Biggest Tourist Traps In Australia

Few nations are as geographically diverse and fun-loving as Australia, which has become a bucket-list trip for many travellers. Though the country is full of must-see sights and destinations, it also has its fair share of tourist traps. Before you book your flights and apply sunscreen, think about avoiding these pricey and disappointing destinations.

Rottnest Island:

Tourist traps can be bothersome for visitors, but they can also be harmful to local wildlife. Rottnest Island, located just off the coast of Perth, is a famous tourist attraction, thanks in large part to its quokkas—the island is one of the few places where these adorable marsupials can be found in the wild. However, people coming to take pictures with the' smiling' creatures have injured quokkas by causing mental stress and even disrupting mating and feeding routines. It's difficult to pass up a nice selfie opportunity while on vacation, but it's occasionally necessary.

Luna Park:

Luna Park is a prominent theme park franchise with two locations: one near St. Kilda Beach in Melbourne and another on the northern coast of Sydney Harbour. However, it comes at a high price. Passes are over A$50 (US$33) for guests over 13, and just $10 less for children aged 4 to 12. Unless you're traveling with little children who have had enough of the bushwalks and museums, Luna Park is a location you can safely miss.

Canberra:

Can a whole city be a tourist trap? Many Australians appear to believe this, as residents of the city are constantly subjected to "Canberra bashing." The consensus appears to be that, despite being the nation's capital, Canberra lacks the dynamic vitality required to make a city a worthwhile visit, despite its number of government buildings and museums attracting unsuspecting visitors.

Hosier Lane street art tours:

Melbourne is recognized as Australia's cultural capital, and you don't have to go to a museum to experience the city's artistic atmosphere. No vacation to Melbourne is complete without exploring the city's stunning street art, particularly the famed Hosier Lane, which is covered with amazing spray-paint art. However, be aware of guided tours of Hosier Lane—this region of the city is free, open to the public, and easy to see in a couple of hours at most, so any paid trip is a bit of a scam.

Bondi Beach:

Even if you know very little about Australia, you are probably familiar with Bondi Beach. Bondi is crowded, which is an understatement given that the approximately one-kilometer (0.6 mile) length of beach welcomes over 2.6 million tourists each year. Consider Manly, Bronte, and the many other beautiful beaches in Sydney and the surrounding areas for a less touristy beach experience.

Surfers Paradise:

Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast neighbourhood famous for its long stretch of beach and nightlife scene, has gotten such a terrible rap in recent years that even those who praise the area's benefits concede it appears gaudy and touristic. Surfers Paradise may be your seaside refuge if you enjoy nightclubs, souvenir shops, and crowds; otherwise, you'd be better off soaking up the sun in one of the Gold Coast's more understated regions.

Kangaroo Island:

Kangaroo Island, as the name implies, is teaming with kangaroos and other creatures that contribute to the country's unique character. However, the island is approximately four hours away from Adelaide and requires a ferry ride that costs A$110 (US$73) per person and A$220 (US$147) per vehicle for the round-trip fee. When you include in the cost of driving, the "boutique" eating experiences available on the island, and the plethora of overpriced day tours available, even a basic day trip can become so expensive and commute-heavy that it falls short of the hype.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb:

Don't get us wrong: Sydney Harbour is an incredible must-see for any tourist visiting Australia. After all, this world-famous waterway is home to two of the country's most renowned landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. While the waterfront is worth seeing, the Bridge Climb, a guided climb to the bridge's highest points, is not worth the expensive cost (climbs start at over A$250, which is more than US$165). Tourists looking for an incredible view at a reduced cost can spend less than A$20 (US$13) for entry to the Pylon Lookout, which has similar panoramic harbour views.

The Bell Tower:

A general rule regarding Australian tourism should be obvious: be wary of anyone charging you to climb a tall structure. Perth's Bell Tower, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Melbourne's Eureka Tower, is simply uninspiring, even if entrance is less expensive at A$18 (US$12) per adult. Given that the tower is better known for its Swan Bells—the tallest musical instrument in the world—than for its observation deck, it's worth saving your money and listening to the Swan Bells for free from the ground at Barrack Square.