Australia is home to a range of beautiful ecosystems, from lush rain forests to desert plains and the unique Australian bush. Factor in its bustling cities and cozy towns and you’ve got plenty of destinations to suit every traveler.
Craving a beach escape? Or maybe you want to tick off some of the country’s most iconic attractions? With KAYAK’s guide to the best places to visit in Australia, you’re sure to find something that will fit your holiday plans.
The best places to visit in Australia: Victoria
From artsy cities to small bush towns and gorgeous coastlines, Victoria has something for every traveler. Further into the countryside, you’ll find dense forests and mountain ranges perfect for the more adventurous traveler.
Melbourne
Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, is a hub of arts, music and culture with plenty to see and do. Top attractions include the Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and the National Gallery of Victoria, all of which host a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. There’s also The Eureka Skydeck, which provides great views of the city, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, which offers a beautiful splash of greenery amidst the city streets.
One of Melbourne’s most loved features, popular with locals and tourists alike, is its laneway cafes and bars. Tucked away amidst the CBD streets, hot spots include Beneath Driver Lane (a unique bar located in an old bank vault) and Hardware Societe (one of the most popular cafes in Melbourne thanks to its picture-perfect brunch offerings).
Melbourne is also one of the best destinations to visit in Australia for sports. Catch an AFL game played by one of the city’s many teams or a cricket match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road covers 150 miles of coastal road between the beach cities of Torquay and Allansford. If you want to make the whole round trip drive from Melbourne, leave at least three days to complete it and consider overnight stays in Apollo Bay and Port Fairy.
As well as beautiful coastline views, the road will also take you into the lush Otway National Park where you can stop and walk along the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk. Then, make a stop at Port Campbell to see the famous 12 Apostles rock formation.
The best places to visit in Australia: New South Wales
The oldest state in Australia, New South Wales also encompasses much of the ecological diversity of the country. Inland bush, tropical rainforest and the dry desert of the outback are all on display across the state.
Those visiting in winter can head to the Snowy Mountains for excellent winter sports activities and Mount Kosciuszko: the tallest mountain in Australia. Animal lovers can head to Port Macquarie to see the largest wild population of Koalas, an icon of the Australian bush.
Sydney
One of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, Sydney has lots of variety on offer, from city sights to relaxing beaches. First time visitors won’t want to miss iconic attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Once you’ve finished sightseeing, there’s no shortage of incredible restaurants throughout the city like the innovative seafood of Saint Peter or the classic Korean offerings of Sang by Mabasa.
Out of the city center, Sydney also has excellent beaches on its coastline. This includes Manly, popular amongst casual beach-goers looking to relax and, of course, the famous Bondi Beach beloved by surfers around the world.
Canberra and the ACT
Australia’s smallest territory, the Australian Capital Territory, is nestled within New South Wales and is almost entirely made up of the country’s capital of Canberra. Here, you can visit both the current Australian Parliament as well as Old Parliament House, which is now a museum of Australian politics and democracy.
You can also visit the Australian War Memorial, the science museum Questacon and the National Gallery of Australia, which has a large permanent collection and also often hosts temporary exhibitions. Outside of Canberra, consider heading to one of the territory’s National Parks such as Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – the perfect place to see native Australian wildlife up close.
The best places to visit in Australia: Northern Territory
Australia’s Northern Territory is made up of wide stretches of red, desert outback. The outback town of Alice Springs is at its southern end and the territory’s capital Darwin to the north. The state is also home to National Parks and is a fantastic place to visit for a road trip holiday with stunning vistas at every turn.
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is roughly a two-hour drive from Darwin. You’ll likely want to bring a car to the park so you can explore it at your own pace. Make sure you see the stunning Jim Jim Falls waterfall and head for a swim at Gunlom, a beautiful clear rock pool. Hikers will love the park, with over 30 walking trails throughout the park taking you through the native flora and fauna.
Uluru and the Red Centre
The Red Centre is the heart of Australia’s desert, made up of desert plains, remarkable geological formations, the town of Alice Springs and sacred sites like Kata Tjuta and Uluru. You can walk around the base of Uluru by yourself or with a guided tour done by a Traditional Owner from the local Anangu people. Learn about the significance of Uluru and hear the Dreamtime stories that have been passed down for thousands of years.
The Uluru-KataTjuta Cultural Centre is the perfect place to start your visit as it tells you about the available activities as well as providing an introduction to Anangu culture. If you decide to visit, don’t miss the chance to see Uluru at sunrise or sunset when it transforms into a gorgeous array of oranges and reds.
The best places to visit in Australia: South Australia
South Australia is possibly best known for being a hub for the winemaking industry in Australia. Plentiful vineyards and cellars dot the landscape, many of which offer tours and wine tasting. The state also has many beautiful hikes and walking trails including Arkaba Walk: a four-day trek that’s considered one of the best in Australia. The capital of Adelaide is home to many chic restaurants and lots of nature and green space, both in and around the city.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in Australia and boasts some incredible wildlife, untamed landscapes and beautiful beaches. You can reach the island in a 30-minute flight from Adelaide and you’ll have the chance to see koalas, kangaroos, and seals when you arrive. The area is well known for its local food, including pure Ligurian bee honey and fresh oysters. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie or both, Kangaroo Island is sure to delight.
Barossa Valley
Roughly 50 minutes from Adelaide by car lies the Barossa Valley, one of the best places to visit in Australia for wine lovers. With around 150 wineries to visit, you’ll find no shortage of places to discover new types and learn about the different wineries’ wine-making processes.
You’ll find both big-name brands and small boutiques with wineries here and you’ll probably get the most out of visiting one or two of each. Even if you don’t set foot in a single winery, the area is beautiful to drive through with rolling green hills and plains.
The best places to visit in Australia: Western Australia
Western Australia is Australia’s largest state, taking up the entire western coastline and covering almost a third of the country. With both city destinations, natural attractions, and opportunities to get close to native wildlife, Western Australia has plenty to offer for any traveler.
Perth
Western Australia’s capital, Perth provides an excellent blend of scenic beaches and parks with a metropolitan lifestyle. The city has a strong arts scene with fantastic street art on every corner and exhibitions on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. It’s also home to a number of beautiful beaches and beach side bars where you can relax and soak up some sun.
Rottnest Island
If finding the best selfie partners in Australia is at the top of your priorities, a visit to Rottnest Island is a must. Here, you’ll find a colony of friendly quokkas, adorable little marsupials that are all too happy to smile for the camera.
You can easily make a day trip to Rottnest Island from Perth and there’s plenty to do there once you’ve met the island’s furry friends. The island boasts some idyllic beaches and if you visit between September and November, you can try your luck whale watching as humpback whales make their annual migration along the coastline.
The best places to visit in Australia: Tasmania
Tasmania is its own island, sitting right below Victoria. It has some of the best food and drink offerings in Australia. Wine, cheese, cider, and seafood can all be tasted here, freshly prepared from local ingredients. You can easily fly into Tasmania from most other eastern states or you can travel by ferry on the Spirit of Tasmania, which travels between Melbourne and Devonport daily.
Hobart
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and it’s known for beautiful landscapes and deliciously fresh produce. Embrace the local goods at the Salamanca Markets that run every Saturday from 08:30 and sell local produce and artisan goods, alongside live music performances. Another top attraction in the city is MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, a high-tech gallery with some of the most unique and eclectic exhibitions you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park lies inside the Tasmanian Wilderness Area, a World Heritage-listed site. Cradle Mountain is a dream for travellers who love hiking and nature, with excellent walking trails and the chance to meet one of Australia’s most unique (and reclusive) animals: the Tasmanian Devil.
One of the most popular trails is the Overland Track. This multi-day walk that takes you from Cradle Mountain to the shores of Lake St Clair. Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair has an almost ethereal atmosphere, with the pale waters surrounded by dense forests and high mountains. There’s the opportunity for visitors to spot native wildlife such as wallabies and wombats.
The best places to visit in Australia: Queensland
Queensland is home to much of Australia’s tropical areas, with dark, humid rainforest and bright beaches making up large parts of the state. The famous Gold Coast runs along the state’s eastern coastline, living up to its name with golden sandy beaches and warm, clear blue waters.
Brisbane
The capital of Queensland, Brisbane, enjoys warm weather year-round and plenty of sunshine, which helps create the city’s thriving parks and gardens. This includes the Brisbane Botanic Gardens: a serene escape inside a huge domed greenhouse. Brisbane is also home to some truly excellent farmers markets including the Jan Powers Farmers Markets, which are held every weekend and several locations across Brisbane.
A visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is perfect for animal lovers. You can take a boat down the Brisbane River to reach the sanctuary and learn all about koala’s and the Sanctuary’s conservation efforts.
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is a beautiful city in far-north Queensland with plenty of beach resorts for a sunny, relaxing holiday. It’s also located right next door to one of Australia’s (and the world’s) most renowned natural attractions: the Great Barrier Reef.
You’ll find tours that will take you snorkeling or scuba diving into the reef. Or, if you prefer to stay dry, there are tours on glass-bottomed boats that will give you a great view of the teeming marine wildlife below. Cairns is also close to the Daintree Rainforest: a vast paradise of tropical trees, vegetation and wildlife.