Will Modern Family join Mardi Gras?

What will be on Modern Family's Aussie itinerary? Tourism authorities are keen to offer suggestions. Source: Supplied

SWIMMING with crocs, bush tucker dining and joining Sydney's Mardi Gras festivities could be on Modern Family's Aussie to-do list when the show visits Australia.

As the sitcom heads Down Under to film a special vacation episode, state tourism authorities and event organisers are vying to be a part of the spotlight.

Qantas has announced a deal with the Emmy-winning show to film its first vacation episode outside of the US next month.

Where's your recommendation for the must-see Aussie tourist attraction for Modern Family? Post your suggestion below.

Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef are tipped to be front and centre as destinations for cast and crew, but other locations are lining up for a potentially lucrative visit.

And Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisers may be putting in a bid to have the cast stick around a little longer and play a role in the March 1 parade.

Will the Modern Family cast be attending Mardi Gras? Organisers are keeping mum. Picture: Phil Rogers Source: News Limited

"The Mardi Gras doesn't give out their secrets but the chances are if you've thought of it they have too," a spokesman said, when asked if an invitation would be extended to members of the cast.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson - who plays gay dad Mitchell and in real life, married his partner Justin Mikita in New York in July - has previously issued a challenge to Australia to legalise same-sex marriage.

Modern Family producers will visit Australia later this month to scout locations - and iconic Aussie attractions look set to star.

NT Tourism Minister Matt Conlan said a Down Under Modern Family episode wouldn't be complete without a visit to Australia's Outback.

Timika King and Remy Fowler in the cage of death at Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Helen Orr Source: News Limited

He suggested diving with crocodiles in the "Cage of Death" at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove, glamping at Bamurru Plains or riding on the back of a Harley around Uluru could provide a fitting backdrop for the show.

"I have no doubt that the cast and crew of Modern Family would love all the things you can do in the NT."

Other suggestions included:

• Walking, running or cycling the 10km distance around the base of Uluru, or climbing to its peak and witnessing unparalleled views of Australian Red Centre.

• Immersing themselves in the world oldest living culture and learn cultural dance, art, weaponry and bush tucker.

• Camel riding, quad-biking adventures, hot air ballooning, aerial fishing or dining under a billion stars.

English cricketers Graeme Swann and Jonny Bairstow during a team visit to Uluru. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

The Sunshine State is also vying for attention, with Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Leanne Coddington saying American visitors loved Queensland - in particular the Great Barrier Reef.

"The state boasts an array of world-class tourism destinations and experiences that would appeal to the contemporary family, cast and viewers," she said.

Ms Coddington said these included:

• The natural beauty of Queensland's Tropical North.

Oprah Winfrey cuddles koala Elvis at Hamilton Island Wildlife Park. Source: Supplied

• The romance of the Whitsunday Islands, such as a scenic flight over Heart Reef.

• The theme parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the Gold Coast, where they could cuddle a koala or feed a lorikeet.

• Swimming with turtles and dolphins along the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

• The adventure and quintessential Aussie heritage of a station-stay or digging for dinosaurs in Queensland's Outback.

Tourism Australia general manager corporate affairs Karen Halbert said Modern Family's visit was likely to have a positive effect on the tourism industy, following visits from other US celebs such as Oprah and Ellen.

"The plot line will no doubt be a closely guarded secret, but I'm sure many of our iconic attractions will end up playing a starring role and help generate fantastic international exposure

for Australia," she said.

An episode of the Ellen Show, filmed in Australia last March, helped drive a 22 per cent spike in inbound ticket sales from the US to Australia.

Oprah's visit to Australia in December 2010 to film three episodes - in a coup secured by Qantas and Tourism Australia - provided an extra $20 million boost to Austraila's tourism sector.

Mitchell and Cameron ask Pepper Saltzman to help plan their wedding in this episode of Modern Family. Courtesy ABC