Hey, true blue! How many of these 25 great Aussie travel experiences can you tick off your bucket list?

THINK you've been everywhere, man? Test yourself against this list of essential true blue travel experiences compiled by Angela Saurine.

Dining under the stars at the Sounds of Silence experience, Uluru, Northern Territory.

THINK youÂ’ve been everywhere, man? Test yourself against this list of essential true blue travel experiences compiled by Angela Saurine.

1. Twelve Apostles, VIC

Eroded over the years by wind, waves and rain, these crumbling limestone rock formations (above) have helped make the Great Ocean Rd, about 200km from Melbourne, one of the world’s great drives. Or, you can take your time and walk it.

Touring there: Walk the last 52km section with the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk.

Ph 1300 767 416 or see twelveapostleslodgewalk.com.au

2. Snowy Mountains, NSW and VIC

As a country known for its warm weather and beaches, Australia surprises overseas visitors with snow. And there are several resorts for skiers and snowboarders, including Perisher and Thredbo in NSW, and Mt Buller, Hotham and Falls Creek in Victoria. The snow may not be as deep as Japan or Utah, but where else can you ski between snow gums in sunshine?

Staying there: A wide variety of accommodation is available.

See snowymountains.com.au or visitvictoria.com.au

3. Sydney Harbour and surrounds, NSW

With its iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House, beamed around the world in a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show each year, Sydney Harbour is a must-visit. Climb to the top of the bridge for a spectacular view, book a cruise or embark on a walk around the foreshore, such as the 10km hike from Manly to the Spit Bridge.

Or travellers can catch a ferry to one of the harbour islands to discover their history, with Cockatoo Island, Fort Denison and Shark Island open to visitors.

Touring there: Captain Cook Cruises offers lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises on Sydney Harbour.

Ph [phone] or see captaincook.com.au

4. Three Capes Walking Track, TAS

This new track is a 46km wilderness journey through Tasmania’s rugged southeast. It begins and ends at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed former convict settlement of Port Arthur. With a limit of 48 walkers a day, trekkers will stay in eco-friendly cabins and sleeping quarters with shared dining areas for the three nights they are on the track.

Touring there: For more information go to threecapestrack.com.au

5. Swimming with whale sharks or humpbacks, Ningaloo, WA

Ningaloo has long been known as the place to swim with whale sharks, but for the first time this year visitors will also be able to swim with humpback whales, those majestic giants of the deep. The West Australian government has granted several licences to selected operators allowing visitors to swim with humpbacks through the aqua-coloured waters of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed coast during their migration.

Touring there: Luxury eco-resort Sal Salis will offer tours swimming with whale sharks and humpbacks this year.

Ph [phone] or see salsalis.com.au

6. Arnhem Land, NT

Spot saltwater crocodiles, buffalo, dugong and nesting turtles in this Top End wilderness area, populated mostly by indigenous Australians, who will happily share their culture on tours offering mud crabbing, traditional spear fishing, fishing, storytelling and dance.

Touring there: Lirrwi Tours offers a range of indigenous experiences.

Ph [phone] or see lirrwitourism.com.au

7. Swimming with dolphins, sea lions, SA

If swimming with dolphins or sea lions is on your bucket list, look no further than South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Several operators offer the chance to get up close to the marine mammals. You can also spot southern right whales, go cage-diving with great white sharks and indulge in fresh oysters and other seafood.

Touring there: Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience offers the chance to swim with dolphins and sea lions on the same tour.

Ph (08) 86 265 017 or see bairdbay.com

8. Great Barrier Reef, QLD

The world’s largest coral reef is back in the limelight thanks to David Attenborough’s new documentary series, set to air in Australia this year. Stretching for 3000km from Bundaberg to Cape York, the diverse ecosystem is home to 1500 species of fish and 400 types of coral.

Experiences include snorkelling or scuba diving among colourful coral gardens, seeing baby turtles hatching on the beach at Heron Island, Lady Elliot Island or Mon Repos and swimming with dwarf minke whales off Port Douglas.

Touring there: Quicksilver Cruises offers cruises from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef.

Ph [phone] or see quicksilver-cruises.com

9. Whitehaven Beach, QLD

This 7km stretch of silica sand is the highlight of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands that make up Queensland’s Whitsundays. At the northern end of the beach, Hill Inlet forms swirling patterns as the sand is shifted by the tide. It is best appreciated on a helicopter flight, but you can also get there by ferry, motor boat or yacht.

Touring there: Cruise Whitsundays offers a range of cruises to Whitehaven Beach from the popular tourist hubs Airlie Beach, Daydream Island and Hamilton Island.

Ph [phone] or see cruisewhitsundays.com

10. Nitmiluk Gorge, NT

Previously known as Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk Gorge actually consists of a collection of 13 stunning gorges which stretch over 16km and are separated by natural rock barriers during the dry season. Located about 300km south of Darwin, the ancient and stunning landscape of the gorge can be explored by canoe, on a cruise or by helicopter flight.

Touring there: Nitmiluk Tours has several options from gorge cruises, canoeing trips to cultural safari tours.

Ph 1300 146 743 or see nitmiluktours.com.au

11. Kakadu National Park, NT

The largest of its kind in Australia at 20,000sq km, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park located 200km east of Darwin has one of the highest concentrations of ancient indigenous rock art sites in the world. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Gunlom Falls where you can climb to the top of a 60m escarpment and swim in natural rock pools at the top of the waterfall – it’s nature’s ultimate infinity pool.

Touring there: Gather bush tucker with an Aboriginal guide who grew up in rock and bark shelters before a sunset campfire with Animal Tracks Safari.

Ph 0429 676 194 or see animaltracks.com.au

12. Lord Howe Island, NSW

With its turquoise lagoon and lush volcanic peaks, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island, 600km off the coast of Port Macquarie, has to be one of the most beautiful on the planet. Only 400 visitors are allowed at any given time. There is plenty to do, including hiking, birdwatching, snorkelling, diving, game fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and surfing. For the fit and adventurous, the Mt Gower climb is considered one of the world’s best one-day hikes.

Staying there: Pinetrees Lodge has a range of accommodation and tour packages.

Ph 1800 226 142 or see pinetrees.com.au

13. Main Beach, Gold Coast, QLD

Australia is famous for its beaches, from Sydney’s Bondi to Tassie’s pristine Wineglass Bay. As its name suggests, Main Beach is the main surf beach in the town of Southport in Queensland’s Gold Coast tourist mecca. Its golden sands sit at the northern end of a 57km long stretch of beaches, with the city skyline as a backdrop.

Touring there: See the Gold Coast from above on a scenic helicopter flight.

Ph [phone] or see goldcoasthelitours.com.au

14. Christmas Island, WA

Although it has become better known for its immigration detention centre in recent years, nature lovers embrace this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island, 2600km northwest of Perth, for its incredible scuba diving, snorkelling and birdwatching. Considered the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, documentary filmmaker David Attenborough listed its annual red crab migration as one of his 10 greatest wildlife experiences.

Getting there: Virgin Australia flies to Christmas Island from Perth.

Ph 13 67 89 or see virginaustralia.com

15. The Ghan, SA and NT

Cross Australia from north to south on this 3000km rail adventure between Darwin and Adelaide, stopping en route to visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and historic Telegraph Station at Alice Springs and the underground mining town of Coober Pedy. Great Southern Rail also operates the Indian Pacific, which traverses Australia from east to west.

Touring there: Great Southern Rail operates The Ghan from August to October.

Ph 1800 703 357 or see greatsouthernrail.com.au

16. The Kimberley, WA

Dramatic red gorges, orange soil, white sand beaches, azure ocean and clear blue skies – the Kimberley is undoubtedly Australia’s most striking landscape. Watch the camels parade along Broome’s Cable Beach at sunset before setting off towards the Gibb River Rd to explore this remote wilderness area, which covers more than 400,000sq km, in Australia’s northwest.

Touring there: APT offers small group 4WD adventures and expedition cruises in the Kimberley.

Ph 1300 196 420 or see kimberleywilderness.com.au

17. Uluru, NT

Watch Uluru change colour at sunset while sipping on a glass of champagne, before dining on kangaroo and crocodile – as well as a whole host of other five-star fare – under the stars at the Sounds of Silence dinner in the desert. You can also hike or cycle around the ancient monolith, or fly over it.

Staying there: Ayers Rock Resort has a range of accommodation options, from camping to the five-star Sails in the Desert Hotel.

Ph 1300 134 044 or see ayersrockresort.com.au

18. Hobart, TAS

Since opening in 2011, the provocative MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) has well and truly put Hobart on the map. While there check out Salamanca Markets, tour the historic Cascade Brewery and take a day trip to beautiful Bruny Island.

Touring there: Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offers a range of cruises from Hobart.

Ph [phone] or see pennicottjourneys.com.au

19. Cottesloe, WA

Watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean from the landmark Art-deco Cottesloe Beach Hotel, which opened in 1905, or have a barbecue or picnic on the grass between the Norfolk Island pines beside the beach.

Staying there: Cottesloe Beach Hotel is located on Marine Pde.

Ph [phone] or see cottesloebeachhotel.com.au

20. Fremantle, WA

Recently named the seventh best city in the world by Lonely Planet, this historic port town half an hour from Perth offers the chance to dine on fresh seafood at Fishing Boat Harbour, visit the Little Creatures Brewery and stay overnight in the historic Fremantle prison.

Touring there: Two Feet & A Heartbeat offers walking tours of Fremantle.

Ph 1800 459 388 or see twofeet.com.au

21. Rottnest Island, WA

This summer playground, a short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle, has beautiful white sand beaches and bays with clear turquoise water. It is great for surfing, snorkelling, fishing – or getting a selfie with a quokka. The island is home to about 12,000 of the cute creatures which have experienced renewed fame on social media.

Touring there: Explore the island on the Rottnest Adventure Tour.

Ph 1300 467 688 or see rottnestexpress.com.au

22. Phillip Island penguin parade, VIC

Every day at sunset, visitors from around the world gather at Summerland Beach to see hundreds of little penguins return to their burrows after a day’s fishing, and watch chicks fighting each other and chasing their parents for food from the boardwalks. The island is home to more than 30,000 of the world’s smallest penguin species.

Touring there: AAT Kings offers day tours from Melbourne to Phillip Island.

Ph [phone] or see aatkings.com

23. Lake Burley Griffin, ACT

Walking or cycling around Lake Burley Griffin is a great way to discover our national capital’s attractions such as the National Museum and Parliament House. The lake, which covers 664ha and has more than 40km of shoreline, also offers opportunities for cycling and boating, with plenty of parks, cafes and restaurants to visit.

Touring there: Explore with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises.

Ph 0419 418 846 or see lakecruises.com.au

24. Melbourne, VIC

While Sydney is all about natural beauty, the southern capital is known for its hard-to-find laneway bars and restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars and culture. It’s also worth checking out its enclaves. Head to Luna Park at beachside St Kilda, grab a bite at the new Welcome to Thornbury food-truck park, or check out the street art in Fitzroy and Collingwood.

Touring there: Discover Melbourne’s laneways and cafes on a walking tour with Hidden Secrets Tours.

Ph [phone] or see hiddensecretstours.com

25. Kangaroo Island, SA

Discover the rugged beauty of this island, 100km southwest of Adelaide. You can spot kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, fur seals, sea lions and dolphins and visit dairy farms, wineries and distilleries.

Touring there: Sealink offers tours of Kangaroo Island.

Ph 13 13 01 or see sealink.com.au