Australia is a massive country that’s home to some of the world’s most unique, beautiful and diverse landscapes. From the pristine beaches of Esperance and stunning beauty of Lord Howe Island to the tropical Daintree Rainforest and rugged Tasmanian terrain, Australia really has it all.
I was lucky enough to explore down under in 2024, and I’ve put together my 10 favorite destinations that you can’t afford to miss on your trip.
- Great Barrier Reef: Australia's Great Natural Wonder
- Daintree Rainforest: Lush Tropical Beauty
- Whitehaven Beach: The Tropical Whitsundays
- Cape Hillsborough: Where Kangaroos Roam Free
- Sydney: Where City Meets the Sea
- Blue Mountains: A Serene Getaway
- Esperance & Western Australia: Breathtaking Coastline
- The Outback: Uluru & Australia's Red Center
- Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road: Australia's Cultural Capital
- Tasmania: Rugged Paradise
- Brisbane & Glass House Mountains
- Lord Howe Island & Ball's Pyramid: Australia's Hidden Gem
Great Barrier Reef: Australia’s Great Natural Wonder
The Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. Located off the northeastern coast, it’s the world’s largest reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers. This natural wonder is not only visible from space but also home to an incredible array of marine life, including over 10% of all ocean fish species, whales, and sharks.
If you’re interested in snorkelling or scuba diving, this is one the best places in the world to do it.
For those looking to explore the reef, Cairns is an ideal departure point. This coastal city is situated near some of the reef’s most pristine coral reefs and islands, and can be reached by a 40-minute boat ride.
Daintree Rainforest: Lush Tropical Beauty
While you’re in the area, it’s worth heading north to explore the breathtaking Daintree Rainforest. Dating back over 110 million years, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest continuously surviving rainforest on earth and a nature lover’s paradise. This incredible ecosystem is home to an array of wildlife, including the endangered southern cassowary.
One of the highlights of my visit was the area surrounding Cape Tribulation. The scenery is simply stunning, with majestic mountains cloaked in lush vegetation. It’s definitely one of my top picks for natural beauty in Australia.
The Daintree Rainforest is a two-hour drive from Cairns, or a much shorter trip from some beautiful coastal towns like Port Douglas and Palm Cove which are well worth a visit themselves.
Whitehaven Beach: The Tropical Whitsundays
Off the coast of Queensland lie the tropical Whitsunday Islands. The collection of 74 islands offers so much to explore, but the highpoint has to be Whitehaven Beach.
Consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches, Whitehaven Beach is a must-visit destination on Whitsunday Island. To get there, you can take a boat or seaplane, with the boat tour being the most affordable option. Departing from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour on the mainland, the journey to Whitehaven is an adventure in itself.
As you step onto the beach, you’ll be struck by the breathtaking scenery. The sand, composed of silica, glistens with a brilliant white color, while the turquoise ocean water creates a mesmerizing swirl of colors. To take in the full majesty of Whitehaven, hike up to the Hill Inlet Lookout for an elevated view of the surrounding waters. This place is truly on another level.
Cape Hillsborough: Where Kangaroos Roam Free
Not too far away from Airlie Beach in Queensland you’ll find Cape Hillsborough National Park, a must-visit destination for any Australian wildlife enthusiast. The park is renowned for its stunning beaches, where kangaroos can be spotted roaming freely along the coast.
To witness these incredible creatures up close, wake up early and head to the beach around 5:00 a.m. As the sun rises over the ocean, kangaroos and wallabies emerge to feed on the mangrove seeds, sea pods, and seaweed. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, with the golden light of sunrise casting a magical glow over the entire scene.
Sydney: Where City Meets the Sea
Sydney, Australia’s most populous city, is a vibrant destination offering all the activities and comforts of a modern city combined with beautiful natural wonders around every corner.
In the city the Opera House and stunning Sydney Harbour are musts, but I really enjoyed exploring the beautiful beaches around Sydney, such as Bondi Beach, which is just a 20-minute drive from the city center. Another lesser-known gem is Bronte Beach, located just down the coast from Bondi. While smaller than Bondi, Bronte Beach has its own unique charm, and the nearby Bronte Baths public pool offers a refreshing alternative to swimming in the ocean.
The northside beaches of Manly also offer excellent swimming, nice walks and impressive views of the city across the harbour.
Just outside of Sydney lies the stunning Blue Mountains, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Blue Mountains: A Serene Getaway
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney lies the breathtaking Blue Mountains. This incredible mountain range is renowned for its distinct blue color, created by the unique combination of eucalyptus oil droplets, water vapor, and dust.
One of the top lookout points in the mountains is the Three Sisters. Take a short walk to the lookout and be awestruck by the stunning view of the rock pinnacles and the mountains in the background. If you’re up for a hike, be sure to check out the Grand Canyon Walking Track which takes you down into the valley where you can enjoy lush greenery, gentle streams and hidden caves.
Esperance & Western Australia: Breathtaking Coastline
After leaving Tasmania, I headed to the mainland to discover the wonders of Western Australia. Before arriving in Australia, I thought it would be possible to road trip across the country in a day or two. However, I soon realized that it would take a whopping 40 hours to drive from Sydney! Needless to say, the 4-hour flight into Perth was a much faster option, and getting to explore Perth and the trendy port town of Fremantle is always worth it.
What struck me most about Western Australia was its stunning coastline. The beaches boast pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and even kangaroos lounging on the shores! The area around Esperance is particularly breathtaking, with some of the whitest sand in the entire world.
My favorite beach in Esperance is Twilight Beach, located just 10 minutes outside the town. This picturesque beach features a massive rock just off the coast, popular for cliff jumping. Another must-visit spot in the area is Cape Le Grand, a pristine coastline home to untouched beaches and roaming kangaroos.
The Outback: Uluru & Australia’s Red Center
As we venture into the heart of Australia, we find ourselves in the barren, red Outback. This vast, arid landscape stretches as far as the eye can see with barely a soul in sight. The most iconic landmark in the Outback is Uluru, a colossal sandstone monolith that rises majestically from the desert floor.
To experience the grandeur of Uluru, a sacred site for the indigenous Anangu people, you can fly into the nearby town of Yulara or drive the 4.5 hours from Alice Springs. As you approach the rock, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence. It’s a breathtaking site that’s well worth the trip.
Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road: Australia’s Cultural Capital
Melbourne is the second biggest city in Australia and is considered by many to be the cultural capital, with diverse dining and nightlife options, countless museums and galleries and some of the world’s best coffee.
If you want to get out of the city, there are plenty of great options on Melbourne’s doorstep. You can head up t the hills in the Yarra Ranges, enjoy the beaches and wineries of the Mornington Peninsula, or head out down the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road is a windy drive offering gorgeous sea views and tons of world-class surf beaches to spot at. If you go far enough, you’ll reach the 12 Apostles. This collection of limestone sea stacks originally consisted of eight formations, but one collapsed in 2005 due to constant erosion from waves and wind. Visitors can view the stacks from the boardwalk and various viewpoints.
Tasmania: Rugged Paradise
Located off Australia’s southeast coast, Tasmania is an island teeming with breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife. I embarked on a thrilling road trip across Tasmania, and the island’s stunning landscapes left me in awe.
One of the main attractions that drew me to Tasmania was Cradle Mountain, situated in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. This area is renowned for its picturesque scenery and fantastic hiking trails.
What really captivated me, however, was the opportunity to spot wombats in their natural habitat. These adorable creatures can be found at Ronnie Creek, where you can observe them roaming freely as you walk along the elevated boardwalks. We spotted at least 21 wombats, and the experience was nothing short of serene.
Another incredible destination in Tasmania is Cape Raoul, located on the Tasman Peninsula. This rugged cape boasts some of the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. While you can hike 10 km to reach Cape Raoul, we opted for a scenic boat tour, which took us about an hour. The views along the way were breathtaking, and upon arrival, I was struck by the sheer scale of the rocks and sea cliffs. Cape Raoul is truly a spectacular sight to behold.
When you’re in Tasmania you should also be sure to check out Wineglass Bay, the Bay of Fires and the charming city of Hobart.
Brisbane & Glass House Mountains
With an average of 260 days of sunshine per year, the river-side city Brisbane is a sun-seeker’s paradise. Just an hour from Brisbane lies the Gold Coast, a vibrant city boasting a stunning beach, an impressive skyline and a bunch of fun amusement parks like Movie World, Dreamworld, and Wet’n’Wild Waterpark.
For a more natural setting, head to the Glass House Mountains, located about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. This unique range features 13 volcanic peaks, with the tallest being Mount Beerwah, standing at 556 meters. To witness these peculiar mountains from above, take a scenic plane tour for a breathtaking view.
Lord Howe Island & Ball’s Pyramid: Australia’s Hidden Gem
Located in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, Lord Howe Island is a tranquil oasis that embodies the essence of paradise. This stunning island, often referred to as the “Hawaii of Australia,” boasts breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and an incredible array of wildlife.
The island is accessible by a 2-hour flight from Sydney, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking an unparalleled island experience. One of the most fascinating aspects of Lord Howe Island is its unique conservation efforts. With a limit of only 400 tourists at a time, the island preserves its delicate ecosystem, allowing its incredible wildlife to flourish.
During my stay on Lord Howe Island, I had the freedom to explore the island on bikes, discovering secluded beaches and coves. One of my favorite hikes was to Malabar Hill, which offered breathtaking views of the sea cliffs. From there, I walked along the ridge line to Kim’s Lookout, where I was treated to a panoramic view of the entire island.
Lord Howe Island is home to the southernmost coral reef in the world, providing numerous snorkeling opportunities. I spent a memorable afternoon snorkeling at Ned’s Beach, marveling at the vibrant marine life and swimming alongside sea turtles. As the day drew to a close, I made my way to Lagoon Beach to witness the sunset, watching in awe as the mountains of Lord Howe Island were set ablaze by the fading light.
A highlight of my visit was exploring Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack, standing at an impressive 572 meters. Located off the coast of Lord Howe Island, this natural wonder is a sight to behold. I embarked on an exhilarating boat tour with Reef and Beyond Ecotours, which took me around the entire sea stack. The sheer scale of this formation left me awestruck, feeling as though I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.
Lord Howe Island is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible destinations I’ve ever had the privilege of visiting. Its unspoiled beauty, unique wildlife, and warm hospitality make it a true gem of the Pacific.
So these are my picks for the 12 best destinations to visit in Australia, of course Australia is such a massive country with so much to explore that it’s impossible to fit everything. To take a closer look at why I love these spots so much, check out my video:
