There's a good reason why Australia has become one of the world's favourite backpacking destinations. Known for its sheer vastness, diverse landscapes, stunning beaches, magical sunsets and exotic wildlife, Australia presents one of the most unique backpacking experiences of all.

If you're visiting Sydney, a day trip to Windsor, Richmond and the Warragamba Dam will introduce you to the peaceful area surrounding the Hawkesbury River. Although it is just 37 miles (60 kilometers) from the center of Sydney and forms part of the city's north-western suburbs, this area, nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, seems much further away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Australia is a beautiful country spanning 7.69 million square kilometers (2.97 million square miles). Due to its vast size, there are plenty of experiences to try. From watching the sunrise over Uluru to seeing kangaroos and koalas in the wild, Australia has many amazing bucket list experiences. To help you decide what experiences to add to your bucket list, here are 20 iconic Australian experiences to tick off your bucket list.

Americans often fantasize about Australia, but very few actually make the trip down under. If you do have the opportunity to visit Australia, here are a few things you need to know before you go.