Australia is a dream destination for many – it sure is for us. For many, Australia is a place to reconnect with nature in a new way that is unique to Australia. To others, Australia is all about the big cities that somehow manage to feel welcoming and relaxing. Whatever you are looking for in your vacation, we’ll highlight some of our favorite places to visit in Australia to help you plan your perfect vacation so you can experience Australia and fall in love with it like we have.
Sydney
Sydney is on everyone’s Australia bucket list. And it is home to Australia’s most iconic sight – the Sydney Opera House. But that’s not all Sydney has going for it! Think beautiful art and aboriginal history in town, along with some amazing fish markets. If you wander into the outer suburbs, you can visit Bondi Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Australia, or walk the famous coastal walks that line the border of Sydney’s metropolitan area.
Brisbane
Another coastal city that is growing in popularity, Brisbane is becoming a very popular place to visit in Australia. This vibrant and electric city has a growing food scene and is a great destination for visiting the Australia Zoo or the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, two of the best animal experiences in the country.
Byron Bay
We’ve never been anywhere on earth that felt so instantly like home! And we must not be alone in that feeling because Byron Bay is one of the most popular places to visit in Australia for Australian vacationers. With several popular surfing beaches, restaurants serving up fresh seafood daily, and a shirt and shoes optional policy, Byron Bay is the best vacation town we’ve ever visited. Its roots of a hippie surfing destination are still seen along with the more modern influences like boutique shops and high price tags.
Australia’s Wine Regions
The Yarra Valley, for white wines, and the Barossa Valley, for reds, are two of the most popular wine growing regions in Australia that are also great destinations for tourists. With strict drinking and driving laws, you’ll want to take a wine tour if you plan on tasting wines. Both of these regions offer frequent tours over rolling hills to exploring the local wineries crafting wines unique to Australia. We love the shiraz!
Melbourne
Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia so we think it should be on everyone’s Australia bucket list. It has a sophisticated vibe that we love. Snobby coffee and plenty of historical attractions combined with the best fresh market we’ve ever been to, and we are in love. Additionally, the people of Melbourne are so welcoming, kind and helpful which just made it all that much more amazing of a destination.
Uluru
Uluru is smack dab in the middle of Australia. While it is hard to get to, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Australia because of the massive red rock that visitors and Australians flock to as a right of passage. Uluru is full of spectacular natural wonders and is a great place to visit in Australia to reconnect with nature and do some hiking. The nearby town of Alice Springs is a popular jumping off point for any outback adventure. However, Alice Springs is also a destination in itself, with a local art scene and lots of events that celebrate Aboriginal culture and history. Don’t forget the short, by Australian standards, drive to King’s Canyon to explore that beautiful red canyon as well.
Great Barrier Reef
For me, visiting Australia was all about visiting the Great Barrier Reef (don’t worry, there’s plenty more to fall in love with). The largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the ultimate destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. There are multiple ways to explore the reef: snorkel tours, scuba diving tours, liveaboard tours, helicopter tours, and glass bottom boat tours. So whatever your skill and comfort level there is a way for you to experience this natural wonder of our world.
Daintree Rainforest
The ancient northern rainforest is a great day trip from the north coast city of Cairns. The Daintree is a great place to take a tour to learn about the ecology of rainforests. On a tour, you can stop at waterfalls, rivers and beaches, all with unique species to see. Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for a cassowary, an Australian bird that looks like a dinosaur. There are also river cruises in this area where you can be on the lookout for Australian crocodiles, which are always best seen from the comfort of a guided tour.
Exmouth
The coastal town of Exmouth is a hidden gem of Australia. This town is the hub for visits to the Ningaloo Reef, where you can swim with whale sharks, in addition to exploring the reef and the beautiful fish and coral that live there. There are also plenty of beautiful white sand beaches here that are much less popular than their Eastern counterparts. Don’t forget the wallabies (small kangaroos) that inhabit these beaches and are not very bothered by visits from us humans.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are one of the most popular places to visit in Australia for locals. Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a World Heritage site that have been inhabited by humans for close to 2,000 years. This cultural and natural site is a popular escape from Sydney and an easy day trip. Once in the Blue Mountains, you can hike the eucalyptus forests to see waterfalls and majestic rock formations. Don’t forget the popular Jenolan Caves which provide multiple tours of the different caves under the Blue Mountains.
Tasmania
Tasmania is one of the lesser known places to visit in Australia. That’s because it’s a separate island state that is so different from the rest of mainland Australia. It is popular for its natural beauty and amazing ocean views – don’t forget a quick trip to Bruny Island too. Tasmania is filled with parks which are popular destinations for hikers, giving people an opportunity to see colder weather ocean animals, like seals and humpback whales. Additionally, Tasmania is a rich farming region, which makes it a great place to visit in Australia to eat local, especially with its wineries, chocolate factories and more throughout the state.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road runs along the southern coast of Australia’s state of Victoria. This winding road is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world. Besides the amazing views, you’ll find beautiful beaches, local food and crafts, and amazingly charming seaside towns. The road ends near the Twelve Apostles, beautiful sea stacks just off shore. Just a few miles inland, you’ll find rolling hills dotted with eucalyptus forests which are great places to spot southern koalas. Additionally, Great Otway National Park is an old growth forest with tower thick trees, waterfalls and more.
Do you know of any amazing places to visit in Australia? Add them to the comments section below. If you’re ready to start planning your own Australian vacation, check out our Australian travel guide or some of our most popular Australian posts below.
