SeaLink Tourism Acting Chief Operating Officer Anthony Haworth said the findings reinforced Australia's reputation as one of the world's most remarkable travel destinations.
"Australia has an incredible ability to surprise people," Mr Haworth said.
"Travellers might arrive hoping to spot a kangaroo or koala, but they leave having discovered stunning island destinations, the Great Barrier Reef, ancient landscapes, world-class beaches, rich Aboriginal culture and unforgettable experiences that simply can't be found anywhere else.
"SeaLink is proud to help visitors connect with some of the country’s most extraordinary places, making it easy to access and experience the very best Australia has to offer."
From harbour cities and tropical islands to ancient landscapes and living Aboriginal culture, discover the incredible diversity of Australia with SeaLink Marine & Tourism:
Few cities capture the imagination quite like Sydney. Experience one of the world's most spectacular natural harbours from the water, taking in breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and glittering foreshore. Beyond the harbour, visitors can discover native wildlife at Taronga Zoo, explore the underwater wonders of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, enjoy world-class dining and vibrant waterfront precincts, or simply soak up the energy of one of the world's most iconic cities.
Meet giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo before exploring South Australia's diverse landscapes, where kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and abundant birdlife thrive across the mainland and Kangaroo Island. On Kangaroo Island, one of Australia's premier wildlife destinations, visitors can encounter Australian sea lions at Seal Bay, spot New Zealand fur seals beneath Admirals Arch and discover iconic natural landmarks including Remarkable Rocks, Vivonne Bay and Stokes Bay. Beyond the island, cruise beneath the ochre cliffs of the Murray River, explore the Flinders Ranges, whose dramatic landscapes have been shaped over nearly 600 million years, or discover some of Australia's celebrated wine regions and regional food experiences.
- Queensland:
- Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef
Experience the ultimate tropical escape, where the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the dazzling white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet create one of Australia's most iconic island destinations. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, encounter turtles, manta rays and seasonal humpback whales, experience adventure on a fast boat or jetski, or simply relax in one of the world's most breathtaking natural playgrounds.
- North Queensland | Magnetic Island
Just 20 minutes from Townsville, Magnetic Island combines laid-back island living with one incredible wildlife experiences. Home to one of the country's largest wild koala populations, the island also offers colourful fringing reefs for snorkelling and exploring, rock wallabies, secluded beaches, more than 25 kilometres of scenic walking trails and spectacular sunsets over the Coral Sea.
- South East Queensland | North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)
Whales are one of the world's most sought-after wildlife encounters, and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) offers one of Australia's finest opportunities to witness the annual humpback whale migration between June and November. Throughout the year, visitors can discover pristine surf beaches, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, freshwater lakes and rich Quandamooka cultural experiences on one of Queensland's most loved island escapes.
From the annual humpback whale migration along its spectacular coastline to crystal-clear freshwater lakes, ancient rainforests growing from sand and one of the country’s purest dingo populations, K'gari is the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination unlike anywhere else on Earth. After dark, visitors can experience Illumina, Queensland's only permanent light and sound experience, bringing the island's rich natural and cultural heritage to life.
Meet the famous quokka and pause to take a selfie on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), where friendly wildlife, turquoise bays and a relaxed island lifestyle come together just off the coast of Perth. Explore more than 60 picturesque beaches and 20 secluded bays by bicycle, snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, or simply slow down and soak up one of Australia's favourite island escapes.
Experience Tasmania's wild side on Bruny Island, where towering sea cliffs, ancient forests and pristine coastlines set the scene for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Spot seals, dolphins and migrating whales, search for the elusive white Bennett's wallaby and discover one of Australia's premier birdwatching destinations, home to all five of Tasmania's endemic bird species. Complete the journey by sampling Bruny Island's celebrated local produce, from fresh oysters and artisan cheeses to premium whisky and handcrafted chocolates.
Experience the very best of Australia's Top End, where one of the world's oldest living cultures is set against a backdrop of pristine tropical islands, remarkable wildlife and spectacular coastal landscapes. Discover the Tiwi Islands' renowned Aboriginal art, storytelling and cultural traditions, while the surrounding Top End offers opportunities to encounter marine turtles, abundant birdlife, iconic saltwater crocodiles and breathtaking wilderness found nowhere else on Earth.
Mr Haworth said Australia continued to inspire travellers because no two journeys were ever the same.
"Australia's greatest strength is its incredible diversity," Mr Haworth said.
"Visitors come to experience iconic animals, but they leave with so much more, from spectacular island destinations, ancient landscapes, to breathtaking natural wonders and the world's oldest living culture. It's that combination of experiences that makes Australia unlike anywhere else."
"SeaLink is proud to help visitors discover these extraordinary places, creating brilliant journeys that showcase the very best of Australia."
For more information about SeaLink's destinations and experiences, visit:
