Sydney has one of the most dramatically gorgeous natural harbours in the world. Its more than 150 miles (241km) of shoreline are laced with beautiful bays and pretty neighbourhoods and is the setting for some of Australia’s most famous man-made landmarks too – the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Harbour Bridge among them. The best way to arrive is by ship, entering through its two towering sandstone cliffs, the North and South Head. Failing that, hop on one of the wonderful ferries to see its tiny inlets, beaches, isles and untouched bushland.
With its lush canopy displaying all hues of green, Daintree is endlessly enchanting. It also happens to be the oldest rainforest in the world, around for an estimated 180 million years. This vast, lush paradise is home to more than 660 animal species, 230 types of butterflies and more than 2,800 different types of plants. Be sure to take a trip along Daintree River (keeping watch for crocs, freshwater turtles and all manner of birds), hike Mossman Gorge and visit Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest runs down to the reef. Take a walk with an indigenous Kuku Yalanji guide to learn about Daintree’s many stories, secret waterholes and deep significance to the area’s traditional custodians.
Just off the Fleurieu Peninsula, rugged Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in the country to see native wildlife. Thanks to its isolation, endemic flora and fauna flourished in its forests, wetlands and shorelines. As well as stunning white-sand beaches, the island's craggy coast is sprinkled with wonderfully weird rock formations including Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch (pictured), which is home to a colony of long-nosed fur seals. In fact, the country's third-largest island is a bit of an all-rounder: it's also known for its delicious wine and island-made produce. Kangaroo Island was badly hit by the early 2020 bushfires but, after a major recovery effort, is open to visitors.
Stretching 151 miles (243km) from Torquay in Victoria to Nelson on the South Australian border, Great Ocean Road offers one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives. It’s surprisingly diverse too, skimming past forests, rocky seashore platforms, towering cliffs, pretty beach towns and wild surf beaches including Bells Beach, one of Australia’s most famous. Renowned rock formations, shaped by the Southern Ocean, include the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge. The route is also rich in native wildlife: kookaburras, kangaroos and koalas are all likely sightings along with seals, whales and little penguins.
As the political epicentre of Australia, Parliament House is a suitably spectacular structure. Located on Canberra’s Capital Hill, the arresting building opened in 1988 and was designed to be one of the most open parliamentary buildings in the world. The idea was to encourage public access and involvement. Its mosaic forecourt, designed by Aboriginal artist Kumantye Jagamara, reflects Australia’s ancient beginnings. It’s usually possible to book a tour to see the politicians in action. It's worth visiting the nearby National Museum of Australia, National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery for a broader view of Australian culture and history.
The Great Barrier Reef might hog the limelight but Ningaloo, the world’s largest fringing reef, is just as incredible. Coral Bay, Carnarvon and Exmouth are the best jumping off points for exploring it – as the reef is so close to shore, you can simply swim off the beach in many places to snorkel above its colourful corals and curious creatures. Turquoise Bay in the spectacular Cape Range National Park is one of the best places to do this. Swimming with giant manta rays and whale sharks (the latter congregate here each April-July) top the list of Ningaloo must dos.
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Australia’s infamous convict settlement cuts an eerie figure on the Tasman Peninsula. Founded as a small timber station in 1830, it quickly grew to become a major penal settlement. Today Port Arthur is one of Australia's most significant historical sites and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010. As well as the ruins of the Penitentiary, originally a flour mill and granary, and its chilling Separate Prison, there is also an unconsecrated Convict Church, ship works and a timber mill. Between 1830 and 1877, a total of up to 14,000 people were imprisoned at the settlement.
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UNESCO-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) might be the world’s largest sand island at 76 miles (122km) long but it’s far from a desert. As well as the great sandy sweep of 75 Mile Beach and giant dunes, it’s the only place where rainforest grows on sand. It's also dotted with around 100 lakes including Lake McKenzie, whose blue water dazzles against the white sand. It’s home to many native species including, most famously, wild dingoes, as well as echidna or spiny anteaters, goannas (Australian monitor lizards) and turtles. Follow all or part of the 56-mile (90km) K'gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk to discover its rare beauty.
Watching the changing hues of Uluru at sunset should top any Aussie hit list. But whatever time of the day you visit, the sight of the majestic monolith rising out of the red-sand plains cannot fail to move you. Its immense scale, beauty and spiritual significance make this a seriously profound place – take the base walk to appreciate the rock's ever-changing form (climbing is prohibited). Don’t miss the three-hour Valley of the Winds walk around the rock domes of Kata Tjuta, another deeply sacred place within Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.
Bruny Island is a wild little isle that packs in some big scenery. Located in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, just a 20-minute boat ride from the southeast coast of Tasmania, its soaring cliffs, caves and sea stacks are a haven for marine life. Take a boat tour to spot fur seals and seabirds (you may spy the world’s smallest species of penguin, eudyptula minor) and be sure to hike around the isle's interior too. The lookout over the Neck, a narrow stretch of land that joins North and South Bruny, is spectacular. Bruny has a top-notch food scene too: slurp its briny little oysters with local wines and cheeses as you watch out for the white wallabies at Adventure Bay.
The scenery at Kakadu, one of the country's largest national parks, is like a 'best of' Australia: giant sandstone outcrops decorated with ancient cave paintings, green floodplains, wetlands brimming with wildlife, rugged escarpments with thundering waterfalls and vast, seemingly endless horizons. It even stretches to the coast. Ubirr and Nourlangie are among the country's most important rock art sites, while other awe-inspiring Kakadu landmarks include Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom Falls and Yellow Water Billabong.
Meaning 'place of the cicada dreaming', Nitmiluk National Park has a mystical beauty about it. The centrepiece is its eponymous gaping gorge – also known as Katherine Gorge – a series of waterways that hold great significance to the Jawoyn people. Take a boat ride through the geological wonder to stare up at its sandstone cliffs, scattered with waterfalls, caves and ancient rock art sites. It’s also a fantastic place to canoe, hike and swim from sandy coves.
A string of stunning beaches around Huskisson, the Jervis Bay area is a shiny jewel on New South Wales’ dazzling southern coastline. Fringed by bushland with blindingly white sands and water that shimmers in every shade of blue, these are places you'll want to linger. Follow the White Sands Walk and the Scribbly Gum track (interconnected tracks that create a lovely scenic loop walk) to see some of the best. Jervis Bay also happens to be one of the finest places in Australia for watching dolphins and whales: humpback whales pass close to shore May-November.
A gaping natural amphitheatre in the rugged ranges of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound isn't so well-known as Uluru but we reckon it's equally impressive. In fact, it’s eight times the size. Take a flight over the crater-esque formation and be sure to go on a walking tour with an Aboriginal guide. You’ll learn about the deep spiritual significance of this ancient gathering point – Ikara means 'meeting place' – to the Adnyamathanha people. The park also has incredible rock art sites and historic pastoral buildings at Old Wilpena Station.
Wineglass Bay (pictured) is just one of the showstopping sights in this national park on Tasmania’s east coast. As well as curvaceous white-sand bays, it has pink granite mountains known as the Hazards, eucalypt forests and wetlands – the Moulting Lagoon is a sanctuary for black swans, waterfowl and other migratory birds. Hike up the steep track to the Lookout for picture-perfect views over Wineglass Bay then wander down onto its sands. From here you can walk to Hazards Beach, often deserted and always dreamy. Stick around for sunset when the pink granite of the Hazards appears to glow.
The bizarre beehive-like rock formations of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park are among the seemingly endless spectacular landscapes in The Kimberley, a vast swathe of wilderness in the far northwest of Australia. For the most dramatic views of the orange-and-black striped sandstone domes or cone karst formations – believed to be around 360 million years old – take to the skies on a scenic flight helicopter ride from Kununurra. Or explore on foot to see inside the long narrow chasms and huge hidden gorges.
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In the far west of South Australia, on the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, the Bunda Cliffs tower above the open bay of the Great Australian Bight. These limestone cliffs form part of what's believed to be the world's longest line of sea cliffs, the Great Southern Scarp. This is a top spot for watching southern right whales and their calves as they migrate through the Head of the Bight Marine Park from May-October; the visitor centre has a viewing platform. Around 80% of Australia’s native sea lion population can also be found here.
Deep in the dry, inhospitable heart of Australia, the Simpson Desert astounds those who make it this far with its stark and striking landscapes: rolling red sand dunes, sandstone bluffs and salt pans. Covering some 55,000 square miles (143,000sq km), it rolls through three states – Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland – and has the longest parallel dunes in the world. Big Red (or Nappanerica) is the tallest at 131 feet (40m). While the mammals only come out after dark, look out for Australia's biggest lizard, the perentie, as you drive. Common sand goannas and painted and central bearded dragons can also be seen sunning themselves. The desert is closed between 1 December and 15 March for safety reasons, as temperatures soar above 50°C (122°F).
Australia’s natural wonders come in a kaleidoscope of colours – including bubblegum pink. Vivid Lake Hillier can be found on Middle Island in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago, around 70 miles (130km) from Esperance. Framed by green forest and contrasting with the deep blue hue of the ocean, it’s an extraordinary sight. Head up on a scenic flight to get the best views – its colour pops even more from a height. It’s not certain why the water is pink but it’s thought to be related to its high salt levels and presence of the Dunaliella salina microalgae.
Around 435 miles (700km) northeast of Sydney, small, subtropical Lord Howe Island is full of natural wonders. Home to the world’s most southerly coral reef, the crescent-shaped island is characterised by lush mountainous terrain. It’s like stepping into a nature documentary: this veritable Garden of Eden retains 75% of its natural vegetation and has an extraordinary array of endemic species. It’s best explored on foot. Hike up to the highest point Mount Gower then slip into its tranquil lagoon for snorkelling. The trails and beaches are rarely busy as only 400 tourists are allowed on the island at any one time.
Don’t listen to anyone who tells you Bondi Beach is overrated – this is Australia’s most famous beach for a reason. The curve of golden sand, flanked by headlands and backed by the Art Deco Bondi Pavilion, has it all. It’s a hive of activity with surfers, swimmers, sunbathers and Instagrammers, while juice shops, cool cafés and bars with beach views are all a short stroll away. North Bondi is slightly more chilled-out while the spectacular Bondi Baths juts over the ocean to the south. From here, follow the coastal path trail around the cliffs to Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee – equally stunning Sydney beaches.
The world-famous wine region of Barossa Valley in South Australia is home to some of the country’s oldest estates and is said to have some of the world’s oldest vines. As well as undulating vine-clad hills, this rural enclave has farms, forests, lakes and charming villages where upscale gourmet restaurants serve regional produce and fine wines. South Australia is brimming with bucolic wine-growing regions: the Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills are also must-visits.
Food is a big deal in dining hot spot Melbourne and Queen Victoria Market is its epicentre. Behind the building's Victorian-era façade lies a sprawling, bustling marketplace. Operating since 1878, it’s packed with stalls selling all manner of produce and deli items. Head to the Dairy Hall for local cheeses or the Meat and Fish Hall for hot meat sandwiches and freshly shucked oysters. It's also home to some of the city’s best sit-down restaurants and, of course, has coffee to die for. Visit on a Wednesday evening for alfresco cocktails and street food trucks at the seasonal Summer Night Market.
Hippy haunt, surf haven, foodie enclave and an absolute natural beauty to boot, this laid-back yet glamorous beach town in northern New South Wales has it all, really. Hit the beaches (Wategos, fringed by pandanus palm trees, is one of the best) and explore trails through its lush hinterland, which is home to several stylish retreats. Be sure to walk to the lighthouse for sunrise. It’s on the most easterly point of mainland Australia and offers stunning views of Cape Byron, where dolphins can often be spotted in the waves.
Set on the banks of the River Derwent, Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) is extraordinary inside and out. Opened by art collector and businessman David Walsh in 2011, the three-storey subterranean gallery is Australia’s largest private museum. It recently reopened after a revamp and is more thought-provoking than ever. As well as its eclectic array of modern and ancient treasures, it has excellent restaurants and live music performances.
Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the soaring sandstone escarpments, forests, waterfalls and caves of this sprawling national park to the west of Sydney are as beautiful as they are ancient. As the home of the Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Wanaruah, Darkinjung and Dharawal people, the landscape is also peppered with outstanding examples of rock art and carvings. To gaze at the park’s most famous site, the towering Three Sisters rock formation, head to Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba – it’s also the starting point for hikes down into the lush valley floor.
Whether you dive, snorkel or sail around it – or even fly above it – the Great Barrier Reef is a place of unimaginable beauty and wonder. The world’s largest coral reef system stretches 1,430 miles (2,300km) along Queensland's coast all the way up to Cape York Peninsula, Australia’s northernmost tip. There are many jumping-off points to explore its treasures, including its idyllic islands. But perhaps the best way to see the phenomenally rich ecosystem – home to turtles, reef sharks, giant clams and all manner of colourful reef fish – is to descend into its depths. Or get a different perspective on a dive in the outer reef with indigenous sea rangers.
Home to majestic Cradle Mountain and the country’s deepest lake, this national park offers exceptional scenery and endless outdoor activities. Walking trails link up ancient rainforests, wild alpine moorlands, deep river valleys and snow-covered peaks. Cradle Mountain is the starting point for the Overland Track, a six-day walking route covering 40 miles (65km). Part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, it’s also home to an unusual luxury retreat on the deep glacial lake – and there’s a high chance you’ll see a chubby wombat on your walks.
Strewn like dazzling emeralds in the Coral Sea, this archipelago of lush reef-fringed isles and islets is the ultimate tropical idyll. Only eight of The Whitsundays are inhabited. Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island, lures visitors with its bone-white sands and swirling turquoise lagoons, while Hayman and Hamilton are home to exclusive island retreats. Don't just see one, though: charter a boat or join an organised trip to sail your way around them all. Another highlight is Heart Reef, a ridiculously romantic coral formation that's best seen from a scenic flight.
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Sticking out of the sandy desert floor, these lunar-like limestone formations are mesmerising. Up to 11-foot (3.5m) tall, the thousands of individual formations are dotted around Nambung National Park near Cervantes, north of Perth. While they are entirely natural, they look as if they were sculpted by hand. It’s not surprising that the first Europeans to see them believed they belonged to a lost city. They were, in fact, formed 25,000-30,000 years ago after the sea receded and left deposits of shells.