The dream vs reality: Australia’s tourist traps -

Going on your holidays, sometimes you don't always get what you were hoping for. The photos may be picture perfect, but the experience deviates from that, and usually, other tourists are the culprit. Swarming to magnificent destinations around Australia, have a look at the dream vs the reality of tourist hot spots.

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The dream: Bondi Beach - Looking for a white, pristine surf beach in Sydney?

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Reality: Bondi Beach - Good luck finding a spot to put your town on!

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The dream: Melbourne Cup Carnival - All glammed up to go to the races.

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Reality: Melbourne Cup Carnival - But sometimes you only make it halfway through.

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The dream: Cradle Mountain - One of the most beautiful views in Tasmania.

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Reality: Cradle Mountain - Too bad it's also one of the coldest.

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The dream: Australian Open - Ah, the atmospheres of one of the biggest sporting tournaments in Australia is buzzing.

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Reality: Australian Open - Outside it is, anyway.

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The dream: Pitt Street Mall - Lined with gorgeous architecture and an array of shops, this place is a lively Sydney hub.

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Reality: Pitt Street Mall - So lively that you couldn't swing a cat.

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The dream: Bathurst 1000 - The iconic car race that goes for 1000km is a must-see.

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Reality: Bathurst 1000 - If you can see at all. And then you have to brace the elements.

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The dream: Federation Square - This architectural masterpiece houses museums, restaurants and bars, it is also the central location to hold festivals and events.

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Reality: Federation Square - It's also the perfect waiting spot for the trams and trains, just opposite Flinders St Station, and busy busy busy!

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The dream: Barossa Valley - Picturesque sunsets over lines of grapevines through the rolling hills and valleys.

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Reality: Barossa Valley - But in winter, or even just the occasional cold night it's less than ideal.

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The dream: Rundle Mall - Rundle Mall is known for it's location, access to shops and this sculpture called 'Mall's Balls'.

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Reality: Rundle Mall - But it seems everyone wants to get a photo with these famous balls.

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The dream: MCG - Home to cricket and AFL major games, and so much more! One of the biggest stadiums in Australia.

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Reality: MCG - But because it's the biggest, it's also the busiest. Get in early because you'll be waiting no matter what!

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The dream: Kakadu National Park - One of the most pristine national parks in Australia, full of gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes.

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Reality: Kakadu National Park - But even with all of that beautiful cooling water, beware of crocodiles and all the other little critters.

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The dream: Champagne Pools - Fraser Island is paradise, both in photos and in real life.

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Reality: Champagne Pools - For you, and for everyone else that travels there.

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The dream: Uluru - A beautiful red silhouette that represents so much for Australia's Frist Nation, it is just an absolutely stunning monolith.

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Reality: Uluru - Although it isn't illegal to climb this monumental cultural focal point, some disrespect the wishes of the traditional owners. 

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The dream: Royal Botanic Gardens - An array of native and introduced flora flourishing throughout this colourful and lush garden.

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Reality: Royal Botanic Gardens - In specialised areas anyway. Most of it is gravel footpaths and grass.

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The dream: Royal Exhibition Building - Located in Carlton Gardens, this building is Heritage-listed magnificence.

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Reality: Royal Exhibition Building - At least when it's not swarming with people and surrounded by sculptures, plants, cars, and any other exhibit they have going on.

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The dream: Cottesloe Beach - This Perth attraction has one of the best sunsets in Australia, along the west coast.

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Reality: Cottesloe Beach - It is the most popular destination for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing, so you won't be alone. 

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The dream: Great Barrier Reef - A wonder of the world, its own full and beautiful ecosystem, and unique in every way.

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Reality: Great Barrier Reef - That is until all the humans spoil the view.

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The dream: Remarkable Rocks - Not too far from Adelaide is Kangaroo Island, and these incredible rock formations overlooking the water.

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Reality: Remarkable Rocks - It is possible to get some really great photos if wait a few hours until the people clear out.

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The dream: Sydney Harbour Bridge - An absolute Australian icon, both for Australians and foreigners.

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Reality: Sydney Harbour Bridge - So much so, that you can barely move trying to enjoy its view, especially on New Year's Eve.

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The dream: Great Ocean Road - Along this road you will come across the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and many other natural beauties.

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Reality: Great Ocean Road - But there is also a lot more road, than lookout points.

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The dream: Hamilton Island - Hamilton Island is the actual dream; surrounding by clear water, white sand and serenity.

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Reality: Hamilton Island - You also may hear the occasional bird or five. Cockatoos love picking at tourists leftovers and having a screeching match with the seagulls.

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The dream: Chapel Street - South Yarra and Prahran are a fashion hub of their own, with Chapel Street having some of the best clothing stores, bars and restaurants in Melbourne.

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Reality: Chapel Street - When you aren't waiting or having to dodge heaps of people just to get to your destination.

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