Travel: It’s no wonder that Australia is a popular destination on many travelers’ bucket lists. Whether you’re a city dweller or a nature enthusiast, you can go from enjoying the trendiest coffee shops in Melbourne or Sydney to exploring stunning mountain ranges or islands all within a day’s journey.
10 Best and Most Beautiful Places in Australia to Travel
No matter if it’s your initial visit or your fifteenth, there are several breathtaking destinations in the Land Down, Under that, you wouldn’t want to miss out on exploring.
Australian Capital Territory
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| The Australian War Memorial was built in the Art Deco style. |
Canberra, Australia’s meticulously planned capital, is frequently disregarded. However, it is home to one of the nation’s most magnificent edifices – the Australian War Memorial.
This impressive structure was constructed to pay homage to fallen heroes from across the country, both before and after statehood, and also features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Not far from the city, you can escape to Gibraltar Falls, situated within the Namadgi National Park, and feel like you’ve been transported to another world with its breathtaking 50-meter drop.
For those who are not quite daring enough to climb to the top of the falls, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. You can indulge in birdwatching, take a trip to the National Arboretum, and venture out to explore the safeguarded wetlands.
New South Wales
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| The Opera House is next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, another one of the city’s architectural achievements. |
New South Wales, the state housing Australia’s largest city, Sydney, is a fantastic destination for those who enjoy urban sightseeing.
Among the most impressive structures in the city are the renowned Sydney Opera House and the ANZAC Bridge. The Opera House’s unique roof resembling white sails, sits on Sydney Harbour alongside the iconic Harbour Bridge, creating one of the world’s most recognizable skylines.
On the other hand, the ANZAC Bridge, which pays tribute to soldiers from New Zealand and Australia who lost their lives during World War I, gracefully spans across Johnstons Bay. Apart from its striking appearance, the bridge displays both Kiwi and Aussie flags, representing their solidarity.
Beautiful Three Sister
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| The Three Sisters are near the town of Katoomba. |
Just a quick drive from Sydney lies the UNESCO-designated Blue Mountains, named for the hazy eucalyptus trees that adorn their summits, giving them a blue hue.
The Three Sisters, a cluster of three rock formations, is among the most stunning attractions. They take their name from an Aboriginal folklore about three sisters who were transformed into stone.
Northern Territory
Uluru, perhaps the most renowned natural formation on the continent, can be found in the Northern Territory.
The colossal monolith holds great spiritual significance for the Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Although new regulations have banned travelers from climbing Uluru since October 2019, it remains equally breathtaking when viewed from the ground or the sky.
Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park, is another stunning natural wonder in Oz’s “top end.” This vast expanse is home to numerous animal species, including crocodiles and flatback turtles. It is also an incredible location to learn about Aboriginal culture. The rock art in the park dates back 20,000 years, and on-site staff can provide insights into its meaning.
Meanwhile, the Simpson Desert spans across the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Queensland, offering various options for experiencing its striking red terrain. Alice Springs, the closest town in the NT, is an excellent starting point.
Queensland
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| Most people come to Cape Tribulation via the airport hub of Cairns. |
Queensland’s biodiversity, stretching from the country’s northernmost point along the Coral Sea coast, allows for the discovery of a range of stunning locations in close proximity to each other.
One of these must-see destinations is Cape Tribulation, a tropical rainforest brimming with rare plant and animal species.
Cape Tribulation is teeming with natural beauty, whether it’s a guided hike through the rainforest, an afternoon spent lounging on the beach, or a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. In just a few days, you’ll feel as if you’ve explored half the globe.
The Whitsunday Islands, one of the country’s most popular beach getaways, are situated off the coast. Most of the 70-odd islands in the chain are uninhabited, creating an aura of unexplored wonder.
The extensive stretches of white sand beaches provide excellent backdrops for photography, as well as ideal picnic locations for those on a leisurely cruise.
South Australia
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| Kangaroo Island is off the coast of South Australia. |
The aquamarine and blue coastline of the Yorke Peninsula boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Australia.
Cape Spencer, with its picturesque lighthouse, is an ideal location for taking photographs. Meanwhile, just across the water, Kangaroo Island is one of the top day trip destinations in the area.
Tasmania
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| Many Tasmanian devils call Cradle Mountain home. |
Despite not being located on the Australian mainland, Tasmania is a formidable contender when compared to its larger counterparts. Situated at the heart of the island, Cradle Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views and is an integral part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. With numerous glacial lakes and vast expanses of forest, there are ample opportunities to explore and appreciate the natural surroundings, especially if you are an avid hiker. To the south of Tasmania’s heart-shaped form lies Bruny Island, a narrow strip of land connected by a single-car-wide stretch known as “The Neck.” The island boasts a wealth of delectable offerings, such as fresh oysters, fish, cheese, and wine, all within easy reach.
Victoria
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| The Nobbies” is a part of Phillip Island known for its seal habitat. |
Although Melbourne boasts some of Australia’s most upscale locations, the state of Victoria is also home to some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders. One of the best ways to experience this natural beauty is from above, preferably in a hot-air balloon soaring over the Yarra Valley wine region. For those who are physically fit, the Kokoda Memorial Walk is an excellent option, covering a distance of 5 kilometers and inspired by the trail of the same name in Papua New Guinea where Australian soldiers lost their lives. The walk offers breathtaking views of eucalyptus trees and other stunning vistas.
Located roughly two and a half hours south of Melbourne, Phillip Island is a must-visit destination for animal enthusiasts who flock to witness the nightly parades of Little Penguins – an adorable, pint-sized species of penguin. But that’s not all – the island is also an excellent spot for observing seals, birds, dolphins, whales, and even wallabies, all amidst leisurely swims and beach naps. However, not all of Victoria’s beauty is visible above ground. The limestone formations that make up the Buchan Caves in the eastern part of the state are equally impressive, featuring semi-translucent, otherworldly colors and shapes that are sure to amaze.
Western Australia
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| No less than Hugh Jackman referred to Margaret River as one of his all-time favorite vacation spots. |
Being the largest state in Australia, Western Australia boasts of Perth, which is often regarded as the world’s most isolated capital city. However, the vast expanse of this region also means that it is home to plenty of stunning locations. One such picturesque spot is the Margaret River Valley, situated along the southern coastline of Perth and renowned for its stunning beauty and exceptional wine production. Both locals and tourists flock to Margaret River to enjoy beachside walks, admire lighthouses, and spot whales during specific times of the year.
The Great Barrier Reef may be one of nature’s most impressive wonders, but it’s not the only reef located off the coast of Australia. On the other side of the country lies the Ningaloo Reef, a 705,015-hectare protected area that is home to whales, sharks, and a diverse range of corals, some of which can be seen without requiring a scuba certification. This jewel of the Indian Ocean is also the world’s largest coral fringing reef, adding to its already impressive credentials.