10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do In Australia

Obviously you hit the beaches when you go to Australia. But don't forget to make time for everything else!

1. Check out the Sydney Mardi Gras parade and festival

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You heard right: the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is actually a pride parade and festival! For the past 37 years the LGBTQI global community has been coming together to glamorously dance, laugh and encourage social progress.

2. See a real-life March of the Penguins:

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We usually think of penguins as arctic creatures, and that's why it's amazing to know that they can also be found on Phillip Island in Australia! After a long day of fishing, you can watch the little darlings as they make the trek up Summerland Beach to rest and prepare for the following day's adventures.

3. Inhale some of the cleanest air in the entire world:

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Everyone wants the air they breathe to be clean, but very few of us get the opportunity to inhale truly crisp and fresh air. But the residents of Tasmania do! The air in Cape Grim (in the northwest) is pristine due to the Roaring Forties, which are westerly winds that keep the air completely refreshing and moving.

4. Explore Australia’s growing craft beer scene:

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Melbourne has more than 30 craft breweries, and they all produce more than 15,000 litres per week. So if you don't have the time to take a full tour of Australia, just be sure your server comes back to your table every fifteen minutes.

5. Swim in water that is saltier than the sea:

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In fact, would you believe that the Pool of Siloam in South Australia is seven times saltier than the sea? In other words, this is one of a handful of places in the world where "swimming" means "not having to do anything whatsoever"!

6. Get tips on how to be a better Elvis impersonator:

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In 1993, the people of Parkes, New South Wales realized they all loved Elvis so much that they decided to have a festival every year to honor him. Today, the annual extravaganza lasts five days, and people gather to partake in over 150 events that were inspired by the King of Rock and Roll.

7. Go on an airborne bar crawl:

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Most people have been on a bar crawl, but few have the honor of completing one that takes place in the sky. However, Banksia Adventures tours offers just that — a four-day trip where you can experience the Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Lake Torrens, Andamooka, William Creek, and Queensland all while sipping cocktails in a private aircraft. It's definitely a splurge, but the best things in life usually are.

8. Attend an outdoor light show:

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Vivid Sydney is defined as a festival of "light, music, and ideas" — which means, how could you miss it? At the end of May every year, the dynamic city transforms into a hub for creativity, where speakers give stimulating talks and the buildings shine with every color imaginable.

9. Take flight:

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Melbourne is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, and the best way to see as much of it as you can is from above. The hot air balloon tours offer an incredibly memorable experience, and there's even a champagne breakfast option!

10. Take in Sydney from the southeast pylon:

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If you don't have the time (or desire, or money) to climb the Harbour Bridge, the next best thing would be to enjoy the view from the southeast pylon! There are four floors total: three are educational and will give you a comprehensive look at the bridge's history, while the top floor functions as the grand finale.