...
...

Photo credit Joey Csunyo and Christopher Burns

Best things to see when visiting Australia

Australia is a huge and incredibly diverse country, offering its visitors a wide range of beautiful places, historical landmarks and unique sights to explore. However, such a vast array of holiday destinations can make for a daunting task when planning your itinerary. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top destinations you simply can’t miss when you get the amazing chance to take a holiday in Australia.

Sydney

No list of Australian destinations is complete without mentioning the iconic city of Sydney. Although locals will argue that there are far more interesting stops to make in this vast country, the icon that is the Sydney Harbour and its UNESCO-protected Opera House are simply undeniable. And there is plenty to do around this cosmopolitan hub from enjoying a stroll on the beach, shopping around the Rocks district, climbing to the top of Harbour Bridge, visiting the adorable koalas at Taronga Park Zoo or taking a skywalk on Sydney Tower for an incredible view of the city.

Great Barrier Reef

Another one of Australia’s best-known attractions is the stunning 2,300km of one of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. With an abundance of sea life and over 3000 individual reef systems, it can be difficult to choose just one area of the reef to visit. Most people argue that the Whitsundays area is one of the most exceptional ones but you can get all the information you need right here.

Great Ocean Road

Practically a synonym of Australia, the Great Ocean Road is another one of the country’s iconic destinations. This stupendously scenic coastal drive is unlike any other found around the world with 230km that will take up a full day to explore. Offering panoramic views of the ocean and cliffs and winding through unique rain forests, you will find plenty of spots along the way to explore from charming towns to beautiful golden beaches. Don’t forget to stop at the interesting rock formations of the 12 Apostles to capture the incredible view.

Ayers Rock/Uluru

Yes, it’s just a rock, but it’s also not “just” a rock. The largest rock monolith in the world and a sacred place for the Aborigines, this astounding sight is one you won’t want to miss. Regular 3 to 7 day guided trips are available from Adelaide which will allow you to also explore the incredible surrounding desert area. Note that you are no longer able to climb the rock itself.

Melbourne

Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is a unique city with plenty of fun activities and events available for its visitors. Best known for its fine dining, shopping venues and sports arenas, Melbourne is the ideal destination for travellers who enjoy the good life. The cute penguins at its zoo, the beautiful art galleries, historical sites, and buzzing nightlife are all excellent reasons to visit this lively city.

Kadaku National Park

Australia has a host of extraordinary natural parks, but Kadaku is arguably one of its most beautiful and diverse ones. With a stunning variety of indigenous flora and fauna and an incredibly rich Aboriginal heritage, Kadaku easily takes the crown for one of Australia’s best national parks. Intriguing rock formations, abundant wildlife, and the strong presence of Aboriginals who have inhabited this area for over 40,000 years are just some of the reasons to visit it.

The Kimberley

Everything in this amazing frontier region of Australia is on a larger scale, offering you stunning landscapes of a remote and vast wilderness. Mother Nature at her finest offers you the incredible Mitchell Falls, the iconic Cable Beach, and impressive sunsets.

The Whitsunday Coast

One of Australia’s most beautiful areas, the Whitsundays are perfect for exploring different interests. From numerous national parks with unique wildlife species to beautiful sandy beaches, stunning coral reefs, and charming towns, there will be plenty for everyone to love in this amazing area.

Birdsville

Fancy discovering the true Australian Outback? The charming town of Birdsville is where you’ll find it! Although a small town, Birdsville gives you the authentic Outback experience with incredibly welcoming people, a pub where everyone will soon know your name and unique events happening year-round including the Birdsville Races and the Branco Branding Championships.

Freycinet National Park

Located in the stunning region of Tasmania, this national park offers some of the most picture-perfect landscapes. Kayak on Coles Bay, hike along the incredible treks and enjoy a lovely pink sunset. At the end of the day, grab a delicious meal of fresh seafood and Tassie wine to top it all off.


Picture of Andy

Posted by Andy
on 19th January 2015 and
updated on 23rd February 2021

Destinations

Australia

Similar blog posts

From the UK's most popular travel bloggers

...

Best itinerary for solo adventure tourism in Australia

26th March 2024 by TravelDave

Despite its massive size and price tag, Australia remains a bucket list destination for backpackers, solo travelers, and adventure seekers. Embarking on a solo adventure across Australia is not just a journey across land, but a voyage into the heart of what it means to explore, discover, and connect. The generous Australia tourist visa, effective public transport, and excellent coffee shape the trifecta for what every solo traveler needs. Let’s dive deeper into crafting an ideal itinerary for...

...

Adventure Activities in Melbourne, Australia

7th March 2024 by Conversant Traveller

We love to explore and travel to destinations all over the world and making the long trip to Australia has always been a dream for us. The country is so vast that it really doesn’t do it justice to present a whistle-stop guide, so we thought we would concentrate on one of the most interesting cities this nation/continent has to offer....

...

Experience The Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas in 50 Seconds

26th February 2024 by Phil and Garth

There are many Great Barrier Reef tours from port Douglas. We chose a day trip with Quicksilver Cruises. An amazing bucket list experience!...

...

10 Day South West Australia Road Trip Itinerary From Perth

14th February 2024 by I'm just a girl 16

Are you looking to tour South West Australia? Perhaps you need some inspiration for Perth road trips for your next holiday Down Under! This huge Western Australia road trip itinerary includes everything you need to know about planning the perfect road trip route in WA!...

...

Things You Should Be Aware of When Visiting Australia

25th January 2024 by Coco Butter Blog

Australia is a coveted destination for travel enthusiasts, and it's not hard to see why. This vast country boasts a remarkable blend of diverse landscapes, captivating wildlife, and bustling cities. Before you set off on your Australian adventure, though, there are a few important things to keep in mind. In this collaborative post, Samantha Wragg from Coco Butter Blog shares some valuable insights to ensure you're well-prepared for your trip Down Under. So, let's dive in and discover the things...

...

Top Travel Tips for Touring Tasmania

2nd January 2024 by PommieTravels

The hidden gem known as Tasmania offers travelers a truly unique combination of breathtaking natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage to explore. The island state is well known for it’s picturesque untouched wilderness and offers adventurers of every shape and size countless opportunities to savor stunning landscapes, sample local culinary delights and view distinctive wildlife....

...

Experience the freedom of travelling Brisbane in a campervan rental

23rd October 2023 by Coco Butter Blog

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure and discover the liberating joy of exploring Brisbane in a campervan rental. Starting from the vibrant city, you'll have the freedom to delve into the breathtaking natural landscapes and lively attractions that Queensland has in store. Whether you're dreaming of a scenic road trip along the stunning coastline or in search of hidden gems, a campervan rental will be your perfect companion. Say goodbye to restrictions and hello to endless possibilities as you...