tourist place in australia

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Jul 22, 2023

Australia is a land of dreams. According to Aboriginal legend, in the Dreamtime, the great spirits created its thriving coral reefs, luxuriant rainforests, and red-earthed deserts. Today, these spectacular ecosystems host some of the quirkiest wildlife on the planet and lure nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the globe.

Australia is also a land of staggering contrasts and spectacular beauty. Along the coast, you can explore vibrant cities, vast sand islands, and one of the planet's most awe-inspiring natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef. In the Outback, rugged national parks and remote deserts offer the ultimate travel adventures rich with Indigenous history.

Top it all off with a laid-back feel and friendly people, and it's no wonder Australia scores top billing on bucket lists around the world. Bring your travel dreams to life and plan the best places to visit with this list of the top attractions in Australia.

1. Sydney Opera House, New South Wales

2. great barrier reef marine park, queensland, 3. uluru-kata tjuta national park, northern territory, 4. sydney harbour bridge, new south wales, 5. blue mountains national park, new south wales, 6. melbourne's culture, victoria, 7. bondi beach, new south wales, 8. daintree national park, queensland, 9. k'gari (fraser island), queensland, 10. kakadu national park, northern territory, 11. great ocean road, victoria, 12. broome, western australia, 13. kangaroo island, south australia, 14. cradle mountain-lake st. clair national park, tasmania, 15. horizontal falls & the kimberley region, 16. train trips across the outback.

Mention "Sydney, Australia" and most people think of the Opera House. Shaped like huge shells or billowing sails, this famous building on Sydney's Bennelong Point graces the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the world's great architectural icons.

The location is stunning. Water surrounds the structure on three sides, and the Royal Botanic Gardens border it to the south.

Danish architect, Jørn Utzon won an international competition for its design but withdrew from the project after technical and financing problems. Construction was finally completed in 1973 at a cost of 10 times the original budget. By this time, Utzon had left the country, never returning to see his magnificent creation.

Today, you can enjoy a performance here, dine at one of the restaurants, or see the highlights of the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour. The structure encompasses theaters, studios, a concert hall, exhibition rooms, and a cinema.

Touring the interior of the Sydney Opera House is rewarding, but its striking architecture is perhaps best appreciated from a distance. One of the best sites to photograph this top Sydney tourist attraction is Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Better still, hop aboard a harbor cruise or ferry and capture a photo from the water as you glide past.

In 2023, the Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a packed calendar of special events. During your visit, be sure to check out the newly renovated Concert Hall, part of an almost $300-million "Decade of Renewal."

Author's Tips: If you're visiting Sydney in late May/early June, you can see the white sails of the opera house light up after dark at the Vivid Sydney festival each year.

You can't leave Australia without seeing the Great Barrier Reef. This World Heritage-listed natural wonder is one of the largest living structures on the planet . It's so vast, you can see it from outer space. For divers, snorkelers, island aficionados, and nature lovers, it's a bucket list destination .

In 1975, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established to protect its fragile ecosystems. These include more than 3,000 coral reefs; 600 continental islands, including the beautiful Whitsunday group ; 300 coral cays; and inshore mangrove islands.

One of the seven wonders of the natural world , the park stretches for 2,300 kilometers along the state of Queensland, on Australia's east coast (that's about the distance between Mexico and Vancouver).

Not surprisingly, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places to visit in Australia for diving and snorkeling. The astounding array of marine life includes soft and hard corals, more than 1,600 species of tropical fish, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays, and giant clams. Prefer to stay dry? You can see the reef from underwater viewing stations and glass bottom boats.

Travelers have many options for visiting the Great Barrier Reef . You can cruise around the islands, hop aboard a sightseeing flight, take day trips to the islands, or snorkel and dive the reefs. On the mainland, the main launching points for tours are Cairns , Port Douglas , and Airlie Beach .

Deep in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Uluru ( formerly Ayers Rock ), is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the country. The striking red monolith forms the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , a World Heritage Site jointly managed by Parks Australia and the traditional landowners, the Aṉangu people.

Uluru, meaning "shadowy place" in the local Aboriginal dialect, rises to a height of 348 meters from the surrounding plain. Most of its bulk is hidden beneath the Earth's surface.

Also in the park, about a 30-minute drive from Uluru, are the red dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (formerly called the Olgas). Equally impressive as their more famous neighbor, and often less crowded, they should not be missed while you are in the park. You can admire their beauty on the 2.6-kilometer-return trek to Walpa Gorge or the 7.4-kilometer Valley of the Winds circuit.

Prime time for photographing these striking landforms is at sunset, when visitors gather to watch the colors of Uluru and Kata Tjuta transform in the shifting light.

Note: In 2019, the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park board outlawed climbing Uluru out of respect for the Anangu people, the traditional owners. The best way to appreciate these sacred sites is on walks led by Aboriginal guides and rangers.

Along with the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's top architectural icons. Affectionately called "the Coathanger," this impressive feat of construction is the largest steel arch bridge in the world . It was completed in 1932, 40 years before the Sydney Opera House.

Rising 134 meters above the harbor, the bridge spans 500 meters, connecting Sydney's North Shore to the central business district. In addition to the pedestrian path, two railway lines extend over the bridge, as well as eight lanes for road traffic, and the direction of each lane can be switched to accommodate traffic flow.

One of the top things to do in Sydney is a guided ascent to the top of the bridge. Standing on its summit, connected only by a carabiner, you can breathe in spectacular 360-degree views of the harbor and city. It's a great way to truly appreciate the layout of the city as you gaze out over the fingers of water that snake their way into beautiful blue bays.

For an overview of the bridge's history and construction, visit the museum on the southeastern pier.

Fun fact: Paul Hogan, of Crocodile Dundee fame, worked as a painter on the bridge before rocketing to international stardom.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sydney

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , beautiful Blue Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise and a popular day trip from Sydney . It lies an easy 81-kilometer drive west of the city.

Named for the blue haze emanating from the many eucalyptus trees, this stunning park protects more than 664,000 acres of wilderness. On a visit here, you can explore dramatic gorges, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock paintings, and 140 kilometers of hiking trails.

The most famous attractions in Blue Mountains National Park are the towering sandstone rock formations called the Three Sisters . Other highlights include the Katoomba Scenic Railway , the world's steepest, which whisks passengers down the Jamison Valley through a cliff-side tunnel into an ancient rainforest; and the Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway, which all offer elevated views of the dense forests.

Hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in the park.

Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, is a popular stop on many Australian itineraries — especially for culture vultures. Galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops, and its distinctly European feel are the main draws of this sophisticated city on the Yarra River.

It's also a green city, with parks, gardens, and open spaces occupying almost a third of its total area.

The cultural highlights of Melbourne are many. Gape at the masterpieces at the National Gallery of Victoria , watch a performance at Arts Centre Melbourne , or head to Federation Square . Here, you can browse Australian artworks at the Ian Potter Gallery and learn about the nation's screen culture at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) .

Feel like getting back to nature? Follow the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens . And if sports culture is top of your agenda, catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground . In summer, cricket is the sport of choice; in winter, it's Australian Rules football.

Melbourne is also rich in history. You can see it in the Grand Victorian buildings funded by the Gold Rush, and you can feel it as you shop in the elegant arcades and Queen Victoria Market , which has been selling goods to Melburnians for over a century.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

Bronzed bodies, blond sand, backpackers, and surf — throw it all together and you get one of the world's most famous beaches. Only 15 minutes by car from Sydney's city center, Bondi Beach is a great spot for a taste of Sydney's beach culture. Bask on the golden sands, surf the breaks, or take a cool dip on a hot summer's day (but stay between the flags).

Few cities in the world lay claim to such an enticing slice of sand and sea so close to the city. No wonder it's one of Sydney's best beaches . And you'll find some history here, too: Bondi hosts one of the oldest Surf Life Saving Clubs in the world .

Away from the shore, you'll find plenty of things to do in Bondi. Take a stroll along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. It begins at the southern end of the beach and follows the coastline for six scenic kilometers along sandstone cliffs. You can also hunt for bargains at the Sunday markets or swim some laps in the ocean pool. And if you work up an appetite, you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.

One of the best places for a meal with a view at Bondi Beach is the famous Icebergs dining room. The menu spotlights modern Italian cuisine, and you can enjoy a meal of fresh-cooked fish watching the waves wash over the ocean pool.

Bondi also has a wild side. Crowds of tourists and locals gather here to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. It's a favorite spot for travelers.

A word to the wise: If you're taking a dip at Bondi, make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags. Strong rip tides often sweep unsuspecting swimmers out to sea, especially at the southern end of this kilometer-long strand. There's a reason the Aussies made a reality TV show called Bondi Rescue .

A Wet Tropics World Heritage Area , Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland is among the most ancient ecosystems on Earth. The area belongs to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, and many of its natural features hold great spiritual significance.

The park encompasses two main sections: Mossman Gorge, where crystal-clear waters gush over granite boulders, and Cape Tribulation, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia. Here, rainforest meets reef along the white sandy beaches of the Coral Sea. This stunning stretch of coast is one of the few places in the world where two of the planet's richest ecosystems converge.

The park's astounding biodiversity includes more than 18,000 plant species and a vast array of animal species, including the cassowary, crocodile, giant blue Ulysses butterfly, and the secretive Bennett's tree kangaroo.

The resort town of Port Douglas just south of the park, is a great base to arrange wilderness safaris into the park.

World Heritage-listed K'Gari (Fraser Island) is one of the most unique places to visit in Australia. Sitting between Bundaberg and Brisbane off Australia's east coast, this is the largest sand island in the world . Here, you'll find seemingly endless stretches of sand and sea, turquoise lakes, emerald rainforests, rippling dunes, and fascinating wildlife.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? A 4WD trip along its surf-thrashed shores is one of Australia's top outdoor adventures . Along windswept Seventy Five Mile Beach , you can see the rusted hulls of shipwrecks, the colored sandstone cliffs of The Cathedrals , and the bubbling fish-filled rock pools called Champagne Pools .

Thirty years ago, you could drive for miles and not see another soul. Today the beach can feel like a sandy highway, with a steady stream of 4WD vehicles and tourist buses plying the sands.

Venturing inland on the rugged tracks is a good way to escape the beach traffic during the peak summer months. Highlights include crystal-clear freshwater creeks and lakes, some fed by springs, others perched amid towering sand dunes; and ancient rainforests filled with an amazing diversity of plants and animals.

Sharks, dolphins, and whales swim these waters, and on land, you can see dingoes, bats, sugar gliders, and more than 300 species of birds.

Nature lovers will find plenty of other things to do on K'Gari Fraser Island . Hop aboard a whale watching trip, take a sunset cruise, hike the rainforest trails at Central Station , float down Eli Creek, or soar over the striking landscapes on a scenic flight.

Access to Fraser Island is by ferry from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay , the two main gateway towns. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential, as the island has no sealed roads.

When it comes to wilderness areas, Kakadu National Park showcases the best of Australia. Covering more than 19,840 square kilometers in the Northern Territory, it's the second-largest national park in the world .

Within its borders, you can explore monsoon rainforests, mangrove swamps, rivers, gorges, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and waterfalls.

Kakadu is also home to an astounding diversity of wildlife. In addition to the many mammals, reptiles, and fish, more than 300 different species of birds make their home here, and both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles lurk in the wetlands.

To explore the park's diverse ecosystems, hop aboard a cruise along the waterways, or hike the vast network of trails. You can also take a scenic flight.

Visiting Kakadu National Park from Darwin is easy during the dry season. It's about a three-hour drive from the Northern Territory capital. In the wet season (Nov-April), many roads and attractions close due to heavy flooding, but the waterfalls and wetlands can be at their best.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia's Northern Territory

Great Ocean Road is one of the world's top scenic drives. Built to provide employment during the Depression, the road stretches for 300 kilometers along Australia's rugged southeast coast, winding along plunging sea cliffs. It stretches from the surfing town of Torquay to the town of Allansford , near Warrnambool .

One of the top attractions of Great Ocean Road is Port Campbell National Park . This is where you can see the wind- and wave-sculpted rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles , London Bridge , the Arch , and Loch Ard Gorge . From the air, these rock formations look like giant puzzle pieces adrift along the coast, lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean.

You'll find plenty of rewarding things to do along Great Ocean Road. Stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum at Torquay, surf the famous swells at Bells Beach, linger in the seaside resort of Lorne, or go whale watching in Warrnambool .

Nature lovers will also enjoy exploring the eucalyptus forests, fern-filled rainforests, hiking trails, and waterfalls in Otway National Park .

Author's Tip: If you're short on time, my favorite way to experience Great Ocean Road is on a helicopter ride along the coast. Gazing down at the giant rock formations carved from the coast by wind and water is a humbling experience. Lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean, the rock formations look like giant puzzle pieces adrift on a turbulent sea.

Broome, in Western Australia's north, was once the pearl capital of the world. Today, it's a booming tourist town and the gateway to the spectacular Kimberley region.

Broome's star tourist attraction is Cable Beach. This seemingly endless stretch of white sand and turquoise water is one of Australia's best beaches , and riding camels at sunset is one of the most popular things to do here.

Tourists also flock to Town Beach to witness the Staircase to the Moon. This phenomenon occurs during certain conditions between March and October, where the moonlight creates an optical illusion of steps leading to the moon.

Other Broome highlights include the red cliffs of Gantheaume Point, and the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, where you can get up close to crocs, cassowaries, and kangaroos. If you're looking for things to do in town, you can brush up on some local history at the Broome Historical Museum or catch a movie in a deck chair under a star-studded sky at Sun Pictures.

Pearl farm tours, whale watching trips, and Kimberley adventures are also high on the things-to-do list in Broome.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Western Australia

Nature takes center stage at Kangaroo Island. On this unspoiled island off South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, kangaroos hop along the powdery shores, sea lions and penguins frolic in the crystal-clear waters, and koalas cling to the fragrant eucalyptus trees.

Diving is also excellent. You can spot sea dragons in the temperate waters, and dive shipwrecks off the island's coast.

Kangaroo Island's top attractions are made by Mother Nature. See the striking, wind-sculpted rock formations, known as the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park . Explore vast cave systems. Surf towering dunes and look for wildlife on scenic hiking trails along soaring sea cliffs and through pristine forests.

Foodies, too, will be in heaven. Creamy cheeses, Ligurian honey, and fresh seafood grace the plates in local restaurants.

To get here, you can fly direct to the island from Adelaide, or catch a ferry from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Kangaroo Island is recovering well from the 2020 bushfires. In fact, several new eco-friendly lodges are slated to open here in 2023.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Australia

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is one of Tasmania's tourism treasures and a nirvana for nature lovers. Sparkling lakes, serrated dolerite peaks, alpine heathland, and dense forests characterize the raw, glacier-carved wilderness here. One of the park's most distinctive features is the 1,616-meter Mount Ossa , the highest point in Tasmania.

As you might expect, hiking here is fantastic. Favorite trails include the Weindorfer Walk , a six-kilometer loop through dense forests, and Lake Dove Walk , with breathtaking vistas of Cradle Mountain (1,545 meters). Stand on the summit of Cradle Mountain, and you can soak up stunning views of the central highlands. Experienced hikers can also tackle the famous 80-kilometer Overland Track , which runs south from Cradle Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair , Australia's deepest lake.

While you're exploring the park, keep an eye out for Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, pademelons, and platypus among the many species of weird and wonderful wildlife.

Adventures abound in the Kimberley. Covering Australia's northwest corner, this remote and rugged region of red rocks, gaping gorges, scorched deserts, and cliff-fringed coast is ripe for exploring.

One of the top adventures in the Kimberley is the Horizontal Falls. Powerful tides of up to 11 meters gush through two narrow gorges, creating this jaw-dropping phenomenon. Hop aboard a jet boat and zoom across the sea through the seething falls.

Broome is the gateway. From here, you can soar along scarlet sea cliffs and gaze down upon the 800-plus islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Fly farther north to the wild beaches of Cape Leveque, and visit remote pearl farms and Aboriginal communities. Take a 4WD safari along the Gibb River Road , one of Australia's most famous 4WD tracks.

The Kimberley is also home to the spectacular Mitchell Falls and UNESCO-listed Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park . These spectacular beehive-shaped rock formations were only discovered in 1983. Hike the trails, visit sacred Aboriginal ceremonial sites and rock paintings, or soar over the park on a scenic flight and visit the Argyle Diamond mine.

Driving through the Outback can be tough logistically — the distances are vast across this sun-scorched desert region, and you can drive for days without seeing another soul. But gliding through on a luxury train makes exploring Australia's red-hot heart a breeze. It's also a great way to see multiple Aussie attractions in one trip.

You have several train trips to choose from depending on where you want to go. One of the best is the Indian Pacific , Australia's longest train journey. This four-day luxury train trip travels between Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, whisking you across three states in four days.

Highlights include the Blue Mountains, Broken Hill's art galleries, South Australia's pink lakes, the seemingly neverending Nullabor Plain, and a series of mouthwatering foodie experiences. You can also upgrade your experience with a post-trip tour of vibrant Perth.

Hop aboard The Ghan for another iconic Aussie train trip. From the comfort of a luxury cabin, you can gaze out on the elemental beauty of the desert, while you traverse some of the most remote areas in Australia, including the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy and the Flinders Ranges. Choose between three different routes : Adelaide to Darwin (three days and two nights), Adelaide to Alice Springs (two days and one night), or Darwin to Alice Springs (two days and one night). All these trips can also be taken in reverse.

And if a shorter trip is more your style, opt for the Spirit of the Outback . This 26-hour journey travels from Brisbane to Longreach , in Outback Queensland, where you can delve into some Aussie nostalgia at heritage mining towns like Blackwater and Emerald and visit the Stockmen's Hall of Fame in Longreach.

More on Australia

8 of the best places to visit in Australia

Dec 3, 2023 • 8 min read

Narrow down the places you want to go with this guide to Australia © Nigel Killeen / Getty Images

Being tasked with choosing the best places to visit in Australia  is no easy assignment.

There is no shortage of spectacular places that could make the potential shortlist, from culturally diverse cities with rich Aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years, to the Great Barrier Reef and the raw outback landscapes in between.

Unless you’ve got months – or even years – to spare, the country’s immense scale and the sheer diversity of experiences on offer means it’s impossible to do it all in one trip. That’s why we’ve rounded up just eight of Australia’s best places to go to help you make your own shortlist – and maybe even give you reasons to visit more than once.

1. The Red Centre, Northern Territory

Australia’s most iconic outback experience

Nothing will take your breath away like a trip to the red heart of Australia in the Northern Territory . Here you can watch the sunset over Uluru – arguably the world’s most famous monolith, and spiritually significant site to the Anangu people – or be inspired by the sheer size of the 36 red domes at nearby Kata Tjuta, within the same national park. The desert’s natural beauty is only further enhanced by  immersive art installations , like the new Wintjiri Wiru experience at Uluru (which tells part of an Anangu sacred story using more than 1100 drones), Bruce Munro’s Field of Light and the Light-Towers at King’s Canyon. 

While there are plenty of adventure activities, like scenic flights and camel riding, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the world’s oldest continuously living culture. Walking tours and art lessons led by First Nations guides can be found near Uluru and Watarrka National Park.

Planning tip: Accommodation in the Red Centre, including campsites, is limited during the peak visitor season of June to September. Book ahead for tours and to secure accommodation.

2. Northern Rivers region, New South Wales

Best for exploring back roads

Bohemian Byron Bay – which has become a favorite destination for celebrities and backpackers alike – is probably the best known destination in northern New South Wales. But it’s just a small part of the Northern Rivers region. Head inland towards the hinterlands and you’ll find quaint villages and laid-back towns equally worth exploring. You can swim in Killen Falls, wander through the charming community of Newrybar, or sample the goods at the surrounding macadamia plantations and from farmgate stalls.

One experience not to miss is the Tweed section of Northern Rivers Rail Trail , which opened in 2023. The 24km (15-mile) abandoned railway corridor connects the region’s historic villages, best explored by bike.

Planning tip: Visit Mullumbimby Farmers Market on a Friday morning. Held at the showgrounds, you’ll be supporting micro-farmers and rubbing shoulders with locals.

3. Sydney, New South Wales

Australia’s best city for outdoor activities

Sydney  is rightfully considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities, where the natural splendor of  cityside beaches collides with incredible urban architecture, including the Opera House . It owes much of its good looks to its massive natural harbor, which is surrounded by a blend of skyscrapers, national parks and multimillion dollar homes.

During the summer, you can cool off at one of the eastern beaches (such as perennial favorite, Bondi ) or in one of the harbor’s 20 sheltered swimming spots. Try Marrinawi Cove, a new terraced sandstone swimming spot. Since opening in 2023 at  Barangaroo , it’s been widely embraced by nearby office workers on their lunch breaks.

In the winter, don’t miss seeing the harbor lit up for Vivid Festival . The foreshore is transformed into a canvas for light installations and projections. The cooler daytime temperatures also make this the perfect time of year to take on the Sydney Loop walk, which covers 26km (16 miles) of Harbour foreshore.

Planning tip: Don’t miss a journey to  Manly  from Circular Quay on the ferry . It's an incredibly budget-friendly way to explore the harbor, taking in Parliament House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. 

4. K'gari, Queensland 

Best for off-grid adventuring 

With a return to its traditional name in 2023, K’gari – the world’s largest sand island – has seen a surge of visitors keen to connect with Indigenous Butchulla culture. Formerly known as Fraser Island, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is rich in history and culture, but it’s also one of Australia’s best 4WD adventures.

Abounding in natural attractions, this is where you can swim in the crystal clear waters of Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie, spot dingos playing on the beach, or relax in a natural ocean spa at the Champagne Pools. Visitors can camp, stay in one of the island’s resorts or even walk nearly the full length of the island on the 90km (56 mile) K’gari Great Walk . Whatever option you choose, you’ll soon understand why “K’gari” translates to “paradise.”

Planning tip: Always carry a list of tide times, as access to some of K’gari’s most popular spots is tide dependent. The sand on the island is deep and soft, so if you’re not familiar with driving a 4WD, it may be best to book a tour with a local operator.

5. Melbourne

Best Australian city for nightlife

Melbourne is a 24-hour city, and come nightfall, the party gets started. Hit the laneway bars for drinks and bites, and don’t miss a live show: iconic St Kilda  music venue the Espy offers three stages for live acts. Meanwhile over in Collingwood, the Tote is so beloved that locals crowdfunded to keep it open.

Melbourne is also famous for its comedy clubs. Check out Spleen Bar  or  Basement Comedy Club , or time your visit to coincide with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival , held every autumn (March to April).

When the gigs are done, settle in for a drink at one of Melbourne’s signature late-night bars like Nick & Nora's and Cherry Bar , or if you’re feeling hungry, fill up at Stalactites .

Planning tip: Melbourne has a specific set of Night Network trains, trams and buses , which operate on Friday and Saturday nights to make sure you can get from bar to bar safely and back home again with ease.

6. Margaret River, Western Australia

Best for wineries and adventure

From New South Wales to South Australia , Australia is spoiled for wine regions. What sets Western Australia’s  Margaret River apart is that its food and wine offerings are complemented by incredible natural attractions. Located just south of Perth , this corner of Australia is considered one the world’s biodiversity hot spots. It has a high concentration of endemic species, including numbats (a marsupial with behavior similar to a meerkat), Western ringtail possums and around 8000 species of vascular plants, 80% of which are found nowhere else on earth. 

The wine is just as notable, with roughly 95 wineries producing award-winning sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, semillon and chardonnay. And when you need to work off all the food and drink, you can paddle out in the legendary southwesterly swell at some of state’s best surf beaches, go deep underground on a tour of the region’s limestone cave systems, or walk a portion of the 123km (76-mile) Cape to Cape track along the coast.

Planning tip: Learn more about the traditional owners of the land, the Wadandi (Saltwater) people at Koomal Dreaming , which offers guided walks and food experiences.

7. Kangaroo Island

The best place for an Australian wildlife safari

Just across the water from Adelaide is Kangaroo Island (KI), a haven for wildlife, including its namesake kangaroos alongside wallabies, koalas, echidnas and platypus. You can watch the island’s little penguins waddle to their dens at Penneshaw and see (and smell) the world’s third-largest sea lion colony lounge amongst the limestone cliffs at Seal Bay Conservation Area . If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the endangered glossy black cockatoo with their red tails, or the exceptionally shy Kangaroo Island dunnart, a type of tiny marsupial endemic to the island. 

KI isn’t just a refuge for wild things; though. It’s also home to countless local producers , including distilleries, wineries and beekeepers, the latter of whom produce honey made from the only purebred Ligurian bee colony left in the world. Needless to say, there’s a reason we named it one of the best places to visit in 2024 .

Planning tip: Many of Kangaroo Island’s native species, including kangaroos, are more active at night. As such, it’s advisable to avoid driving at this time.

8. Tasmania

Best for igniting all the senses 

Home to a thriving festival scene, a world-class art gallery and an unbridled wilderness adored by nature lovers, Tasmania is one of Australia’s most diverse destinations, capable of stimulating all your senses.

Here, you can taste whisky at Lark Distillery , Australia’s first carbon-neutral distillery on Hobart ’s waterfront, eat freshly shucked oysters on Bruny Island , or dine at restaurants like Stillwater in Launceston , a UNESCO City of Gastronomy (one of only roughly 50 world cities to earn this accolade).

You can see weird and wonderful art at the controversial Mona (Museum of Old and New Art). You can hear international music at the popular Dark Mofo and Mona Foma winter and summer festival. You can feel the ground beneath your feet as you explore one of the state’s hiking trails. And you can smell the fresh sea air while on a boat tour around some of the world’s highest sea cliffs . 

Planning tip: Renting a car can be tricky during Tasmania’s busy summer season, so it pays to book ahead. Likewise, if you plan to take the car ferry from the mainland , the route often sells out. Bookings may be made up to 11 months in advance.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated December 2023

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The 25 most incredible places to see in Australia

Not sure where to begin with the Great Southern Land? Here are the must-sees for 2024

Call us biased, but we reckon Australia is one of the most astonishing and varied places to explore on Earth. A sizeable place – (you know, continent-sized), it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to working out how to tackle the Great Southern Land – but that's where we come in.

From turquoise beaches with sugar white sand, to ancient tropical rainforests, to flaming red deserts, to buzzy metropolitan cities, we've picked out the 25 most incredible places you should visit in Australia. 

No matter who you are, or what you like, rest assured – there's something on this list for everyone. 

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25 best places in Australia in 2024

1.  Uluru and Kata Tjuta, NT

The red centre in the Northern Territory is truly Australia's sacred heart, and nothing is quite so sacred or spectacular as Uluru, in Kata Tjuta National Park. On the ancestral lands of the  A n angu people, Uluru has had immense spiritual importance for Australia's First Nations people. In all types of light, weather and seasons, Uluru is magnificent. You can walk around its immense red base and hear stories from Indigenous guides – but climbing is very much not allowed. While you're there, drive 40 minutes to Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) for another remarkable and magnificent red rock formation that's imbued with ancient secrets and deep spiritual meaning.  Considered a living, breathing landscape, Uluru and Kata Tjuta are places that will stay with you long after you've left.

2.  Blue Mountains, NSW

A hop, skip and a jump west of Sydney lies the Blue Mountains region. Named for the mysterious blue mist (generated from the thousands of gum trees, actually) that hugs this immense landscape, this remarkably special spot manages to combine incredible nature with cosy eateries, impeccable accomodation  and delightful boutique shops. In summer, explore the region's many pristine waterholes and waterfalls, and in winter, rug up for cosy walks, followed by a meal out at one of these incredible restaurants.  Whether you like glow-worm grottos or day spas , this perfect weekend away from Sydney can be whatever you want it to be. 

3.  Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef, WA

The sleepy coastal town of Exmouth is adjacent to the Cape Range National Park and the 300 kilometre Ningaloo Reef – a region that is drop-dead gorgeous and brimming with vitality. Located about 1,270 kilometres north of Perth (around a 15-hour drive or two-hour flight to nearby Learmouth), Exmouth is a nature lover’s playground with one of the longest fringing reefs on the planet, meaning in many places the coral comes right up to the beach. You can swim with whale sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless filter feeders that can grow up to 18 metres in length), spot a black-footed rock wallaby at Yardie Creek or take a guided walk through the fossil-crusted Mandu Mandu Gorge, which has been inhabited by humans for about 30,000 years.

4.  Kangaroo Island, SA

Recently named as the world's second-best 'must visit' region by Lonely Planet, Kangaroo Island (also known as  Karta Pintingga)  is pretty special. Full of pristine beaches, this open-air wildlife sanctuary is perfect for all those keen on seeing native Aussie animals at their happiest in the wild. With perfect beaches, seal colonies, cuddly koalas and a seriously delicious local food and wine scene, this third-largest island in Australia is a fail-safe place for good times. Plus, its home to a beach that took out Tourism Australia's prize for best beach in the nation in 2023 .

5.  Kakadu National Park, NT

A certified UNESCO World Heritage site, Kakadu National Park is certainly one of Australia’s most incredible national parks. The fringe of the park is about a two-hour drive from Darwin, where it sits on the traditional lands of the Bininj/Mungguy people. Pro tip: Kakadu is best explored at your own pace by car. It’s actually Australia’s largest national park (it covers more than 20,000 square kilometres), so you’ll need some time to discover it all properly. Take a peek at the 200 metre Jim Jim Falls waterfall; go for a swim at Gunlom, the crystal-clear infinity rock pool made famous in Crocodile Dundee ; hike your way through the 30-odd walking trails that sweep across Kakadu; or take your 4WD out for a spin towards the crown of the park, Jarrangbarnmi (also known as the stunning Koolpin Gorge).

6.  The Whitsundays, QLD

Think you have to go to the Maldives for a slice of paradise? Australia’s got its very own paradise ready and waiting in the Whitsundays. This collection of 74 islands is located right next to the northeast coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Most of the islands are uninhabited, and you’ve probably seen  secluded, long white stretches of beach and gorgeous landmarks like Heart Reef on your Instagram feed. If that’s not enough to entice you to pay a visit, the average daily temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. Enough said.

7.  Lord Howe Island, NSW

Rugged, tropical and seriously beautiful, Lord Howe is a destination that we all want to try at least once in our lives. With just 400 visitors allowed at any one time and no mobile reception here, you’ll have space to breathe as you visit incredible natural attractions and mingle with the hundreds of animal species that call this island home. Whether it's exploring secret beaches, swimming with rainbow fish or eating incredible food, this is paradise – in all senses of the word.

8.  Eyre Peninsula, SA

Considering a whopping 65 per cent of Australia's seafood comes from this pristine bit of coastline that lines the Great Australian Bight in Southern Australia, you can bet your bottom dollar that if you like fish, this should be on your Australia travel list. From swimming with sea lions, to exploring pristine beaches, to foraging for your own oysters, Eyre has it all. You can fly into one of the region's three airports from Adelaide, and then hire a car to explore the long stretches of remote and stunning coastline on the way. You'll just need a roadworthy vehicle, and a ravenous appetite for good times – and even better seafood.

9.  The Kimberley, WA

If adventure is your favourite thing, look no further than the wild reaches of the Kimberley in Western Australia. Whether you do it by roadtrip, cruise or helicopter, this vast and incredible region is full of ancient Indigenous and geological history, glorious waterways and towering red rocks. A particular highlight is the shocking pink waters of Lake Hillier. Three times bigger than England, this is an absolutely huge area of land, so we recommend doing it either with a tour, or with someone who knows what they're doing.

10.  Kings Canyon, NT

Considered one of the most epic hikes in the world, this surprising oasis in the middle of the Central Australian desert is bound to astound you. Towering red rocks, a magenta-hued moonscape and a secret waterhole in the middle of hundreds of kilometres of orange sand await you at this very sacred place. The six kilometre walk around the rim of this incredibly impressive place is fairly easy for a range of fitness levels – but just beware of the steep stair scramble at the very beginning.

11.  Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), WA

Just a zippy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 90 minutes from the Perth CBD), Rottnest Island is one of Western Australia's greatest gems. Also known by its local Aboriginal name, Wadjemup, and ‘Rotto’ by locals, it’s an essential addition to any WA itinerary.  Out of towners may know Rottnest for its friendly population of quokkas, but the island is also home to the most incredible azure blue waters you’ll come across, and nowadays, it has a selection of top-notch eateries and luxe accommodation, as well as camping grounds, cafés and low-key restaurants for the budget-conscious

12.  Bruny Island, TAS

With its incredibly pure air and unspoilt wilderness, Bruny Island is reachable via a 20-minute ferry journey from the town of Kettering. With just a few hundred human residents, it’s also home to an abundance of wildlife, including fairy penguins, white wallabies and swift parrots. Frolic on remote beaches, do incredible hikes and spot dolphins and wales jumping in the clear waters of the Tasman Sea. On top of that, you eat. Whether it's fresh oysters from Get Shucked or oozing cheeses and chilled glasses of vino from the Bruny Island Cheese Company, it's guaranteed you will not leave empty (stomach, or soul). 

13.  The Daintree Rainforest, QLD

This ancient rainforest is the traditional country of the Kuku Yalanji people. For an estimated 5,000 years, the Indigenous people of the Daintree have been coexisting with the environment and imbuing the land with dreaming. Referring to the rainforest as ‘Madja’ (elder), the Kuku Yalanji are the custodians of invaluable knowledge of the prehistoric flora and fauna. The Daintree is full of sacred sites and you can experience some of these with permission. This  verdant paradise features movie-cool waterfalls, clear blue lakes, sunlight shimmering through the trees, tropical vegetation and exotic wildlife. 

14.  Byron Bay, NSW

Whether you know for its hippie days of old, or for being home to Chris Hemsworth, Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers region of NSW is inarguably stunningly beautiful. A barefoot, beachside town that is also a whale and dolphin sanctuary, Byron offers up stunning beaches, gorgeous green rolling hills and epic coastal walks galore. On top of all the astounding nature is world-class food, incredible coffee, an abundance of boutique shops, and a year-round holiday feel. Although now more gentrified and expensive than it's ever been, Bryon has a particular kind of magic that even the most cashed-up influencers cannot take away. 

15.  Melbourne City, VIC

All the stereotypes about Melbourne are true: everyone wears black, everyone is coffee obsessed , and there are far too many rooftop bars for a city with such temperamental weather. But the best thing about Melbourne is that it’s full of secrets to discover. Whether it’s a hidden laneway bar , a ten-storey shopping adventure or an underground theatre space, most things worth visiting are within easy reach (and cheap as chips to get to, thanks to the city-wide free tram zone).

16.  The Sapphire Coast, NSW

If glittering blue waters are your shtick, the Sapphire Coast on NSW's southern coastal border should be on your Australia travel list. Not a known tourist hot spot (probably because it takes up to five hours to drive down here from Sydney), this stretch of oceanic paradise and rugged, unspoilt nature is what postcard dreams are made of. Whether it's guzzling fresh oysters and swimming with seals in Narooma , walking on the world's whitest sand at Hyams , eating just-caught seafood in Eden and succulent cheeses from dairies in Bega and Tilba, or just swimming in crystal clear waters at pretty much every beach along the way, you can best believe that this trip is pretty priceless.

17.  Sydney City, NSW

Everyone knows Sydney packs a punch when it comes to spectacular views and thrilling activities. A blue-water city through and through, this buzzing metropolis is a one-stop holiday destination that has something for pretty much everyone. From incredible beaches , to hot and happening new bars , cafés , and restaurants , to colourful cultural happenings , to secluded bushwalks , this city has it all, no matter your poison. 

18.  Tasmanian Mainland, TAS

It’s easy to understand the allure of Australia’s southernmost state. For one thing, 40 per cent of Tasmania is preserved as national parks and world heritage wilderness. Drive 20 minutes outside the state’s major cities (Hobart and Launceston) and you can walk in emerald bushlands, discover hidden waterfalls, or lounge on an exquisite and remote beach . But Tasmania isn’t just for nature fans. There’s extraordinary food, gin and whisky distilleries, wildlife sanctuaries (where you’ll meet endangered Tasmanian devils), cool-climate wineries, wild festivals ,  and a world-class art museum in the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) .

19.  The Dorrigo Rainforest and Bellingen, NSW

If impossibly lush, emerald hills, ancient rainforests and sparkling freshwater swimming holes are your idea of a good time, look no further than exploring the hidden wonders of inland Northern NSW. The Dorrigo rainforest is a World Heritage-listed pocket of wilderness left over from Gondwana. Packed with oodles of accessible day walks, this is a remarkable place to see rainforest birds, dip into water holes and even walk through the tree canopy. Drive 30 minutes away to Bellingen, an artistic country town that's packed full of incredible local food, buzzy bars and some of the most perfect swimming spots you've ever seen. 

20.  The Great Ocean Road, VIC

Justifiably one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, the Great Ocean Road snakes all along the southwest coast of the state, starting in Torquay (1.5 hours from the CBD) and finishing up just before Warrnambool. This winding stretch of road provides ample opportunity to reconnect with the ocean, the bush and the sounds and sights of nature whether driving, walking, horseriding, surfing, sailing or cycling. From stunning beaches, to cascading waterfalls , to upmarket dining, to the wonders of the Twelve Apostles , there are plenty of adventures to be had. 

21.  The Snowy Mountains, NSW

If you're a snow bunny and are keen to come Down Under and hit the slopes, you're in luck (so long as it's winter, and there's been snow). Up high in the Australian Alps is the aptly named 'Snowy Mountain' region of NSW. Also accessible from Canberra and Melbourne, this rugged and mountainous region has a special beauty, no matter the season. In winter, ski at one of the many snow resorts up high, and in summer, head up for cool climate hikes, freezing swims and cosy eats.

22.  The Great Barrier Reef, QLD

It's a classic for a reason. A UNESCO world heritage icon, people come from all over the world to witness the rainbow wonders of the biggest coral reef on Earth. Although threatened by climate change, the Great Barrier Reef continues to offer up a watery magic that has to be swum in to be believed.  Whether you’re a hardcore scuba diver, novice snorkeller or want to see the GBR via a fancy glass-bottomed boat, there are multiple ways to explore it . Just make sure you wear reef-safe sunscreen. The turtles will thank you. 

23.  Broken Hill, NSW

There are few places in Australia, or indeed the world, as fascinating, complex and unexpected as Broken Hill. Founded on the richest lead, zinc and silver orebody ever discovered, a mining rush in the 1880s made it one of the most prosperous settlements in Australia’s early colonial days. In more recent years, blockbuster movies have been filmed here, including Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Mad Max 2 , making it a tourism hotspot for a diverse range of travellers, from dystopian movie buffs to drag aficionados. 

24.  The Barossa Valley, SA

The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine-producing regions, so if you’re a fan of vino, this is the place to visit. You’ll find it 50 minutes northeast of Adelaide, and there are more than 150 wineries and 80 or so cellar doors to explore. The region primarily focuses on big reds (mostly shiraz and cab sav), but you’ll also find a healthy selection of grenache, riesling and chardonnay. Big Australian wineries like Penfolds, Yalumba and Jacob’s Creek are located here, but we’d recommend visiting smaller producers like Charles Melton and Rockford Wines if you’re after true Aussie hospitality. 

25.  The Southern Highlands, NSW

Feel like harking back to simpler times? The Southern Highlands is the ultimate genteel getaway: full of quaint villages, winding walking trails, and Federation-era pubs for a drink along the way. Explore the lush idyllic hills of Kangaroo Valley, and take in the sprawling Minnamurra rainforest centre on the way. For lunch, the village of Bowral punches well above its weight when it comes to the region's culinary scene. For country coziness just a stone's throw from Sydney, wander up to the Highlands for a cuppa. 

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31 of the Most Iconic Places to Visit in Australia

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: July 23, 2023

Australia is huge! Seeing it all in one trip probably won’t happen for most people. If you are like us, you’ll have to go back again and again. These iconic places to visit in Australia might help you know where to start when you travel next to the land down under. 

Table of Contents

The Best Places to Visit in Australia

When you plan your trip, you must choose what you want to see and where you want to go. If you do have the time to drive around the continent spending a year or so in a campervan , you may be able to check off all the iconic places to see in Australia that cannot be missed.

It may be the world’s smallest continent, but it’s ranked number 6 in the world by country size. So take your time, enjoy the ride, and check out all the amazing things to see in Australia. From Dreamtime walks to the heavenly apostles, the landmarks of Australia are awe-inspiring.

1. Great Barrier Reef

It may be Australia’s most famous attraction but with good reason! The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

Stretching 3000 km across the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is a diver’s dream. Whether you are an avid scuba diver , casual snorkeller or first-time underwater newbie, there is something for everyone at this popular tourist destination.

You don’t need to go scuba diving to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. A scenic flight is a spectacular way to see the wonder of the world. You can go snorkeling or swimming on one of the platforms in the ocean and you can even take a discovery dive.

You can book a liveaboard dive boat vacation to go out to the most remote dive sites of the reef, take a helicopter tour over the impressive waters, or you can try your hand at diving with a helmet. One of our favourite experiences. Plan your trip to the Great Barrier Reef with FlightCentre

2. Daintree Rainforest

Located in Queensland , the Daintree Rainforest is one of Australia’s natural wonders. At 180 million years old, it covers 1200 square km and visitors can take a Dreamtime walk with an Indigenous guide from the Kuku Yalanji Tribe.

Stay in the rainforest at Silky Oak Lodge and relax in your treehouse listening to the sounds of the ancient forest. You can also do some paddleboarding on the Mossman River. Don’t worry, the local saltwater crocodiles don’t come that far inland.

This rainforest is filled with beauty with waterfalls, plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities.

• Fun Fact : Daintree Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is twice as old as the Amazon Rainforest

3. Fraser Island

Fraser Island is one of the coolest Australian places to visit in Australia because of its 75-mile long beach! It’s one of the longest beaches in the world. Rent a four-wheel drive truck in the town of Noosa and start your adventure to one of the wildest drives you’ll ever have. It’s an island with sand dunes, dingos, tidal pools, and shipwrecks.

Oh and one more thing, drivers share the beach with airplanes! Yes, there is an airport right on the sandy shores. The white sand beaches of this island will take your breath away as you drive its coastline. There are hotels and resorts that you can book on the island to spend more time exploring. Read all about our trip at Fraser Island Tour – A 4X4 Adventure

4. Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are a group of 75 islands off the coast of Queensland. When visiting the Great Barrier Reef, you must spend some time here. These islands are located right in the heart of it! Beautiful white sandy beaches, swirl effortlessly with the turquoise water.

There are luxury resorts, sailing and snorkeling. A must stop is the largest and most famous of all the islands, Whitehaven Beach with pristine white sands made of silica beads stretching for 7km. Because this sand is made up of silica, it doesn’t get too hot making it the perfect beach for a walk.

5. Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a laid-back resort town in Queensland’s Tropical North. It’s the jumping off point for visiting the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest making it the perfect spot to spend a few days relaxing and exploring the beauty of Australia. Located along Australia’s most scenic coast, a road trip to Port Douglas is a must. See our s cenic flight from Port Douglas over the Great Barrier Reef.

Known as the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Cairnes is located about 1,700 kilometers north of Brisbane. Cairns enjoys a tropical climate and is nestled between the Coral Sea and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, offering a unique blend of marine and terrestrial attractions.

As a destination, Cairns offers a multitude of reasons for tourists to visit. As well as its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef — a must-visit for snorkelers, divers, and marine life enthusiasts — Cairns also provides easy access to the Daintree Rainforest. You can take a scenic railway journey to the village of Kuranda, experience indigenous culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, or simply enjoy Cairns’ excellent restaurants, bustling markets, and lively nightlife. The city’s Esplanade, with its saltwater swimming lagoon and waterfront boardwalk, is another major drawcard.

7. Gold Coast

Home to the world-famous Surfer’s Paradise, the Gold Coast of Australia offers an endless stretch beach with outstanding surf breaks. Highrise resorts and condos line the sand while beachgoers enjoy the many eateries and dining options.

You can enjoy surf lessons or you can simply rent a bike and ride to Currumbin Beach and Burleigh Head to watch the pro surfers catch a wave. For a great view, go to the Skypoint Observation Deck to take it all in from above.

8. Twelve Apostles

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne. A Drive to the coast takes you to the incredible Twelve Apostles .

For us, the Twelve Apostles were the most awe-inspiring of places to visit in Australia. But to really experience this rugged coast, you must do the Great Ocean Walk. It takes you along the coastal route that is impossible to see from a car. If you can, make sure to take a helicopter ride over the Apostles to really take in its beauty.

9. Melbourne

Melbourne is quite possibly the coolest city in Australia . I know it was our favourite. It has been named the most livable city in the world and it’s a great place for tourists too! Highlights include Queen Victoria Market, The Arcades and Secret Lanes, Eureka Square, Federation Skydeck and Graffiti Lane.

South Australia

10. kangaroo island.

Kangaroo Island is located off the coast of South Australia and is an incredible place in Australia to tour for a few days. It is a spectacular wildlife haven for kangaroos, koalas, sea lions and seals, and pelicans. There is even a Birds of Prey rehabilitation center where you can watch a show and learn about birds that are indigenous to the continent.

The landscape is beautiful here and at sunset, you must see the Remarkables; granite boulders have been sculpted into unique formations over 500 million years. Kangaroo Island is also home to what is considered by many as the best beach in Australia.

11. Wilpena Pound

Wilpena Pound is a giant 80 Square kilometer amphitheater of rock that is simply astounding. Located in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia, it’s a 450 km drive from Adelaide. A good place to stay is inside the National Park that is set within the backdrop of the mountains. Flinders Ranges is 100 million years old and a tour of the ancient landscape is truly fascinating.

It is also one of the best places in Australia to spy the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby. Check out our visit to the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound

12. Barossa Valley

Barossa Valley is home to Australia’s most famous vineyards. Here you can visit wineries such as Wolf Blass, Lehmann and Penfolds just to name a few. A tour through the valley will take you through gorgeous countryside and it is best to hire a driver so you can truly experience all the wines of Barossa. Located an hour outside Adelaide, it is a beautiful region to spend a few days.

South Australia boasts many Australia’s best wine regions outside of the Barossa Valley including, MaLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley.

13. Burra Homestead

Made famous by Midnight Oil’s record album cover Diesel and Dust, the Burra Homestea d has become an iconic stop for photographers in Australia. The homestead was abandoned by homesteaders years ago and still stands alone and empty by the side of the road. It’s easy to miss and we made quite the detour just to see it. Being huge fans of music, we just had to see this with our own eyes.

14. Lake Gairdner

Lake Gairdner is a Salt Lake in the Gawler Ranges of South Australia. It feels as if you have stepped on another planet when you visit the lake. The lake itself is an impressive sprawl of white landscape but being surrounded by the red hills of the Gawler Ranges make for the picture-perfect spot.

New South Wales

15. sydney opera house.

It’s definitely Australia’s most iconic building and seeing the Sydney Opera House dominate the Sydney Skyline does not disappoint. The Sydney Opera House opened in 1973 and has become Australia’s top tourist attraction.

We never went inside the opera house when visiting Sydney, but walking around it and taking in the views from the waterfront will remind you why this is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

• Side Note : I hear they are fixing the acoustics of the Opera House, so perhaps when we are back in Sydney, we’ll catch a concert.

16. Blue Mountains

Located just 50km (32 miles) from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are another famous view that attracts numerous visitors. The Three Sisters are the most iconic view of the Blue Mountains. Echo Point lookout offers an impressive view of the three sisters overlooking the Jamison Valley.

17. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Next, to the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another of the city’s iconic landmarks. It connects the CBD to the North Shore and is the biggest steel bridge in the world.

If you really want a thrill, you should do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. We ended up doing the Harbour Bridge Climb in Brisbane which was awesome, but I wish we mustered up enough energy to include Sydney’s Bridge too!

18. Bondi Beach

No visit to Australia would be complete without a stop at Bondi Beach. Located just 7km from Sydney’s central business district, it is one of Australia’s most iconic and celebrated beaches.

The beach itself, with its golden sands and turquoise waters, is an irresistible attraction. Known for its reliable surf, Bondi Beach draws surfers from around the globe, while the wide sandy stretch also provides ample space for sunbathing, beach volleyball, or simply enjoying the ocean view. The Bondi Icebergs Pool, a stunning ocean pool at the southern end of the beach, offers a unique swimming experience, with the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing over its sides.

Bondi Beach isn’t just about sand and surf; it’s also a hub for dining and shopping. Campbell Parade, the main street running parallel to the beach, is lined with trendy cafes, award-winning restaurants, and boutique stores. The beach is also the starting point for the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, which takes in some of Sydney’s most stunning ocean views.

19. Byron Bay

Nestled on the northeastern coast of New South Wales, Byron Bay artfully combines natural beauty with its laid-back culture. The town’s location, just about 800 kilometers north of Sydney and 170 kilometers south of Brisbane, Byron Bay is easily accessible from the major city centers. Framed by pristine, golden-sand beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Byron Bay’s geography is spectacular.

Byron Bay isn’t just renowned for its captivating landscapes, if you’re an outdoor lover you can surf the world-class breaks, kayak with dolphins, or embark on a trek to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the bay.

The Outback

20. south, west, north, and east australia.

The Outback covers a huge expanse of Australia touching nearly every state of the country. When visiting Australia, you cannot miss a trip to the Outback. We took a multi-day journey in South Australia with Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris and had the chance to truly experience all the wonders of Australia’s famous Outback.

From salt lakes to red sands and rock formations, you truly feel like a pioneer. While it is dry and arid, people do live on the Outback and there are homesteaders raising sheep among the kangaroos and emus.

Northern Territory

21. uluru-kata tjuta national parks.

One of the most famous sites of the Outback is Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) near Alice Springs. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Uluru is sacred to the indigenous people of the area. Standing 348 metres high it makes for an imposing site in contrast to the flat desert landscape. Spanning 3 1/2 km long and nearly 2 km wide, it is a popular stop on overland tours.

22. Kata Tjuta

The massive sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) are particularly striking, rising majestically from the flat desert landscape and changing hues with the passing of the day. The park offers numerous walking trails, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, that give visitors the opportunity to explore these wonders up close and experience the area’s rich biodiversity.

The cultural tours led by the Anangu guides provide deep insights into the ancient traditions, stories, and customs associated with these sacred sites, making a visit to the park a truly enriching experience.

23. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the Top End region of the Northern Territory. Roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Darwin, the park covers an impressive area of around 20,000 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Australia and about half the size of Switzerland.

The park is known for its diverse landscapes that range from wetlands and floodplains, to rugged escarpments and arid regions, creating a haven for a wide variety of wildlife. It’s home to over 280 bird species, numerous reptiles, and a large variety of fish.

Kakadu is also rich in Aboriginal culture, with rock art sites dating back thousands of years. Ubirr and Nourlangie are among the most visited rock art sites, where visitors can learn about the ancient indigenous culture and the spiritual connection to the land.

There are numerous guided tours available to explore the park and many walking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging hikes. One can also take a scenic flight over the park or a river cruise to witness its grandeur from different perspectives.

Perched at the top end of Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin is a captivating blend of modernity and untamed wilderness. This cosmopolitan city, strategically located on the Timor Sea offers the chance to immerse in indigenous culture and heritage. Nature lovers will be drawn to the city’s proximity to world-renowned national parks like Kakadu and Litchfield, which are brimming with diverse wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes.

For those in search of adventure, there’s an array of activities including cruising along the Mary River wetlands to spot saltwater crocodiles. And history buffs will be interested in diving into the city’s turbulent history at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Western Australia

25. hamelin bay stingrays.

According to Mr. and Mrs. Bucketlist, there is no better place to see stingrays than in Hamelin Bay. Located in the Margaret River Region, local stingrays frequent these waters to feed off local fishermen. The stingrays are so friendly, you can snorkel with them.

Plus, Hamelin Bay is picture perfect, so it’s a beautiful place to spend some time. Read about all the wildlife encounters you can have in Western Australia here  by Mr. and Mrs. Bucketlist

26. Pinnacles

If you are into unique landscapes, a visit to the Pinnacles of Nambung National Park is in order. Located about 200km from Western Australia’s capital, Perth, the Pinnacles are another one of those fascinating places to see in Australia.

The formations range to from heights of short stumps to pillars reaching 3 metres high, the Pinnacles are ancient formations formed when the landscape was underwater.

27. Cable Beach

Cable Beach is that place where you’ve seen all those images of camels walking in a silhouette at sunset, but probably never knew where it was. It isn’t Australia’s longest beach, but at 22km in length, it is nothing to sneeze at.

There are many tour companies that offer camel rides along the beach at sunset. Camels arrived in Australia from India in the 1800s to transport gear overland. The harsh Australian landscape proved to be a better environment for camels than horses and they helped shape the history of the continent.

28. Kimberly Region

The Kimberley region is one of Australia’s hidden treasures, located in the remote northern part of Western Australia. This vast, rugged wilderness area spans over 420,000 square kilometers, stretching from Broome in the west to Kununurra and Lake Argyle in the east, and from the Timor Sea in the north to the Great Sandy and Tanami deserts in the south.

The Kimberley is an adventurer’s dream, offering a wealth of unique and exhilarating experiences. It’s known for its breathtaking landscapes, ranging from dramatic gorges and waterfalls to ancient rock formations and lush rainforests. One of the region’s most iconic destinations is the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is known for its striking beehive-shaped towers. For those seeking aquatic adventures, there’s the opportunity to cruise the stunning Horizontal Falls or explore the bucolic waterways of the Ord River. The Kimberley is also steeped in indigenous history, with numerous sacred Aboriginal sites and some of the oldest rock art in the world.

29. Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, affectionately known as “Rotto”, is a small island located just off the coast of Western Australia, about 19 kilometers west of Fremantle. It is easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Perth, the state’s capital, and serves as a popular holiday destination for locals and international tourists alike.

The island is renowned for its beautiful beaches and secluded coves, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. With its vehicle-free policy, cycling is a popular way to explore the island’s scenic paths and trails. One of the island’s most famous residents is the quokka, a small marsupial found only in Western Australia. These adorable creatures are known for their friendly demeanor and photogenic smiles.

30. Wine Glass Bay

We haven’t been to Tasmania yet, but you cannot include an Australia Guide without mentioning Tasmania. We nearly went once two years ago and did a lot of research of top places to see in Tasmania. From Cradle Mountain to Hastings Caves and a chance to spy the Tasmanian Devil, it seems like the perfect off the beaten path destination.

We’ve had so many friends share their favourite places on Instagram, and the one place the stands out to us is Wine Glass Bay. We’re suckers for beautiful beaches.

31. Maria Island

Mapping Megan wrote an article for us about Maria Island located off of Tasmania. Her photo of these Wave Rocks caught our attention.

As Megan stated in her article:

“ We also took in the phenomenal Painted Cliffs – spectacular sandstone cliffs with wonderful honeycomb patterns formed through staining by iron oxide. While this kind of rock formation is not uncommon, it is rare for it to be so exposed and accessible for tourism. A 2 and a half hour hike from the main port in Darlington, the cliffs weren’t overrun by tourism as we had expected. In fact, there were only one or two other people exploring the area when we arrived.”

And there you have it! A list of the most amazing places to visit in Australia as well as a few we have yet to explore, but have been on our list for years!

Like Canada, India, China and The United States and Russia, Australia is massive and you cannot see it all in a lifetime, but it is certainly fun to try!

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by FlightCentre , all opinions remain our own. 

• The Best of Kangaroo Island
• G’Day Outrageous Australian Stereotypes Debunked
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• See our Full Australia Travel Guide for Travel Tips and Advice

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27 thoughts on “31 of the Most Iconic Places to Visit in Australia”

This engaging blog article from The Planet D showcases some of the best places to visit in Australia, providing an enticing glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions. As an experienced traveler with a passion for exploring new destinations, I found this article to be both informative and inspiring. The authors’ firsthand experiences and stunning photography bring each location to life, offering valuable insights and practical tips for planning an unforgettable Australian adventure. From the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the remote beauty of the Outback and the pristine beaches of the Whitsunday Islands, this comprehensive guide caters to every traveler’s interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or tranquil escapes, this article serves as a valuable resource for planning your next trip to Australia.

Love seeing some of my favourite Western Australian locations included in this list! A day trip to Rottnest Island should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting Perth especially.

Thank you for what you have shared with me. As an avid traveler, reading these tips will give you ideas for your upcoming trip to beautiful Australia.

Thanks for providing such a great post

Your work impress me to visit in Australia, I hope one day! Thanks a lot.

Great Country, with a big and beautiful city and yet also has this scenic view also. We have more options to go to Australia because we are of this beautiful scenery and also what you can get in the city. Thanks for sharing incredible posts that only a few know.

Wonderful word and amazing suff

I think that Australia is really a beautiful place to have your self-relaxed and just get lost in the beauty of nature. It is definitely on my bucket list.

Great cross section of the best places to see in Australia. Really relate to 7. Twelve Apostles! We drove a BMW 240i convertible (with the roof down) along the Great Ocean Road late last year. It’s a great way to experience this beautiful part of Australia.

I love this so much! I’m from Australia and always try to tell people that you’ll find the real beauty outside of the cities and these places are exactly what I mean. Cable beach is probably my favourite place on Earth and I love how you put the pinnacles in there too. This was a great read and 100% agree with everything said in it

Very iconic! Australia really one of the best country to travel because of it wonderful sites that will surely take your breath away.

Nice Narration. Australia is the best travel destination having lovely places all around. I went to Queenstown last year for the Christmas Holidays. Really Enjoyed a lot. Thanks for the nice info, I love to visit again

This is so amazing, I wish I could visit and see all of this wonderful site in Australia someday.

Yes you are right Australia is the most beautiful country here you find most amazing places

Australia – The place where Kangaroos live. These stunning pictures made me to go for this summer with my colleagues and friends. Thank you for Nice narration .

Hamelin Bay sounds like a dream. Australia tops my bucket list. Thanks for sharing

Hello, I’m Ellen Smith. I was reading this blog. This is a nice blog and Images are posted by you in this blog there’s nice. I think this is very usefull information for visit australia’s most iconic places.

The way you wrote everything that’s so good. Thanks for sharing this with us. Great information and explain everything properly about beautiful places.

I only managed to visit about 3-4 places from your list! I hope you haven’t been to all either 😉 Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef are definitely on my go-to list for next time!

This is such a detailed and exceptional list of places to visit in Australia, Dave and Deb! I hope that one day I’ll have a chance to explore each one of these places, especially Fraser Island. How many days would you recommend spending on Fraser Island?

It’s really awesome, I am planning a trip to Australia and by read your blog I have get complete knowledge of this place. I will must visit all these places

Australia located near from Indonesia but along this time, I only know Melbourne, I have not visit the places have You listed. it is amazing!

hope much sometime can visit those places.

Thank You for your information

Australia is a great place to spend holidays!! Awesome list of places in Australia. I think i need to visit all these places as all the places are looking very attractive. i can’t wait to go to this places! So stunning pictures you captured.

I like Uluru. It is very special

Thanks for sharing this post this is really very nice and amazing. I would love to explore Australia and Queenstown is my favourite place to explore. I have heard much about the Queenstown and just wanted to visit there.

hello thanks for the information and advice 🙂

The 30 Best Places to Visit in Australia (2024 Edition)

• Last Updated: January 13, 2024

Trying to figure out the best places to visit in Australia can be a daunting task. Luckily for you, I’ve done the travel and exploring to make your decisions easy.

The country is huge, and lots of its amazing attractions are widely spread out across the continent. 

This article is part of our comprehensive travel guide to Australia, which you can read here.

Australia has six states and two territories, each offering a vast number of unique tourist attractions for travellers to enjoy. 

Table of Contents

1) Melbourne

2) karajini national park, 3) ningaloo reef, 4) the whitsunday islands, 6) the snowy mountains, 8) esperance, 9) the daintree rainforest, 10) tasmania, 11) the southern highlands, 12) jervis bay, 13) adelaide, 14) the great barrier reef, 16) kakadu national park, 19) the gold coast, 20) the blue mountains, 21) margaret river, 22) wilson’s promontory, 23) kangaroo island, 24) byron bay, 26) brisbane, 27) k’gari (fraser island), 28) the great ocean road, 30) the murray river region, top places to visit in australia.

So when planning a trip to explore the top Australian holiday destinations, you may want to pick one state or coast in which to start. Then either explore that state fully or hop on a few domestic flights to see some other parts of the country. 

Better yet, rent a car or campervan and go on a road trip!

Hopefully, this article on where to go in Australia will inspire some of you to explore one, two, or all eight of this country’s incredible regions. 

So here are the best places to visit in Australia. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Many travellers (and Australians) will say that  Melbourne  is their favourite city. 

As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne is one of the colder cities in Australia because it is located so far south. 

But what it lacks in warmth and sunshine it makes up for in art, culture, cuisine, architecture, and entertainment. 

Melbourne is known for its trendy cafes, art galleries, nightlife, and a wide variety of restaurants. 

You can spend your time sipping high-quality coffee, searching for colourful street art, and enjoying cocktails from a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline. 

READ MORE: Check out the perfect 3 day Melbourne itinerary .

Located in Western Australia, Karajini National Park is perfect for adventurous travellers and really is one of the best places to travel in Australia.

This massive area of wilderness is packed to the brim with natural beauty and outdoor activities. 

Go swimming in  Fern Pool , photograph  Fortescue Falls , hike  Mount Bruce  or try and spot some indigenous wildlife. 

The park is most famous for its gorges and canyons, whose swirling rock patterns are incredibly photogenic. 

Some of the most popular gorges in Karajini National Park include  Hamersley Gorge, Joffre Gorge, Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge  and  Dales Gorge.  

Near the town of Exmouth in Western Australia is Ningaloo Reef, one of the best places to see whale sharks in the world. 

Every year these massive but gentle creatures gather around Ningaloo Reef to feed, and travellers can book a tour to go snorkelling and swimming alongside them. 

This is one of the best places to visit in Australia for lovers of marine life.

You can fly here, but we recommend travelling to the reef by going on a Perth to Exmouth road trip . 

For those who often daydream about a perfect island paradise, the Whitsundays is one of the most beautiful places in Australia.

Located on the east coast of Queensland and encompassing over 70 islands, the Whitsunday Islands have stunning beaches and rich marine life. 

Most of the islands are uninhabited, and most visitors choose to stay in  Airlie Beach , the main tourist town of the Whitsundays. 

Airlie Beach, along with Whitehaven Beach and the beaches of Hamilton Island, boasts some of the best views in the area. 

Sparkling white sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters make up most of the scenery, and the wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef fills the surrounding oceans. 

Popular activities in the Whitsundays include snorkelling or diving in the reef, sailing around the islands, or taking a helicopter ride over the famous heart-shaped reef and enjoying an aerial view. 

The capital of the Northern Territory , Darwin is a city filled with history. 

Darwin is home to a few great museums and galleries, including the fascinating  Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory  which showcases art and technology from the Pacific. 

It only takes a couple of days to explore the city of Darwin, and most travellers use the city as a gateway to visiting nearby places like  Litchfield National Park and  Kakadu National Park .

Australia is not famous for its skiing and snowboarding, but the Snowy Mountains are one of the best places to go for those who want to try out some winter sports. 

Stretching across southern New South Wales and northeastern Victoria, the Snowy Mountains are full of jagged peaks, local wildlife, and a few top-notch ski resorts. 

This is the highest mountain range in mainland Australia, and it is home to  the country’s tallest mountain , Mount Kosciuszko. 

During the summer months of December, January, and February, travellers come to Kosciuszko National Park for hiking and wildlife-spotting. 

During the winter months of June, July, and August, the mountains fill up with fresh snow and provide perfect slopes for skiing and snowboarding. 

The most popular ski resort is  Thredbo , located at the foot of Mount Kosciuszko.

If you’re wondering where to go in Australia, chances are you will begin your journey in  Sydney . 

Sydney is the biggest travel hub in the country, and home to many of the top tourist attractions in Australia.

The downtown area is full of skyscrapers and traffic, so the real magic lies near the water. 

Sydney Harbour  is iconic, and landmarks such as the  Sydney Opera House,  the  Botanic Gardens,  and the  Sydney Harbour Bridge  are not to be missed. 

Take the ferry from Circular Quay up to Manly and enjoy the gorgeous Sydney beaches , or take the bus out east to the popular  Bondi Beach,   Coogee , and  Bronte . 

READ MORE: Plan to have at least 1 awesome day in Sydney when exploring the best places to visit in Australia!

To find that picturesque combination of turquoise water and white sand while searching for the best places in Australia, head to Esperance.

This coastal town has plenty of stunning beaches, including  West Beach, Blue Haven Beach, Lovers Beach,  and  Fourth Beach . 

For more natural beauty, head to  Cape Le Grand National Park  to find fields of wildflowers, secluded beaches, and lots of native Australian wildlife. 

Other attractions in the area include  Lake Hillier , the famous pink lake, and the  Recherche Archipelago  where you can find adorable seals and sea lions living peacefully.

READ MORE: Be sure to add these great things to do in Esperance to your Australia itinerary!

If you find yourself venturing up to tropical north Queensland, try to make a stop in the Daintree Rainforest. 

Located in Daintree National Park, this is easily one of the best places to see in Australia. 

It is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, and exploring this corner of the country truly feels like stepping back in time.

Between the giant palms, jungle vines, tropical fruits, messy mangroves, deserted beaches, massive trees, and interesting wildlife, the Daintree Rainforest can feel like another planet. 

The island off the southeast coast of Australia, known as Tasmania (check out all the epic things to do in this article ) , is arguably one of the most beautiful and wild places to visit in Australia. 

Tasmania is most well known for its clean, fresh air, its flavorful local produce, its abundance of national parks and nature reserves, and its overall gorgeous natural beauty. 

The  Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain  and the granite peaks of  Freycinet National Park  are among the most popular natural sights among travellers. 

There are plenty of hiking opportunities in Tasmania for fitness enthusiasts, including the challenging and scenic  6 Day Overland Track . 

The capital city of  Hobart  is also a lovely place to visit. It is full of world-class restaurants using local produce and dairy products, as well as plenty of museums that showcase the rich history and artistic talent of the island.

READ MORE: Use our 2-week Tasmania itinerary to plan your visit!

Just a few hours southwest from Sydney lies the Southern Highlands, a luscious area of rural New South Wales. 

The Southern Highlands are full of rolling green hills, dense forests, hiking trails, and majestic waterfalls. 

After exploring in the wilderness, you can stop by one of the many adorable local towns like  Bowral  or  Robertson  to grab a classic Australian pie or browse through an antique shop. 

READ MORE: Check out our epic Australia itinerary blog post for information on how to make the most of a couple of weeks in the country.

If you head about 140 km south of Sydney you’ll find Jervis Bay, a small but stunning corner of NSW. 

The bay is home to a few small villages, and lush forests weave their way in between the civilisation. 

There are some great bushwalks and hikes in Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay, though the area’s highlight is definitely the beaches. 

For the best views, hike along the  White Sands Coastal Track . This easy walking trail through the bush brings you to several beaches with velvety sand and refreshing, calm clear waters for swimming. 

Along this trail, you’ll find  Hyams Beach , which some claim has the whitest sand in the world.

READ MORE: Check out our list of the best things to do in Jervis Bay !

As the capital city of South Australia, Adelaide is a great place to visit for culture and cuisine. 

Though not as huge as Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide has plenty of museums, art galleries, festivals, shops, restaurants, and cafes to entertain any traveller. 

Popular places to visit include the  Adelaide Botanic Gardens , the  Adelaide Central Market,  and  Cleland Conservation Park  for walking trails and waterfalls.

The city’s biggest event is the  Adelaide Festival , which occurs every year in March and bursts with art and culture. 

Adelaide is also home to many of the country’s best vineyards and wineries in nearby Barossa Valley, so doing a wine-tasting and vineyard tour is one of the area’s best attractions. 

READ MORE: Check out our Adelaide city guide for great things to do!

The Great Barrier Reef is by far the top of the bucket list of places to visit in Australia for most travellers.

It is the largest coral reef system on the planet and is home to hundreds of islands and diverse marine life. 

Located off the coast of Queensland in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef is easily accessed from places like  Cairns, Airlie Beach, Port Douglas, or Cape Tribulation . 

Snorkelling or scuba diving is the best way to get up close to the reef and observe marine life with your own eyes. 

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October when the rainfall decreases and water visibility increases. 

This is winter-time in Australia, so up in Queensland, the temperatures drop to a comfortable level as well.

As far as Australia destinations go, Noosa is a dream. 

This little slice of paradise is located on the coast of Queensland and is full of pristine beaches, national parks, and classy, expensive shops and restaurants. 

Noosa Heads National Park  is where all the best scenery is, including hiking trails, peaceful picnic grounds, and amazing beaches like  Tea Tree Bay . 

Longboarders also flock to Noosa for the right-hand point breaks that create perfect, rippling waves. This is a great place to learn how to surf!

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Noosa and add these great activities to your itinerary!

As the country’s largest national park, Kakadu is an incredible place to include for best holiday destinations in Australia.

Nature lovers will never tire of exploring all that Kakadu National Park has to offer.

From crocodile-spotting in  Yellow Water  to swimming in  Jim Jim Falls , to witnessing ancient Aboriginal rock paintings in  Ubirr , to hiking and camping in the bush, there are plenty of amazing things to do here. 

Located in the Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Set on the bright blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Broome is a small resort town in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. 

For ‘grey nomads’, this is one of the best places to holiday in Australia.

Fun activities to do in Broome include visiting a local pearling farm, bird-watching near the  Broome Bird Observatory , and searching for dinosaur tracks at  Gantheaume Point . 

Cable Beach  is the most famous beach in Broome. At 22 km long, Cable Beach is covered in soft white sand, and perfect for watching the sunset or riding camels. 

Just be sure to avoid swimming in the ocean during the rainy season, from November to May, because dangerous jellyfish are common during these months.

READ MORE: Add these great things to do when you visit Broome!

Also known as Ayer’s Rock, Uluru is one of the most interesting and unique places to visit in Australia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This huge red rock formation in the middle of the desert is made of sandstone and is sacred to indigenous Australians. 

The closest town is  Alice Springs , which is a 7-hour drive away, so Uluru is quite a journey to get to. 

But if you are road-tripping through the Outback or travelling cross-country through the Northern Territory, you should definitely try to stop by Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a night and watch the sunrise or sunset over the sacred rock. 

Located on the south coast of Queensland, the Gold Coast is a popular city to include in an Australia list of best places to visit. 

It is rare to find so many skyscrapers and so many beautiful golden sand beaches right next to each other, so travellers can enjoy the vibrant city life and the relaxing beach life at the same time. 

The Gold Coast has a few fun theme parks, and it is just a short train ride away from other charming beach towns like  Burleigh Heads  and  Surfer’s Paradise . 

The city is also a great gateway for visiting  Lamington National Park , a vast area of mountains, valleys, and forests.

READ MORE: Check out all the great activities to do in The Gold Coast!

If you want to experience real wilderness, this is one of the easiest and best places to visit in Australia. 

The Blue Mountains   (don’t miss our epic guide on what to do in that link) are just a one-hour train ride away from Sydney, making them a super convenient location for travellers arriving in the city. 

Full of great, spacious valleys, rugged cliffs, and towering waterfalls, the Blue Mountains are majestic and feel truly wild sometimes. 

There are a few quaint towns set amidst the forest, like  Katoomba  and  Blackheath , that have all the Australian attractions for tourists you could ever need.

This small town in Western Australia is most famous for its wineries. 

Margaret River and its surrounding areas produce some of Australia’s best wine, and there are plenty of vineyard tours and wine tasting opportunities.

Other things to do in Margaret River include whale watching during the winter months, hiking along the coast, exploring the limestone cliffs and caves of  Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park , or surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the ocean.

While travelling through Victoria, head to Wilson’s Promontory to enjoy some quality time with nature. 

This small peninsula on the southeast corner of Australia is full of lovely beaches and hiking trails through the bush. 

Tidal River Campground  is the main hub of the area, and from here you have easy access to some of the best walks, viewpoints, and beaches of Wilson’s Promontory. 

Hike from  Picnic Bay to Whisky Bay , walk the sands of  Squeaky Beach , and enjoy the incredible view from the peak of  Mount Oberon .

Kangaroo Island is full of striking natural beauty and plenty of interesting wildlife, making it one of the best places to go in Australia.

Located off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is an amazing day trip from Adelaide or elsewhere in the state. 

Here, you can find kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other classic Australian animals as well as native birds, sea lions, seals, and even penguins. 

Flinders Chase National Park  in the west of the island boasts unique and rugged rock formations, including the famous  Admirals Arch . 

READ MORE: Here are more great things to do on Kangaroo Island !

For many backpackers, Byron Bay sits at the top of the bucket list for an Australia trip. 

Full of hostels, cafes, bars, art galleries, thrift shops, and more, the town of Byron Bay has a little something for everyone. 

The natural beauty of Byron Bay still manages to outshine the touristy atmosphere, making the area peaceful and beautiful. 

Hike through the bush up to the  Cape Byron Lighthouse , surf with the locals at  The Pass , or swim in the waves at  Wategos Beach . 

Another one of the best places to visit in Australia is Perth, the capital of Western Australia. 

Because it is the biggest city in the state, many travellers fly into Perth before heading out to other attractions like Esperance, Broome, or Margaret River. 

But it is worth spending some time in the city to soak in the culture. 

Perth’s best attractions include the  Kings Park and Botanic Gardens,  the  Fremantle Prison, Coogee Beach,  and the  Swan Valley wineries . Don’t miss hanging out at the best beaches either.

You can also head to the top of the massive  Bell Tower  for a panoramic view of the city, or take a day trip to Rottnest Island to spot some quokkas. 

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Perth with our city guide !

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, makes a wonderful addition to a trip around Australia. 

Full of interesting museums, cool landmarks and monuments, spacious parks and gardens, and plenty of great food, Brisbane is sure to entertain any traveller who stops by. 

Highlights of Brisbane  include strolling along the  South Bank , which fills up with street markets and twinkling lights at night and heading up to  Mount Coot-tha , which provides an excellent panoramic view over the city.

READ MORE: Add these great day trips from Brisbane to your itinerary!

Located off the coast of Queensland, K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island ) is a great destination for camping, exploring nature, and swimming in some extremely beautiful spots. 

Lake Mckenzie  is one of the most scenic spots on K’gari (Fraser Island), as is the  Indian Head Viewpoint  and the striped cliffs of the  Cathedrals .

The easiest and most convenient way to visit K’gari (Fraser Island) is by doing a day trip from Hervey Bay or Brisbane, or you can bring your own camping gear and stay the night on the world’s largest sand island.

For anyone who wants to see breathtaking coastal scenery, and maybe catch a glimpse of a koala in its natural habitat, head to the Great Ocean Road. 

This 243-km strip of coastline in southern Victoria is packed with gorgeous beaches, charming towns, and dense forests, making it firmly on the list of best places to visit in Australia.

Some of the most famous landmarks on the road include the  Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge,  and the  Bay of Islands , all of which include intriguing jagged rock formations. Port Campbell National Park is another highlight of the route.

You can see the Great Ocean Road on a tour from Melbourne , or you can rent your own car, pack camping gear, and camp at one of the many campgrounds along the route. 

READ MORE: Explore the area with this epic Great Ocean Road drive itinerary !

As the gateway to northern Queensland, Cairns is full of backpackers and fun things to do. 

Many people just stop in Cairns for a night or two on their way to see the  Great Barrier Reef  or the  Daintree Rainforest , but it is worth spending a little time in the city to soak everything in. 

Visit  Rusty’s Fruit Market  for some fresh and cheap tropical fruits, party at one of the many backpacker hostels at night, or sunbathe at the big man-made beach known as the  Lagoon . 

During the summer months, you can’t swim in the ocean in tropical north Queensland because there may be crocodiles and jellyfish!

READ MORE: Check out these awesome things to do in Cairns !

Australia’s longest river stretches for 2508km through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, and going on a road trip along it takes you to some of the country’s most unique cultural towns.

The Murray River twists through mountains and valleys, sprawling farmland and forests, and is home to a whole variety of businesses and activities.

If you love wine, you’ll be heaven as the vineyards are some of the best in Australia. There’s also a lot of outdoor adventures to enjoy, like paddleboarding and kayaking.

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Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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thanks for all the information. How do you decide which Airport to fly into. I would love to plan a trip. Karijini National Park, kangaroo Island, Southern Higlands, Daintree Rainforst and The Great Ocean Rd are some of the places that interest me. I know I will not be able to see and do all of them. But trying to decide where I would fly into from the USA

Australia offers a plethora of breathtaking destinations, from the vibrant cityscapes of Sydney and Melbourne to stunning natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the Whitsunday Islands. The diverse landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people make it a bucket list destination for any traveler.

Australia is a beautiful country with so many places to visit! I would love to visit some of these places on my next trip!

This is really interesting, you are such a great blogger. I enjoyed your blog.

Thank you so much. We appreciate it. 🙂

Thank you so much. We appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed our blog. 🙂

Thank you so much. 🙂

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Australia

Australia is a vast country that is just slightly smaller than the continental United States. So it probably shouldn’t be surprising that a country this large would also be home to some of the most unusual destinations and creatures in the world.

Traveling around the world’s smallest continent and largest island, you’ll find a beautiful land with ancient indigenous heritage, the rugged Outback, and a thriving multicultural society. You’ll also see amazing beaches , incredible biodiversity and sandstone monoliths that have been around for millions of years. And that barely scratches the surface!

Among the many iconic sites and landmarks you can visit in Australia are Ayers Rock and the Sydney Opera House. While these spots are very popular with tourists, there are a number of tourist attractions in Australia that aren’t as well-known but are just as impressive.

Too much, in fact. So it pays to plan your schedule thoroughly before your visit to make the most of your time in this fascinating country.

25. Lighthouse Trail, Byron Bay

The Lighthouse Trail in Byron Bay is a scenic coastal walk that stretches along the easternmost point of mainland Australia. This iconic trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and lush rainforest. So, it should be on the bucket list of anyone who loves nature or hiking.

The trail begins at Cape Byron Lighthouse, an iconic landmark that has stood proudly since 1901, and meanders along well-maintained paths, allowing visitors to absorb the stunning natural beauty. As it is the easternmost point in Australia, you will be the first person to see the sunrise if you can get there in time.

Along the way, the trail has numerous lookout points that provide sweeping panoramic vistas, including the famous Cape Byron Lookout. Watch for dolphins and whales (in season) whilst on it.

24. Kings Canyon

Over in the Northern Territory, Kings Canyon is a natural wonder renowned for its remarkable sandstone formations and breathtaking landscapes.

This incredible geological marvel is part of the Watarrka National Park and is regarded as one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Australia. The canyon is characterized by its towering sandstone walls that rise majestically above the canyon floor to create a visually stunning and rugged terrain.

One of the most famous features of Kings Canyon is the ‘Garden of Eden’. This lush and verdant oasis is nestled within the heart of the canyon – providing a stark contrast to the otherwise arid surroundings of the area.

The canyon has several walking trails – including the challenging Kings Canyon Rim Walk – that allow visitors to explore this extraordinary natural environment. The vistas of the surrounding outback are spectacular, so make sure you have a camera with you.

23. Barossa Valley Wineries

If you love wine, visiting the Barossa Valley is one of the best things to do in Australia. Located in South Australia, it is considered one of the world’s premier wine regions.

This region is famous for producing some of Australia’s most iconic wines, particularly Shiraz. But also a wide range of other varietals, including Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.

Overall, the Barossa Valley is home to a multitude of wineries, each with its own unique character and winemaking traditions. Visitors can explore historic and contemporary wineries, often run by multi-generational winemaking families. Many of these establishments offer cellar-door tastings, where you can sample their wines and gain insight into the winemaking process.

In addition to the wine, the Barossa Valley is renowned for its culinary scene, with numerous hatted restaurants and food producers showcasing the region’s outstanding produce.

22. Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania

Located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania , The Port Arthur Historic Site is a significant and haunting historical destination.

It was initially a brutal convict settlement established in 1830, where British convicts served their sentences in a remote and harsh environment. However, today, it now takes the form of a site that preserves the ruins and stories of this dark chapter in Australian history.

Visitors to Port Arthur can explore the well-preserved ruins of the former penal colony – including the penitentiary, the separate prison and the imposing Penitentiary Chapel. The site offers guided tours and interpretive displays that provide deep insights into the lives of the convicts, the hardships they endured and the penal practices of the time.

While Port Arthur is known for its grim history, the surrounding landscape is stunningly beautiful. Scenic walking trails and water views provide a striking contrast to the site’s dark past.

21. Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, often affectionately referred to as ‘Rotto’, is a captivating island paradise in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Perth . Famous for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique wildlife, Rottnest Island is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The island is renowned for its pristine, white sandy beaches and exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities, allowing visitors to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter abundant marine life. A highlight of any visit to Rottnest is the opportunity to meet the island’s most famous resident, the quokka, a friendly and photogenic marsupial.

In addition to outdoor activities, Rottnest Island offers a rich history. Sites like the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the Oliver Hill Battery convey glimpses of the island’s past as a military installation and penal colony.

20. Kata Tjuta

Often called ‘The Olgas’, Kata Tjuta is an extraordinary natural wonder near Uluru in the heart of the Red Center of Northern Territory. Comprising a group of large and ancient rock formations, Kata Tjuta is a sacred site for the local Anangu people and holds deep cultural significance.

Kata Tjuta means ‘many heads’ in the local indigenous language, which is apt, as the site features 36 massive domes that rise dramatically from the desert landscape. The highest peak, Mount Olga, stands even taller than Uluru.

These geological formations are composed of conglomerate rock and have been shaped by millions of years of erosion, weathering and natural forces. Visitors can explore the site through walking trails, the most popular being the Valley of the Winds walk, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the domes and surrounding desert.

19. Bondi Beach, Sydney

Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. Situated in the eastern suburbs of Sydney , this iconic stretch of coastline is renowned for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters and buzzy vibe.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Bondi Beach is just a place to swim and sunbathe. It is a cultural hub with a diverse mix of tourists, workers and locals. Surfers flock to Bondi to ride the waves, while the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk offers a scenic pathway with dramatic coastal vistas, passing by other beautiful beaches.

The bustling promenade, Campbell Parade, is lined with trendy cafes, restaurants and shops – making it an ideal spot to grab a coffee, enjoy a meal, or people-watch.

18. South Bank Parklands, Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland, and its crown jewel is arguably the South Bank Parklands. This sprawling parkland, nestled along the southern banks of the Brisbane River, is a place where culture, recreation and community converge.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, splendid river views, and several recreational spaces, including Streets Beach. Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach, it is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing by the river. The parklands also feature the Wheel of Brisbane, an iconic Ferris wheel that offers panoramic city views.

If you are into cultural attractions, you should enjoy the parkland’s proximity to the Queensland Cultural Center. It is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Performing Arts Center.

There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars here, and regular markets.

17. Australian War Memorial, Canberra

The Australian War Memorial – located in Canberra – is a solemn and prestigious institution. It serves as both a museum and a shrine dedicated to the country’s military history and the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women.

Established in 1941, the memorial honors and commemorates those who have served and fallen in the line of duty from World War I to the present day. The memorial is a museum that houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs and interactive displays.

It provides visitors with a comprehensive and educational perspective on Australia’s involvement in conflicts. The Hall of Memory is the heart of the memorial, where the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier lies, representing all unknown soldiers who have given their lives.

Additionally, the Australian War Memorial includes beautifully landscaped grounds and the poignant Last Post Ceremony, which takes place every evening.

16. Kangaroo Island

Just a short hop from the southern coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is a natural paradise renowned for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and pristine beaches. The island, known as ‘Kangars’ or ‘KI’ by locals, is Australia’s third-largest island. It is home to various wildlife species, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and a thriving bird population.

The island’s rugged coastline features dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves and beautiful sandy beaches that are great for photographing and exploring on foot. Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park are two of the island’s iconic, must-see natural formations – showcasing the power of wind and waves.

Visitors can explore conservation parks, engage in wildlife encounters and savor the island’s fresh produce, including honey, wine and seafood. Adventure activities such as hiking, surfing and kayaking are popular here.

15. Seaside Lagoon, Cairns

Residing at the heart of the Cairns Esplanade is a beautiful swimming Lagoon that provides a wonderful respite from the oppressive humidity that can grip the city.

This man-made saltwater swimming pool sits against the backdrop of the stunning Coral Sea, lush tropical gardens and distant mountains.

The sea around the Esplanade is unsuitable for swimming due to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Subsequently, the Cairns Lagoon provides a safe and relaxing environment for people to do so while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It is open until late evening and is a popular spot for families and those looking to unwind after work or a day of exploring the region’s natural wonders.

The Seaside Lagoon is also a central hub of activity – offering barbecues, picnic areas and various events throughout the year.

14. Pinnacles Desert

Situated within Nambung National Park in Western Australia, The Pinnacles Desert can best be described as a surreal and captivating natural wonder.

It is known for its otherworldly, eerie landscape dominated by thousands of limestone pillars, or pinnacles, rising from the golden sands of the desert. These limestone formations vary in size and shape, some reaching several meters in height, and are scattered across a vast area, creating a truly mesmerizing sight.

The Pinnacles were formed over millions of years through the accumulation of seashell fragments and the erosion of the surrounding sand, revealing these ancient geological sculptures.

Visitors can explore the desert on designated walking trails or by car, taking in the unique and enigmatic scenery. The play of light and shadows on the pinnacles at sunrise and sunset adds to the site’s ethereal beauty.

13. Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne has provided a place for locals to escape the vibrant pace of life in the city since 1846.

Not to be confused with the one in Sydney, this historic garden is renowned for its curated collection of plants – both native and exotic – and stunning landscapes.

Whilst there, you can explore themed gardens, including the enchanting Guilfoyle’s Volcano, the peaceful Fern Gully and the Arid Garden. The gardens also house a herbarium, a library and educational facilities.

Centrally located adjacent to the iconic Shrine of Remembrance, they make a popular destination for picnics, leisurely walks, outdoor events and people-watching. The gardens are free to enter and are open every day of the year except public holidays.

12. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most iconic natural landmarks. You’ll find it within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in the central highlands of the island state.

The mountain itself, along with the surrounding wilderness, is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, celebrated for its rugged beauty, pristine alpine lakes, and unique biodiversity.

Cradle Mountain is often considered the jewel of the national park and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The park offers walking trails suitable for various fitness levels, with the Overland Track being one of the most famous long-distance hikes in Australia, leading through this captivating landscape.

The area surrounding Cradle Mountain is home to diverse wildlife, including wombats, wallabies, and the elusive Tasmanian devil. Dove Lake, nestled at the base of Cradle Mountain, offers postcard-worthy reflections of the mountain on calm days.

11. Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is a tropical rainforest located in Far North Queensland. It is famous for being one of the oldest rainforests on the planet, with some areas dating back over 135 million years.

This lush rainforest houses stunning biodiversity and has unique ecological significance. It accommodates an incredible array of plant and animal species, including many found nowhere else in the world.

You can explore the dense canopy, crystal-clear streams, and pristine beaches of the Daintree on foot. However, keep an eye out for crocodiles by the Daintree River!

In addition to its natural beauty, the Daintree Rainforest is culturally significant to the local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.

10. K’gari

K’gari – formerly known as Fraser Island – is a pristine and enchanting island off the eastern coast of Queensland. Renamed in 2021, the island’s indigenous Butchulla name, K’gari, means ‘paradise’ – a fitting description for this natural wonder.

As the largest sand island in the world, K’gari is known for its diverse ecosystems, including lush rainforests, crystal-clear freshwater lakes and vibrant coastal dunes. Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and the Maheno Shipwreck are among the island’s iconic attractions.

K’gari offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of unspoiled wilderness. Tourists can explore its natural beauty through various activities, including 4×4 adventures, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The island is also home to plenty of dingoes, so be mindful not to approach or provoke them.

9. Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder about a 50-minute drive from Sydney . It is famous for its imposing sandstone cliffs, bosky eucalyptus forests, rugged canyons and thunderous waterfalls – which makes it a nature lover’s paradise.

The Blue Mountains is known for its misty atmosphere, created by eucalyptus oil evaporating from the gum trees, giving rise to the famous ‘blue’ haze that envelops the area.

It offers an extensive network of walking tracks, leading you through its diverse landscapes to prominent sites like the Three Sisters rock formation, Wentworth Falls and Jamison Valley.

One of the best things to do here is to experience the park’s stunning vistas on the Scenic Skyway, Cableway, or Railway. All of which provide unparalleled views of the valleys and forests below.

8. Cable Beach, Broome

Stretching along the coastline from Broome, Cable Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Characterized by its pristine white sands, clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets, the beach attracts visitors from all over the world.

Named after the undersea telegraph cable authorities laid between Broome and Java in the late 19th century, Cable Beach offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and leisure activities. Travelers can take leisurely walks along the shoreline, relax under the shade of the iconic red rocks, and take in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Cable Beach is also famous for its camel rides along the shore, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of the beach, particularly at sunset. At this time, the vast, flat horizon provides an incredible and unobstructed view of the sun dipping below the sea.

7. Bungle Bungle Range

Situated within the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, the Bungle Bungle Range is a mesmerizing geological formation that has to be seen to be believed. Nestled within the Purnululu National Park, this natural wonder is defined by its distinctive beehive-shaped domes.

Nature formed these orange and black-striped sandstone domes over 350 million years through the erosion of riverbed sediments and the subsequent weathering process. The alternating bands of colors are created by layers of sandstone and dark biological crusts, adding to the area’s stunning visual appeal.

The Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm, and Piccaninny Creek are some of the most notable sites in the range. You can explore them and other towering cliffs and hidden gorges via a network of walking tracks and guided tours.

6. Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 stunning islands located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland. Between them, these islands house picture-perfect beaches, azure waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making them paradisiacal destinations for lovers of sun, sea, and natural beauty.

Collectively, the Whitsundays offer a wide range of activities, including sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. The iconic Whitehaven Beach is notable for its white silica sand and cerulean waters.

Not all the islands are inhabited, but the ones you can visit include Hamilton Island and Daydream Island, which offer plush resorts to stay at for a few days.

5. Twelve Apostles

Over in Victoria, The Twelve Apostles is a world-famous natural landmark dotted along the dramatic coastline of the Port Campbell National Park. Despite its name, there were never actually twelve limestone stacks, and the erosion process has caused some of them to collapse over time.

Nevertheless, the site remains an awe-inspiring spectacle, with several impressive limestone pillars rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean.

The Twelve Apostles were formed over millions of years through the relentless erosion of the soft limestone cliffs by wind and wave action. These soaring stacks can be seen on viewing platforms or walking trails along the Great Ocean Road, which provide breathtaking vistas of them and the rugged coastline.

One of the best spots is at the bottom of the Gibson Steps, which gives an appreciation of the scale and majesty of one of the apostles from sand level.

4. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is one of the largest national parks in the world. It is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique ecosystems that you must set aside at least two or three days to see properly.

Kakadu is home to an incredible variety of landscapes, from floodplains to sandstone plateaus, monsoon forests to savannah woodlands, and meandering rivers. It is also a biodiversity hotspot with diverse flora and fauna, including saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, and a remarkable bird species.

The best way to explore Kakadu is through walking trails, boat cruises and guided tours. Check out Nourlangie Rock, Yellow Water Billabong, and Jim Jim Falls during your time there. Also, ensure you see its Aboriginal rock art sites that date back thousands of years.

3. Great Barrier Reef

Stretching for more than halfway along the east coast of Queensland, The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. It is so big it is even visible from space!

This spectacular natural wonder is one of the planet’s most iconic and diverse marine ecosystems, comprising thousands of individual reefs and hundreds of islands. It plays a vital role in the ecological balance of the oceans and is a critical habitat for countless marine species.

The Great Barrier Reef is renowned for its breathtaking coral formations, vibrant marine life and idyllic waters. Whilst diving, snorkeling or sailing, you can encounter a kaleidoscope of marine species, including colorful corals, turtles, sharks, dolphins and countless fish species. Overall, it provides a fascinating showcase of the underwater world.

2. Uluru/Ayers Rock

Arguably, one of Australia’s most iconic and sacred natural landmarks is Uluru . Formerly known as Ayers Rock, it resides in the heart of the outback, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Taller than the Eiffel Tower and bigger in landmass than Central Park in New York, the massive sandstone monolith is an imposing site. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local Anangu Aboriginal people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.

Visitors to Uluru can explore its base on foot, discovering ancient rock art, waterholes, and intricate geological features. Climbing Uluru is no longer encouraged out of respect for its cultural significance and safety concerns.

Impressively, the monolith’s colors change dramatically throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset, when it’s bathed in stunning hues of red and orange.

1. Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House ranks as one of the most iconic and recognizable architectural marvels in the world.

Situated on the picturesque Sydney Harbour , it was designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon and was officially opened in 1973. It is distinctive for its unique and innovative design, featuring a series of white, shell-like structures that evoke the sails of a ship billowing in the wind.

The complex houses several performance venues – including the Concert Hall, the Opera Theater and the Drama Theater. Between them, they host various artistic and cultural events, from operas and symphony concerts to theater productions and contemporary performances.

Tourists can explore the exterior of the Opera House and enjoy stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They can also dine at its acclaimed restaurants and even take guided tours to learn about its history and architecture.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Australia

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Reader interactions.

October 22, 2018 at 2:41 am

This a a great list, but I’ve gotta let the readers know that trying to hit them all in one visit to Australia is going to be hard. These places are pretty spread out, and some of them a little remote. For sure add them to the bucket list, but getting to all of them in one holiday might be a bit hard (or expensive).

January 3, 2015 at 5:54 am

Very informative and great list, most of the popular holiday places in Australia are covered in this post. Amongst them, Sydney Opera house and Great Ocean Road are my favourite and you have shared some very useful information related to it.

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What is Australia’s most visited city? 🦘15 Best Places To Visit In Australia: Unveiling the Wonders Down Under

What is Australia’s most visited city? Australia’s most visited city is Sydney, renowned for its stunning landmarks, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife.

Australia, known for its kangaroos, koalas, and iconic landmarks, beckons explorers with its captivating beauty and cultural richness. Discovering the vast array of destinations in this country is not just a journey; it’s an exploration of nature’s wonders and human creativity.

Australia, often referred to as the “ Land Down Unde r,” is a vast continent filled with diverse landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unique wildlife. From vibrant cities to natural wonders, there’s something for every traveler seeking adventure. Let’s embark on a journey through the top places to visit in Australia .

• Continent:  Oceania
• Country:  Australia
• Capital:  Canberra
• Population:  2.57 crores (2021)
• Currency:  Australian Dollar
• National Animal:  Red Kangaroo
• The National Bird:  Emu
• National Game:  Cricket and Australian Rules Football (AFL)
• Prime Minister of Australia:   Anthony Albanese (Since 2022)
• Dialling Code:  +61
• Official Language:  No Official Language ( Commonly Spoken English) 

📃 List of 15 Best Places To Visit In Australia

From beaches, national parks, museums as well and tourist spots, here are the  best   places to visit in Australia   (Kangaroo Country). Make sure you don’t miss the best Australian tourist sites for an unforgettable experience.

• Great Ocean Path –  Stunning Formations
• Kakadu National Park –  Experience Rich Forest
• National Park Blue Mountains –  Perfect place for A Day Trip
• Fraser Island –  For A Fun Weather
• Uluru –  Stunning Visuals
• Heide Museum of Modern Art –  A Remarkable Location
• Harbor Bridge –  An Engineering Marvel
• Sydney Opera House –  An Elegant M. 
• Tasmania’s Museum of ancient  and modern  Art –  Famous Arts
• Carlton Gardens –  The Oldest Places
• Barrier Reef –  Big Diving Center
• Yarra Valley –  A Thrilling Adventure
• Sea World Marine Park –  Have Fun
• Skiing At Snowy Mountains –  Enjoy Snow Sports
• Sky Diving In Melbourne –  Great Experience

1: Great Ocean Road – Stunning Formations

Situated in  Victoria , the Great Ocean Road is called one of the world’s most beautiful and best-driven routes.

Surely Don’t skip the impressive formations of limestone stacks next to the breathtaking turquoise ocean. The 243 km from Torquay to Allansford is a joyful drive. Also, One of the best  places to visit in Australia .

• Must Visit:  National Park Port Campbell, National Park Otway, picturesque rainforest, hiking as well as spectacular waterfalls. If you’re fortunate enough to see some of Australia’s famous animals, including kangaroos and emus.
• Things To Do:  Camping at the beautiful sight, beach sports
• How To Get There:  Getting to the Great Ocean Road by public transport requires a train journey followed by a bus journey. Catch a Southern Cross Station V / Line train to Geelong. This journey takes about an hour.

2: Kakadu National Park – Experience Rich Forest

Kakadu National  Park is  Australia’s biggest national park . Second largest in the world, Kakadu is one of the world’s greatest wildlife spots and one of  Australia’s 10 most visited tourist spots .  During the Australia trip, it’s one of the ultimate  places in Australia to visit .

• Must Visit:  Three Hundred types of various bird species, local rock art, magnificent waterfalls, rivers, gorges, mangrove swamps, and incredible wildlife variety including wallabies, saltwater crocodiles, and dingoes.
• Things To Do: visit Jim Jim Falls, watch Yellow Water’s crocodile wetlands, and hike at Twin Falls and Maguk Entry Fee: INR 1,756 Tips: make sure you purchase tickets beforehand to avoid any trouble during your journey.
• How To Get There:  Flight hubs are at Darwin and Alice Springs, from there, choose whether to hire a car or get on a bus to the park. Darwin push. If you want a drive from Darwin on the Stuart Highway, then the Arnhem Highway.

3: National Park Blue Mountains – Perfect Place For A Day Trip 

The stunning  Blue Mountains National Park , another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Sydney’s famous day trip.

It is named after the blue haze of several eucalyptus trees, a beautiful view to experience! One of Australia’s most popular places, visit this park. It is in the best  Australian tourist places .

• Must Visit:  Three Sisters – a sandstone rock formation 900 meters above the Jamison River, magnificent gorges, paintings, and endangered wildlife species.
• Things to do:  Katoomba Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world through a cliff-side tunnel, hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
• INR 562 Tips: Don’t forget to hold your camera with you to catch wow moments!
• How To Get There:  From Sydney: Take the M4 to Glenbrook, Lower Grose Valley,  the Katoomba, and Blackheath are on the 0southern side. Connection to the Southern Blue Mountains is through Oberon or Jenolan Caves.

4: Fraser Island – For A Fun Weather

Fraser Island , a short ferry ride from Hervey Bay, is the world’s largest sand island and much of Australia’s sightseeing. It gives one of Australia’s rare 4-wheel-drive adventures.

Take a ferry from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. Indeed, due to its good weather at the time, it is among the best  places to visit in Australia in March . Also, it’s one of the most beautiful  Australia-famous places .

• Must Visit:  Green rainforests with incredible wildlife diversity, dunes, freshwater lakes as well as creeks, multi-colored cliffs with shipwrecks along the stunning coastline, and marine life including dolphins, whales, and sharks.
• What To Do?:  Experience scuba diving at Lake Mckenzie, take a swim at Lake Wabby, camp at Lake Boomanjin, Feel nature at Indian Head
• Advice: keep your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for a healthy trip to the island.
• How To Get There: You can take a drive of around 14 hours from the north from Sydney, and from Brisbane in 3.5-4 hours. Instead, travel from Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney to Hervey Bay, the island’s jumping-off point. Also on all major bus and train routes along the east coast, Hervey Bay.

5: Uluru – Stunning Visuals

One of the world’s largest monoliths,  Uluru or Ayers Rock , is another major Australian tourist location.

This striking red monolith sandstone formation, meaning ‘shadowy spot,’ stands over 348 meters high within Kata Tjuta National Park. It’s one of Australia’s biggest hitchhiking locations. Also, one of the most demanding Australian places to visit .

• Must Visit:  Magnificent sunset as rocks change colors, rock landscape.
• Things to do:  opt for a wonderful tribal site tour guided by Aboriginal guides and country rangers.
• Advice:  Keep yourself safe at a good height!
• How To Get There:  You can travel to Uluru – Ayers Rock via Qantas or Virgin Australia from any Australian main cities 

6: Heide Museum Of Modern Art – A Remarkable Location

A Special Place  Heide Museum of Modern Art   is a blend of a modern art gallery, a historical art museum as well a heritage park.

The best reason to visit this unusual museum is its magnificent location on vast lush farmland. On much of Australia’s tourism, it’s one of the best  places to visit in Australia .

• Things To Do:  get intrigued by Melbourne’s living history in Heide, walkthrough Heide’s vast serene field, and journey into the past.
• Operation Timing:  Tue a Fri 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat a Sun 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm
• Entry Cost:  INR 1,400/- per Person
• How To Get There:  Train (Hurstbridge line) to Heidelberg station and bus # 903 to Heide. Exit at Bridge Street / Manningham Road. The predicted bus time is 5-10 minutes. Travel to Heide from Banksia Park, on the walkway next to the Helmet sculpture.

7:  Harbor Bridge – An Engineering Marvel 

Harbor Bridge  is among the famous  places to visit in Sydney Australia . The bridge, 134 m above the harbor, is liked to call the “coat hanger.” This construction feat is the world’s biggest steel arch bridge.

• Things To Do:  Enjoy the scintillating cityscape from the bridge, ascend the bridge with a guide, if interested in learning the history as well as the design of the bridge, visit the southeastern pier museum.
• How To Get There:  The bridge can also be reached from the south via Cahill Walk, which runs along the Cahill Expressway. Pedestrians can reach this walkway from Circular Quay’s east end through a staircase or lift. Alternatively available from the Botanic Gardens.

8: Opera House Sydney -Masterpiece Of Engineering

Surrounded by the iconic Harbour Bridge and the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Also, it is also one of the  best places to visit in Australia .

Considered a century’s design masterpiece, this feat by mankind hosts numerous venues built to represent the picture of a massive sailing ship and resembles billowing sails or shells.

• Things to do:  Enjoy a scrumptious Australian meal at one of the fine restaurants, and take a tour of the building that includes theatres, galleries, a concert hall, showrooms as well a cinema.
• How To Get There:  235 meters from Saifi Hospital, 4 min walk.

9. Tasmania’s Museum Of Ancient And Modern  Art – Famous Arts

Tasmania Museum  of Ancient and Modern Arts is one of Australia’s loveliest museums. Although accessible by road or boat, a 30-minute ferry ride from Hobart is this museum’s common route. It is known for Aboriginal tribes’ special, rare as well and exclusively owned collections.

• Things to do: E njoy the abundance of brilliant artwork displayed; appreciate the premises’ delicious delicacies served by multi-cuisine restaurants.
• Entry Cost:  INR 1,967/- Per Person (Subject to change)

10: Carlton Gardens — The Oldest Places

Carlton Buildings , as well as the Royal Exhibition Building, are the two landmarks listed as World Heritage sites in Australia.

Completed in the 18th century, they are one of Australia’s oldest tourist sites. Moreover, it tops the exclusive attractions on the Australia tour list.

• Things To Do:  Spend time enjoying flower gardens, ornamental lakes, and decorative fountains; stroll through the array of Morton Bay fig trees planted by local aboriginals, visit the Melbourne Museum, admire the Hochgurtel Fountain of the Victorian period as well as the circular French Fountain.
• Museum In Australia:  Australian Museum (Darlinghurst), National Museum of Australia (Canberra), Australian War Memorial (Canberra), Powerhouse Museum (Ultimo)Jewish Museum of Australia (Melbourne), Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney), Museum of Sydney (Sydney), Art Gallery of South Australia (Adelaide)
• How To Get There:  Melbourne Museum / Nicholson St (Fitzroy) is 163 meters away, 3 meters from the Museum of South Australia (Adelaide).

11: Barrier Reef – Big Diving Center

One of nature’s seven wonders, the world’s largest coral reef habitat, is the Great  Barrier Reef.  It is in the Coral Sea, this world heritage site is visible from outside space and is also one of the planet’s greatest living structures.

This covers a vast area of over 3,000 coral reefs and hundreds of scenic islands. So, are you happy with your loved one about Australia’s most incredible tourist attractions?

• Things To Do:  Dive in the crystal-clear turquoise underwater to witness nature’s blissful beauty and vivid marine life. Whether you want to stay dry, you can see the beautiful reef from underwater viewing stations as well as specially built glass bottom vessels.
• Cost:  Scuba Diving will cost INR 4,000/- Per Person onward
• How To Get There:  Take a flight to either Sydney or Melbourne (Sydney is directly linked to New Delhi) and then take another flight to Queensland’s coastal towns such as Port Douglas and Cairns. Specific tours will take you to the reef.

12: Yarra Valley – A Thrilling Adventure

Melbourne is one of the few cities in the world that can be reached in a hot-air balloon, and Yarra Valley is the place to do that.

Ballooning through the Yarra Valley takes you across one of Victoria’s most stunning winery areas, offering incredible views of lush landscapes as well as vineyards.

• Things To Do:  Welcome the beautiful morning sun as you fly an hour over Yarra Valley and its vineyards on a hot air balloon.

13: Sea World Marine Park – Have Fun

SeaWorld is  Australia’s largest marine park , entertaining both adults and children. Although, it’s a perfect amusement park to keep you occupied for a day. You could see bears, penguins, and sharks.

• Things To Do:  Climb onto the monorail to get a birds-eye view of the park; purchase tickets for some of the spectacular dolphin, and sea lion, as well as water-ski ballet performances. Moreover, try sea-themed rides like a coaster.
• Operational Hours:  open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., rides from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Entry Cost:   Around USD 90/- Per person

14: Skiing In The Snowy Mountains – Enjoy Skiing

Australia’s biggest playground is the Snowy Mountains area. Renowned for its true alpine wilderness, here you find Mt. Kosciuszko – one of the highest peaks on the continent as well as its only glacial lake.

You have plenty of fun options here on the snowfields. So, go straight to one of Australia’s best locations for an exciting holiday trip. Moreover, it is one of the most demanding  coolest places in Australia .

• Things To Do:  Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing as well as snowshoeing. Ride on the slopes to get some stunning views and thrill. Take a scenic ride off the hills, and discover Yarrangobilly’s town as well as ancient caves. Delicious local wines, schnapps, beers as well as scrumptious delicacies.
• How To Get There:  There is no straight connection from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains. You can take the train to the International Airport, travel to Cooma, or take the driveway to Snowy Mountains.

15: Sky Diving In Melbourne – Great Experience

If you’re an adventurous soul wandering around Melbourne, you’d want to see the various skydiving schools here.

It’s a mind-blowing feeling when you free-fall to some of the breathtaking landscapes just below you. Moreover, it is one of the best  places to visit in Australia .

• Things to do:  Skydiving over the Yarra Valley or the Great Ocean Route.
• Entry Cost:  INR 18,617/- Per person (Subject To Change)
• Advice:   Follow the instructions for safe diving!

🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQs About best Places to visit in autralia

Lot of question comes to our minf while planning to visit Australia, some of the commonly aksed questions are answered below.

Q. What is the most beautiful part of Australia?

A. The most beautiful part of Australia is subjective, but many consider the pristine beaches of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays and the iconic Uluru in the Red Centre as breathtaking highlights.

Q. What are 3 famous things in Australia?

A. Three famous things in Australia are the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, and the unique wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas.

Q. What is the most loved place in Australia?

A. One of the most loved places in Australia is Bondi Beach in Sydney, known for its golden sands, vibrant atmosphere, and iconic coastal walks.

Q. What is the best time to visit Australia?

A. The ideal time to visit depends on the region. Generally, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer pleasant weather across the country.

Q. Are there safety considerations for visiting natural sites like the Great Barrier Reef?

A. Yes, it’s essential to follow guidelines provided by tour operators to ensure the safety of both visitors and the delicate marine ecosystem.

Q. Can I experience Aboriginal culture in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne?

A. While major cities offer some Indigenous experiences, visiting regional areas and cultural centers provides a more immersive understanding of Aboriginal culture.

Q. Are there budget-friendly accommodation options in Australia?

A. Yes, Australia caters to a range of budgets. Hostels, motels, and self-contained apartments are viable options for budget-conscious travelers.

Q. How do I plan an itinerary to cover multiple destinations in Australia?

A. Plan strategically based on your interests and the time of year. Consider domestic flights for longer distances and explore regions with similar attractions.

Q. What makes the Great Barrier Reef a must-visit destination?

A. Explore the wonders of the underwater world, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making the Great Barrier Reef a bucket-list destination for nature enthusiasts.

Q. Is it possible to climb Uluru?

A. Climbing Uluru is discouraged out of respect for its cultural significance to the Anangu people. However, there are alternative ways to experience and appreciate this sacred site.

Q. Are there guided tours available for the Daintree Rainforest?

A. Yes, guided tours are available, offering insights into the unique flora and fauna of the Daintree Rainforest. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, providing a deeper understanding of this ancient ecosystem.

Q. How can I reach Kangaroo Island?

A. Access Kangaroo Island by ferry or a short flight from Adelaide. The island’s pristine natural beauty and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Q. What is the best way to explore the Great Ocean Road?

A. Rent a car or join a guided tour to explore the Great Ocean Road. This scenic route offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset.

😇 Conclusion

Australia, with its diverse and awe-inspiring destinations, offers a travel experience like no other. From the vibrant cities to the natural wonders, each place has a unique story to tell. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Australia has it all.

Intrigued to explore these places? Pack your bags and embark on a journey that promises memories to last a lifetime.

✉ Tell us in the comments one of your favorite places on the list of best places to visit in Australia.

Don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

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Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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Discover the Best Places to Visit in Australia: Unraveling the Land Down Under

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Australia, the vast land where pristine beaches kiss urban sprawl, and natural wonders are just a hop away from bustling cities.

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of destinations to explore? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

• The Great Barrier Reef is an underwater paradise.
• Australia saw 9.3 million tourists in 2019 alone.
• Bill Bryson captures the essence of Australian travels with his quote.
• From cities to natural spectacles, Australia has it all!
• Deborah Green reveals her secret Aussie destinations.

The Allure Behind Australia’s Tourism Boom

Australia has consistently ranked among the top destinations for global travelers, witnessing a steady surge in tourist arrivals over the years.

This rise in popularity isn’t by mere chance. Boasting an array of diversified landscapes from pristine beaches to rugged outbacks and a rich tapestry of cultures, Australia seamlessly merges the thrill of adventure with the solace of nature.

Coupled with vibrant cities pulsating with life and heritage, it’s no wonder that this Southern Hemisphere gem has cemented its place on many travelers’ bucket lists.

As the world becomes increasingly connected, more and more individuals are venturing to explore the boundless wonders and spirited ethos that make Australia a traveler’s paradise.

Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef isn’t just “ another tourist spot. ” It’s an ethereal underwater kingdom that stretches over 2,300 kilometers.

Dive in, and you’ll soon understand why it’s one of Australia’s most iconic attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a breathtaking array of marine life, from the brilliantly colored clownfish to the majestic sea turtles, each species playing a pivotal role in this vibrant ecosystem.

Beyond its biological wonders, the reef is a testament to the beauty of nature’s artistry. The coral formations, shaped by centuries of ecological interactions, form a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, turning the seabed into a living canvas. Each dive or snorkeling session reveals new secrets: hidden lagoons, underwater caves, and the mesmerizing phenomenon of coral spawning, where the reef seems to come alive in a festival of colors.

Moreover, the Reef’s islands, such as the Whitsundays, offer pristine beaches and azure waters, providing a tranquil escape for those looking to bask in nature’s splendor above the water. The indigenous stories associated with the Reef, passed down through generations, add a layer of cultural and spiritual significance, making every visit not just a visual feast but a journey through ancient narratives.

In essence, the Great Barrier Reef is more than a destination; it’s an experience, a living entity that captures the heart and soul of all who venture into its waters. An emblem of Australia’s rich natural heritage, it stands as a reminder of the wonders our planet holds and our responsibility to protect and cherish them.

Understanding Australia’s Unique Charm

As the renowned travel author, Bill Bryson, once put it,

“Australia is an island, a big one, and its cities are isolated from each other by vast distances. But it’s these distances and differences that make it such an endlessly fascinating place to explore.”

Indeed, Australia’s geographical expanse results in a symphony of varied landscapes, cultures, and experiences, making every visit a unique escapade.

In the bustling metropolis of Sydney , you’re swept into a world where modern architecture kisses the clear blue skies, a stark but harmonious contrast to the serene Outback where the ancient, red soil tells tales of a time long past.

Melbourne, with its intricate lanes, art, and coffee culture, offers a different flavor. It’s a melting pot of creativity, echoing with the sounds of music, art, and life. In the tropical north, the rainforests and reef paint a picture of ecological wonder, where every leaf, coral, and creature play a pivotal role in the Earth’s narrative.

But it’s not just about the visual and sensory allure. The isolation cultivated a distinct Australian character – resilient, jovial, and profoundly connected to their land. This connection permeates through the indigenous communities, where ancient traditions, stories, and spirituality breathe life into the arid lands.

Every song, dance, and piece of art is not just a display of culture but a narration of the Dreamtime, the mystical time of creation, connecting every Australian to their ancestral lands.

Each city, town, and village in Australia is like a different world. A world with its own stories, characters, and landscapes. And perhaps, Bryson’s sentiment rings profoundly true because Australia isn’t just a journey across distances; it’s a journey across narratives.

Narratives that are as varied, deep, and expansive as the continent itself, offering not just a travel experience, but a deep, soul-stirring narrative that lingers long after the journey ends.

Every visit is an opportunity to uncover another layer of Australia’s multifaceted charm, an allure enriched by its isolation and diversity.

Insider Tips from Deborah Green

When it comes to the best places in Australia, every local has their secret stash of recommendations. Deborah Green , our experienced travel journalist, spilled the beans on her favorites:

• Broome, Western Australia: Think camel rides at sunset on the Cable Beach.
• Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia: Swim alongside whale sharks in this lesser-known reef.
• Lord Howe Island, New South Wales: A UNESCO World Heritage paradise, where time slows down.

Australia , with its unparalleled diversity and beauty, offers travelers not just a journey through miles but a journey through time. Its rich indigenous history, modern cosmopolitan cities, and breathtaking natural wonders form a mosaic that caters to every kind of traveler. From the sun-kissed beaches to its ancient rainforests, the essence of the continent lies in its raw, unfiltered charm.

Diversity is the hallmark of Australia. One moment you’re traversing the urban jungles of Sydney with its iconic opera house, and the next, you’re lost in the vastness of the Outback, witnessing the majestic Uluru at sunset. For those seeking adventure, the Great Barrier Reef offers an under-the-sea experience like no other, while the Whitsunday Islands promise an idyllic beach paradise.

However, beyond the landmarks, it’s the Australian spirit that captures the heart. Warm, welcoming, and with a penchant for a good laugh, the locals add an extra layer of richness to the Australian experience. Be it through their stories, their culture, or their vibrant festivals, they embody the essence of the “Land Down Under.”

In concluding, Australia isn’t just a destination; it’s an emotion. A sentiment that resonates with the soul, urging you to explore deeper, travel farther, and connect with its land and people.

With its blend of history, culture, nature, and innovation , it offers a holistic experience that leaves an indelible mark on the traveler’s heart. So if there’s one place where every journey tells a story and every landscape paints a picture, it’s undoubtedly Australia – a continent waiting to be explored.

Why is the Great Barrier Reef so popular among tourists?

Aside from its sheer size, the Great Barrier Reef offers a diverse ecosystem, making it a hub for snorkeling, diving, and witnessing marine life.

Is Australia expensive for tourists?

While Australia can be pricier than some destinations, budget options are available, and the experiences are worth every penny.

What’s the best time to visit Australia?

The best time largely depends on the region. For most parts, spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) offer pleasant weather.

Are there any underrated places Deborah recommends?

Definitely! Places like Kangaroo Valley, Mount Kosciuszko, and the Gippsland region often fly under the tourist radar but are pure gems.

How safe is Australia for solo travelers?

Australia is generally very safe for solo travelers, but as with any destination, common sense and precaution are advised.

• Tourism Australia, 2019 Visitor Statistics
• National Geographic, “Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef”
• “In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson

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Places To Visit in Australia

Here are the top 96 tourist places in australia.

1 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 44 Tourist attractions

Sydney, the dynamic capital of New South Wales, Australia, boasts a vibrant urban life and an array of iconic attractions. The renowned Sydney Opera House and the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge capture the city's architectural magnificence, while Bondi Beach offers a quintessential Australian seasid...

Best Time: December to February.

2. Melbourne

2 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 56 Tourist attractions

Melbourne, the vibrant cultural capital of Victoria, Australia, embodies a rich tapestry of urban sophistication and artistic verve. This bustling metropolis is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, vibrant street life, and an eclectic blend of architectural marvels. From its iconic laneways adorned ...

Best Time: March to May

3. Great Barrier Reef

3 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 6 Tourist attractions

The Great Barrier Reef doesn't really need much of an introduction. It is the single largest composition of living organisms in the world, and without a shadow of a doubt, nature's most revelled masterpiece.

Best Time: June to November (Spring)

4. Brisbane

4 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 48 Tourist attractions

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, Australia, is a flourishing urban hub renowned for its dynamic city life and thriving cultural scene. It boasts a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere, offering a blend of bustling city attractions and serene natural landscapes. The South Bank Parklands, a ...

Best Time: May to October. Winter season.

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5 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 31 Tourist attractions

The Gold Coast, a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, epitomizes the quintessential beach lifestyle with its sun-kissed shores and vibrant urban atmosphere. Known for its pristine beaches, such as Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, the city offers a plethora of water sports, from surfing to sno...

Best Time: Throughout the year, except monsoon

6. Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

6 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 5 Tourist attractions

Uluru's profound significance is enhanced by its diverse flora and fauna, allowing visitors to witness the unique desert ecosystem and the vibrant life that thrives in this arid landscape. The Field of Light art installation by Bruce Munro adds a contemporary touch to the ancient surroundings, creat...

Best Time: April to September (Autumn to Winter)

7. Adelaide

7 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 43 Tourist attractions

Adelaide is Australia's most diverse and free-spirited city. Known for its churches and festivals, this Southern Australian city has many activities ranging from the great outdoors, art-centric attractions and events, world-famous eateries and pubs, and historic villages. It is also k...

Best Time: February to March

8. Blue Mountains

8 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

The Blue Mountains get its name from the blue haze that surrounds the area, a result of the mist that emanates from the eucalyptus trees in the area. With eight connected conservation areas, the Blue Mountains region is a beautiful World Heritage site that helps visitors connect with some of the bes...

Best Time: December to February

9 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 30 Tourist attractions

Western Australia's capital city, Perth, is wonderfully urban, with its fair share of looming skyscrapers and untouched scenic beauty. Home to classic Australian beaches, wonderful marketplaces, delicious food, and exciting wildlife, the city is enticing enough for a trip to the seemingly ...

Best Time: September to November

10 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 49 Tourist attractions

Situated in Far North Queensland, Cairns is synonymous with Australia's tropical climates and oceanic bliss intertwined. Popularly known as the gateway to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, this city is the home base for those who wish to explore the abundant tropical riches...

Best Time: June to August

11. Byron Bay

11 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Byron Bay, nestled along the eastern coast of Australia, embodies a laid-back coastal lifestyle intertwined with vibrant artistic energy. Renowned for its stunning beaches and excellent surfing conditions, the town attracts beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts from around the world. The Cape Byro...

12. Tasmania

12 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 10 Tourist attractions

Located south of Australia across the Bass strait, Tasmania is the country's only island state and is largely covered by untouched natural and rugged landscapes. A little under half of the island comprises natural reserves, national parks, protected areas and UNESCO heritage sites. Tasmania was...

Best Time: December to February (summer)

13 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 6 Tourist attractions

Darwin, the vibrant capital of Australia's Northern Territory, is a unique blend of urban living and natural wonders. The city's relaxed tropical vibe is complemented by its rich Aboriginal heritage, reflected in the vibrant markets and cultural festivals. The renowned Mindil Beach Sunset Market and...

Best Time: April to October

14. Canberra

14 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia 36 Tourist attractions

Canberra, the elegant capital city of Australia, exudes a refined charm with its blend of cultural institutions and natural beauty. The city's serene ambiance is complemented by its abundance of parks and gardens, including the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the expansive Lake Burley Griffi...

15 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, exudes a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, the city offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that reflects the laid-back lifestyle of the island. With its rich maritime history and captivating waterfront views...

Best Time: December to January

16. Kangaroo Island

16 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third-largest island, is the answer to those looking to explore the incredible wildlife of Australia. With more than one-third of the island designated as natural reserves protected by law, it is home to sea lions, koalas, echidnas, and kangaroos among other native wildl...

Best Time: November to April

17. Fraser Island

17 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, and a World Heritage-listed island. It is abundant in Australian natural beauty, boasting of vast sandy beaches, pristine lakes and dense rainforests.

Best Time: September to November, March to May

18. Torquay

18 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Torquay, in southern Australia, close to Melbourne, is the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road drive and home to some of Australia’s most prolific surfing culture. Once a sleepy seaside resort town, it now attracts surfers worldwide, also serving as the birthplace of popular surf brands Rip Curl ...

19 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Home to pristine beaches and lush greenery, Noosa is considered the main highlight of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It is also home to the Noosa Everglades, an exotic labyrinth of lakes and rivers among lush wetlands, one of the only two everglades in the world.

20. Wollongong

20 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

With the University of Wollongong and scenic beaches of the South Coast, Wollongong is a vibrant city teeming with life, art and coastal beauty.

Best Time: September to February

21. Port Macquarie

21 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Port Macquarie, in New South Wales, is a coastal town home to the famous Koala Hospital in Australia. Located between Sydney and Brisbane, the town is home to stunning beaches, excellent walking and hiking trails, wonderful gardens and beautiful canals resulting from being next to the sparkling Hast...

Best Time: December to March

22. Tamworth

22 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

The outback town of Tamworth is the perfect place for country music fans, with the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame being the highlight of the area. It is also the venue of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the second biggest of its kind in the world.

Best Time: January

23. Phillip Island

23 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Located around 142 kms south of Melbourne, Phillip Island is a day trip from the city famous for its various wildlife experiences. From watching the famous penguin parade and visiting koalas, feeding the kangaroos and admiring the whales from a distance, wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat....

Best Time: November to March

24. Townsville

24 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Nestled in tropical North Queensland, Townsville is a vibrant city where coastal living meets cultural richness. Life here revolves around the iconic Strand, offering a picturesque waterfront with cafes and recreational areas. Magnetic Island, just a ferry ride away, invites exploration of coral ree...

Best Time: May to September

25. Snowy Mountains

25 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

The Snowy Mountains are the highest mountain range in Australia. Within the Kosciuszko National Park here is Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain on the Australian Mainland.

Best Time: June to October

26. Alice Springs

26 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Alice Springs is the gateway to the best of sights that Central Australia has to offer. Surrounded by the magical red deserts of the Outback, it serves as a base to visit the nearby Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. It is named after the natural spring that connects ...

27. Jervis Bay

27 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Jervis Bay, nestled along the New South Wales coast, is a pristine natural haven celebrated for its crystalline waters and unspoiled beaches. The bay's serene ambiance and stunning white sands make it a perfect destination for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can engage in a range...

Best Time: October to April

28. Coffs Harbour

28 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Coffs Harbour, nestled on the New South Wales coast, is a coastal haven that seamlessly blends natural beauty with vibrant city life. Life in Coffs Harbour centers around its stunning beaches, including the famous Big Banana Beach, offering a playground for water sports and relaxation. The town's ic...

Best Time: March-May

29. Norfolk Island

29 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

A beautiful island out in the South Pacific Ocean, Norfolk Island is abundant with natural beauty owing to its volcanic history, rugged surfaces, pristine beaches and plentiful presence of the Norfolk pine trees. Along with a distinct culture, the island also houses rich history within its boundarie...

Best Time: October to March

30. Geelong

30 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Geelong is the second-largest city in Victoria and one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia. Its perfect position between the Great Ocean Road and the Victorian capital Melbourne draws in scores of crowds, while the Geelong Waterfront by Corio Bay is attractive in its own right.

31. Mornington Peninsula

31 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Mornington Peninsula, a scenic coastal region near Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, boasts a delightful blend of natural beauty, wine culture, and seaside charm. Life on the peninsula centers around pristine beaches like Sorrento and Rye, offering idyllic spots for relaxation and water activities. ...

Best Time: February to April

32. Port Douglas

32 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

The beautiful seaside town of Port Douglas, located around 60 km north of Cairns, is the staging point when visiting Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. A swanky resort town in its own right, it is home to five-star properties, fine-dining restaurants, golf courses and lar...

33. Airlie Beach

33 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

The beautiful resort town of Airlie Beach is considered a popular gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. The budget accommodation, relaxed atmosphere and incredible natural beauty makes it a popular spot for backpackers and road-trippers exploring the scenic East Coast of Australia.

34. Bendigo

34 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

A prominent part of the Victorian Gold Rush, Bendigo is a city steeped in history and culture. Home to a flourishing art scene and magnificent historic architecture, this inland Victorian city draws in scores of crowds hoping to experience the beauty of its heritage.

35. Ballarat

35 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Ballarat is the city that started the Victorian Gold Rush in 1851, resulting in the immense wealth of the state since then. The city has played a major part in the gold mining industry and history of Victoria. The historic re-enactments at the open-air Sovereign Hill Museum and the Art Gallery of Ba...

36. Warrnambool

36 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Warrnambool is a seaside city on the Great Ocean Road, famous for being a major stop along the road for whale-watching. Its history of being part of the Shipwreck Coast can be explored at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.

Best Time: January to March, July to September

37. Lord Howe Island

37 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

The crescent shaped Lord Howe Island is home to untouched natural beauty. The colorful coral reefs, pristine beaches and towering Mount Gower make this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island the perfect place to escape from the city and reconnect with nature. The surrounding waters, Admiralty Islands a...

Best Time: September to May

38. Batemans Bay

38 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Batemans Bay is a gorgeous seaside escape found on the South Coast of New South Wales. Relaxing waterside activities can be undertaken here, either at its pristine beaches or on the sparkling Clyde River that flows through the town. The outer rugged coast offers multiple snorkelling opportunities, t...

Best Time: February to May

39. Bundaberg

39 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

The city of Bundaberg is the birthplace of Bundaberg Rum, one of the most famous rums in the world. The Bundaberg Rum Distillery has stood in the city since 1888, where visitors can explore more about this exquisite spirit. The region’s coast is considered the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier R...

Best Time: Mid-November to February

40. Daylesford

40 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Daylesford, nestled in Victoria's spa country, captivates visitors with its blend of wellness retreats, natural beauty, and artistic flair. Life in Daylesford centers around the rejuvenating mineral springs, offering a therapeutic escape. The Convent Gallery showcases local and international art, wh...

Best Time: March - May, September - November

41. Pokolbin

41 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Pokolbin is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Australia. Located in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Pokolbin is known for its lush vineyards, beautiful countryside, and picturesque landscapes. It is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy...

Best Time: September - November, March - May

42 out of 96 Places to visit in Australia

Maleny is a small town in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. It is located 80 km north of Brisbane and is known for its lush greenery, scenic views, and vibrant culture. Maleny offers travelers plenty of activities and attractions, including its stunning mountain views, stunning r...

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Top 50 famous attractions in Australia you should definitely visit

The world’s smallest continent and the largest island, Australia is a traveler’s paradise. From being home to some of the quirkiest wildlife and revered tales of the aboriginal tribes, Australia is a complete package with its coral reefs, picturesque rain forests, red-earthed national parks, stunning beaches, and scorching deserts.   Australia is also a land of staggering contrasts and spectacular beauty. Along the coast, you can explore vibrant multicultural cities, rainforests, and planet's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. In the Outback, rugged national parks and red-earthed deserts offer the ultimate in adventure travel. Top it all off with a laid-back feel and friendly people. Here are our Top 50 famous attractions in Australia you should definitely visit You may interested in our comprehensive Australia Travel Guide

1. The Sydney Opera House

Located at Bennelong Point in Sydney, the Sydney Opera house is a multi-venue performing art center located in the heart of the city. It is one of the most prominent tourist attraction places with over eight million people visiting it every year. The opera house has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 28th June 2007. The opera house is home to some of the best performing arts that happen in the country. Multiple events in all sorts of art happen in the Sydney Opera house so tourists can enjoy them. For recreational purposes, there are various bars, cafes, and restaurants inside it.

Read more : Sydney Travel Guide: 30 things you need to know for an awesome trip

2. The Great Barrier Reef

The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest living structures on the planet. In 1975, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established to protect its ecosystems, which include more than 3,000 coral reefs; 600 continental islands; 300 coral cays; and inshore mangrove islands. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the park stretches for 2,300 kilometers along the state of Queensland, on Australia's east coast. The astounding array of marine life includes soft and hard corals, more than 1600 species of tropical fish, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays, and giant clams. If you prefer to stay dry, you can see the reef from underwater viewing stations and glass bottom boats.

3. Sydney Harbor

Home to one of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Sydney Harbor is the center for a variety of land and water-based activities. Located in Sydney New South Wales, it is in close proximity to most of the transportation facilities. The harbor bustles with locals and visitors enjoying the water from ferries, yachts, and kayaks,... The harbor, surrounded by miles of pristine shoreline, historic sites, and national parks, is home to an array of restaurants, cafés, and bars providing a vibrant nightlife and entertainment. Enjoy scenic ferry cruises, relax on a chartered yacht, or visit one of the islands in the harbor, including Fort Denison, Goat, or Cockatoo Islands.

4. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Deep in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock), is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the country. The striking red monolith forms the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a World Heritage Area jointly managed by Parks Australia. Uluru, meaning "shadowy place" in the local aboriginal dialect, rises to a height of 348 meters from the surrounding plain, with most of its bulk hidden beneath the earth's surface. Also in the park are the red dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

5. Blue Mountains National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautiful Blue Mountains National Park lies 81 kilometers west of Sydney. This stunning park protects more than 664,000 acres of wilderness and encompasses dramatic gorges, waterfalls and 140 kilometers of hiking trails. The most famous attractions in the park are the towering sandstone rock formations called the Three Sisters. Other highlights include the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the world's steepest, which whisks passengers down the Jamison Valley through a cliff-side tunnel into an ancient rainforest, and the Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway, which all offer elevated views of the dense forests. Hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in the park.

6. Great Ocean Road

Most top tourist destinations have spectacular driving routes, and for Australia, one of its best is the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne. The road stretches for 300 kilometers along Australia's southeast coast, from the surfing town of Torquay to the town of Allansford, near Warrnambool, in the state of Victoria. The top attraction along the road is Port Campbell National Park, with the wind and wave-sculpted rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, the Arch, and Loch Ard Gorge. From a helicopter tour, these rock formations look like giant puzzle pieces, lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean. Other highlights along the road include the popular holiday resort town of Lorne and Otway National Park, an area of dense eucalyptus forests, fern-filled rainforests, hiking trails, and waterfalls.

7. St. Mary's Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral is in the center of Sydney. A lot of artists have contributed to St Mary’s Cathedral in their designs in stone and glass thereby creating a special space of solitude in Sydney. The Cathedral is believed to be the most treasured historic building here in Sydney. More importantly, St Mary’s Cathedral displays one of the most surprisingly beautiful English styles of gothic churches in the world. William Wilkinson Wardell conceptualized a gothic type structure shaped from the local yellow-block sandstone. This Cathedral is the representation of the origins of the Catholic Church. Open not only to Catholics, all people, irrespective of the religion, can make a visit to the St Mary’s Cathedral to gather some inner peace.

8. Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, is a popular stop on many Australian itineraries. It's a green city, with parks, gardens, and open spaces occupying almost a third of its total area. Highlights of the city include the Royal Botanic Gardens; Federation Square; the National Gallery of Victoria; and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where sports fans can watch cricket in the summer and Australian Rules football in the winter. Shoppers flock to the elegant Royal Arcade on Bourke Street, as well as Chapel Street; the Melbourne Central Shopping Center; and Queen Victoria Market, which has been selling fruits, vegetables, clothes, and crafts for more than a century.

9. Bondi Beach

Only 15 minutes by car from the city center, Bondi Beach is home to one of the oldest surf life-saving clubs in the world. It's also a great spot for a seaside stroll or picnic, and crowds of tourists and locals gather here to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. A great way to soak up the sea views is to stroll along the scenic Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, which begins at the southern end of the beach and follows the coastline for six kilometers along sandstone cliffs. Shops, cafes, and restaurants lie across the street from this famous coastal strip. Take care when swimming at Bondi. Strong riptides often sweep unsuspecting swimmers out to sea, especially at the southern end of this kilometer-long strand, so swimmers should stay between the flags.

10. Chinatown

Located in Haymarket, between Darling Harbor and Central station, it is Australia's largest Chinatown. Showcasing the best of China's food and culture in Sydney's Chinatown, this urban locality rests in the southern part of Sydney's central business district. An enthralling experience for any food lover, you can get all of your favorite classic Chinese food right here. Chinatown is sure to give you an intensely rewarding experience as here you can immerse yourself in Chinese culture and history and partake in its many festivals that take place throughout the year. What makes Chinatown extraordinary are the specialty shops wherein one can buy things which would not normally be available elsewhere.

11. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Site and one of the planet's great wilderness areas. Covering more than 19,840 square kilometers, Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia and the second largest in the world. Within its borders lie monsoon rainforests, mangrove swamps, rivers, gorges, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and waterfalls, as well as an astounding diversity of wildlife. In addition to the many mammals, reptiles, and fish, more than 300 different species of birds make their home here, and both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles lurk in the wetlands. You can explore the park's diverse ecosystems by car, air, boat, or on foot via the vast network of hiking trails. Note that during the wet season (Nov-April), many roads and attractions close due to heavy flooding.

12. Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is a national tourism treasure for nature lovers. Sparkling lakes, alpine heathland, and dense forests characterize the raw, glacier-carved wilderness here, and 1,616-meter Mount Ossa is one of the park's most distinctive features and the highest point in Tasmania. As you might expect, hiking here is fantastic. Favorites include the Weindorfer Walk, a six-kilometer loop through dense forests, and Lake Dove Walk, with breathtaking vistas of Cradle Mountain (1,545 meters). Stand on the summit of Cradle Mountain, and you can soak up stunning views of the central highlands. Experienced hikers can also tackle the famous 80-kilometer Overland Track, which runs south from Cradle Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair, Australia's deepest lake. Keep an eye out for Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, pademelons, and platypus among the many species of weird and wonderful wildlife.

13. Sydney Tower

Sydney Tower is one of the tallest structure and the second tallest observation tower in the southern hemisphere. The tower is 1,014 feet high and among the most eye-catching places of tourist attraction. It is also known as Sydney Tower Eye, AMP Tower, Westfield Centre point Tower or Sydney Sky tower. Sydney Tower is located in the new Westfield shopping center at the corner of the Pitt Street and Market Street. To reach here, the quickest and easy way is to use public transport. Views of Sydney from the tower eye provide some of the most spectacular views one will witness during their visit here. At the base of the tower, there is a shopping center that has restaurants and a coffee lounge with the revolving view of the Sydney Skyline.

14. The Rocks

Known as Sydney’s creative hub, The Rocks is a vibrant and dynamic precinct on Sydney’s foreshore that combines old and new to form a nucleus of markets, festivals, contemporary art, and ever-evolving pop-up spaces. Situated on the edge of the breathtaking Sydney Harbor with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House, The Rocks boasts an array of attractions, from historic architecture and intimate cobblestoned laneways to bustling markets, busy restaurants, and stylish modern bars. Visitors can enjoy guided educational tours through the gentrified neighborhood, which showcases its rich and fascinating heritage.

15. Queen Victoria Building

The Queen Victoria Building is a late nineteenth-century building in the central business district of Sydney that is home to a variety of businesses, shops, and restaurants. It was built as a monument to the long-reigning monarch and later became a marketplace, which still stands today. The exquisitely restored building consists of four main shopping floors, which are naturally lit through the stained glass windows of a mighty center dome. The building features magnificent design details such as intricate tiled floors, arches, balustrades, and pillars. The northern end, which was previously a beautiful Grand Ballroom, is now a popular tearoom.

16. Daintree National Park

A Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland is among the most ancient ecosystems on Earth. The area belongs to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, and many of its natural features hold great spiritual significance. The park encompasses two main sections: Mossman Gorge, where crystal clear waters gush over granite boulders, and Cape Tribulation, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia, where the rainforest meets reef along the white sandy beaches of the Coral Sea. This stunning stretch of coast is one of the few places in the world where two of the planet's richest ecosystems converge. The park's astounding biodiversity includes more than 18,000 plant species and a vast array of animal species, including the cassowary, crocodile, giant blue Ulysses butterfly, and the secretive Bennett's tree kangaroo.

17. Fraser Island

Fraser Island, just a short ferry trip from Hervey Bay, is the largest sand island in the world and a major part of Australia sightseeing. It offers one of Australia’s most unique four-wheel-drive adventures. You can also travel by ferry from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. The island has rain forests with an astounding diversity of wildlife, sand dunes, freshwater lakes and creek, multi-colored sand cliffs heaps of shipwrecks along the wonderful sea coast,  marine life including dolphins, whales, and sharks.

18. Susannah Place Museum

Susannah Place Museum is a historic museum which was built in the year 1844. The architecture of the four terrace house is something which will take you back in time. The museum stands as a sign of all the working class people in the locality. A few things were recently repaired in the museum so that it stays stable to be visited by tourists. Located in The Rocks, Sydney, getting to the place is quite easy as you can take many public transportation facilities heading to the museum. Tourists mostly visit the place for its architecture and rich heritage. It has been in existence since more than a century back so it's definitely worth a visit.

19. Kangaroo Island

Nature takes center stage at beautiful Kangaroo Island off the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Kangaroos hop along the powdery shores, sea lions and penguins frolic in the crystal-clear waters, and koalas cling to the fragrant eucalyptus trees. Diving is also excellent. You can spot the sea dragons in the temperate waters, and many wrecks lie offshore. The striking, wind-sculpted rock formations, known as the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park are other distinctive features of the island, and you'll find plenty of hiking trails along the soaring sea cliffs and in the pristine forests. Foodies, too, will be in heaven. Creamy cheeses, Ligurian honey, and fresh seafood grace the plates in local restaurants.

20. Royal Botanic Garden

Situated in the center of Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens are one of the largest botanical institutions in the world. Founded in 1816, the gardens are open to the public every day of the year and access is free of charge. Spanning 30 hectares (74 acres), the gardens are divided into four sections, namely the Lower Gardens, the Middle Gardens, the Palace Gardens, and the Bennelong precinct. These sections contain smaller gardens and wooded lawn areas, which form a natural amphitheater around a zone called Farm Cove. In the middle of the gardens is the Palm Grove Center, which has a modern visitor’s center, restaurant, and bookshop.

21. Royal National Park

Royal National Park is the second oldest and protected National Park in South Sydney. In December 2006, the park was added under Australian National Heritage List. It is also known as Nasho or Royals and was established in the year 1879. Royal National Park is located at Sutherland Shire, New South Wales in eastern Australia. Public transports like the ferry, tram, and trains are easily accessible to the national park. This place has incredible landscapes and beaches and is the best place to explore the beauty of nature. It's also a perfect place for walking, cycling, surfing, picnicking, whale watching or bird watching.

22. Chapel Street

A shopper’s paradise, Melbourne beckons the shopaholics and the tourists alike with its magnificent shopping places which speak of elegance, style, and luxury. You can check out for extravagant, upmarket fashion boutiques, some world-class restaurants to keep you entertained in Chapel Street. Look out for the fashionable collections by the local designers on Brigade road.

23. Carlton Gardens

Carlton Buildings and the Royal Exhibition Building are the two Australia tourist attractions listed among World Heritage sites. Built in the 18th century, they are also one of the oldest sites existing as Australia tourist attractions.

24. Yarra Valley

Melbourne is one of the very few cities in the world that can be traversed in a hot air balloon, and Yarra Valley is the place to do that. Ballooning over the Yarra Valley takes you above one of Victoria’s most spectacular winery regions, offering breathtaking views of the lush landscapes and vineyards.

25. Heide Museum of Modern Art

Heide Museum of Modern Art is a combination of a contemporary art gallery, historical art museum and heritage park. The best reason to visit this unique museum is its beautiful location; it’s set upon a vast lush farmland. A major part of Australia tourism, it is a must-visit place!

Besides these 25 above destinations, we also list out 25 more places in Australia below:

26. collaroy beach, 27. taronga zoo, 28. wild life sydney zoo, 29. sydney harbor bridge, 30. tasmania’s museum of old and new art, 31. nicholson museum, 32. mountain kosciuszko, 33. king’s cross, 34. sydney observatory, 35. seaworld marine park, 36. macquarie street, 37. circular quay, 38. darling harbor, 39. barangaroo reserve, 40. george street, 41. purnululu national park, 42. whitsunday islands, 43. westfield sydney, 44. canberra’s museums and galleries, 45. port arthur, 46. palm beach, 47. ku-ring gai chase national park, 48. the southern highlands, 50. hyde park.

Love Exploring

28 Amazing Places You Won't Believe Are In Australia

Posted: August 16, 2023 | Last updated: August 16, 2023

Where in the world...?

Puffing Billy Railway, Victoria

This century-old steam engine looks like it should be chugging through the highlands of Scotland. However, the Puffing Billy Railway travels through temperate rainforest between Belgrave and Lakeside, Menzies Creek and Gembrook. Sit on the carriage sills with your legs dangling over the side and take in towering Mountain Ash trees – then get your camera ready for when you go across the route's iconic Trestle Bridge.

These are the most scenic train journeys in Australia

Paronella Park, Mena Creek, Queensland

Are you in Barcelona? Mexico? Or Peru? Nope, you’re in tropical north Queensland. This Spanish-style castillo, now mostly in ruins, was built by José Paronella, a Catalonian who came to Australia in 1913 to work on the sugar cane fields, eventually buying and selling farms and amassing wealth. He first spotted this patch of virgin scrub along Mena Creek in 1914, buying it in 1929 and opening to the public in 1935. Book onto a day or night tour to take in the splendor of the tropical gardens and waterfalls.

Hahndorf, South Australia

Port Adelaide was the arrival point for most early German settlers, so the state of South Australia has a strong Teutonic heritage. Nowhere is it more obvious than at Hahndorf, a village in the Adelaide Hills. As Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, built by Prussian settlers in 1839, there is lots of history here – take a wander around its heritage buildings on a guided walk and learn more at Hahndorf Academy’s German Migration Museum. There are lots of lovely galleries, food shops and restaurants in town too, plus German-style pubs serving bratwursts.

Grindelwald, Tasmania

Swiss-themed Grindelwald lies in the Tamar Valley, just outside Launceston in Tasmania. Built in the 1980s, this small residential development features traditional architecture with wide eaves, flower boxes, window shutters and balconies. While here you can hire a paddle boat, tuck into schnitzel at the Alpenrose Bistro or play a round of mini-golf. Go at Christmas and Grindelwald positively twinkles with fairy lights.

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Cooks' Cottage, Melbourne, Victoria

You'd be right to think Cooks' Cottage belonged in a quaint Yorkshire village. It did. The oldest building in Australia, it was built in 1755 by the parents of Captain James Cook and stood just outside the village of Great Ayton in North Yorkshire. The explorer's historic home was shipped to Melbourne by local philanthropist Sir Russell Grimwade in 1934 as a way to mark the city's centenary. It was a painstaking process with the house dismantled and each brick individually numbered, packed into barrels and loaded onto a boat. The landmark site is open for visitors and located in the city's central heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens.

Water buffalo, Northern Territory

The sight of a water buffalo wallowing in wetlands makes you realize just how similar parts of the lush Top End are to Asia. Buffalo were first introduced to the area in 1825 as working animals and meat for the north’s remote settlements. According to Australia’s environment agency, the settlements and their buffalo were abandoned in 1949 and the feral creatures spread across the floodplains. Today, the mammoth beasts are classified as an invasive species due to the damage they cause to the fragile wetlands.

Moonta, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Expecting Poldark to come stalking down the hill? You’ll be sorely disappointed but South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula has lashings of West Country-style charm. Many Cornish emigrants came to settle in Australia’s developing mining regions in the mid-19th century. In fact, by 1865 nearly half of all migrants in the state were Cornish. As well as the remains of heritage mills (follow the Moonta Mines Walking Trails to see them), you’ll find Cornish pasties in Moonta’s bakeries, and a museum dedicated to Cornish culture in the historic copper town.

New Norcia, Western Australia

Camels in the Outback

Another feral animal that has unexpectedly become part of Australia's scenery is the camel. It's thought a million of the dromedary (one-humped) camel roam around the dusty outback, although this figure increases dramatically every year. Between 1870 and 1920, as many as 20,000 camels were imported by British Settlers from the Arabian Peninsula, India and Afghanistan. Along with them came thousands of cameleers from the same regions to transport goods and people across the sun-scorched center. With the advent of motorized transport, the camels were released into the wild and thrived.

Thredbo, New South Wales

Leichhardt, Sydney

From creamy Sicilian-style gelato to crisp wood-fired pizzas that could be fresh from a Naples pizzeria, this inner west suburb in Sydney is known as Little Italy for good reason. You'll soon forget where you are as you wander around Norton Street with its excellent Italian delis, cafés and bakeries. Take in culinary delights on a walking tour or embrace the joys of dolce far niente as you sip an espresso alfresco in the Italian Forum, a pedestrianized central courtyard inspired by Italy’s squares.

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Wycliffe Well, Northern Australia

It’s not exactly Roswell but just off Stuart Highway in Davenport lies the UFO Capital of Australia. Wycliffe Well’s extra-terrestrial origins date back to the Second World War, when soldiers stationed here noticed strange sightings. There are alien-themed signs, statues, public art and attractions to check out, and the roadhouse keeps a log of all sightings. Roughly 80 miles (128km) south of Tennant Creek in between Darwin and Alice Springs, you can keep a lookout on the night sky with a stay at Wycliffe Well Holiday Park.

King Valley, Victoria

With a distinct resemblance to the rolling hills of northern Italy, King Valley is in Victoria’s High Country. The wine-growing region has a strong Italian heritage too. The independent wineries here were established by Italian immigrants after the Second World War and it has more Italian grape varieties than anywhere else in the world aside from the motherland. Take a tour of the cellar doors in this pretty enclave and you’ll find sangiovese, arneis, barbera, pinot grigio, nebbiolo and prosecco, among others.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Tasmania

Provence should watch its step. Bridestowe Estate is the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere and is a spectacular sight (and scent) between December and early February, when the purple flowers bloom. Located in northeast Tasmania, the dazzling display is made all the more striking by the red earth that peeps through the curved rows of the lavender plants and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Arthur.

Cabramatta, Sydney

Custard apple, taro, and mangosteen are just some of the Southeast Asian produce you’ll find in Cabramatta. The suburb in southwest Sydney has the largest Vietnamese population in Australia following a major migration in the 1960s. Also known as Cabra, this is the place to go grocery shopping and eat authentic Vietnamese food. Get your pho fix at Pho Tau Bay and don’t miss the ga da don (crispy chicken) at local institution Tan Viet Noodle House. It’s also famed for its haberdashery stores and has various temples including the beautiful Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple (pictured).

Christmas in July, Blue Mountains

Visit the Blue Mountains in New South Wales in July and you could be forgiven for forgetting not just where you are but what time of year it is. Every winter the pretty region and its quaint villages transform into a winter wonderland. Visit Katoomba during its annual Yulefest (or Christmas in July, as locals call it) to see everywhere decked out in festive decorations. Expect log fires, carol singing, mulled wine and special festive menus. It might even snow, if you’re lucky. The historic Carrington Hotel is a lovely spot to join in the festivities.

Heard Island

Volcanoes and glaciers are not what you’d expect to see in Australia. And sadly you won’t get a chance to visit wild and remote Heard Island, one of Australia’s most spectacular, hidden spaces. The little-known landmass, located in the southern Indian Ocean about halfway between Australia and South Africa, is home to incredible wildlife including three species of seal, four species of penguin and two endemic bird species. Access to the inhospitable Subantarctic island, which has the nation’s highest and most active volcano, is strictly restricted to keep it free of introduced animal pests.

Read more about Australia's amazing no-go places you can't visit 

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

White sands, perfect blue waters and swaying palms... you could be in the Seychelles but no, you’re on Australian territory. The Cocos (or Keeling) islands are 27 coral atolls that lie 1,700 miles (2,750km) from Western Australia's coast. Along with Christmas Island they are one of the country’s Indian Ocean Territories. Only two of the Cocos are inhabited: West Island (where you’ll find dreamy resorts) and Home Island, the only Muslim island in Australia, which is home to a small indigenous population of about 450 Cocos-Malay people.

Check out these secret stunning beaches in Australia

German Cuckoo Clock Nest, Queensland

Aussies don’t need to travel to Europe to experience a slice of Bavaria. Mount Tamborine in the hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast is a hub of little boutiques and galleries including quirky German Cuckoo Clock Nest. Step inside this authentic wooden chalet and you’ll be transported to the Bavarian Alps. Pick up an artisanal cuckoo clock, made in the Black Forest of Germany, in this family-run emporium that after 20 years is a tourist attraction in its own right. 

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Huon Valley, Tasmania

Head to Tasmania's Huon River valley region in spring and you’ll see orchards awash with apple blossom while in fall roadside stalls are filled with all kinds of varieties of crunchy apples. This bucolic scene could be in the Garden of England, Kent, but it's actually in Australia’s Apple Isle. Apple trees were first planted in this valley by English explorers and, with a similar climate to England, they flourished. Visit family-run Willie Smith's – whose first tree was planted in 1888 – to discover the traditions behind the region’s orchards and sample its organic cider.

The Lord Dudley, Sydney, New South Wales

With drinkers spilling out onto the pavement with pint glasses in hand on a sunny evening, it could be a scene from London. However, The Lord Dudley, a handsome red-brick pub in Sydney’s leafy Woollahra, is as close to a proper British boozer as they get. Its traditional interior includes a wood-paneled ceiling, classic standard pub carpet and crackling log fire. Tuck into a Sunday Roast alongside hand-pulled ale served in proper pint glasses. 

Southern Lights, Tasmania

While the Northern Hemisphere has the aurora borealis, the Southern Hemisphere has its very own. The aurora australis, or Southern Lights, sweep across the majestic night sky between May to September. As with the Northern Lights, there needs to be minimal light pollution for the best chance of seeing this natural wonder, but unlike the Northern Lights you’ll want to head as far south as possible. South Arm Peninsula in Tasmania (pictured here) is a dreamy place to view them as the swirling lights reflect against the still bays – who needs Iceland or Norway?

Norfolk Island

With a rugged coastline featuring pretty and deserted bays, towering Norfolk pine trees and fascinating history, Norfolk Island has plenty of charms. Yet few Australians visit this remote volcanic outcrop, accessible by plane from Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland. The tiny five-mile (8km) long and three-mile (5km) wide island, which sits between Australia and New Zealand in the middle of the South Pacific, was a convict colony before being settled by descendants of Bounty mutineers. You won't hear the familiar Aussie accent here – the inhabitants speak a unique mix of Tahitian and 18th-century English.

Royal Arcade, Melbourne

Amigo's Castle, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales

A medieval-style Italian castle is the last thing you'd expect to find in the dusty opal mining town of Lightning Ridge in northwestern New South Wales. It was built by hand in the 1980s using ironstone boulders that Italian miner Vittorio Stefanato, known locally as Amigo, collected. The structure is now heritage-listed and open to visitors. There’s also the incredible opportunity to see dinosaur bones (possibly from a plesiosaur) tucked 49 feet (15m) beneath the castle, accessible via a network of tunnels. 

Check out 40 of Australia's most stunning natural wonders

Coober Pedy’s Underground Town, South Australia

Dubbed the Opal Capital of Australia, Coober Pedy lies in South Australia’s desert outback. Its rustic underground town is an impressive labyrinth of houses, shops and churches for residents and guests to escape the unbearable heat, when summer temperatures reach 127°F (53°C). Guided tours at Faye’s Underground Home provide authentic insights into daily life, while the Desert Cave Hotel has a restaurant, bar, pool room and gift shop. The area is renowned for opal so pick up a souvenir and check out the eerily abandoned mining equipment. 

Heart Reef, Queensland

You might think you’re in the romantic Maldives or on a stunning Greek island, but Heart Reef is one of the most mesmerizing places in Australia. This tropical archipelago is a coral naturally formed in the shape of a heart and is only accessible by helicopter, seaplane or light plane tour, adding to its secluded charm. Board a glass-bottomed boat to watch the turtles and colorful fish glide through the turquoise waters. 

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6 killed in Sydney mall stabbing attack

By Sophie Tanno and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage has ended. Read up on the latest on the Sydney mall attack or scroll through the posts below.

6 dead in Sydney shopping mall stabbing attack. Here's the latest

Six people are dead  and several others injured after a man went on a stabbing rampage in a shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday afternoon local time, one of the country’s worst mass killings in recent years. The suspect was  shot dead .

Eyewitnesses described  “pandemonium”  as they fled from the attack, with many  forced to hide in shops . Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was “beyond words and understanding,” but amid the “shocking violence,” there were glimmers of heroism.

Here’s the latest if you are just joining us:

Six dead: New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb said  four women and a man died  at the shopping mall, while a fifth woman later died at the hospital. Webb added that  eight additional people  are being treated for injuries at hospitals in Sydney.

Baby among those injured: A  nine-month-old baby is confirmed  to be among the injured and has been in surgery, Webb said. Australian media outlets have reported that the baby’s mother had died, but Webb could not confirm the reports.

Suspect shot: A police inspector shot the attacker dead on the scene. Police believe the suspect was a 40-year-old man who acted alone, but could not provide further identification details. Early indications suggest the attack was  not terror-related .

"Hero" police officer: The police officer who shot the suspect is being hailed as a “hero,” with  Albanese saying , “There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action.” The officer was nearby when the violence unfolded and shot the attacker when he raised his knife at her, police said.

Witnesses describe scene: Eyewitnesses described panic and “pandemonium” as fleeing shoppers fell over each other and hid in shops. One woman, Crystal Wang,  told CNN  she hid in a clothing store for over an hour with other shoppers. Another man told Australia’s state broadcaster ABC that the attacker was stabbing people “indiscriminately.”

Rare attack: The attack has shocked Australia, a country where  mass casualty events are rare . The deadliest in its history was an April 1996 mass shooting in the town of Port Arthur, Tasmania, that killed 35 people and became known as the Port Arthur massacre. More recently, at least four people were killed and one injured in a mass shooting in the northern city of Darwin in 2019.

Pope Francis offer prayers for Sydney mall attack victims and first responders

Pope Francis is "deeply saddened" by the mass stabbing that occurred at a busy shopping center in Sydney, Australia, according to a statement from the Vatican.

"He sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this senseless tragedy, especially those who are now mourning the loss of a loved one," the statement read. "He likewise offers his prayers for the dead, injured, as well as the first responders, and invokes upon the nation the divine blessings of consolation and strength."

King Charles III "shocked and horrified" by the Sydney stabbing

Britain's King Charles III, who is head of state in Australia, said he and his wife Queen Camilla are "utterly shocked and horrified" by the shopping mall stabbing in Sydney that left six dead.

"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack," a statement from Buckingham Palace said.

"While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services."

9-month-old baby among victims receiving treatment in hospital

From CNN's Chris Liakos and Sophie Tanno

A nine-month-old baby is confirmed to be among eight victims who have been admitted to hospital following the mass stabbing attack at Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall.

New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb on Saturday confirmed that eight people are currently being treated for different injuries in hospitals around Sydney, including the infant, who has been in surgery.

Webb said "the last update I had was that it (the baby) had been in surgery and it's too early to say really. But it's awful."

She could not confirm Australian media reports that the baby's mother had died.

"I've heard that same rumour but I can't confirm that," she said.

Early indications say attack was not terror related, police say

From CNN's Chris Liakos 

New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb said on Saturday that early indications suggest the Sydney mall stabbing attack is not terror related but cautioned that the investigation remains ongoing.

Webb told reporters that current elements do not point to a terror motive, adding however that the investigation will be ongoing "for many many days" and that it is "too early to say" what was behind the attack.

According to Webb, police believe that the suspect is a 40-year-old man but as background checks remain ongoing, she could not provide further identification details.

Webb said she was "confident" that there is no ongoing risk and that "we are dealing with one person who is now deceased."

The suspect was shot dead at the scene by a lone officer, police earlier said.

In pictures: Stabbing at Sydney shopping mall

From CNN Digital’s Photo Team

Sydney has been left stunned after a mass stabbing at a shopping mall left at least six people dead. Here are some of the latest pictures from the scene.

"Do not go down there": Witnesses describe scenes of pandemonium in Sydney shopping mall

From CNN"s Sophie Tanno

Witnesses inside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall when the attack took place have described scenes of chaos.

CNN’s Australian affiliate, 9 News Sydney, spoke to an eyewitness who said people were running through the shopping center and falling over each other, describing the situation as “pandemonium.”

Two brothers who were there told 9 News they saw a baby and mother stabbed and tried to help.

“The baby got stabbed and the mum got stabbed," one of the brothers said. “We were holding the baby and trying to compress the baby. Same with the mother, trying to compress the blood from stopping.”

One man described seeing a man in a green shirt stabbing others "indiscriminately."

"[We just heard] screaming, screaming and it didn't seem that long before we heard 'boom boom boom' of the gunshot and we thought, 'We hope it's the police,'" the witness told Australia's state broadcaster ABC. "[A person] is dying 10 metres away … I grabbed towels and there were three people dying around me. "It was just carnage."

Another man who did not give his name told ABC that the attacker would have continued his deadly rampage if the police officer had not intervened.

"If she did not shoot him, he would have kept going, he was on the rampage," he said.

Woman hid at back of clothes shop for over an hour during attack

From CNN's Sophie Tanno

One eyewitness who was inside Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall when the attack unfolded described hiding in the back of a shop.

Crystal Wang explained how, after arriving at Westfield at around 3.20pm – just as the attack began – she walked into a clothes store where "the girls at the shop shut the door behind me and turned off lights."

She continued: "I was really confused, and they told me someone is stabbing people with a knife in the mall. I was hiding at the back of the shop, saw some people fleeing, and then heard [a] few gun shots.”

At first, Crystal thought there had been a power cut, before she realized the severity of the situation she had found herself in.

"A siren went on and not long after, I heard gun shots and started to panic, I was worried the attacker also had a gun," she said. "That's when the shop assistants asked everyone to hide in their storage room."

She added that management announcements probably made the situation worse.

“They were saying 'all the customers please evacuate immediately.' "We were obviously locked inside, just really confused if we should get out of the shop or stay in. "The lady who's making the announcement is obviously panicking as well, which just made us more anxious. She was even swearing at the end of her announcements."

Crystal and other shoppers stayed in hiding for an hour and half, until they were able to leave.

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New study claims Australia is home to seven of the top 100 ‘most boring’ tourist attractions in the world

A contentious new study based on Google reviews from thousands of the globe’s tourist hot spots has formed the basis of a Top 100 Most Boring Attractions Worldwide list.

The research — conducted by Solitaired in March — analysed 66.7 million reviews from 3,290 attractions on the search juggernaut spanning 71 countries and 384 cities.

Importantly, the study did not focus on the star-rating of Google reviews, but rather identified the number of times keywords, such as “tiresome”, “lifeless,” and “boring”, were written by reviewers within them.

“We ranked the attractions by the frequency with which tourists mentioned boredom-related keywords, comparing the mentions to the total reviews for each spot,” Solitaired said.

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Proud West Aussies may find their egos somewhat dented, with WA Museum Boola Bardip number 16 on the global list, and our unique Bell Tower scraping in at 92.

While the museum topped the seven-strong Aussie contingent of so-called “boring” attractions, Melbourne’s Immigration Museum at 52 and the Museum of Sydney at 32 were similarly dull, according to visitors.

Despite the Northbridge-based treasure receiving a boredom score of 2.5 out of 5 from 3446 reviews, its Google rating of 4.5 stars suggests the experience of visitors is overwhelmingly positive.

One five-star review read: “Highly recommended as one of the must-go places in Perth City! You might need at least 6 hours to cover all exhibits.

“The museum covers everything from Natural History, People, Astronomy and Culture. Suitable for all ages. Kids will surely love the Natural History section thanks to the dinosaurs and prehistoric animals exhibits. Tickets are free for kids 12 years and below.”

However, the occasional unimpressed visitor could be found expressing their negative appraisal on the platform.

“Very boring, there was no flow with the layout or the theme of the museum, seemed to me to be very bitsy and all over the show. Would have been good to see artefacts from around the world.

“Would not recommend if you are after some history from around the globe,” a one-star review read.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles argued the findings were at odds with other “credible” sources, insisting feedback has been largely complimentary.

“The results of this supposed ‘survey’ contradict all credible data sources, all of which suggest that visitors are overwhelmingly positive about Boola Bardip,” Mr Coles said.

He considered the museum’s dynamic calendar of events as key to attracting both new and repeat visitors.

“Each year WA Museum Boola Bardip develops and presents a range of captivating local and international exhibitions, interactive displays, diverse programs, and events.

“Last year’s Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition attracted over 135,000 visitors and people have come over the last two weeks in their droves to visit the To the Moon exhibition.”

WA Museum Boola Bardip has boasted a customer satisfaction score of between 95 and 99 per cent each year since opening in November 2020 — welcoming more than 1.68 million total visitors through their doors.

It even claimed the top awards for Major Tourism Attraction and Cultural Tourism Attraction at the 2023 Western Australian Tourism Awards, and was highly commended in the Australian National Tourism Awards.

Downtown, The Bell Tower holds a Google rating of 4.2 stars from 2,177 reviews — again, largely a positive attraction for tourists due to its unique design, aesthetic and picturesque location.

Most of the attraction’s mid-tier reviews were from visitors who had not paid to enter the tower and had only stopped for a brief glimpse outside.

One three-star review read: “We didn’t enter but only walked around the exterior of it and listened to the various bell tunes while we explored Elizabeth Quay.”

Branson Scenic Railway in the US state of Missouri claimed the world’s most boring mantle, with 3341 total reviews and a maximum boredom score of 5 out of 5.

Unsurprisingly, the expansive US comprised 62% of the 100 attractions noted in the unfavourable list.

More information on the study can be found here .

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‘This place is a gem’: in remote Australia, a cultural festival thousands of years in the making

Combining hip-hop workshops, country music and campfire yarns with Ernie Dingo, Jamba Nyinayi festival is part of a new era of First Nations-led tourism on WA’s Ningaloo coast

O ur tyres crunch on the dusty gravel driveway as we reach the edge of Cardabia station. Peering out across its vast salt flats, Hazel Walgar falls silent, drinking in the beauty before our eyes. “Look at it … I’ve never seen it like this before,” says Walgar, a Baiyungu traditional owner who grew up on Gunjayindiya, as the station is also known.

“Wow, I’ve got shivers!” Walgar’s granddaughter Relisha Dingo chimes in from the driver’s seat.

“We were taken off this land but now we’re home,” Walgar continues. “I want to show people how special this place is.”

As the cultural director of Jamba Nyinayi festival, Walgar is taking me on a drive across the sprawling 2,000 sq km station before the main event kicks off. About a kilometre in the distance, the festival village glimmers like a mirage in the stifling mid-afternoon heat. A huddle of tents and campervans stretch out across the blush-pink dirt and the rollicking thump of the sound check reverberates over the salt flats and out across the Ningaloo coast.

Later in the evening a lineup of acclaimed Indigenous artists will perform under the stars, including the legendary songwriter Stephen Pigram, the blues and gospel singer Kankawa Nagarra and the composer and playwright David Milroy. For now, festivalgoers are embracing Jamba Nyinayi’s catch cry, “rest awhile” – meandering between the beach and the station, and drinking cups of tea around the cooling embers of the campfire.

Jamba Nyinayi represents a homecoming of sorts for the Baiyungu people, who own and run the two-night cultural camping festival. For tens of thousands of years, Gunjayindiya was a meeting place for neighbouring language groups and the festival sees the station return to its ancient roots.

Established in 2023 to coincide with the Dark Sky festival at the total solar eclipse, this now annual event also marks an important step for the Baiyungu people in establishing their own self-sustaining cultural tourism offerings.

“We sit on the doorstep of tourism,” says Walgar, who has grand plans to build Jamba Nyinayi into a keystone annual event, as well as launching Indigenous-led whale shark swims, cultural camping in the Cape Range national park and astronomy tours.

It’s been a long, arduous journey to get to this point. Walgar was taken to Carnarvon mission at the age of six, where she was beaten if she dared to speak her language. In 1998 the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation bought Cardabia station back and in 2020 a historic Indigenous land use agreement gave Baiyungu and Thalanyji traditional owners the right to care for approximately 388,000 hectares of the Ningaloo coast.

“Here we are today, walking in the footsteps of our old people and looking after Ningaloo,” she says. “This place is a gem and no one will ever take it from us.”

Walgar worked closely with the festival director, David Chitty, more than 50 Baiyungu staff and performers, and many volunteers to present this year’s event. On the eve of the festival, the campfire sessions bring the 450-odd campers together for an intimate evening of music and storytelling, while feasting on traditional bush foods such as slow-cooked kangaroo and quandong braise.

The evening and the festival at large is emceed by the cheeky and gregarious actor and comedian Ernie Dingo. A Yamatji man from the Murchison region of Western Australia , Dingo is connected to the festival through myriad family ties: Walgar’s husband, Gavin, is his cousin, as is the musician Fred Ryan.

“There are so many avenues of beauty to discover here,” Dingo tells me the next morning over a cuppa. “Souls just radiate in every direction of love, life, country, lore and language. It’s like a disco ball reflecting the light. It’s beautiful to watch.”

After breakfast and a cooling dip at Bills Bay, I head for the cultural workshops. I coyly watch from the sidelines at the rapper Razzy Mac’s hip-hop workshop and swoosh my toes in the red dirt at a choreography workshop with Janine Oxenham. In the old shearing shed, the Walmatjarri elder Kankawa Nagarra’s yearning, soulful drawl soars high above its rusted, timeworn walls.

At last year’s festival, Walgar instantly recognised Nagarra: she was Walgar’s “mission mum” at Carnarvon, offering love and care to six-year-old Walgar, who had been violently removed from her family. They hadn’t seen each other in 45 years.

“Everyone was crying,” Chitty says. “It’s incredible that through the arts and through a festival like this, we can bring people together from different regions who lost one another.”

As the sun starts to set on the festival’s second night, we gather around the main stage, eagerly awaiting its finale. It’s a sticky 30C at 5pm and the flies are persisting but the crowd is in good spirits – swelling to about 1,400 people as more campers and locals join the festivities.

A four-hour lineup of music ensues, filled with so many toe-tapping hits and virtuosic performers, I’m reluctant to leave my seat. But the evening’s most affecting moment comes when Pigram sings his 1997 hit Nowhere Else But Here.

“I like to tell people we’re about as far west as you can get – in this western belly of the land,” he says. There’s a palpable sense of concord among the audience when Pigram sings the song’s final lyric: “If there is one place we’re all free to be, it’s nowhere else but here.”

Dingo takes to the stage again and, in a rare sombre moment, asks us to find our ancestors in the stars: “Even the ones we’ve let fade away. The ones who were there 45,000 years ago.”

Looking up towards the hazy night sky, thick with clouds from a dissipating storm, I can’t see many stars. But it’s impossible not to feel some kind of cosmic presence in this mighty prehistoric land, where the desert meets the sea.

As the revelry concludes and I head back to my tent, something Walgar said earlier comes back to me. “My old people are all gone now,” she said. “But I strongly feel I’m fulfilling their vision for this place. I’ll never stop sharing their stories.”

• Indigenous Australians
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• Indigenous art
• Western Australia
• Festivals (Culture)
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