The sheer size of Australia, both in terms of its culture and its physical size, is mind-boggling. And, the places to visit in Australia are everything a traveler could want, from bustling metropolises to lush rainforests, from the easiest to the hardest places to live on Earth. It’s challenging to know where to start with such a bewildering array of possibilities and so much territory to cover. But you can always begin at Uluru, one of Australia’s most famous natural marvels, before touring Sydney, a vibrant and diverse city with famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbors Bridge.
Perth is appealing enough to warrant a visit due to its proximity to other tourist hotspots, as well as its unique combination of traditional Australian beaches, fantastic marketplaces, brilliant food, and interesting wildlife. Tourists go to the Great Barrier Reef because of its reputation as an impressive environment home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish of every size and color, graceful rays, shy reef sharks, and lazy sea turtles. One of the tourist places to visit in Australia is Victoria’s Twelve Apostles, which can be seen while taking a leisurely drive along the Great Ocean Road.
1. The Rocks – A Historical Area
Situated in a slip of land jutting into the Sydney harbor, the Rocks is a famous historical area that was home to the Gadigal Aboriginal people once. It later became the first site in the country for European settlement. The name comes from the rugged rocky coast situated on the west side of the Sydney Cove. It was in the Sydney Cove that the European convicts pitched their first tents.
Presently, it includes more than a hundred heritage sites which are located on the narrow streets. Stroll around the cobbled streets and visit various cafes, souvenir shops, restaurants, and contemporary and aboriginal art galleries to understand the place better.
2. Circular Quay – For Harbor Cruises
Constructed as a result of convict labor in the Sydney coves, the now Famous Circular Quay is home to the town’s central ferry terminal. At peak hours, the restaurants, cafes and everything that lines the waterfront is jam-packed. Come here to see the street performers entertain the visitors and locals alike. This is a nice place to head to if you want to see some amazing views of the shimmering sea while also clearing your head a little.
3. Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park
It is a national park which has been a sanctuary and a treasure for nature lovers. The wilderness of the park is raw and rugged comprising of serrated dolerite summits, sparkling lakes, dense forests, and Alpine heathlands. This venue just offers amazing views of the lush greenery no matter where you turn. If you truly want a challenge then tackle and hike on the 80 km long Overland Track which goes from South to Cradle Valley and then to Lake St. Clair. Keep your camera close because you might be able to catch views of the Tasmanian devil, wallabies, wombats, platypus, pademelons and more.
4. Darling Harbor – A Popular Hub
It is a very popular hub for both locals and tourists alike. Darling Harbor is a waterfront pedestrian venue that is packed with restaurant, shops, museums, entertainment spots, and exhibitions. The Sea Life offers a complete entertainment experience and the Entrance Ticket is a very great way to move ahead of the crowds.
5. The Sydney Tower – Enjoy Panoramic Views
Located high above the city skylines is the Sydney tower Eye soaring to the height of 309 meters. It is the city’s highest building and is also one of its major landmarks. The tower eye is a golden spire-topped turret which rises from the center point shopping mall. Enjoy panoramic views from here and after it’s all said and done, get a bite to enjoy and eat at one of the fascinating revolving restaurants or the charming cafes.
6. Royal Botanic Garden – Acres Of Themed Yards
Its tranquility is just unmatched and it stays as an oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle of daily life which has overtaken the city. Located at Farm Cove, it lies just a short distance away from the popular Sydney opera house. The gardens were established in the year 1816 and they encompass 30 hectares of uniquely themed yards which are full of palm groves, orchids, ferns, towering trees and are visited by flocks of cute fruit bats. The fernery here holds some amazing begonias, orchids, and other tropical foliage. The gardens are just a delight to family and friends where you can enjoy a picnic in the hills as you take in some scenic views.
7. Taronga Zoo – Amazing Wildlife
Get ready to experience up close and personal encounters with amazing Aussie wildlife as well as with other animals from all over the world. Located at a point right along the northern part of the harbor, the zoo is housed in a prime real estate area which the very luxurious suburbs of Mosman. The zoo hosts lots of amazing events which include the Roar and Snore which is an overnight stay and also includes a summer concert.
8. Hyde Park – A Sprawling Picnic Spot
Amidst all the daily grind of the central business district lies the sanctuary known as Hyde Park. It is a sprawling park that offers picnic spots, fountains, flowers, and fig trees. It’s like a miniature of Central Park. It was originally named as Hyde Park after the park of the same name in London. Come here to relax and engage in conversation with people. If possible, bring on a picnic basket for a lovely afternoon lunch with your loved ones.
9. Barangaroo Reserve – For An Evening Stroll
An amazing example of how an urban renewal project should be carried out, which has resulted in a beautiful spot for enjoying a walk along the harbor. It is named after the female indigenous leader who proved to be influential during the time of European colonization. It was transformed from a bitter- looking container terminal to a 22-hectare sprawling waterfront precinct that was opened up for public viewing. Presently, it is home to more than 75,000 native trees and shrubs. There are a lot of shops, restaurants, and exhibition spaces which will keep your attention engaged while you are here.
10. Art Gallery of New South Wales – Notable Works
Surrounded by stunning parklands, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the nation’s major distinguished museums. Dating back to 1885, The Art Gallery houses grand courts, and radiant and spacious galleries which are full of collections that include works by notable European artists and also by the biggest contemporary artists. This gallery also houses some of the biggest collections of historic aboriginal art in the country
11. Chinatown – Feast Upon Asian Meal
Breathe in the amazing nose-turning fragrance of spicy Szechuan spices and go shopping for some of those amazing Chinese specialty things. Here bring an empty stomach so that you can feast upon some authentic Asian meals. You will be greeted by the lion gates which are located here at each end and this small district lies smack in the pedestrian space of Doxon Street between the Central Station and Darling Harbors. Come here on the very first full moon night after the 21st January because the streets here just burst with life from the Chinese New Year’s celebration.
12. St. Mary’s Cathedral – Get Spiritual
A symbol of the sustained spiritual beginnings of the Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Cathedral is situated just opposite Hyde Park. The architecture of the landmark is of a striking neo-Gothic style and it is also the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney. This venue is made up of twin spires and the building itself was modeled upon the Lincoln Cathedral. Its facade also bears a close resemblance to the Notre-Dame in Paris. When you go inside the cathedral you will see very intricate glass-stained windows that throw amazing patterns of light. Christmas is just the perfect time to visit since the beauty of the cathedral is enhanced with all the decorations and lights.
13. Horizontal Falls Scenic Flight – A Scenic Ride
If you are here to experience some action, then this is the right place to head to. Here you will get to climb on a seaplane for a scenic ride to the amazing horizontal falls. The falls are rumbling tides that go through two versions of narrow gorges. A typical trip lasts for about 90 minutes and will take you all along the rocky islets and red cliffs of Western Australia’s northernmost coast to Cape Leveque. The ride ends with water landing over on Talbot Bay. Next up, you can catch a jetboard ride to go on a breathtaking cruise right through the screaming falls.
14. Cable Beach – Turquoise Blue Waters
Cable Beach was briefly mentioned before but it deserves a spot in this list by itself. Sprawling over a vast 22 km, Cable Beach is a stunning piece of dazzling turquoise sea and white sand. The beach was named after the communication cable lines that were laid from Java to Broome in the year 1889. Now you can enjoy the sun in here and rest easy on just the beautiful patch of golden sand. Here’s an important tip- from November till May, dangerous for humans, Irukandji jellyfish are found in the waters. So it’s best to avoid these months. Moreover, keep in mind that the beach burns in the heat as the sun climbs so sunscreen and an umbrella are a must.
15. Gantheaume Point – Eye-Popping Sea
This stands as a stunning contrast between the eye-catching red cliffs and the eye-popping cerulean blue sea of the Gantheaume Point. A great place to engage in photography, the point is located to the south of Cable Beach and it is around 6 km from the nearest town. If you go hunting for prehistoric dinosaur footprints, then make sure to wear the appropriate shoes. The Point is complete with a lighthouse that overlooks the Indian Ocean. A great place to have some solitary experiences and thoughts.
16. Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Wildlife Park – For Nature
Here you can cuddle up with a baby crocodile, catch a glimpse of the super rare cassowary, and even communicate with the kangaroos. At the Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Wildlife Park, you will be able to enjoy animals in their natural habitat. It is a short 15-minute drive from the location of Broome. Animal enthusiasts can enjoy some close-ups of the nation’s formidable and adorable creatures while getting to know more about their behaviors and habitats. You will be able to see dingoes, wallabies, lizards, snakes and more who also inhabit the park along with a whole range of cute feathered critters which includes kookaburras to cockatoos.
17. Sun Pictures – Relax And Get Lazy
Get lazy and relax in a deck chair as you take in the starry night and enjoy a classic movie at the oldest outdoor cinema currently in operation. Sun Pictures is located right at the heart of Broome’s Chinatown in Carnarvon Street and it screens some movies per night. But what’s more interesting about it is its own story. The cinema was made in the early 1900s and it was a store which was owned by the Yamasaki family.
The family loved movies and so they made a part of their shop into a small Japanese playhouse. It was in 1913 that pearl Fisher purchased the building and then transformed the store into what it is today. The very first official audience stepped into sun pictures in 1916 and the place has been screening movies since back then, despite natural calamities like tidal flooding. But of course, as time has gone on the structure has been renovated to prevent the onslaught of the tidal waves.
18. Pearl Farm Tours – Something Unique
Broome was once the reigning champion in the world when it came to pearling. Visitors here can take a tour to understand how the local pearl farms culture the highly sought after and highly acclaimed South Sea pearls. You will know everything from oyster seeding to harvesting and grading the pearls in this tour. Keep a note that there are various types of ways to take the tour, as in you can opt for aid, land or sea tours. It all depends on the tour operator as well as the time constraints which members of the tour group might be facing.
19. Broome Historical Museum – Some Fascinating History
This historical museum gives an overview of the town’s amazingly fascinating history. The museum features lots of informative exhibits on cyclones, the pearling industry, aboriginal artifacts and more. Make sure you visit this place with some time on your hands so that you can soak in all this place has to possibly offer. Kids will enjoy this venue cause the museum holds a very interactive quiz.
20. Hahndorf – An Unlike Experience
An old German civilization in Australia, Hahndorf is one of the unique tourist places in Australia. It is nestled in the old region of Adelaide and will take you back to medieval Europe while you are on a different continent. The quaint town offers you the most beautiful vistas that you ought to capture your camera. Apart from that, you will also find restaurants, cafes, and boutiques that you can explore in your time.
21. Barossa Valley – With The Finest Wineries
If you love wine and vineyards, then you must visit Barossa Valley in Adelaide. This place is mushrooming with some of the finest wineries in the region. People take wine tours across the region to sip some of the finest wines. The region was first occupied by Englishmen in the nineteenth century and now there are more than 150 wineries and cellar doors. You may have to make prior appointment to visit the best of the vineyards. It is one of the great places to visit in Australia.
22. Cleland Conservation Park – Rich Flora And Fauna
If you want to meet Koalas, Cleland is where you will find them relaxing in their natural habitat. One of the good places to visit in Australia, the place is abundant with natural and cultural beauty. Apart from rich flora and fauna, this place has a lot of adventure to offer to visitors. The cycling trails are best to enjoy the scenic beauty of this place and get a boost of adrenaline.
23. Rottnest Island – A Natural Beauty
Rottnest Island near Perth is one of the best places you have to visit in Australia owing to its natural beauty. This is where you can have a tropical island time during your vacation in Australia. The turquoise waters of the sea are perfect for frolic and fun. There are even several biking and walking that you can explore on the island.
24. Nambung National Park – An Ethereal Beauty
One of the most astounding tourist attractions of Australia, Nambung National Park will leave you stunned with its ethereal beauty and the large stone structures called Pinnacles. These pinnacles are limestone formations that date back millions of years and are scattered all over the desert in Nambung National Park. and Melbourne on Jetstar, FlyPelican and Virgin Australia. The Gold Coast Airport operates a higher number of flights and with a 40-minute drive time, it might be more convenient. The Brisbane International and Domestic Airport are 2 hours away by shuttle or cabs to Byron Bay. So, the choice is yours to make.
25. Mudgee – An Elegant Town
Sightseeing in Australia has never been better exploring Mudgee, a northwestern town of Sydney. It is a small, elegant town that is popular as a top wine-making region, housing colonial buildings and the pretty Cudgegong River. Some amazing things to engage yourself in Mudgee include picnicking at Robertson Park, getting amazing views at The Rock Lookout, and exploring the Avisford Nature Reserve just makes Mudgee one of the top Australian tourist attractions. The town and its natural reserves make it one of the top spots for camping near Sydney if you are in the mood for that.
