Gigi’s Aussie Bucket List
Australia, the land down under, was my top choice for my first solo, year-long adventure—and distance was a big reason why. I wanted to push myself as far away as possible, leaving no room for excuses to slip back into my comfort zone.
In my early 20s, I started writing bucket lists, inspired by a mix of personal goals, social media discoveries, and conversations with friends. I approached them with a “7 Rings” mentality: I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it.
When I moved to Australia, my bucket list grew as I settled into life in the Southern Highlands, about two hours from Sydney, working as an au pair. For me, the list wasn’t just about ticking boxes—it was about connecting with people, learning from their stories, and, when possible, roping them into my adventures.
My Aussie Bucket List
Here’s the list that has guided my adventures in Australia:
- Hug a koala 🐨
- Hug a wombat 🐾
- See the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
- Try crocodile and kangaroo meat
- Do camper van life and drive the coast of the entire continent 🚐
- Stay in hostels and embrace backpacker culture 🎒
- Swim in the Great Barrier Reef 🌊
- Visit Uluru and experience the outback’s red dirt
- Go skydiving 🪂
- Visit Australia Zoo (because of Steve Irwin) 🐊
- Capture photos of nearly all Aussie wildlife in the wild
- Go on as many hikes as possible—bonus points for breathtaking views
- Visit as many beaches as I can 🏖️
- Fly over Heart Reef
- Explore Fraser Island
What’s on your Aussie bucket list? Take inspiration from mine and create your own unforgettable journey!
Bucket List Items Fulfilled
Over my time in Australia, I’ve checked off some incredible experiences:
- Hugged a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Hugged a wombat at Taralga Wildlife Park.
- Traveled parts of the East Coast, from NSW to QLD, with friends and my partner, Cyp.
- Went skydiving over Airlie Beach—an adrenaline rush I’ll never forget.
- Snorkelled in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring its vibrant underwater world.
- Tried out hostels and made connections with fellow travelers.
- Tasted crocodile and kangaroo meat (on separate occasions!).
- Captured photos of Aussie wildlife—some right outside my doorstep, others on hikes.
- Conquered hikes that tested my endurance, like Gerringong Falls, and trails featuring Sydney’s stunning beaches.
- Checked off iconic landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
These moments have defined my Aussie adventure, leaving me with memories I’m excited to share through this blog. Once each story is written, I’ll add links to the corresponding experiences I’ve crossed off my list—starting with my koala encounter, coming soon!
Bucket List Items Still Pending
Though I’ve achieved so much, a few items remain waiting for the perfect opportunity:
- Road-tripping the entire Australian coast in a camper van.
- Visiting Australia Zoo to honor Steve Irwin’s legacy.
- Exploring Uluru and soaking in the majesty of the outback.
- Flying over Heart Reef to see its iconic shape from above.
- Discovering Fraser Island’s unique landscapes.
Have you done any of these? Or are they on your list too? Share your dream Aussie adventures in the comments!
Tips for Building Your Aussie Bucket List
Planning a bucket list for Australia? Here are a few tips:
- Prioritize Variety: Include a mix of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and natural wonders.
- Stay Flexible: Leave room for spontaneous adventures and local recommendations.
- Do Your Research: Learn about ethical tourism, seasonal timing, and local gems off the beaten path.
Australia has so much to offer—it’s easy to build a list that’s uniquely yours.
Conclusion
When I first arrived in Australia, I didn’t just step into a new country; I stepped into a journey of self-discovery. The first couple of months allowed me to grow independently while still finding comfort in the family I worked with.
If I had realized just how many incredible experiences I wanted to have, I might have planned my savings more strategically. Australia is vast, breathtaking, and absolutely worth exploring—but it can be expensive! While my current bucket list is on pause, I’ve gained more than just adventures—I’ve gained life lessons, unforgettable memories, and someone to share my future travels with.
Someday, I’ll return to Australia to complete the list, maybe even expanding it further. Until then, I’ll cherish the adventures I’ve had and look forward to many more.
A lot of what I’ve mentioned about my experiences will eventually be written into detailed blog posts and linked here. If there’s something you’d like to know more about or if you’ve experienced something on my list, let’s connect! You can reach out by filling out my contact form or messaging Cyp and I on Instagram.
