This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, without charge to you, when you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
The most typical factor we get requested about our house nation is what are probably the most unmissable locations to go to in Australia and what experiences needs to be on the bucket record?
It’s exhausting to reply, as Australia is the sixth largest nation on the planet and affords a lot variety, you would wish to spend years exploring all of it to make that record.
Luckily, we did simply that. We explored our personal yard extensively, together with on an 18th month street journey round Australia, so we predict we all know Australia fairly effectively.
Based mostly on our private expertise, we ready this information to the last word Australia bucket record, so you possibly can slender down some locations to go to in your journey.
- Finest Locations in Australia to Add to Your Bucketlist
- 1. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
- 2. Kakadu Nationwide Park, Northern Territory
- 3. Margaret River, Western Australia
- 4. Sydney, New South Wales
- 5. Broome, Western Australia
- 6. Byron Bay, NSW
- 7. Freycinet Nationwide Park, Tasmania
- 8. Uluru, Northern Territory
- 9. Nice Barrier Reef, Queensland
- 10. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
- 11. Fraser Island, Queensland
- 12. Melbourne, Victoria
- 13. Nice Ocean Street, Victoria
- 14. Rottnest Island, Western Australia
- 15. Hobart, Tasmania
- 16. Barossa Valley, South Australia
- 17. Karijini Nationwide Park, Western Australia
- 18. Gold Coast, Queensland
- 19. Wilsons Promontory Nationwide Park, Victoria
- 20. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
- Earlier than You Go
- Extra Suggestions for Visiting Australia
- Pin To Save It On Pinterest
Finest Locations in Australia to Add to Your Bucketlist
Within the following record, we’re sharing each iconic locations and hidden gems that we’ve personally visited. These locations shouldn’t be skipped off any itinerary if you wish to see the very best of the nation.
1. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Ahh The Whitsundays. When Belinda Carlisle sang about heaven being a spot on Earth, I consider she was picturing the Whitsundays.
There are 74 islands that make up The Whitsunday Islands, and it’s most well-known for its turquoise blue waters, white sandy seashores, and thriving marine life. What’s to not love?!
It’s house to our favorite seaside in Australia, Whitehaven Seashore, a protected seaside that’s 98% pure silica, making it one of many whitest seashores on the planet.
I’d wager when you dropped a bit of paper on it, you’d unfastened it, as such you aren’t allowed to carry something on the seaside with you – it’s to maintain it stunning.
In addition to Whitehaven Seashore, there are many different secluded bays with that aqua blue water and pure white sand seashores which are nice for a snorkel across the Whitsunday Islands.
Throw in tropical sunsets, each water sport conceivable, and the very fact you’re within the coronary heart of the Nice Barrier Reef, the best spot for scuba diving. I don’t assume I actually need to go on.
The mainland city of Airlie Seashore is a taking place place with Hamilton Island being probably the most concentrated for lodging and actions.
Want extra inspiration about The Whitsundays? Take a look at these assets:
2. Kakadu Nationwide Park, Northern Territory
Some folks name Kakadu Nationwide Park “Kaka-don’t”, however don’t hearken to them. They in all probability raced via the park on a day journey with a tour group and it deserves a lot extra time than that.
It’s Australia’s largest Nationwide Park and is unattainable to see in a day.
We spent 5 days in Kakadu NP and nonetheless solely scratched the floor, however what we noticed made it simply ranked excessive on our record of favourite locations in Australia.
It’s a UNESCO world heritage website the place you possibly can see historic aboriginal cave work and, after all, the well-known salt water crocodile. It has the biggest focus of salties in Australia, estimating to be round 10,000 dwelling in its waters, so that you don’t want to fret about not seeing them.
From wetlands to sandstone escarpments, waterfalls, swimming holes, billabongs, rivers, wildlife, and aboriginal rock artwork, it has all of it.
3. Margaret River, Western Australia
Most individuals outdoors of Australia haven’t heard a lot in regards to the Margaret River area, however we’re aiming to alter that. I can’t wait to return to Margaret River – it’s one among our high 3 areas in Australia as a result of it just about has all of it.
There are over 150 wine producers, quite a few breweries, unimaginable seashores, connoisseur meals, espresso homes, chocolate makers, cheese factories, caves to discover, forests to stroll via, mountain bike trails, whale watching, surf tradition, artists, and gorgeous landscapes.
This area in Western Australia is without doubt one of the oldest within the nation. It has been house to the Wadandi folks for over 50,000 years, making them one of many oldest civilizations on the planet.
Regardless of this, it’s extra well-known for wine. It’s one of many world’s main producers of wine, and but grapes didn’t arrive right here till 1967. That is how Margaret River does it – it will possibly take something and instantly make it the very best.
Study extra about Margaret River with these guides:
4. Sydney, New South Wales
You possibly can’t go to Australia and never spend no less than a couple of days in Sydney, one of many world’s most stunning cities – a lot of you’ll fly via right here in any case.
Certain Sydney has a popularity of being on the costly facet, however most of the very best issues to do are free or low cost.
It’s additionally house to a few of Australia’s most well-known landmarks. Activate TV advertisements and little question you’ll see pictures of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera Home looming earlier than you.
Sydney can also be a vibrant metropolis with a youthful environment, and is effectively fitted to households too. You possibly can take the ferry over to Manly and see the Little Penguins, discover The Rocks District identified for its creative and bohemian vibes, and my favorite, go to the world-famous Bondi Seashore.
If you’d like a bucket record expertise to tick off, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, when you’re not afraid of heights. Climbing excursions function from daybreak till nightfall, do don’t miss out on this distinctive expertise.
When you’ve got extra time to spare, think about taking a day journey out to the Blue Mountains and see the enduring Three Sisters rock formation.
Want extra inspiration to your journey to Sydney? Listed below are some extra assets.
Watch us discover Sydney on this video
5. Broome, Western Australia
Should you’ve been following us for a when you’ll know that Broome is our favorite place in Australia.
Our love affair with Broome dates again to our days engaged on a pearl farm in the Kimberley area, and so once we deliberate our massive journey round Australia, we ended up spending 5 weeks there and didn’t need to go away.
It’s the panorama that sucks you in; it’s simply so vibrant. Image placing pink earth towards the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean, probably the most wonderful sunsets over Cable Seashore, and year-round good climate.
Would you ever go away a spot like this? To not point out it has the vibe of an enthralling nation city by the ocean!
Learn extra about Broome right here:
6. Byron Bay, NSW
This legendary beachside city in Northern NSW has been attracting surfers, the spiritually minded, spa lovers, yogis, backpackers, and anybody looking for themselves for years.
It may well really feel a bit overcommercialised today as a consequence of its popularity for being a scorching vacationer spot, however it earned that popularity for a purpose.
With a few of the most well-known browsing breaks within the nation, the choice way of life, and the gorgeous hinterland, Byron is the place to be, and be seen.
Don’t miss the lighthouse stroll previous Wategos Seashore, dawn and sundown, Bluesfest over Easter, and take a browsing lesson!
7. Freycinet Nationwide Park, Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia’s largest island and is commonly forgot about by worldwide guests, however there was as soon as place on Tassie that stole our coronary heart and shouldn’t be missed off your journey.
Freycinet Nationwide Park is our favourite place in Tasmania and one among our high three favourite Nationwide Parks in Australia.
It’s identified for being house to the world well-known Wineglass Bay, however it additionally has another jaw-droppingly gorgeous pure landscapes reminiscent of Hazards Seashore, Pleasant Seashores, Coles Bay, and has a few of the greatest walks in Tassie.
Give your self greater than in the future right here to do all of the hikes, go kayaking, and absorb the fantastic thing about the Hazards.
Learn these extra guides to be taught extra about Tasmania:
8. Uluru, Northern Territory
Visiting Uluru within the Crimson Centre of Australia is an expertise I’ll always remember. Generally known as the “non secular coronary heart of Australia” Uluru is a kind of locations you simply need to see, and really feel, for your self.
Don’t rush via right here like most individuals, keep awhile and take all of it in. Expertise sundown and dawn, stroll across the base, take a camel trip, possibly a helicopter flight, and go to close by Uluru-Kata Tjuta Nationwide Parks.
It’s house to the enduring pink rock monolith, additionally identified internationally as Ayres Rock, however in Australia we want to make use of its indigineous identify of Uluru.
Surrounding Uluru is miles and miles of majestic outback desert. When you’ve got time, I extremely suggest a tenting journey to the outback the place you possibly can sleep underneath the celebs. It’s greatest to remain within the campgrounds close to Alice Springs to keep away from operating into any animals.
Want extra inspiration about Uluru? Listed below are some extra assets:
9. Nice Barrier Reef, Queensland
Getting out on the world’s largest coral reef and the biggest dwelling construction on the planet must be in your Aussie bucket record.
Stretching 2,300km lengthy, the Nice Barrier Reef is a pure surprise of the world and in my view lives as much as its popularity.
It’s a well-known proven fact that the Barrier Reef has been threatened through the years because of greenhouses gases and international warming, however conservation efforts are in place to guard it and preserve it thriving.
Should you’re a diver, and even only a snorkeler, the choices are infinite because it’s really made up of two,900 particular person reefs. Most individuals go to the reef from Cairns, which is called the unofficial gateway, however you can even entry the reef from a number of factors alongside the East Coast such because the aforementioned Whitsundays.
Want extra inspiration? Take a look at these guides:
Watch us discover the Nice Barrier Reef from Port Douglas
10. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
Whereas in Cairns, remember to head north to a landmark that always will get missed by worldwide travellers. The Daintree Nationwide Park is the oldest present rainforest on the planet.
How can one thing so outdated be so stunning? I imply, at 110 million years outdated the Daintree Rainforest is as outdated because it will get.
My favorite spot is Cape Tribulation, a headland positioned inside Daintree Nationwide Parkand the place two World Heritage Listed websites collide – the Daintree and Nice Barrier Reef.
Different spots to go to embody Daintree Discovery Centre, Cow Bay, Myall Seashore, Emmagen Seashore, Cape Kimberley and Mason’s Cafe, and swimming gap.
Watch us discover the Daintree Rainforest on this video
11. Fraser Island, Queensland
Should you’re a hard-core 4×4 driving fanatic put Fraser Island on the high of your Aussie bucket record. Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and is the world’s largest sand island.
It stretches 123 km lengthy, 23 km broad, and was created over 800,000 years in the past from sand dumped by locations so far as Antarctica when it was nonetheless joined with Australia.
I can’t get sufficient of Fraser, it’s an journey with nature you’ll crave extra of. My favourite spots are 75 Mile Seashore, Eli Creek, Maheno shipwreck, Lake Mackenzie, Indian Head, and Champagne Swimming pools.
From the shore, when you’re fortunate and go to on the proper time, you may even see humpback whales within the ocean.
Learn extra assets about Fraser Island:
Watch us discover Fraser Island on this video
12. Melbourne, Victoria
I might stay in Melbourne, and I’m not the one one apparently because it persistently ranks on the high of most habitable cities on the planet! I simply don’t know if I might stay with the 4 seasons in one-day climate sample.
Anyhow, Melbourne is an superior metropolis to go to.
Should you’re a sports activities nut like me it’s obtained the Australian Open Tennis, the Grand Prix, the Melbourne Cup, and the AFL.
For everybody else, it’s obtained an unimaginable meals scene, a few of the greatest espresso and cafes within the nation (if not the world), cool pubs, infinite procuring, nice festivals, superior markets, helpful public transport, and simply an all-round addictive vibe!
Want extra inspiration about Melbourne, try these guides:
13. Nice Ocean Street, Victoria
You’ve in all probability heard of the Nice Ocean Street, it’s kinda well-known for being among the finest street journeys on the planet.
We spent 2 weeks driving the GOR and it lived as much as expectations. If I’ve one tip, don’t rush it, don’t drive it in in the future just like the tour buses, decelerate, and provides it the time it deserves.
The scenic drive was accomplished in 1932, by troopers who returned house from WWI. It was inbuilt dedication of those that misplaced their lives. It begins within the small city of Torquay and completed within the quiet city of Allansford.
Many individuals take a pair days to drive the Ocean Street, stopping off in a few of the small cities alongside the best way.
However when you solely have time for one place, then Port Campbell Nationwide Park is the spotlight, it’s the place a lot of the high scenic spots are positioned just like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. s
Study extra in regards to the Nice Ocean Street in these guides:
14. Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Rottnest Island, or Rotto because the locals name it, is one thing particular. With over 60 picturesque seashores and bays and high spots for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming, and fishing it’s presumably my favorite island in Australia.
Should you’re planning a visit to Perth, don’t miss Rottnest, which is a straightforward day journey away.
It’s among the finest locations in Australia to see quokkas, a local animal to Australia, which is unfortunately endangered. Should you don’t go to Rottnest Island, the very best place to see a quokka is in a zoo.
Keep over when you can, however when you solely have half a day be sure you go to The Basin and Pinky Seashore. Seize a motorbike, it’s one of the simplest ways to discover the island, and don’t overlook your digicam!
Study extra about Rottnest from these extra assets:
15. Hobart, Tasmania
I’m not CRAZY about Hobart, however I can undoubtedly see why some individuals are loopy about it. It’s a pleasant place with numerous historical past – it’s Australia’s second oldest metropolis – and I actually loved how you need to use it as a base to discover so many nice locations reminiscent of Cradle Mountain and Mount Subject Nationwide Park.
I extremely suggest the opposite locations shut sufficient to Hobart are Bruny Island, Port Arthur, and historic Richmond.
I additionally love the truth that it’s walkable, and looks like a small city moderately than a metropolis. My favorite neighborhoods being Salamanca and Historic Battery Level, and naturally, the well-known MONA Museum is a must-visit.
Learn extra about Hobart in these guides:
16. Barossa Valley, South Australia
If we’re simply speaking wine and meals, then the Barossa Valley and close by Adelaide Hills is the very best place in Australia to go for satisfying the style buds.
It’s a brief drive from Adelaide and with over 80 cellar doorways and 150 wineries from massive names to boutiques together with Jacob’s Creek, Penfold’s, Wolf Blass and Grant Burge, you’re not missing in choices.
And the surroundings is one thing else too – do the 57-kilometre Barossa Scenic Heritage Drive for some gorgeous surroundings.
Study extra in regards to the Barossa in these guides:
17. Karijini Nationwide Park, Western Australia
We had excessive expectations for Karijini Nationwide Park as so many individuals we met on our 18-month journey instructed us that Karijini was their favorite nationwide park. They usually weren’t mendacity.
This place is spectacular, and I can’t consider that I’d by no means heard of this place earlier than visiting – it’s a real hidden gem, and we’re doing our greatest to share it with as many individuals as potential.
At 627,422 hectares, Karijini is the second largest nationwide park in Western Australia and is understood for its historic rock formations, stated to be greater than 2.5 billion years outdated.
The colors of the rock, the gorges, the swimming holes, the waterfalls, the climbing – it’s off-the-beaten-path in WA, however completely definitely worth the effort!
18. Gold Coast, Queensland
We selected to name the Gold Coast our house for a purpose. While it’s a area well-known for tourism with a tagline “well-known for enjoyable“, it has an important combine of gorgeous coastal and hinterland surroundings, with a few of the greatest seashores within the nation.
The Gold Coast is the place Australians go to trip. Should you seek for photos of it, you possibly can see why. The lengthy stretch of golden sand seaside is backed by high-rise buildings, and slopes into turquoise waters.
However there’s extra to do right here than simply hit the seashores. It’s the place you will see that Australia’s largest theme parks, it has a buzzing nightlife scene, and world-class procuring.
As Australia’s sixth largest metropolis, you may need to head out of the principle metropolis centre, and head someplace quieter. For a relaxed vibe, my favorite spots on the coast are Burleigh Heads, Rainbow Bay, and Coolangatta.
Remember to keep across the hinterland space when you love nature. From right here, you possibly can try Lamington Nationwide Park, Springbrook Nationwide Park, and Binna Burra Nationwide Park!
Need to be taught extra in regards to the Gold Coast? Take a look at these guides:
19. Wilsons Promontory Nationwide Park, Victoria
One other place we knew little about till we travelled round Australia was Wilsons Pomontory, often known as Wilsons Pom.
Once more, it’s a hidden gem that our pals in Melbourne steered we go to, so we’re letting the cat out of the bag!
Positioned only a 3-hour drive from Melbourne, this 50,000-hectare coastal wilderness space is the place Melbournians go to trip. Actually, it’s so in style they’ve a poll system to remain within the lodging throughout peak season.
There’s a purpose for this although. Your reward – gorgeous vistas of pink granite boulder mountains, turquoise water, squeaky white sand, intimate coves, forested valleys, and unimaginable climbing.
20. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island is simply off the coast of Adelaide and is effectively value exploring. It’s well-known for its kangaroo inhabitants (therefore the identify), however it’s an island filled with variety.
It has unimaginable landscapes from seashores to sand dunes and forests to rolling farmlands. You’ll be certain to identify a wild array of Australian animals – dolphins, kangaroos, koalas and extra AND the meals and wine is unimaginable!
Watch us discover Kangaroo Island on this video
Earlier than You Go
So there you will have it, these are the very best locations in Australia so as to add to your Australia bucket record.
Australia is house to miles and miles of beautiful shoreline, mysterious islands, the world-famous Nice Barrier Reef, the majestic outback desert, glamorous cities, huge swamps and wetlands, and distinctive wildlife you received’t discover anyplace else.
With all this to discover, it’s unsurprising that visiting Australia has been on most individuals’s bucket record. Everybody ought to come down underneath no less than as soon as of their lifetime.
As you possibly can see, there’s lots of variety and tradition to discover in Australia, and it’s not all about wildlife and seashores (although these are a few of the greatest causes to go to Aus!).
There’s a purpose why so many backpackers come to Australia for a yr’s vacation, after which by no means go away. There isn’t a the place fairly like Australia. When you go, you’ll know.
Extra Suggestions for Visiting Australia
Want extra inspiration to your journey to Australia? Take a look at these different assets:
Pin To Save It On Pinterest
What are your favorite locations in Australia? Inform us within the feedback. And when you haven’t been but, what locations are in your Aussie bucket record?
