There is a reason why so many of us love to travel. It’s an excellent (and potentially expensive) hobby that opens you up to hundreds of new experiences and pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Putting all jokes aside, traveling is truly eye-opening. You get to see some of the world’s greatest sights with your own eyes, and surely one of the coolest places in the world to visit has to be Australia. Why visit Australia? Well, there are plenty of reasons. And I’ll tell you the best places to visit in Australia below. I lived ‘down under’ for over 4 years, so I have personally been to (and fallen in love with) all the spots in this blog post.
Where to go in Australia for first-timers?
Ooh, tough question – I suppose my answer depends on what type of traveler you are. For example, if you want a big city experience with a side of incredible beaches, then Sydney should be a must-visit for you. If you’re a foodie, then you can’t skip Melbourne. And if you love stunning scenery and wildlife, then the Great Barrier Reef and Kangaroo Island will be right up your street.
What’s the top tourist attraction in Australia?
- Sydney Opera House: Attracting over 2 million tourists every year, it should come as no surprise that this tops the list
- Great Barrier Reef: Over 2 million visitors visit here every year
- Uluru: Attracts around 400,000 visitors annually
The best places to visit in Australia
My first-ever trip to Australia was when I decided to relocate to Sydney after completing my Journalism degree here in Ireland. I spent my first year here, exploring Sydney and its stunning surrounding areas like the Blue Mountains. And in my second year, I took some time off work to explore the rest of the country (we pretty much drove the whole country) over the space of a couple of months.
And on that trip, what surprised me the most was how wow-worthy Australia’s all-around natural beauty is. The geographical landscapes, as well as the vast array of wildlife you have the chance to interact with, are truly unique in Australia. After all, it’s home to the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru – two of the most-visited (and unique) destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.
But before you get reading, I need to point out one obvious factor – I think it’s easy to forget how big Australia is! So, if you’re only visiting for a short period (i.e., two weeks), then you’ll only get to explore one or two states at a time. It’s super-important not to rush Australia!
1. Sydney, NSW
For me, Sydney is the most beautiful city in the world. Built along the glistening Sydney Harbor, it’s home to several world-famous sights like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. And of course, sunny Sydney is well-known for its stunning beaches, think Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, and the lesser-known Watson’s Bay.
Your first stop in Sydney has to be the Sydney Harbour. Sydney Harbour is the most iconic spot in Australia due to its awesome beaches and the famous Sydney Opera House. On Australia.com, the Sydney Harbour is described as “an aquatic playground for Sydneysiders, with more than 240 kilometres (150 miles) of shoreline, punctuated by unspoiled beaches, picturesque gardens, and pockets of natural bush.”
Dare I say, if you haven’t been to Sydney, you haven’t been to Australia. It’s like going to England and skipping London.
As you can imagine, Sydney is a very popular Aussie destination, with around 15 million tourists descending on this gorgeous city each year. And there’s loads to do here, my Sydney highlights include walking the Bondi to Coogee walk, checking out the Sydney Opera House and adjoining Botanical Gardens, strolling across the Harbour Bridge to Kirribilli, and wandering around Darling Harbour (in the evening is best).
As for where to stay in Sydney, we love the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park – it’s located in a quieter part of the city, next door to leafy Hyde Park but is still within walking distance to all of Sydney’s top attractions. It boasts a rooftop pool with epic city views, a gym, and stylish rooms (many with city views).
2. The Blue Mountains, NSW
The Blue Mountains, located a short drive from Sydney, are a significant draw for tourists. Here, you can enjoy dramatic views, explore rainforests, hike through numerous trails, or relax in the quaint towns scattered throughout the region. If you need to rent a car from Sydney to get here, I suggest searching all the different rental car options available here!
The Blue Mountains are made up of a series of giant sandstone ridges that are covered with native bush. And interestingly, these ridges are approximately 10 times older than the Grand Canyon! Yep, the Blue Mountains were believed to have been formed 470 million years ago.
These mountains aren’t actually blue; in fact, they got their name because of the blue rays of light that appear above the mountains. This phenomenon happens when eucalyptus oil from the nearby forests mixes with dust and water in the air to create a blue haze above the mountains.
And the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a great choice if you want to spend the night (or a few nights) at a hotel with an epic view. This one has easily the best view in the region. The views are wow-worthy! It’s a few kilometers from Leura and the rooms are so luxurious, as is the rest of the resort.
3. Great Barrier Reef, QLD
Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is an unparalleled experience that offers a glimpse into one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
As the largest coral reef system in the world, it spans over 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast. The reef is teeming with an astonishing diversity of marine life, including more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and countless other creatures like sea turtles and dolphins.
Snorkeling or diving in its crystal-clear waters allows you to witness this vibrant underwater ecosystem firsthand. And I’ll be honest, it’s an absolute must-do in Australia! We did it twice while we lived here.
To spend the night/a few nights here, one of the top-rated hotels in Cairns is the Shangri-La The Marina – it’s renowned for its luxurious amenities and stunning views of the marina.
4. Whitsundays, QLD
The Whitsundays, just off the coast of Queensland, are a group of 74 islands that truly are one of the most romantic places in Australia. This idyllic paradise is nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Some islands here are quite isolated (like Hayman Island), while others, like Hamilton Island, are big tourist attractions.
We recently holidayed on Hamilton Island, and we loved it. We kick-started our weekend here with a chilled-out sunrise breakfast on Catseye Beach, and after we had something extra special lined up – a seaplane tour of the Whitsunday Islands. The views were jaw-dropping from our prime vantage point.
We also went for a casual walk around Marina Village in the evening and then had a memorable candlelit dinner at Bommie. And one evening, we headed to One Tree Hill with a glass of champagne to watch the sunset.
We recently stayed on Hamilton Island and had a great vacation. We stayed at the Reef View Hotel and would definitely stay again. It boasts epic views over the Coral Sea, has a fabulous outdoor pool, and overall has a really relaxed, resort feel. Our room was bright and spacious.
5. Brisbane, QLD
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is another fantastic city worth checking out. Although it’s not as glitzy as Sydney or as cool as Melbourne, the 3rd biggest city in Australia still has plenty of charm!
I’d best describe it as having a great mix of city vibes and natural beauty. Sitting along the Brisbane River, the city enjoys a subtropical climate, perfect for wandering around its beautiful parks and gardens, like the awesome South Bank Parklands with its man-made beach. There’s also a wide variety of galleries and museums, such as the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.
Plus, Brisbane is the perfect launch pad to the nearby Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
6. Gold Coast, QLD
The beachy Gold Coast has a bit of a reputation in Australia for being a party hotspot. And it is, for sure, but if you’re not into that sort of thing, it’s still well-worth visiting.
Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the picturesque hinterland, followed by a cozy breakfast in a quaint café. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the stunning beaches like Surfers Paradise or Burleigh Heads, where you can take in the sun and surf. For some adventure, you could try out tandem skydiving (a super-popular activity here) or do some surfing lessons. And at night, you could hop on a dinner cruise along the waterways.
To end your day, be sure to take a moonlit walk on the beach (we recommend Burleigh Beach).
As for hotels here – the Langham Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise is one of the most luxurious hotels on this stretch of coast. It’s 5-star, posh, and has an epic pool. It’s also located on the beachfront – so you’ll wake up to ocean views. Bliss!
7. Daintree Rainforest, QLD
This is just one of many places to visit that contain some of Australia’s great natural attractions. The Cairns rainforest is a breathtaking place, with luscious green trees, waterfalls, and – you guessed it – a bunch of animals!
Would you believe it’s one of the most ancient ecosystems on the planet? Yup, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site boasts unparalleled biodiversity, home to a vast array of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The Daintree is also culturally significant, offering insights into the rich heritage of the Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people.
Things we loved doing here were the river cruise on the Daintree River, where we spotted saltwater crocodiles and diverse bird species. And walking around the Daintree Discovery Centre, which provides interactive exhibits and an aerial walkway with gorgeous views.
We recommend basing yourselves in Port Douglas, and the Pullman Port Douglas is the most luxurious place to stay for a couple of nights. This 5-star hotel has a huge, lagoon-style pool and is just 300 meters from the beach. The property also boasts an 18-hole golf course and a spa.
8. Uluru, NT
Uluru (or Ayer’s Rock) is one of Australia’s most famous spots. Kick off your adventure by catching a sunrise or sunset over Uluru – the colors the sky turns truly are magical.
You might want to do a guided base walk to soak in the culture and beauty of the place. Or for something truly memorable, book the “Sounds of Silence” dinner under the stars. Gourmet food under the Milky Way? Yes, please!
If you’re up for more excitement, hop on a scenic helicopter ride for a jaw-dropping view of Uluru and the surrounding area. This one is just 15 minutes long – but that’s enough time to see the best of the area. It costs under $200 AUD per person.
And definitely make time to visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for a hike through the Valley of the Winds.
For a hotel here – consider Sails in the Desert; it’s the most luxurious hotel in Uluru, it’s just a 5-minute walk from Ayer’s Rock, and the rooms are stylish. There’s an outdoor pool, spa, and tennis court here.
9. Kakadu National Park, NT
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Northern Territory, Kakadu, offers an extraordinary landscape of wetlands, cascading waterfalls, and rugged cliffs. There are over 2,000 plant species and a plethora of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, and hundreds of bird species, to be found here.
And furthermore, Kakadu is a treasure trove of Aboriginal cultural heritage, featuring ancient rock art sites that date back tens of thousands of years and provide insight into the world’s oldest living culture.
10. Melbourne, VIC
Australia’s second-biggest city is another popular spot. To me, Melbourne has a quirky, European vibe and is very different from its younger sister, Sydney. I call Sydney the younger sister and Melbourne the mature, older sister, as that’s the vibes both cities give off (to me, anyway!)
And Melbourne offers a whole host of romantic activities for couples to enjoy. Begin your adventure with a stroll through the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can have a picnic amongst the lush greenery.
For your art and culture fix, visit the National Gallery of Victoria, which boasts an impressive collection of international and local artworks. And in the evening, you could take a sunset cruise along the Yarra River, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city skyline. For a unique dinner experience, check out the hidden laneways that are filled with charming cafes and restaurants. FYI, we really rate Coda Melbourne.
And for a great place to stay here, The Adelphi Hotel on Flinders Lane is a super-stylish and popular hotel in the city. The rooftop pool is classy, and the rooms are very cool.
11. Great Ocean Road, VIC
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria (243 km long) is one of the most famous drives in Australia. It winds along the stunning coastline with highlights like the Twelve Apostles and picturesque towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay.
12. Tasmania
Known for its rugged wildness, Tasmania, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strair – this island state is the smallest and least populous of all the Australian states. But despite its small size, it sure packs a punch in terms of natural beauty and awesome things to do.
For one, Tassie (as it’s also affectionately known) is home to the breathtaking landscapes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where towering peaks and serene lakes offer such a picturesque setting. And the pristine beaches of the Bay of Fireswith their white sands and crystal-clear waters, really surprised me. I mean, who knew Tasmania was home to such wow-worthy beaches?
We also loved spending a day at Port Arthur, a historic site that provides a poignant glimpse into Australia’s convict past. And the capital city, Hobart, really charmed us with its incredible food scene and vibrant arts scene (FYI, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a must-visit).
13. Perth, WA
Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is the 4th largest city in the country and a popular gateway to cool spots like Rottnest Island and Margaret River.
It’s nestled along the Indian Ocean, so you get awesome beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough. And in the city itself, Kings Park is a huge green space where you can get amazing views of the skyline and the Swan River. And you shouldn’t miss the historic Fremantle district – it’s packed with charming markets, old-school buildings, and quirky places to eat.
As for a great hotel to stay at here, look at the Crown Towers Perth it’s consistently rated as one of the best in the city. Yep, this luxurious hotel is renowned for its opulent rooms, world-class amenities, and stunning views of the city skyline and Swan River.
14. Rottnest Island, WA
Just off the coast of Perth (you catch a 25-minute ferry ride here from Fremantle), Rottnest Island is perhaps best known for being home to the adorable quokka, a small marsupial often referred to as “the world’s happiest animal” due to its friendly appearance and tendency to approach humans.
The island also offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed, car-free environment that makes it an ideal spot for cycling and walking. We rented a bike when we got off the ferry and used it to get to the various beaches and viewpoints scattered around the island, and I highly recommend you do the same.
15. Kangaroo Island, SA
Off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island ends my list of the most unmissable places to visit in Australia. One of the island’s main attractions is its rich biodiversity, and yep, you guessed right – you can see animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions in their natural habitats over here.
Kangaroo Island is also home to pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and stunning landscapes like the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park.
Renting a Car in Australia:
It’s so worth renting a car in Australia. And although it can be expensive to do so, you will be able to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without being constrained by a timetable. Like you would if you were to do a guided tour.
The cost of renting a car in Australia can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
Travel Insurance for Australia:
At first glance, skipping travel insurance may seem like a great way to save some money. However, if you end up losing your luggage, having your flights cancelled, or getting sick – it is a decision you’ll probably regret. Thinking nothing will happen is definitely a mistake, and without travel insurance, it’s one that will end up costing you – big time.
✅ Our fix: Shop around for budget-friendly travel insurance based on your trip length and destination while paying attention to what it covers. We like to use Auras Travel Insurance for our trips! And you can get 10% off their plans with this code: WRTY100489
Why use an eSIM in Australia:
It was always worth it for us to get an eSIM for traveling through Australia! It’s super easy (and quick) to set up, and most of the time it will work out cheaper than using the international plan your home cell provider offers. For Australia, we highly recommend you use the Holafly eSIM for Australia. As we’ve tried and tested it (and it’s great!) And you can use code: SNAPHAPPY for a discount, more on that below!
Now, what exactly is an eSIM, I hear you asking me? Well, an eSIM is not a physical SIM card you pop into your phone and remove. Instead, an eSIM is built right into your phone or device. And you can typically set it up in just 5 minutes.
This means you don’t have to fuss with swapping out SIM cards when you want to change mobile networks – it’s all done digitally and gives you way more flexibility. I liked that it had unlimited data. “Always On” was another big benefit of Holafly for us – as it provides 1GB/month of global backup data. And they also offer monthly and yearly subscriptions – the unlimited plan on Holafly Plans offers a local number (this covers 160+ destinations). So handy 🙂
In short, an eSIM really is the perfect choice for frequent travelers.
✅ You can BUY your Holafly eSIM using my link here and be sure to use code: SNAPHAPPY for 5% off for eSIMs and 10% off on monthly subscription plans for the first 12 months!
Thanks for reading my blog, Aimee
As you have read, there is plenty more to do in Australia than visit Sydney and go to the Great Barrier Reef. Personally, for me, some of my favorite parts of Australia are those places that not many tourists get to see – spots like Rottnest Island in Western Australia and Tasmania.
Your next read right here –
Which whale watching tour in Sydney should I choose?
Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Sydney
What You NEED to Know About Renting a Car in Australia
Last Updated on August 14, 2026 by snaphappytravel