Australia, which sits between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is both the largest island and smallest continent in the world. There’s plenty of room to roam in Australia, and there are many interesting places to visit, so you have every reason to set out on a walkabout.
There’s something special for everyone to enjoy in Australia, whether it’s learning about the indigenous culture, lounging on a beach, or partying in a metropolitan centre.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Australia
Visitors to Australia can go from exploring the wonders of Tasmania one minute to Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks the next thanks to the country’s abundance of incredible national parks.
Also, the stunning Great Barrier Reef, one of nature’s wonders and Australia’s most visited tourist attraction, is found in the azure waters off its coast. There is so much to see and do that it will be difficult to fit it all into your itinerary.
1. Canberra
Canberra, Australia’s capital, began life as a planned city in 1913 and is gradually developing into a lively and beautiful city. The city, fondly (and sometimes derisively) called the “bush capital,” is located in the northern part of the Australian Capital Territory, surrounded by beautiful natural reserves and low-lying mountain ranges.
The city that was once reserved for politicians and government workers is now a bustling metropolis with renowned cultural institutions. There is a thriving nightlife due to the abundance of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the city’s large student population.
The city may be young, but it is home to numerous important historical landmarks, many of which are associated with the city’s government and parliament. The city’s distant, rural location makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures.
Hiking and cycling are popular pastimes in the area’s neighbouring nature reserves and in Canberra’s many parks, gardens, and man-made lakes.
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2. The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles are in Western Australia, close to the town of Cervantes, within Nambung National Park. The beautiful limestone formations were scarcely unknown until a reserve was established to safeguard them in 1967, thanks to their remote location.
The Pinnacles, which are hundreds in number and rise sharply from the desert floor like aged tombstones, are a sight to behold. Sand from the coastal dunes is constantly being blown through the strange appearing environment, creating a stunning image.
Although while their origins and unique forms are still up for question, everyone can agree that they were fashioned out of seashell limestone when the area was underwater aeons ago. These days, visitors flock to The Pinnacles. Between them, you might see an emu, a dingo, a honey possum, or a Western grey kangaroo.
3. Gold Coast
The glittering Gold Coast of Australia is located on the southeastern coast of Queensland, close to the south of Brisbane. Inviting sun, sea, and surf make this seaside city one of the most sought-after holiday spots in the country.
Most visitors stay in Surfers Paradise. It is known as “the capital of the Gold Coast” and features numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife venues. It has a large beach that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, and glittering high-rise buildings that dominate the horizon.
4. Alice Springs
Situated nearly slap dab in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs is in the Northern Territory’s vast outback, more than 1,500 kilometres from the nearest city. While it certainly takes some getting to, the remote rural town is perfectly placed for exploring the Red Centre.
Although there is not much going on in the town itself, Alice Springs is a great place to visit if you want to delve into the Aborigines’ rich history, heritage, and culture. It has a sizable Aboriginal population and is home to a number of world-class museums and galleries showcasing indigenous Australian art. In addition, there is an abundance of lodging options, including hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs.
The stunning desert scenery, rock formations, and gorges in the area are the main draws, though. While the famed Uluru attracts the most people with its characteristic crimson colour and imposing enormous landmass, the Kata Tjuta rock formations also provide for a breathtaking spectacle, as do the yawning chasms of Kings Canyon.
5. Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park is the second-largest in Western Australia and is located about a thousand kilometres north of Perth, the state capital. It is mountainous, with the Hamersley Ranges serving as its focal point, and is well-known for the beautiful gorges, slot canyons, and waterfalls that can be found within its borders.
The west of Australia is home to three of the country’s highest peaks, which stand out against the region’s deep crimson landscapes. They, along with the winding canyons and cliff faces underneath them, make for spectacular hiking.
Its semiarid landscape is broken up by oases and sparkling waterfalls where you may cool off after a long day of hiking. More than 800 plant species and a wide variety of amazing animals call Karijini National Park home. Visitors to the natural reserve may see wallabies, echidnas, and red kangaroos as they roam the area.
6. Darwin
Darwin, on the coast of the Northern Territory in Australia’s Top End, has been the country’s most international city for quite some time. Because of its strategic location on the Indian Ocean, the city has always been an important trade centre.
Darwin is a town with an indomitable character, having bounced back from destruction during World War II and Cyclone Tracy in 1974. A population of about 75,000, the city is a hotspot for tourists these days.
The long stretch of sandy beach that serves as Darwin’s primary tourist destination is dotted with international brands and open-air pubs serving beer and seafood. Tourists also go to Darwin Harbor, which is twice as big as Sydney Harbor.
The mangrove forest can be explored on cruises that run anything from two to twelve hours. The Deckchair Cinema is a big outdoor cinema on the waterfront that attracts both locals and tourists for evening showings of movies.
7. Byron Bay
The easternmost point of Australia’s peninsula, Byron Bay sits in the state of New South Wales, close along the Pacific Highway that connects Brisbane to Sydney. The gorgeous beach town is one of the most visited places in the country due to its stunning scenery, excellent surfing, and easygoing locals.
Visitors come for the beautiful scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, but the town itself organises a number of arts and cultural festivals throughout the year and a weekly farmers’ market. Skydiving, surfing, and whale-watching can all be done offshore, and other popular activities include yoga and scuba diving.
Byron Bay’s unconventional culture and natural beauty have attracted a wide range of visitors, from retired hippies and artists to surfers, businesspeople, and families. This has resulted in the proliferation of hip cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as art galleries, boutique hotels, and other forms of lodging.
8. Cairns
As a result of its pleasant tropical environment, laid-back vibe, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is one of Australia’s most frequented tourist destinations. Cairns, a city of about 150,000 inhabitants in Australia’s far northwest, is a provincial but elegant place to live.
The city is surrounded by sugar cane farms and rainforest, and it is bordered by mountains and the Coral Sea. If you’re looking for something to do before exploring the beautiful neighbouring nature, there are plenty of great bars, restaurants, and shops to choose from.
Cairns doesn’t have beaches because the city is built around a saltwater lagoon. The Cairns Esplanade is a seaside strip filled with hip restaurants, pubs, and shops. To the north of the city, you’ll find a string of beaches that are conveniently reachable by bus or automobile.
Native people’s use plants are showcased in the City Botanic Gardens. On the opposite direction from the gardens is the rainforest and the crocodile-filled Centenary Lakes, accessible by a boardwalk.
Everything from snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef to skydiving and whitewater rafting can be found in Cairns. Hiking along an aerial walkway over the jungle in the Daintree Rainforest, located to the north of Cairns, is an experience that many tourists won’t want to miss.
9. Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third-largest island, is located about 45 minutes by ferry from Cape Jarvis on the South Australian coast. Its delightfully undeveloped landscapes are home to incredible scenery and an abundance of wildlife, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
Its many protected areas are home to everything from towering cliffs and vast dunes to expansive cave systems and unusual rock formations. Echidnas, kangaroos, and koalas live inland, while penguins, sea lions, and dolphins frequent the waters nearby.
Hiking, sandboarding, and scuba diving are just a few of the many popular outdoor pursuits that may be enjoyed in its varied settings. Kangaroo Island is known for its abundance of natural resources, animals, and recreational activities, but it also has an abundance of great local produce and fine wines. You can try these out at the island’s many small farms and wineries, or in any of the four main cities.
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10. Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a group of islands in Queensland, Australia, located in the tropical waters to the northeast of the mainland. Much of the archipelago is protected as part of the Great Barrier Reef’s national parks, thus it features breathtaking natural beauty and postcard-perfect beaches.
The Whitsundays are a fantastic location for snorkelling and scuba diving due to the rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs that can be found there. Lounging on its sun-kissed sands and sailing about its 74 islands and islets are two of the most popular things to do there.
One of the most stunning beaches on the planet can be found in this archipelago, and it goes by the name of Whitehaven Beach. In addition to their stunning natural features, the Whitsunday Islands are also remarkable for housing some of Australia’s earliest Native archaeological sites.
Tours and other activities should be booked at Airlie Beach on the mainland, as the once-beautiful islands are now largely abandoned and undeveloped, with just a few resorts and campsites found here and there.
