Australia’s big. Like, really big. It’s the kind of country where you can drive for a day and still be in the same state – and yet, every region feels completely different. From red desert landscapes and ancient rainforests to laid-back surf towns and world-class wine regions, there’s an adventure waiting no matter which direction you go.
If you’re planning to see more of your own backyard (or you’re visiting from overseas), here’s a rundown of the most unforgettable places across the country – from the iconic to the underrated.
1. The Whitsundays, QLD
There’s a reason every tourism ad seems to feature those swirl-of-white-sand shots – the Whitsundays are as close to paradise as it gets. This chain of 74 islands sits right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, famous for its turquoise waters and powder-white silica beaches.
If you only make it to one spot, let it be Whitehaven Beach. It’s pure magic – 98% silica sand, so soft it squeaks underfoot. Spend a few nights at Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island, jump on a sailing Whitsundays sailing trip, and snorkel among the coral gardens. You’ll never look at your local beach the same way again.
2. Kakadu National Park, NT
Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu isn’t just a national park – it’s a living cultural landscape. Here, you’ll find thundering waterfalls, croc-filled billabongs, ancient rock art dating back tens of thousands of years, and enough wildlife to keep David Attenborough happy.
Take your time. You can’t “do” Kakadu in a day. Stay a few nights, visit Nourlangie Rock, cruise the Yellow Water wetlands, and cool off (safely) at Gunlom Falls.
3. Margaret River, WA
A few hours south of Perth, you’ll find the kind of region that ticks every box: wineries, beaches, surf breaks, and forests. Margaret River is a foodie’s dream – home to more than 150 wine producers, boutique breweries, cheese and chocolate makers, and some truly spectacular coastline.
One morning you’ll be sampling cabernet sauvignon, the next you’ll be catching waves at Prevelly or wandering through the towering karri trees in Boranup Forest. Hard to beat.
4. Sydney, NSW
You can’t have an Aussie bucket list without mentioning Sydney. It’s one of those cities that somehow manages to balance natural beauty with big-city buzz. Climb the Harbour Bridge, catch a ferry to Manly, and spend an afternoon people-watching at Bondi.
If you’ve got time, take a day trip out to the Blue Mountains – the views over the Three Sisters at sunset are worth every minute on the road.
5. Uluru, NT
Standing before Uluru at sunrise or sunset is one of those moments that makes you stop talking and just… take it in. This colossal red rock sits in the heart of the country and holds deep cultural significance to the Anangu people.
Walk around its base, join a guided tour to learn about its Dreamtime stories, and visit nearby Kata Tjuta. Stay a few nights if you can – watching the desert change colour throughout the day is nothing short of breathtaking.
6. Byron Bay, NSW
Once a sleepy surf town, Byron has grown into a blend of beach culture, wellness retreats, and trendy cafés – but it’s still got that easygoing charm. Whether you’re here to surf, meditate, or just grab a smoothie bowl after a lighthouse walk, Byron delivers.
Don’t skip the hinterland either – spots like Bangalow and Mullumbimby offer rainforest walks, waterfalls, and a slower pace.
7. Freycinet National Park, TAS
Tasmania often gets overlooked by international visitors, but locals know it’s one of the best bits of Australia. Freycinet National Park on the east coast is the highlight, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay – a perfect crescent of white sand framed by pink granite peaks.
Hike up to the lookout, kayak along the coast, and keep an eye out for wallabies on the beach. It’s wild, quiet, and impossibly beautiful.
8. The Great Barrier Reef, QLD
It’s the largest living structure on Earth, visible from space, and one of the true natural wonders of the world. Whether you dive, snorkel, or take a scenic flight, the Great Barrier Reef is an experience every Australian should have at least once.
Cairns is the most popular launch point, but you can also explore from Port Douglas or the Whitsundays if you want fewer crowds.
9. Broome, WA
Red dirt meets turquoise water – that’s Broome in a nutshell. Located in the remote Kimberley region, it feels like a world of its own. Watch the sunset from Cable Beach (preferably from the back of a camel), grab a cold one at Matso’s Brewery, and don’t miss the natural phenomenon known as the “Staircase to the Moon”.
If you’ve got time, take a scenic flight or boat trip to the Horizontal Falls – it’s the adventure of a lifetime.
10. Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road, VIC
Melbourne’s got a rhythm all its own – laneway coffee shops, rooftop bars, vintage markets, and a serious love of sport. Once you’ve had your fill of the city, hit the road and drive the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic routes in the world.
Stretching from Torquay to Allansford, it’s dotted with surf towns, rainforests, and those dramatic coastal views around the Twelve Apostles.
11. The Daintree Rainforest, QLD
North of Cairns, the Daintree is where the rainforest meets the reef – literally. It’s the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, dating back over 100 million years. Wander through mossy forest boardwalks, cruise the Daintree River spotting crocs, and visit Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage sites collide.
12. K’gari (Fraser Island), QLD
The world’s largest sand island, K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), is an off-road playground for adventurers. Cruise along 75 Mile Beach, float down Eli Creek, and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie. You’ll see dingoes, rainforest growing straight out of sand, and maybe even migrating whales if you’re lucky.
13. Barossa Valley, SA
Just an hour from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is heaven for food and wine lovers. With more than 150 wineries, it’s the perfect place for a long weekend of tastings, picnics, and slow drives through the vines. Don’t miss Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, or a platter lunch at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop.
14. Rottnest Island, WA
Hop on a ferry from Perth and you’ll find yourself on Rottnest Island (or “Rotto,” if you want to sound like a local). It’s car-free, ridiculously photogenic, and home to the happiest animal on Earth – the quokka.
Rent a bike, pack your swimmers, and spend the day beach-hopping between spots like The Basin and Pinky Beach.
15. Kangaroo Island, SA
A short ferry from South Australia’s mainland, Kangaroo Island is like a mini-Australia – wild, rugged, and packed with wildlife. You’ll find sea lions lounging on the sand, koalas in the trees, and, of course, plenty of kangaroos. The island also has incredible local food and wine – think honey farms, gin distilleries, and ocean-to-plate dining.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to leave Australia to feel like you’re in another world. Whether it’s camping under the stars in the Red Centre, sipping pinot in Tassie, or chasing waterfalls in the Top End, there’s always something new waiting just beyond the next bend in the road.
So grab your sunnies, load up the esky, and start ticking off that Aussie bucket list – one epic trip at a time.
