Australia is a big old country and there’s almost no way you’ll get to see everything on one trip alone. Well, not unless you decide to stay for years, that is! In any case, you can still make a hefty dent in finding some of the best places in Australia across the whole country.
Honestly, it’s filled to the brim with exciting cities and the most beautiful landscapes to explore. You’ll be totally spoilt for choice in the best places in Australia to see. However, you will need to plan your time well as the country is huge.
From its ridiculously beautiful beaches and coral reefs to the best Australian vineyards (yum!), you’re bound to find a few you’ll love.
Now, I’ve tried to include some of the best places in Australia, which are scattered all across the country. This way, I’m almost sure you’ll see a few.
Take a look at the best places in Australia to visit on your next trip. Have the best time!
1.) Roebuck Bay
Nestled within the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Roebuck Bay is a totally gorgeous place to relax and chillout if you love the ocean.
Not too far from the town of Broome, it’s easily one of the best places in Australia to visit when you’re on the west coast. Once here, make sure to stop off at the red sandy beaches of northern Roebuck Bay and see the waders that call this spot home.
Though, do be careful of the tidal range here. It’s quite dramatic and can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention.
2.) Gold Coast
Just shy of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is one of the best places in Australia to visit if you want a little city vibe, with lots of sandy beaches, too. It’s a totally great place to catch some surf, too.
Though, if that’s not your thing, pop onto the ridge and valley trails that head into Lamington National Park, too.
If it some thrills you’re after, pop over to Warner Bros. Movie World. It’s a full day and you’ll definitely leave with a sore throat from all the screaming!
3.) Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Perched within the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Kanangra-Boyd National Park is one of the best places in Australia to visit if you love nature.
Kanangra-Boyd, along with the Blue Mountains and Nattai National Park form part of a much more expansive UNESCO world-heritage region of Australia. Honestly, you can’t miss it.
Once here, make sure to head out to explore Kanangra Walls, too. Also, if you’re a keen (and experienced) cave explorer, then head over to see the karst landforms, too. However, only do this with a guide and if you’re an experienced ‘caver’.
Also, if you want to head out on a hike, take the trails that follow the Plateau Walk that is just beautiful to see.
4.) Dharawal National Park, Australia
After spending some time exploring Sydney, head out on to explore the wider area around Dharawal National Park towards Kangaroo Valley and the Hampden Bridge. It’s a gorgeous and much more rural area to explore.
You can also take a little detour to drive along the Sea Cliff Bridge along the coast. It’s a great way to explore the wider area around Sydney.
5.) Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park was one of the first places I saw in Australia—even if it was originally from an aeroplane window! Ever since arriving in Sydney, I knew I’d have to visit the Blue Mountains. It really is one of the best places in Australia to explore.
Once here, make sure to explore Wentworth Falls and Katoomba Falls, too. Both are totally stunning and so incredible to see.
The whole area is filled with eucalyptus forests and massive cliffs, too. It’s such a dramatic landscape and you can easily spend a fair few days exploring this area.
Best of all, there’s a heap of little villages that have Airbnb’s and guesthouses which you can call home for a few days stay.
Finally, make sure to stop off at Echo Point, too. Here, you’ll get some epic views of the Three Sisters that tower the area.
6.) Whitsunday Islands
Now, there are well over 70 Whitsunday Islands to explore on the northeast coast of Australia. This all makes it a totally idyllic and truly beautiful area of Queensland to explore.
Also, you’re right on the Great Barrier Reef, too. It’s the perfect place to chillout, explore some of the region and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Now, there are a number of ways to explore the region, with hikes, helicopters and bareboating some great options.
Just make sure to see Whitehaven Beach, too. It’s totally stunning, especially with the views from the Hill Inlet Lookout.
Read more: Best beaches in Australia to visit
7.) Purnululu National Park
Perched within Western Australia, Purnululu National Park is a huge UNESCO World Heritage site that’s well worth seeing when here.
Now, probably one of the biggest cities close by is Darwin. That being said, it’s still around a 12-hour drive from there; so don’t expect to make it a day trip.
Once here, make sure to see Bungle Bungles and Cathedral Gorge, too. Just be prepared for lots of trails in the heat. You will need a good level of fitness to get around here. It really is one of the best places in Australia to visit.
8.) Melbourne
Arguably one of the coolest cities in Australia, Melbourne is easily one of the best places in Australia to visit if you want a city getaway.
Once here, make sure to explore Queen Victoria Market and head on the Puffin Bay Railway and Federation Square with all its art.
Afterwards, pop over to the National Gallery of Victoria (if you want a little indoor activity) or see the views from the Eureka Skydeck, too.
For some tasty lunch, pop to Scopri who makes the tastiest rabbit ravioli. If it’s brunch you’re after, pop into the Hardware Societe, too. Their Croque Madame is just so tasty.
Read more: Best things to do in Melbourne
9.) Litchfield National Park
Not too far from the city of Darwin (well, in Australian terms), it’ll take around a 90-minute drive to reach Litchfield National Park.
Now, the park itself is pretty popular and is easily one of the best places in Australia to explore when you’re in Darwin. Once here, head out to see some of the incredible areas of Litchfield, like; the lost city rock formation, Blyth Homestead, Greenant Creek and sacred Aboriginal sites that are protected across the park itself.
Oh, and don’t forget to see the gorgeous Florence and Tolmer Falls. They’re incredible!
10.) Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park is totally unique and quite different from the likes of the Blue Mountains and Litchfield National Park in Australia. You see, the whole area is arid and provides for a totally different outback landscape that’s so stunning to see.
Don’t forget to see Lake Mungo lunette, which has incredible geological formations. You’ll also get to see where the Mungo Man (the oldest human remains ever found in Australia) is right here.
Make sure to pop into the Mungo Visitor Centre, too. You’ll get lots of tips and advice on what to do as the environment can change pretty fast here.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Aboriginal site, the Walls of China, which are easy to see with a guide.
11.) Lord Howe Island
With only around 400 visitors allowed on Lord Howe Island (at once), it’s a pretty quiet and unspoilt part of Australia to see.
Now, the easiest way to get here is by a 2-hour flight from Sydney (or Brisbane). Though, you will need to secure your place well in advance.
Once here, make sure to explore the stunning marine park, and see the world’s tallest sea stack called Ball’s Pyramid. It’s teeming with life in the area.
That being said, for a chilled-out hike, follow the Valley of the Shadows that’ll take you through the stunning banyan trees that call this island paradise home. It really is one of the best places in Australia to stay for a good few days.
Read more: Best beaches in Australia to visit
12.) Fitzroy Island
Not too far from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a totally idyllic island paradise to see when visiting Australia. It’s the kind of places that almost looks unreal; it’s just so stunning.
Now, it’s pretty easy to get to Fitzroy Island by a 45-minute boat from Cairns, and you can actually stay on the island, too.
From here, you can easily explore the Great Barrier Reef, relax at Nudey Beach, head out kayaking, or visit the turtle rehabilitation centre on the island.
It’s totally incredible and one of the best places in Australia to visit.
13.) Great Barrier Reef
Now, the Great Barrier Reef definitely deserves a mention in its own right. After all, it’s one of the natural wonders of the world that is so incredible to see.
One of the most famous areas has to be around Heart Reef. Though, don’t think that’s the only spot to visit alone this incredible ecological zone. The whole area is properly incredible and easily one of the best places in Australia to visit if you love the ocean.
Now, only go out with experienced guides or tours here. No one wants to damage any of the coral and it’s always best to follow a local expert that knows the area very well. Plus, be mindful when exploring the reef, never touch, stand or pull any of the coral as it takes years and years to grow.
14.) Coles Bay, Tasmania
Perched on the east coast, Coles Bay is one of the best places in Australia to visit when you’re already on the island of Tasmania itself.
Once here, make sure to spend some time enjoying Oyster Bay and the incredible coastline, here. Also, it’s a great base to use for a deeper exploration into Freycinet National Park, too.
Also, if you feel like a little challenge pop to Wineglass Bay Lookout, too. The views are stunning.
Read more: Best things to do in Tasmania
15.) Twelve Apostles
Heading along the Great Ocean Road, in southeast Victoria, is easily one of the best places in Australia to go for a drive. It has a help of stunning bays, views and incredible landscapes that you can’t miss.
Now, one pretty famous spot is the Twelve Apostles, that is so iconic. These consist of twelve massive rock stacks that rise out of the Southern Ocean and tower over the surrounding sea. It’s so beautiful.
Without getting all geography teacher-like, the rocks used to belong to one huge limestone cliff that the sea gradually broke away.
If you’re driving from Melbourne, just be sure to book some lodgings close by. The drive will take around 4-5 hours each way.
16.) Alpine National Park
Also located in Victoria, the Great Alpine Road from Wangaratta to Metung is 211 miles (339km) long, and would normally take about 5 hours to complete. It’s a totally stunning route to explore and one of the best places in Australia to visit if you’ve got a car.
It’s also a great region to join part of the (much larger) Australian Alps Walking Track, too. This stretches over 600-kilometres and is totally unique.
Also, once here, don’t forget to head out on foot, too. There are some epic trails, with views of Mount Feathertop, too.
17.) Seeing Uluru (via the Red Centre Way)
The Red Centre Way is a circular route that should not be missed if you’re around Alice Springs. Along the route is one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks, Uluru, or sometimes called Ayers Rock.
Now, Uluru is a sandstone monolith in the Red Centre desert and located in the Northern Territory about 280 miles (450km) from Alice Springs. It’s easily one of the best places in Australia to see from a distance.
Uluru is significant to the Aboriginal people as it is a sacred part of their creation mythology and one that should be respected by all who visit. This means not climbing or attempting to climb this sacred site.
18.) Monkey Mia
Located about 15 miles (25km) from Denham and 560 miles (900km) north of Perth, Monkey Mia is a place where dolphins actually swim right up to the shoreline and can easily be seen.
It’s one of the best places in Australia to visit as part of a wider road trip, especially as you can stop off here to go snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking, too.
19.) Kakadu National Park
Nature’s Way is a circular road trip that starts in Darwin and makes its way to Australia’s largest national park called, Kakadu.
It really is one of the best places in Australia if you want a more remote kind of road trip. Along the way, you’re bound to see crocodiles which are found in the wetlands and rivers. So, always take precautions when near the waters.
Also, keep an eye out for the prehistoric Aboriginal art found at various sites in Kakadu National Park.
20.) The Riesling Trail (South Australian Loop)
That food monster in us will most definitely crave a road trip through one of the best places in Australia for wine.
For this spot, you’ll want to give your car a little break and walk the beautiful Riesling Trail through the vineyards and farms of Clare Valley.
Now, the 15-mile (25km) long trail takes you past some of the oldest and most amazing wineries and restaurants between Auburn and Clare.
Also, remember not to drive after drinking oodles of wine; grab yourself accommodations nearby and stay the night.
21.) Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
It seems that some people forget Tasmania when thinking of a road trip down under. That being said, it’s one of the best places in Australia to explore if you want to escape from the larger crowds.
If you find yourself lucky enough to be exploring the island, be sure to stop at the epic Cradle Mountain, too.
Located in the Central Highlands region of Tasmania in Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, the mountain is perfect for hiking, especially in the cooler evenings of summer and all the signed trails that crisscross this area.
At the top, stunning views can be had of the rugged mountains and small lakes surrounding you. Enjoy the views and fresh air before you continue on the rest of the circular journey back to Hobart.
Read more: Best things to do in Tasmania
22.) Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek
Now, if you decide to drive, a trip to Wyndham in Western Australia will take you through both Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek National Parks. Honestly, it’s a stunner of an area to visit and really easy to see when you’re in the region.
Windjana Gorge is a large gorge in the Napier Range that was carved out by the Lennard River and is pretty dramatic, too. Just be sure to watch out for the freshwater crocodiles.
Nearby, Tunnel Creek, which is part of the 350 million-year-old Devonian Reef system and has significance to aboriginal people in the region.
You can walk through the tunnel, which has five different species of bats, but you’ll have to bring a flashlight and be prepared to get wet. As always, only venture here with a trained and expert guide, too.
23.) Sydney
If you’re all nature out (unlikely), make sure to pop over to Sydney. It’s probably one of the most internationally known cities in Australia, and there’s so much to do.
Once here, grab a performance in the Sydney Opera House. We organised ours before we arrived in Australia and it was so incredible to watch the opera whilst here.
Plus, if you’ve got the stomach for it, take a climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, too. However, you’ll want to miss this if you’ve got vertigo.
Also, if you’ve got time, take a ferry ride to Manly Bay for some rest and go by the beaches, too. Alternatively, head across to Bondi Beach, though it can be busier here.
Afterwards, pop for dinner at Farmhouse Kings Cross that serves up some tasty grilled lamb. If it’s lunch you’re after, head inside The Ternary for their salt and pepper calamari. Yum!
Finally, make sure to pop into the Luna Park that’s one of the oldest in the world and right in the centre of Sydney. Exploring Sydney is really one of the best places in Australia to start your trip.
Read more: Best beaches in Australia to visit
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