Top travel destinations for students in Australia

Exploring unfamiliar territories and experiencing different cultures is an exciting element of student life. As an international student in Australia, you have an outstanding chance to go on unique adventures and make lifetime memories. 

Whether you're looking for magnificent natural landscapes, dynamic metropolitan vibes, or unique cultural interactions, Australia provides a plethora of student-friendly destinations.  

Today, we'll look at top travel destinations in Australia, presenting you with enticing options to consider for your next adventure.

• Sydney

What to explore:

• Sydney Opera House: Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House or attend an opera at this architectural marvel.

• Bondi Beach: Spend the day soaking in the sunlight, surfing, or dining at one of the seaside restaurants. 

• The Royal Botanic Garden: Stroll through lovely gardens while observing the Sydney skyline.

• Taronga Zoo: Get up close and personal with native Australian creatures while taking panoramic city views.

• The Rocks: Wander through the ancient district's cobblestone streets, bars, and weekend markets.

• Art Galleries: To understand Australian culture, visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales or the Museum of Contemporary Art.

• Sydney Harbour Bridge: Climb or stroll over the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a 360-degree view of the city.

How to explore:

• Enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the world-famous Sydney Opera House by taking a ferry trip.

• Walk through the bustling neighbourhoods of Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and The Rocks.

• Rent a bike and explore Centennial Park or the gorgeous coastal paths.

• Use public transportation, such as trains and buses, for travelling in the city.

Approximate budget for a student:

• Accommodation: Hostels cost between $25 and $50 per night, while budget hotels and Airbnb alternatives start around $80 per night.

• Food: A lunch at a casual restaurant might cost between $10 and $20; however, grocery shopping and cooking your own meals can save you money.

• Transportation: A single journey on public transit costs around $3-4 AUD, while a weekly travel pass costs approximately $45.

• Activities: Many of Sydney's attractions have entry fees ranging from $10 to $30, depending on the place or activity.

• Uluru

What to explore:

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Explore the park and see the magnificent Uluru rock formation and Kata Tjuta's (The Olgas) spectacular domes.

• Uluru Base Walk: Walk around the base of Uluru for 10 km, appreciating the rock art, caves, and natural formations along the route.

• Talinguru Nyakunytjaku Viewing Area: You can observe Uluru at sunrise or sunset from this designated viewing setting.

• Cultural Centre: Learn about the history, culture, and spirituality of the Anangu people, the traditional land owners, at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center.

• Silence Sounds Dinner: Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind dinner experience beneath the stars, complete with local Australian food and Aboriginal storytelling.

How to explore:

• Fly into Ayers Rock Airport and either take a shuttle or rent a vehicle to Uluru.

• Join a guided tour to learn about the area's cultural and environmental significance.

• Explore Uluru's base on foot by following the designated walking trails.

• Watch the dawn or sunset over Uluru from authorised viewing spots. 

• Attend cultural performances and seminars to gain a better understanding of Aboriginal culture.

Approximate budget for a student:

• Accommodation: Housing around Uluru ranges from budget-friendly campgrounds (about $20-30 AUD per night) to mid-range hotels and resorts (beginning at $150 per night).

• Food: Due to Uluru's isolated location, dining options are restricted and significantly more expensive. Lunch at a restaurant or cafe should cost between $15 and $30.

• Transportation: If flying into Ayers Rock Airport, budget for the flight cost. Once at Uluru, you might have to rent a car or use a shuttle service, with rates varying depending on the company and mode of transportation.

• Park Entry Fee: There is an entry fee of $38 for adults, which provides access to the national park for three consecutive days.

• Great Ocean Road

How to explore:

• To begin your Great Ocean Road journey, rent a vehicle or join a guided tour in Melbourne.

• Take your time driving along the stunning route, making stops and taking photographs.

• To immerse yourself in the experience, consider camping or staying at accommodation along the Great Ocean Road.

• Plan your journey to stop at multiple locations and viewpoints along the route.

What to explore:

• The Twelve Apostles: Marvel at the limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, one of the Great Ocean Road's most famous locations.

• Loch Ard Gorge: Explore this beautiful canyon named after a shipwreck and enjoy the stunning coastal views.

• Great Otway National Park: Explore the beautiful national park's rainforest trails, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

• Apollo Bay: Enjoy the laid-back ambience of this seaside village, relax on the beach, and indulge in local delicacies.

• Cape Otway Lighthouse: Visit the iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse and enjoy magnificent views of the rocky coastline.

Approximate budget for a student:

• Accommodation: Housing options range from budget-friendly hostels and holiday parks (beginning at roughly $80 per night) to campsites (around $20-30 AUD per night).

• Food: Expect to pay between $15 and $25 for dinner at one of the Great Ocean Road's eateries or cafes.  

• Transportation: If you need to rent a car, try splitting the cost with other students to save money. The cost of guided trips varies according to their duration and aspects. 

• Entry Fee: There are no specific entry fees for driving along the Great Ocean Road.

Conclusion

We hope this article helps you to identify the top travel destinations for students in Australia. For students wishing to discover and experience the beauty and diversity of this amazing country, Australia offers a wealth of intriguing travel destinations. From bustling cities like Sydney and Melbourne to breathtaking natural marvels like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, there is something for everyone. And when you use your ISIC, you can experience more for less.

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Author's Bio

Archit is an avid writer who is keen to get his doctorate. When not writing, he can be found reading, taking the metro and then questioning this decision, and haunting local bookstores.