrounding area, and if you happen to be in town |
| the Great Barrier Reef, the biggest coral reef in | | | | for New Year's Eve you'll be able to witness a |
| the world. This incredible area that stretches | | | | spectacular firework show. |