Australia's Great Barrier Reef in an undated photo.
IN PHOTO: Australia's Great Barrier Reef in an undated photo. Reuters/ Great Barrier Reef Na

If you're visiting Australia only for a few days, travelers should carefully prepare their itinerary to ensure that they have the best experience. There are several world-famous sites to witness and a variety of unique outdoor activities that will make the trip truly worthwhile.

1. Visit the Great Barrier Reef

The natural wonder is the largest reef in the world and home to thousands of aquatic plants and animals. Travelers can stroll along the sandy reef as well as snorkel and dive to see the majestic underwater formations. Whitsunday Island is also just near the Outer Reef and features some of the best coral gardens in the world.

2. Skydiving

Tourists can get the ultimate thrill by jumping out of a plane flying several thousands of feet up. There are a number of skydiving centers in the country, complete with state-of-the-art facilities and certified trainers to ensure the safety of visitors throughout. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that most people will never forget.

3. Formation viewing

There are several natural formations around Australia. Some of these are made of limestone and rocks such as The Pinnacles and Ayers Rock, the largest monolith in the world. There are also several outback highways where travelers can drive in a 4WD and appreciate the blue sky above the red warm desert.

4. Witness big sports events

Australians are avid sports fans, which is also why there are several major tournaments and games held in various cities each year. Tourists should take time to watch some of the biggest games like the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open, Santos Tour Down Under, the Cricket World Cup, Australian Grand Prix and the Bledisloe Cup among others. Schedules and tickets are available months before so visitors can make reservations.

5. Trekking

Australia is home to some of the most beautiful national parks. Spend the day visiting famous spots like Blue Mountains National Park, Flinders Chase National Park and Karijini National Park. These places have trails that lead through gorges, rainforests and rivers. Travelers can see some of the most exotic birds and plants in the world and see other unique animal species like kangaroos, koala bears and platypus.