Tourist Traps to Avoid in Australia18

Australia is a vast and diverse country with an abundance of natural beauty and cultural attractions. However, like any popular tourist destination, there are also some places that are best avoided. Here are 15 of the biggest tourist traps in Australia that you should steer clear of:

1. Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise is a popular beach resort town on the Gold Coast of Queensland. It is known for its high-rise buildings, nightclubs, and surf beaches. However, Surfers Paradise is also incredibly crowded and overpriced. There are much better beaches to be found elsewhere on the Gold Coast, such as Broadbeach or Coolangatta.

2. Darling Harbour, Sydney
Darling Harbour is a waterfront precinct in Sydney that is home to a number of attractions, including the Sydney Aquarium, the Maritime Museum, and the Powerhouse Museum. While Darling Harbour can be a nice place to visit, it is also very touristy and expensive. There are many other places in Sydney that are more worth your time, such as Bondi Beach or the Royal National Park.

3. The Great Barrier Reef, off Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. However, the section of the reef that is accessible from Cairns is often crowded and underwhelming. If you are serious about seeing the Great Barrier Reef, it is best to book a tour from a more remote location, such as Port Douglas or Lady Elliot Island.

4. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Northern Territory
Uluru is a large sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory that is sacred to the Aboriginal people. While Uluru is an impressive sight, it is also very popular with tourists. This means that it can be difficult to find a quiet spot to enjoy the view. If you are able to visit Uluru, be sure to do so during the shoulder season or off-season.

5. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island is a popular tourist destination in South Australia. It is known for its wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions. However, Kangaroo Island is also very large and can be difficult to get around. If you are short on time, it is best to focus on visiting the Flinders Ranges or the Barossa Valley instead.

6. The Skywalk, Blue Mountains
The Skywalk is a glass-bottomed walkway that extends over the edge of the Blue Mountains. It is a popular tourist attraction, but it is also very expensive. There are many other ways to enjoy the Blue Mountains without having to pay a hefty price tag.

7. The Puffing Billy Railway, Victoria
The Puffing Billy Railway is a steam train that runs through the Dandenong Ranges. It is a popular tourist attraction, but it can also be very crowded and overpriced. There are many other ways to explore the Dandenong Ranges, such as hiking or biking.

8. The Tower Eye, Sydney
The Tower Eye is a tall tower that offers panoramic views of Sydney. It is a popular tourist attraction, but it is also very expensive. There are many other ways to get great views of Sydney, such as climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or taking a ferry to Taronga Zoo.

9. The Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
The Queen Victoria Market is a large open-air market in Melbourne. It is a popular tourist attraction, but it can also be very crowded and overwhelming. There are many other markets in Melbourne that are more worth your time, such as the South Melbourne Market or the Prahran Market.

10. Chinatown, Sydney
Chinatown is a popular tourist destination in Sydney. It is home to a number of Chinese restaurants, shops, and temples. However, Chinatown is also very crowded and can be difficult to navigate. There are many other places in Sydney where you can experience Chinese culture, such as Haymarket or Chatswood.

11. The Sydney Opera House, Sydney
The Sydney Opera House is a world-famous performing arts center. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia. However, the Sydney Opera House is also very expensive to visit. If you are on a budget, it is best to admire the Opera House from afar.

12. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
The MCG is a large sports stadium in Melbourne. It is home to the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC). The MCG is a popular tourist attraction, but it can also be very crowded and expensive. If you are not interested in sports, it is best to avoid visiting the MCG.

13. The Gold Coast Theme Parks, Gold Coast
The Gold Coast theme parks are a popular tourist destination for families. However, the theme parks can also be very crowded and expensive. If you are looking for a more affordable and less crowded option, consider visiting one of the many water parks on the Gold Coast instead.

14. The Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Sydney
The Wildlife Sydney Zoo is a small zoo that is located in the heart of Sydney. It is a popular tourist attraction, but it can also be very crowded and expensive. There are many other zoos in Sydney that are more worth your time, such as Taronga Zoo or Featherdale Wildlife Park.

15. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Sydney
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is a popular hiking trail that runs along the coast from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. It is a beautiful walk, but it can also be very crowded and busy. If you are looking for a more peaceful and secluded walk, consider hiking one of the many other coastal walks in Sydney, such as the Spit to Manly Walk or the Palm Beach to Barrenjoey Headland Walk.