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Attention, history buffs! While many tourists focus on the beaches and the Outback when it comes to travel in Australia, a growing number of tourists—both domestic and international—are exploring the fascinating history of the country as well. While enjoying lush Surfer’s Paradise accommodation might be a beautiful way to spend time on your trip, there are also several areas in Australia that offer something unique and interesting to the tourist—the places where Australia’s history lies. From the top end and the dreaming stories of its original owners to the penal colonies of Tasmania, Australia is rich in all kinds of stories and history. It’s a land with a heritage dating back 40,000 years, and with a European history that started in a way like no other colony on earth. We’ve put together some of Australia’s historical gems so that the next time you’re planning a holiday, you can make sure you experience the past, as well as the present.

Tasmania

Tasmania has a fascinating history, especially Port Arthur, which was the site of a massive penal colony in the early years of European settlement. The site still holds the penal colony, although now it is more of an historical museum. Port Arthur runs ghost tours through the property at night where you can experience the chilling stories about the prison asylum, the brushes with ‘the other side’ that others have had and lose yourself in the generally spooky nature of the place.

Kakadu National Park

Far before the English started shipping their criminals over in the 1700’s, Australia had already been populated for 40,000 years or more by the Indigenous people. Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory bears a lot of the markings of this pre-colonisation time in the country, as you can see ancient Aboriginal art and rock paintings, and learn about the traditional methods used to maintain the land.

Sydney

While Sydney’s historical side might be slightly overshadowed by its beaches and shopping and gourmet food scene, it’s still the first place colonists landed when they arrived in Australia, and was the site of the first European settlement. The Rocks is a harbourside suburb particularly rich in history, as is the old Quarantine Station in Manly, where diseased boat passengers used to be kept for months when they arrived. Spooky!

Ballarat

When it comes to Australian History, the Gold Rush was a pretty important part of it. Ballarat, a country town in Victoria, was the site of this rush, and has been preserved as a monument to more prosperous times. You can pan for gold, take a tour through the mines, or just chill out in charming Ballarat accommodation while you experience the peace and tranquility of rural Australia.

They say if you want to earn about a place you should look to its past. The history of Australia is a rich and layered one, and one that will surely enhance your experience of the country. If you’re looking for somewhere to start you historical education, these will set you well on your way.

OK, so maybe telling you that you HAVE to do something while you’re on your holiday Down Under is a little fresh. It’s your holiday after all, and if you want to spend it lying on a beach or trekking through the wilderness then by all means, it’s up to you. However (and this is a big however) the following suggestions are guaranteed to make your trip all the more fun, trust us. If you’ve come all the way to visit Australia you may as well make the most of your trip. From lush Surfer’s Paradise accommodation to rustic camping in the bush, an Australian adventure holds so many possibilities, and here are just a few to get you started:

1.    Climb the Bridge

It may seem like a total tourist trap and you might think the suits they make climbers wear are a little bit strange, but it’s very hard to be cynical when you’re up the top of the iconic structure, gazing out at the city as water and beauty stretches out as far as the eye can see.

2.    Chill Out in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is such a relaxed, friendly town that there’s really nothing for it than to relax while you’re there. Sure, there are a lot of tourist attractions you can take in on your travels, but the best way to soak up the atmosphere is lying on the beach or sitting in the pub with a cold one, overlooking the ocean.

3.    Dive the Great Barrier Reef

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is an underwater wonderland just waiting to be explored. Sadly, climate change and other environmental factors have had a detrimental effect on the reef, so get out to see it while you still can.

4.    Go Wine Tasting in the Barossa Valley

Australian wines are known the world over for their quality, and they don’t come any better than in the Barossa Valley in South Australia. Take a tour around the vineyards and taste yourself a few full-bodied reds. There’s little that compares to this glorious wine region so it’s a definite must on any tourist agenda!

5.    The Blue Mountains

This stunning mountain range just a few hours outside of Sydney is a treat for the senses. Take a Blue Mountains tour and check out the Three Sisters rock formation, the many beautiful bush walks and the cute little towns of Leura and Blackheath.

6.    Great Ocean Road

We have a lot of tourist attractions with the word ‘great’ in front of them in Australia, but this one is well and truly worth its moniker. The road winds along a stunning stretch of coastline between Melbourne and Adelaide, and passes the Twelve Apostles, a series of sandstone rock formations.

7.    Watch the Sunset at Cable Beach

Cable Beach in Broome is like something out of a tourist brochure. The water is impossibly blue, the sand is impossibly white, and all of a sudden the beach ends and you’re looking at red dirt and tropical mango trees. Located on the North-Western coast of the country, the sunset at Cable Beach is one you’ll remember for the rest of your life.