20 stunning places to go when visiting Australia
Australia is a country that is as diverse as it is beautiful. So to help you plan your visit we’ve put together a list of 20 stunning places to get the most out of your visit to Australia.
Australia is full of amazing landscapes, gorgeous vistas and extraordinary wildlife. It is a country of undeniable appeal with rainforests, red deserts, gorgeous beaches and stunning underwater reefs that captivate tourists.
Take the time to hang out, relax and have some fun, or simply do nothing at all!
Australia is considered one of the most popular places to visit around the world.
What to see and do when visiting Australia?
Spend your days on the beach or go fishing, swim in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef or head deep into the Australian Outback. For us it’s all about choice!
Byron Bay, New South Wales
This trendy little coastal town is known for it’s incredible beaches and epic surf breaks. Boasting an eclectic suntanned population, this destination is where everyone is that little bit different! Walk the lighthouse walk, check out the point swells on the pandanus palm-lined beaches or sample the coffee in the funky little cafes along the way. You’ll love Byron Bay!
Fraser Island, Queensland
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Ancient rainforests, beautiful mineral sands and clear freshwater lakes will take your breath away. Fraser Island is the last of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral cays and is World Heritage listed.
Marcoola, Queensland
Uncrowded, lush grassy parklands and gorgeous white sandy beaches are the Sunshine Coast’s best kept secret. Take the beachside walk between Maroochydore and Mt Coolum for panoramic views of this gorgeous coastline.
Katoomba, New South Wales
Katoomba area is the heart of Blue Mountains National Park. A popular day trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are the home of the iconic Three Sisters. This picturesque region boasts heritage walks, world-class views and waterfalls, including the spectacular Wentworth Falls.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Margaret River is well-known as one of the most popular food & wine destinations in Western Australia. Visit Dunsborough, Busselton and Yallingup for some of the best dining options. The stunning coastal scenery is the perfect compliment to the food, wine and boutique brews. A great place to explore.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Seaside towns, local wineries and impressive restaurants are part of Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula. With wall-to-wall wineries, busy villages and stunning walks along the coastline, it’s easy to see why the Mornington Peninsula is a popular destination. Check out the nearby Hot Springs!
Coffin Bay, South Australia
Famed for its exquisite oysters, Coffin Bay is is a sleepy little town on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Coffin Bay oysters are acclaimed for their smooth creamy texture. Take an oysterfarm tour, and sample some of the world’s best Pacific oysters.
Read more about Coffin Bay Oysters.
Hervey Bay, Queensland
The best whale watching opportunities in Australia happen in the calm waters of Hervey Bay. Every year from late July to early November majestic humpbacks turn this bay into their marine playground. The whales travel over 5000 km as they migrate from Antarctica to the tropics. Take a tour, it really is extraordinary!
Uluru, Northern Territory
Uluru is amidst one of the most vivid landscapes in Australia. This iconic monolith is one of the most infamous go-to destinations for visitors travelling to Australia. Its an extraordinary experience and the place to experience the cultural centre of Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park.
Read more: Uluru – Australia’s most famous Rock
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
A little glitz and glitter, its easy to see why the Sunshine Coast is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations. Complete with alfresco restaurants and designer boutiques these trendy beachside villages are the place to go for the best dining experiences. Learn to surf lessons, or paddle in the gentle waves, build sand-castles and chill out with your family. Enjoy your lazy days.
Read more: Guide to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast
Fremantle, Western Australia
Known for its late Victorian and early Edwardian buildings, the former glory shines through. Wander down the historical South Terrace loaded with restaurants, cafes, pubs and boutique breweries. The region was build by the early convicts and features art centres, museums and other contemporary cultural spaces.
Nitmiluk Gorge, Northern Territory
Nitmiluk National Park covers a vast area along the escarpment. See thirteen magnificent gorges carved from the ancient sandstone, raging waterfalls and traditional rock art as you explore. Take a cruise along the Katherine River to enjoy the view over this magnificent country.
Read more: 6 Reasons why you must road trip to Katherine
Sydney, New South Wales
From romantic weekend getaways to memorable beach holidays on gorgeous coastal beaches, hanging out in Sydney is easy. Discover delicious foodie experiences, historical tours taking in the convict days and enjoy some of the unique ‘only in Sydney’ activities. Do the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb!
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Extraordinary scenery, stunning colours and unique wildlife. What more could you ask for? Kangaroo Island is sometimes called ‘nature’s paradise’. Stunning scenery, rugged coastlines with towering cliffs, wild plains and incredibly clear waters. Discover extraordinary food and wine, breathtaking scenery and a laid-back lifestyle.
Cape Tribulation, Queensland
Where the rainforest meets the sea. Cape Tribulation is in the UNESCO listed Daintree Rainforest. Walk along the sandy beach with palm trees and rainforest creepers creeping across the sand. Look out for the cassowaries strolling nearby with their chicks.
Explore the rainforest at the Daintree Discovery Centre.
Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Find a place to discover the beauty amongst the mountains of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. It is a remarkable landscape with a unique opportunity to experience the Aboriginal culture and learn the local indigenous language. Its a time to understand the people and their place in the land and help them preserve it for years to come.
Hook Island, Queensland
The Whitsundays isn’t all about luxury resorts and expensive yacht charters! Bring your snorkel and explore the Great Barrier Reef at your leisure. There is nothing more surreal than snorkeling along the coastline watching the fish weave in and out of brightly coloured coral.
Read more: Airlie Beach – gateway o the Whitsunday Islands
Broome, Western Australia
Broome is a popular holiday destination and gateway to the Kimberley region. Famous for its pearling industry, Broome has a rich and colourful history. Riding a camel at sunset on Cable Beach is on most travellers bucket-do list. Is it on yours?
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
The Lake St Clair National Park is in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. Its a place where ancient pines, glacial lakes and icy streams cascade down rugged mountains. Cradle Mountain is a rich habitat for Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna and several bird species. One word says it all. Spectacular!
The Great Ocean Roadtrip
Once twelve structures, the Twelve Apostles have eroded away over time but are still a spectacular sight along the Great Ocean Road. Walk through the tunnel, under the Great Ocean Road to the lookouts offering breathtaking views. The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and the windswept cliff-face.
5 Essential Items to prepare for your trip to Australia
- A Good Camera: There will be plenty of great photo moments right around Australia so bring along a good camera. I highly recommend the Sony A6000. It’s light, compact and takes amazing photos!
- Beach Shoes: The outdoor lifestyle in Australia means you will need specially designed beach shoes (commonly called thongs)! Be comfortable, and treat yourself to a pair here. Perfect to get out amongst the long beaches. I love mine.
- An Australian Guidebook: There is nothing like Lonely Planet Guidebooks so get yourself a copy of their Australia Travel Guide to take you to all the best spots to visit.
- A Stainless Steel Water Bottle: Stay hydrated in the harsh Australian sun. Get yourself a Yeti stainless water bottle and refill as you go. Australian tap water is drinkable … and free!
- Good Sun Hat: You will need a good sun hat for protection. In my opinion you can’t go past this packable and foldable Furtalk Womens Beach Hat. Don’t ruin your day with sunburn!
Read more: Let me show you how to use your Sony a6000
20 Stunning places you must go to get the most out of your travels. Pin it.
Are you planning to visit Australia soon? With so many beautiful places in Australia, where will you go first?
Check out this list of 20 stunning places to include on your visit.
