Australia gets under your skin. The first time I watched the sunset light up Uluru, I finally understood why people cross the world to come here. This country does things differently – where else can you swim with whale sharks in the morning and watch kangaroos hop past your cabin at night?
I’ve rounded up the most beautiful places to visit in Australia that made my jaw drop. These 12 spots show exactly why this massive country deserves all the time you can give it.
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#1 tip to save money on your trip to Australia
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Australian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last fall, I flew to Sydney for just $500 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by shopping at Aldi or Woolworths and having barbies in public parks (free BBQs are everywhere!). For eating out, try local pub meals during happy hour – many offer “counter meals” for $15-20. Food courts in shopping centers offer decent meals for $12-15.
- Transport: Get an Opal card in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, or a Go card in Brisbane. Look for off-peak travel discounts and daily caps. For intercity travel, book Greyhound buses or look for Jetstar/Tiger flight sales. Using public transport and avoiding tourist shuttles has saved me hundreds of dollars on each trip.
Australia has a reputation for being seriously expensive, especially in the major cities. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this amazing country for much less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Australia:
1. Sydney Harbour
- 📍 Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- 🏆 Best For: 🌆 Iconic views + 🛥️ harbor cruises + 🌿 gardens
- 📸 Top Experiences: Sydney Opera House tour, ferry to Manly Beach, Royal Botanic Garden stroll
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Sydney – Luxury stay with unbeatable views of the Opera House
Sydney Harbour doesn’t need much introduction. This waterfront landmark is the heartbeat of the city, surrounded by postcard-perfect sights like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause mid-walk just to take in the view.
The best way to explore it? Hop on a ferry. Whether you’re headed to Manly, Watsons Bay, or simply cruising at sunset, the water gives you front-row seats to one of the world’s most stunning skylines. For something more grounded, the Royal Botanic Garden offers shaded paths and grassy spots right beside the harbor.
Evenings are equally special. Grab dinner at Circular Quay and watch the city lights reflect off the water. Whether it’s your first or fifth time in Sydney, the harbor always feels unforgettable.
2. Great Barrier Reef
- 📍 Location: Queensland Coast
- 🏆 Best For: 🐠 Snorkeling + 🌊 marine biodiversity + 🛥️ island hopping
- 📸 Top Experiences: Diving at Agincourt Reef, Whitehaven Beach visit, sailing the Whitsundays
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to October 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Reef View Hotel – Spacious rooms near the beach on Hamilton Island
The Great Barrier Reef is more than a bucket list destination. It’s a living, breathing underwater world that stretches over 1,400 miles. Home to thousands of marine species, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dream for divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers alike.
One of the easiest ways to experience it is through a day trip from Cairns, Port Douglas, or Airlie Beach. If you’re not diving, glass-bottom boat tours offer stunning views of vibrant coral gardens and sea turtles drifting by. The nearby Whitsundays also bring tropical island vibes and the world-famous Whitehaven Beach.
For a deeper adventure, consider an overnight liveaboard or stay on Hamilton Island. With so much to explore, each visit to the reef feels like a new chapter in one of nature’s most incredible stories.
3. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- 📍 Location: Northern Territory, Central Australia
- 🏆 Best For: 🏜️ Desert landscapes + 🧘♀️ spiritual experiences + 🎨 Indigenous culture
- 📸 Top Experiences: Uluru Base Walk, sunrise at Kata Tjuta, Aboriginal art tours
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sails in the Desert – Stylish desert escape near the park entrance
Uluru isn’t just a photo op. It’s a sacred place with deep cultural meaning, especially for the Anangu people who have lived here for thousands of years. Watching the light shift over Uluru at sunrise or sunset is a moment that sticks with you long after the trip ends.
Just about 30 miles away is Kata Tjuta, another rock formation with massive domes and dramatic hiking trails like the Valley of the Winds Walk. The silence of the desert and the raw natural beauty make this park feel like nowhere else in Australia.
You can also join a guided experience to learn about Aboriginal stories, bush foods, and ancient art. Whether you’re here for nature, history, or something deeper, this national park offers lots of stunning views and connects you to the heart of the country.
4. Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road
- 📍 Location: Victoria
- 🏆 Best For: 🚗 Scenic drives + 🌊 dramatic coastlines + 📷 iconic photo spots
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge visit, driving the Great Ocean Road
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Anchors Port Campbell – Modern villas close to the Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are limestone stacks rising out of the Southern Ocean, carved over millions of years by wind and waves. They’re the crown jewel of the Great Ocean Road, a route that winds through beach towns, rainforests, and rugged cliffs.
Most travelers base themselves in Port Campbell, just minutes from the main viewing area. Try to visit at sunrise or sunset when the rocks glow gold against the ocean. For a quieter experience, check out nearby sights like Gibson Steps or London Arch, which are just as striking but less crowded.
This stretch of coastline isn’t just about scenery. You’ll also find wildlife, surf beaches, and local eateries tucked into small towns. Whether you drive the full road or just a section, the journey itself becomes a highlight of your Australian trip.
5. Kakadu National Park
- 📍 Location: Northern Territory
- 🏆 Best For: 🌿 Biodiversity + 🖼️ Aboriginal rock art + 🐊 wildlife spotting
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, Ubirr rock art site, Jim Jim Falls hik
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Cooinda Lodge Kakadu – Rustic lodge close to top attractions
Kakadu National Park spans nearly 20,000 square kilometers of wetlands, waterfalls, woodlands, and sandstone cliffs. It’s not only Australia’s largest national park, but also one of the best places to explore Aboriginal culture and ancient landscapes all in one trip. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds thousands of years of history in its rock art, much of which you can still see at sites like Ubirr and Nourlangie.
A cruise along Yellow Water Billabong gives you the chance to spot crocodiles, sea eagles, and wild buffalo. The dry season opens up hiking trails to remote areas like Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, both offering dramatic views and refreshing swimming spots.
The park’s mix of culture, wildlife, and untouched wilderness makes it a standout for anyone wanting a real-deal Australian adventure. Just be sure to plan ahead because distances here can be huge, and some areas are 4WD-only.
6. Bondi Beach, Sydney
- 📍 Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- 🏆 Best For: 🏄♂️ Surf culture + laid-back coastal vibes
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at Bondi Icebergs, coastal walk to Coogee, local café hopping
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March
- 🏨Where to Stay: Hotel Ravesis – Stylish beachfront boutique with ocean views
Bondi Beach blends classic surf-town charm with big-city energy. Its golden stretch of sand draws swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers year-round. For many, a morning swim in the turquoise waves followed by breakfast at a local café is the ideal start to a Sydney day.
Right beside the beach is the famous Bondi Icebergs Pool, where you can swim laps while gazing out at the Pacific Ocean. If you’re up for a walk, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk winds along sandstone cliffs and secret beaches, offering views that are hard to forget. It’s especially perfect during golden hour.
Bondi’s vibe shifts throughout the day. Mornings are for sunrise jogs and flat whites, while evenings fill up with sunset drinks and barefoot diners. It’s Sydney at its most relaxed, and honestly, it’s hard not to love it.
7. Barossa Valley
- 📍 Location: South Australia
- 🏆 Best For: 🍷 Wine tasting + gourmet experiences
- 📸 Top Experiences: Sampling Shiraz at cellar doors, visiting farmers markets, scenic hot air ballooning
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🍇
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Louise – Luxury vineyard retreat with onsite dining
The Barossa Valley is Australia’s wine country at its finest. Just an hour from Adelaide, it’s packed with vineyards, historic towns, and rustic cellar doors offering generous tastings. Shiraz is the star here, but you’ll also find crisp Rieslings and creative blends from family-owned estates.
Spend your morning visiting cellar doors like Penfolds or Yalumba, then grab lunch at a countryside eatery serving produce sourced within miles. If you’re here on a Saturday, don’t miss the Barossa Farmers Market, which showcases everything from local cheeses to freshly baked bread.
What makes Barossa special is how easy it is to slow down. Between vineyard views, peaceful cycling routes, and gourmet spots tucked into rolling hills, it’s the kind of place that turns a day trip into a full-on escape. Bring a good appetite and leave some room in your luggage for bottles.
8. Daintree Rainforest
- 📍 Location: Queensland
- 🏆 Best For: 🌿 Nature lovers + rainforest adventures
- 📸 Top Experiences: Daintree River cruise, Mossman Gorge walk, Cape Tribulation beach
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Daintree Ecolodge – Rainforest treehouses with spa treatments
The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, and it feels like stepping into a lost world. Massive ferns, ancient fig trees, and thick green canopies hide some of Australia’s rarest wildlife, including the elusive cassowary. You’ll hear birds you’ve never heard before and see plants you didn’t think still existed.
One of the best ways to experience the Daintree is by taking a boat cruise along the Daintree River, where crocodiles often lurk along the muddy banks. Trails around Mossman Gorge are peaceful and shaded, perfect for a midday stroll or a refreshing swim in cool rock pools.
End your day at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest literally meets the reef. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and it’s one of the few places where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites sit side by side. It’s a unique part of Australia worth every second.
9. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
- 📍 Location: Tasmania
- 🏆 Best For: 🥾 Hikers + mountain scenery
- 📸 Top Experiences: Dove Lake walk, wildlife spotting, Enchanted Forest trail
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge – Cozy alpine lodge near the trailheads
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a slice of wild Tasmania. Rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and winding trails make it one of the most photogenic places in the country. Cradle Mountain itself towers above Dove Lake, reflecting on still waters and framed by pencil pines.
If you like hiking, this park delivers. Short trails like the Enchanted Walk are great for beginners, while longer treks like the Overland Track give seasoned hikers a real challenge. Wildlife sightings are common too, with wombats, echidnas, and even Tasmanian devils roaming the park.
Lake St Clair, at the southern end, is Australia’s deepest lake and perfect for peaceful canoe rides or scenic walks. Whether you’re after adventure or just a quiet escape in nature, this park offers a bit of both. Bring warm layers and a camera, the light changes everything by the hour.
10. Kangaroo Island
- 📍 Location: South Australia
- 🏆 Best For: 🦘 Wildlife spotting + secluded beaches
- 📸 Top Experiences: Seal Bay tour, Remarkable Rocks, Stokes Bay swimming
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Aurora Ozone Hotel – Waterfront hotel near Kingscote
Kangaroo Island feels like Australia before it got crowded. This peaceful escape is home to kangaroos, wallabies, sea lions, and koalas—all in the wild, not a zoo. Quiet beaches, eucalyptus forests, and rugged coastlines give the island a sense of freedom you won’t find on the mainland.
Want to see sea lions lounging on the beach? Go for Seal Bay Conservation Park. The Remarkable Rocks live up to their name, with surreal granite boulders balanced on a cliff above crashing waves. Meanwhile, Stokes Bay offers calm, shallow waters that are perfect for a swim after a long day of exploring.
The island is also known for its food scene. Try honey made by Ligurian bees or enjoy fresh oysters at a local shack. Kangaroo Island lets you slow down, breathe deeply, and see Australian wildlife in its purest form.
11. Whitsunday Islands
- 📍 Location: Queensland
- 🏆 Best For: 🏝️ Beach lovers + reef adventures
- 📸 Top Experiences: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, snorkeling tours
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to November 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Beach Club – Adults-only resort with beachfront suites on Hamilton Island
The Whitsunday Islands are what beach dreams are made of. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this cluster of 74 islands is surrounded by blue-green water and soft white sand. The vibe here is slow, tropical, and completely laid-back.
You can’t visit without seeing Whitehaven Beach, famous for its pure silica sand. For the best views, head up to the Hill Inlet Lookout, where swirling white sands meet turquoise water. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Australia for good reason.
Snorkeling and diving trips let you explore coral gardens filled with clownfish, rays, and sea turtles. Or you can charter a yacht and island-hop at your own pace. Whether you’re relaxing on a catamaran or floating in crystal-clear shallows, the Whitsundays are a must for any tropical itinerary.
12. The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park
- 📍 Location: Western Australia
- 🏆 Best For: 🏜️ Desert landscapes + geology lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Pinnacles Desert walk, Discovery Centre visit, sunset photos
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: August to October 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: RAC Cervantes Holiday Park – Simple stays near the park entrance
The Pinnacles Desert looks like something from another planet. Thousands of limestone spires rise from yellow sand, casting long shadows and creating a dramatic, alien-like atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and stare.
The formations reach up to 12 feet tall and were created over thousands of years by wind, rain, and time. You can walk among them on foot or drive the loop track for a closer look. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical as the lighting makes the rocks glow.
Drop by the Discovery Centre to learn how the Pinnacles were formed and get a better feel for the surrounding Nambung National Park. Just a two-hour drive north of Perth, this lesser-known wonder offers an easy but unforgettable day trip or overnight escape into Australia’s weird and wonderful outback.
