The Most Beautiful Places In Australia | TRAVEL

With 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, plenty of national parks, and countless architectural jewels,

From the distinctive sail-shaped dome of Sydney’s Opera House to the ancient Aboriginal stories of the world’s oldest rainforest, the icons of this continent-sized country date back thousands of years.

Whether you like to admire fine vineyards while enjoying a glass of chilling Chardonnay, dive into the crystal-clear waters of a coral reef, or meander through lush tropical gardens spotting koalas, Australia will provide you with breathtaking views at every step.

Here are some of the most beautiful places in Australia to visit on your next trip to the “Land Down Under”.

1. Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most spectacular natural features, is breathtakingly large. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, visible from space and larger than China’s Great Wall, is one of nature’s seven wonders.

While most of us cannot see the breathtaking landscape from the International Space Station, a helicopter fly above the corals is an excellent way to get a sense of the reef’s magnitude.

Flying low over the azure waters, sometimes with whales dancing in the deep blues, is an experience you’ll remember forever.

To try and glimpse some of the countless marine life that inhabits the coral cays, take a boat tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Opt to dive in with snorkel gear, head deeper on a scuba-dive experience, or view the reef from a glass-bottomed.

2. Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is the place to see and be seen, with three of the city’s most recognizable landmarks: the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and The Rocks.

The inlet, officially known as Port Jackson Bay, has gained international fame, thanks in part to the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display set against the backdrop of the world’s biggest steel arch bridge.

If you enjoy heights and architecture, tackling the challenge of climbing the Harbour Bridge will reward you with panoramic views of one of the world’s best skylines from 440 feet above.

For some of the best views of this Sydney landmark, without strapping yourself into a harness, head to the rooftop bars of The Rocks, a historic neighborhood of markets, art galleries, boutique stores, and cobbled streets.

For many, the gem in the harbor’s crown though is Jørn Utzon’s sail-inspired design for the Sydney Opera House, one of the best theaters in the world, wowing visitors since its inauguration in 1973.

A boat ride in the bay will allow you to appreciate the architectural feat from all angles before enjoying a sunlit snack on the terrace of the Opera Bar.

3. The Great Ocean Road’s 12 Apostles

While just eight of these noteworthy limestone stacks are intact, don’t let that stop you from driving down one of Australia’s most magnificent drives, The Great Ocean Road.

Avoid the straight route from Melbourne and instead take the slower, more famed coastline road. Stop along the road to refuel with coffee among Lorne’s art-deco facades. Detour into Grey River Road to see koalas in the wild, and make the most of photo stops at scenic bays whenever the mood strikes you.

When you arrive at the 12 Apostles, one of Australia’s most beautiful spots, take a moment to absorb the millions of years of erosion that has carved the pillars from the limestone cliff, their connection to the mainland now lost to the ocean.

4.Uluru

The Red Centre of Australia is a natural wonderland nestled deep in the country’s inner desert. Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith, is the most visible and striking sight, especially when illuminated by magical shades of red at sunrise and sunset.

For tens of thousands of years, Uluru has been a holy site for the indigenous Anangu people, as well as a fundamental component of Tjukurpa philosophy and storytelling. Begin your journey at the Cultural Centre and Tjukurpa Tunnel to learn about Uluru’s origin legends and the importance of this area.

With a better understanding of the ancient culture of the Red Center, you’ll have a more nuanced appreciation for Uluru, and the many other nearby natural wonders, such as Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta.

5.Mossman Gorge & the Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest, said to be 180 million years old, is not just one of Australia’s most magnificent locales, but also the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.

Mossman Gorge is an ideal starting point for exploring the National Park’s 463 square miles. You can take a self-guided tour through the gorgeous jungle from the informative visitor center. But to learn more about the nature and cultural significance of the Kuku Yalanji people’s territory, take one of the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks.

Led by an Aboriginal guide, you will begin the path with a traditional “smoking” ceremony to ward off bad spirits before entering the forest and learning about the history and customs of the land’s Indigenous owners, from bush cuisine to stones used for paint and soap.

6.Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley, located less than an hour from Melbourne, is one of Australia’s most beautiful sites to drink award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay straight from the cellar door.

The Yarra Valley, surrounded by vineyards and fine-dining restaurants, is where you can meet the vintners who produce some of Australia’s finest wines. Once you’ve been acquainted with the local grapes, indulge in delectable sampling meals set against the backdrop of immaculately manicured rows of vineyards.

The Yarra Valley is more than simply one of the country’s most recognized wine areas; it’s also the ideal spot to relax. Melburnians in the know come here on weekends to relax in spas and among nature, with popular yet serene destinations including the fern-engulfed William Ricketts Sanctuary and the seasonal Warratina Lavender Farm.

7.Whitehaven Beach

What do you envision when you close your eyes and dream of the perfect tropical beach? If your answer is balmy waters of azures and cyans, swirled with dazzling white silica sand and flanked by verdant vegetation, you’re picturing Whitehaven Beach, one of the best beaches in Australia.

Whitehaven, located in the stunning Whitsunday archipelago, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful sites in the world. This calm and, quite frankly, spectacular inlet beach is perfect at any time of day, but the views from the Tongue Point Lookout are particularly impressive at low tide.

A helicopter flight is advised for the greatest view of Whitehaven Beach, which has pristine white sand.

Most flights include a fly-over of the surrounding Great Barrier Reef, where you can see a flawlessly heart-shaped reef created naturally by the corals.

8.The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains, with their ancient limestone formations, eucalyptus forest, Aboriginal rock art, and magnificent waterfalls, make for an excellent day excursion from Sydney.

The series gets its name from the optical illusion of essential oil droplets, water vapor, and sunlight converging to create the trademark blue haze, which is a truly intriguing occurrence.

The Echo Point Lookout, which overlooks The Three Sisters, is easily accessible from Katoomba, the gateway town. Erosion created these towering sandstone pillars some 200 million years ago. The Jenolan Cave, which contains underground rivers and crystals, is considerably older, dating back 340 million years.

9.Kuranda Scenic Railway

Nestled among Queensland’s natural Wet Tropics, colorful Kuranda captures the enchantment of a mountain community. Market stalls and galleries feature Aboriginal items and local art, as well as eccentric eateries and panoramic views.

Surrounded by World Heritage Site rainforest, the main lure is the abundance of nature-based attractions. Exotic birds, butterflies, and koalas live among the ferns and towering trees; but, in the case of Kuranda, the journey is just as memorable as the destination.

First, ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway into the park. As you hover above the rainforest’s thick canopy, you’ll get a unique perspective of the ancient plants. The 90-minute tour includes stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls, where you can savor the views from boardwalks and lookouts.

For your return journey to Cairns, the Kuranda Scenic Railway’s classic wooden coaches await. The train slowly meanders along the antique railway route, which has been in service since 1891. Admire the stunning views from the wide-open windows, as well as the rainforest sounds and scents in the air. Check out the best skylines in the world.

10. Stockton Sand Dunes

The Stockton Sand Dunes, located near Port Stephens, just north of Newcastle, are not only one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations, but they also serve as an adventure playground.

These 20 miles of breathtaking dunes, formed thousands of years ago, rise and fall from 90-foot heights. With an astonishing 60-degree gradient, it’s no surprise that this Australian monument has become a popular destination for thrilling sandboarding and quad bike adventures.

Even if “dune bashing” does not appeal to you, the forest-meets-beach backdrop of the Worimi Conservation Lands is breathtaking. The lively resident dolphins in the neighboring water, combined with Australia’s longest whale viewing season, add to Port Stephens’ attractiveness.

11.Phillip Island

The Stockton Sand Dunes, located near Port Stephens, just north of Newcastle, are not only one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations, but they also serve as an adventure playground.

These 20 miles of breathtaking dunes, formed thousands of years ago, rise and fall from 90-foot heights. With an astonishing 60-degree gradient, it’s no surprise that this Australian monument has become a popular destination for thrilling sandboarding and quad bike adventures.

Even if “dune bashing” does not appeal to you, the forest-meets-beach backdrop of the Worimi Conservation Lands is breathtaking. The lively resident dolphins in the neighboring water, combined with Australia’s longest whale viewing season, add to Port Stephens’ attractiveness.

At Phillip Island Wildlife Park, you can try to spot free-roaming kangaroos and interact with koalas on the high boardwalk.

Later, before the procession, visit the Nobbies outcrop to see Australia’s largest fur seal colony.

12.Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park, located just over an hour’s drive from Hobart, is a beautiful location year-round. Ancient glaciers have greatly impacted the environment in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, which covers a fifth of the island state.

The 30-minute Tall Trees Walk, as the name implies, leads you through some of the world’s tallest flowering plants. The eucalyptus regnans (also known as swamp gum) is imposing and unforgettable, reaching heights of over 300 feet.

13. Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane’s closest peak, is a stunning and lush forested reserve complete with bushwalking paths botanical gardens, and panoramic views from the main vantage point.

Begin your journey at the subtropical Brisbane Botanic Gardens, located at the foot of the mount. This is one of the top things to do in Brisbane, where you may treat your senses with the perfume of seasonal cherry blossoms, wonder at the water-lily-bordered lagoon, and find peace in the Japanese Garden.

Climbing further above the city, you’ll have lots of opportunities to interact with nature on shaded routes suitable for all abilities. After a trek, a glass of local Shiraz or a recharging flat white at The Summit Café is the ideal reward.

Stay until sunset to witness some of the most magnificent golden-hued vistas of Brisbane and Moreton Bay, as the city lights shine against the flaming red sky.

14. Bondi Beach

No trip to Sydney is complete without burying your feet into the soft powdery sands of the city’s iconic crescent-shaped bay.

Sydneysiders, surfers, and sunbathers all agree that this relatively little beach is one of Australia’s most beautiful—so pack your sunscreen and head to Bondi.

However, there is more than just surf and sun waiting for you. The Bondi Icebergs, an open-air swimming pool located above the ocean on the beach’s southern end, provide a one-of-a-kind area to swim laps, with waves washing over the sides frequently.

Bondi also has a wide range of food options, from stylish cafés serving smashed avocado toast to takeaway fish and chips wrapped in paper, making it an ideal location if you’re spending the summer in Australia.

Alternatively, do what the locals do and bring a picnic to enjoy on the sands, replete with a front-row view of surfers riding waves.