Australia is a vast country with a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. Here are 10 must-visit places:
1. Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)
The Great Barrier Reef is amazing! Not only is it the largest living rock system in the world, it is also the largest living structure on Earth.
Its area is 344,400 km2, which means it is the size of Japan or Italy, or the equivalent of 70 million football fields. With its intoxicating beauty and unique marine life, it’s no wonder it is named one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
Best Time to Visit : June – August (Winter)
- Ideal for snorkeling and diving with clear waters and mild weather.
- Avoid the wet season (Nov – Mar) due to high humidity and rain.
Places to Visit:
- Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Port Douglas, Reef Cruises, Green Island
Things to Do:
- Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Reef Cruises, Glass-bottom boat tours, Swimming
Estimated Spending:
- $100 – $300 per day (for activities like reef trips)
2. Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge (New South Wales)
The Sydney Opera House is an opera house located in Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), New South Wales, Australia. The unique use of a series of dazzling white sail-shaped shells as a roof structure which makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
The Sydney Opera House is located on Bennelong Point (originally called Cattle Point), a promontory on the south side of the harbor just east of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. It was named after Bennelong, one of two Aboriginal people (the other person was named Colby) who acted as a liaison between the first British settlers of Australia and the local population. The small building where Bennelong once lived was located on the same site.
Best Time to Visit : September – November (Spring) or March – May (Autumn)
- Pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
- Summer (Dec – Feb) is warmer but can be crowded.
Places to Visit:
- Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, The Rocks
Things to Do:
- Opera shows, Bridge Climb, Walking tours, Harbor cruise, Dining at Circular Quay
Estimated Spending:
- $50 – $200 (for opera shows, tours, and meals)
3. Uluru (Northern Territory)
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock located in the southern part of the Northern Territory in Australia. It is a sacred site for the indigenous Anangu people and an important tourist destination in Australia. There are many reasons why one should consider visiting Uluru in 2023.
One reason to visit Uluru is the opportunity to learn about the cultural and natural history of the area. Uluru has been a sacred site to the Anangu people for thousands of years, and is deeply connected to their culture and traditions. A guided tour of Uluru can provide an opportunity to learn about the traditional stories and customs of the Anangu people, as well as the natural history of the area
Best Time to Visit: April – October (Autumn – Spring)
- Mild temperatures, perfect for exploring.
- Avoid summer (Nov – Mar) due to extreme heat.
Places to Visit:
- Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Field of Light
Things to Do:
- Sunrise & sunset viewing, Base Walk, Camel ride, Stargazing, Cultural tours
Estimated Spending:
- $150 – $300 (for park entry, tours, and activities)
4. Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
The Great Ocean Road is one of the best road trip destinations in Australia, and for good reason too. With its stunning coastline, charming towns and abundance of activities, the Great Ocean Road Drive is an unforgettable experience.
One advantage of traveling on the Great Ocean Road is the flexibility it offers. Whether you just want to get out of the city for the weekend or you are looking for a more action-packed adventure, this area can cater to all types of travelers.
Best Time to Visit: December – March (Summer)
- Ideal for scenic drives and beach activities.
- Avoid winter (Jun – Aug) due to rain and cold winds.
Places to Visit:
- Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, Otway Rainforest, Lorne
Things to Do:
- Scenic drives, Hiking, Photography, Visit coastal towns, Surfing
Estimated Spending:
- $50 – $150 per day (car hire, meals, attractions)
5. Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain (Tasmania)
This area of incredible natural beauty makes a wonderful introduction to a visit to Tasmania, Australia’s small island state. Whether it’s part of a longer trip or just a weekend getaway, if you’re interested in hiking and nature you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time.
Dove Lake is a popular starting point for exploring Cradle Mountain National Park. It is a short shuttle bus ride from the visitor center to the lake. There is a loop track taking 2-3 hours (6 km) to complete one round of the lake. You’ll pass through beautiful rainforest and buttongrass plains, with the majestic Cradle Mountain towering above you.
Best Time to Visit: December – February (Summer)
- Mild weather and accessible hikes.
- Winter (Jun – Aug) brings snow, great for winter sports but limits some hikes.
Places to Visit:
- Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Things to Do:
- Hiking, Photography, Wildlife spotting, Scenic drives
Estimated Spending:
- $100 – $200 (for accommodation, park entry, activities)
6. Blue Mountains (New South Wales)
The Blue Mountains are justifiably world famous. And it’s not just the World Heritage-listed landscapes that draw people back. Gorgeous gardens, superb food (most of them with equally spectacular views), crisp mountain air, heritage hotels, galleries and artisans, and a range of townships each with their own charm. It’s great to feel isolated from the world and then There are few better places to connect with yourself.
The slate-colored haze that provides the mountains their name comes from a fine mist of oil given off by giant eucalyptus, which form a dense canopy across a landscape of deep, often inaccessible valleys and carved sandstone plains.
Best Time to Visit: September – November (Spring) or March – May (Autumn)
- Ideal for hiking with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery.
- Summer can be crowded, and winter might be chilly.
Places to Visit:
- Echo Point, Three Sisters, Scenic World, Leura, Wentworth Falls, Jenolan Caves
Things to Do:
- Hiking, Scenic cable car, Skyway, Aboriginal heritage tours, Caving
Estimated Spending:
- $50 – $150 per day (for activities, food, transport)
7. Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
There is an unmistakable sacredness about Kangaroo Island. With its coal- and flower-strewn coastline, clear waters, natural wonders and elephant life, Kangaroo Island is known as nature’s playground. As soon as you step onto the island, it’s impossible to relax. Explore the road less traveled and discover unique traditional life, mouth-watering food and wine, Soloven scenery and a relaxed lifestyle. Undoubtedly your most memorable moment will be visiting the world’s oldest bee sanctuary. You can reach Kangaroo Island via ferry with SeaLink, fly with QantasLink or set out on a Southern Ocean Drive road trip.
Best Time to Visit: November – April (Spring – Autumn)
- Warm weather for outdoor activities like wildlife watching, beaches, and hiking.
- Avoid winter (Jun – Aug) due to colder conditions.
Places to Visit:
- Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, Seal Bay, Kingscote
Things to Do:
- Wildlife watching (kangaroos, koalas), Beach activities, Nature walks
Estimated Spending:
- $100 – $200 per day (for tours, entry fees, transport.
8. Whitsunday Islands (Queensland)
Located on the central coast of sunny Queensland and perched on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are one of the best places to explore the natural wonder – there’s just as much fun to be had on the islands as it is on the reef ! Across the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays, there’s something for everyone. Hiking, kayaking and boating for the adventure enthusiasts, and great food, sunbathing and partying for the fun-loving young ones. There’s a family-friendly summit partnership to keep the whole crew happy.
Take the little ones for a sting-free paddle in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, set off for the day to explore the islands, or even hire a private charter to wander around so that You can go back and enjoy the sea breeze with your loved ones. The trusted captain handles the wheel.
Best Time to Visit: April – October (Dry Season)
- Pleasant temperatures for sailing, snorkeling, and beach activities.
- Avoid the wet season (Nov – Mar) due to high humidity and rain.
Places to Visit:
- Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout
Things to Do:
- Sailing, Snorkeling, Hiking, Relaxing on beaches, Visit resorts
Estimated Spending:
- $200 – $500 per day (for tours, sailing, accommodation)
9. Daintree Rainforest (Queensland)
Visit the Daintree Rainforest and discover one of Queensland’s most fascinating natural stories. A diverse landscape, the Daintree is a destination to explore mountain ranges, flowing rivers, gushing waterfalls, lagoons and tribal culture.
Part of the World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest, this vibrant wonderland in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef has been home to the Kuku Yalanji people for almost 60,000 years. Every corner of this complex ecosystem reveals a part of the history associated with the land; a cultural museum for its custodians and a living timeline of evolution, where plant and animal life has thrived since the time of Gondwana.
Best Time to Visit: May – October (Dry Season)
- Best for wildlife spotting and exploring the rainforest.
- Avoid the wet season (Nov – Apr) due to heavy rains and high humidity.
Places to Visit:
- Mossman Gorge, Daintree River, Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park
Things to Do:
- Rainforest walks, Wildlife tours, River cruises, Zip-lining
Estimated Spending:
- $100 – $250 per day (for guided tours, activities)
10. Barossa Valley (South Australia)
The Barossa is one of the world’s largest wine producing regions, with over 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors. In fact, it is home to the world’s oldest continually producing Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon wines. Rich reds are famous here, as are fortified wines.
When you’re not sipping the region’s best wines, you can admire the wines from a hot air balloon, dine at renowned restaurants and explore nearby villages and national parks. One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Barossa is synonymous with fine wine.
Best Time to Visit: March – May (Autumn)
- Harvest season for vineyards, great for wine tasting and tours.
- Summer can be very hot, and winter (Jun – Aug) can be cold, though it’s less busy.
Places to Visit:
- Barossa Wine Estates, Tanunda, Nuriootpa, Angaston, Seppeltsfield Winery
Things to Do:
- Wine tasting, Vineyard tours, Gourmet dining, Cycling tours
Estimated Spending:
- $100 – $200 per day (wine tours, food, and transport).