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The most common thing we get asked about our home country is what are the most unmissable places to visit in Australia and what experiences should be on the bucket list?
It’s hard to answer, as Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and offers so much diversity, you would need to spend years exploring it all to make that list.
Fortunately, we did just that. We explored our own backyard extensively, including on an 18th month road trip around Australia, so we think we know Australia pretty well.
Based on our personal experience, we prepared this guide to the ultimate Australia bucket list, so you can narrow down some places to visit on your trip.
- Best Places in Australia to Add to Your Bucketlist
- 1. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
- 2. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
- 3. Margaret River, Western Australia
- 4. Sydney, New South Wales
- 5. Broome, Western Australia
- 6. Byron Bay, NSW
- 7. Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
- 8. Uluru, Northern Territory
- 9. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
- 10. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
- 11. Fraser Island, Queensland
- 12. Melbourne, Victoria
- 13. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
- 14. Rottnest Island, Western Australia
- 15. Hobart, Tasmania
- 16. Barossa Valley, South Australia
- 17. Karijini National Park, Western Australia
- 18. Gold Coast, Queensland
- 19. Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
- 20. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
- Before You Go
- More Tips for Visiting Australia
- Pin To Save It On Pinterest
Best Places in Australia to Add to Your Bucketlist
In the following list, we’re sharing both iconic destinations and hidden gems that we’ve personally visited. These destinations should not be skipped off any itinerary if you want to see the best of the country.
1. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Ahh The Whitsundays. When Belinda Carlisle sang about heaven being a place on Earth, I believe she was picturing the Whitsundays.
There are 74 islands that make up The Whitsunday Islands, and it’s most famous for its turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches, and thriving marine life. What’s not to love?!
It’s home to our favourite beach in Australia, Whitehaven Beach, a protected beach that is 98% pure silica, making it one of the whitest beaches in the world.
I would bet if you dropped a piece of paper on it, you would loose it, as such you are not allowed to bring anything on the beach with you – it’s to keep it beautiful.
As well as Whitehaven Beach, there are plenty of other secluded bays with that aqua blue water and pure white sand beaches that are great for a snorkel around the Whitsunday Islands.
Throw in tropical sunsets, every water sport imaginable, and the fact you’re in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the ideal spot for scuba diving. I don’t think I really need to go on.
The mainland town of Airlie Beach is a happening place with Hamilton Island being the most concentrated for accommodation and activities.
Need more inspiration about The Whitsundays? Check out these resources:
2. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Some people call Kakadu National Park “Kaka-don’t”, but don’t listen to them. They probably raced through the park on a day trip with a tour group and it deserves so much more time than that.
It’s Australia’s largest National Park and is impossible to see in a day.
We spent five days in Kakadu NP and still only scratched the surface, but what we saw made it easily ranked high on our list of favorite places in Australia.
It’s a UNESCO world heritage site where you can see ancient aboriginal cave paintings and, of course, the famous salt water crocodile. It has the largest concentration of salties in Australia, estimating to be around 10,000 living in its waters, so you don’t need to worry about not seeing them.
From wetlands to sandstone escarpments, waterfalls, swimming holes, billabongs, rivers, wildlife, and aboriginal rock art, it has it all.
3. Margaret River, Western Australia
Most people outside of Australia haven’t heard much about the Margaret River region, but we’re aiming to change that. I can’t wait to go back to Margaret River – it’s one of our top 3 regions in Australia because it pretty much has it all.
There are over 150 wine producers, numerous breweries, incredible beaches, gourmet food, coffee houses, chocolate makers, cheese factories, caves to explore, forests to walk through, mountain bike trails, whale watching, surf culture, artists, and stunning landscapes.
This region in Western Australia is one of the oldest in the country. It has been home to the Wadandi people for over 50,000 years, making them one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
Despite this, it’s more famous for wine. It’s one of the world’s leading producers of wine, and yet grapes didn’t arrive here until 1967. This is how Margaret River does it – it can take anything and immediately make it the best.
Learn more about Margaret River with these guides:
4. Sydney, New South Wales
You can’t visit Australia and not spend at least a few days in Sydney, one of the world’s most beautiful cities – many of you will fly through here anyways.
Sure Sydney has a reputation of being on the expensive side, but most of the best things to do are free or cheap.
It’s also home to some of Australia’s most famous landmarks. Turn on TV ads and no doubt you’ll see images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House looming before you.
Sydney is also a vibrant city with a youthful atmosphere, and is well suited for families too. You can take the ferry over to Manly and see the Little Penguins, explore The Rocks District known for its artistic and bohemian vibes, and my favourite, visit the world-famous Bondi Beach.
If you want a bucket list experience to tick off, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, if you’re not afraid of heights. Climbing tours operate from dawn until dusk, do don’t miss out on this unique experience.
If you have more time to spare, consider taking a day trip out to the Blue Mountains and see the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.
Need more inspiration for your trip to Sydney? Here are some additional resources.
Watch us explore Sydney in this video
5. Broome, Western Australia
If you’ve been following us for a while you’ll know that Broome is our favourite place in Australia.
Our love affair with Broome dates back to our days working on a pearl farm in the Kimberley region, and so when we planned our big trip around Australia, we ended up spending five weeks there and didn’t want to leave.
It’s the landscape that sucks you in; it’s just so colourful. Picture striking red earth against the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean, the most amazing sunsets over Cable Beach, and year-round perfect weather.
Would you ever leave a place like this? Not to mention it has the vibe of a charming country town by the sea!
Read more about Broome here:
6. Byron Bay, NSW
This legendary beachside town in Northern NSW has been attracting surfers, the spiritually minded, spa lovers, yogis, backpackers, and anyone trying to find themselves for years.
It can feel a bit overcommercialised these days due to its reputation for being a hot tourist spot, but it earned that reputation for a reason.
With some of the most famous surfing breaks in the country, the alternative lifestyle, and the stunning hinterland, Byron is the place to be, and be seen.
Don’t miss the lighthouse walk past Wategos Beach, sunrise and sunset, Bluesfest over Easter, and take a surfing lesson!
7. Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia’s largest island and is often forgot about by international visitors, but there was once place on Tassie that stole our heart and should not be missed off your trip.
Freycinet National Park is our favorite place in Tasmania and one of our top three favorite National Parks in Australia.
It’s known for being home to the world famous Wineglass Bay, but it also has some other jaw-droppingly stunning natural landscapes such as Hazards Beach, Friendly Beaches, Coles Bay, and has some of the best walks in Tassie.
Give yourself more than one day here to do all the hikes, go kayaking, and take in the beauty of the Hazards.
Read these additional guides to learn more about Tasmania:
8. Uluru, Northern Territory
Visiting Uluru in the Red Centre of Australia is an experience I’ll never forget. Known as the “spiritual heart of Australia” Uluru is one of those places you just have to see, and feel, for yourself.
Don’t rush through here like most people, stay awhile and take it all in. Experience sunset and sunrise, walk around the base, take a camel ride, maybe a helicopter flight, and visit nearby Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks.
It’s home to the iconic red rock monolith, also known internationally as Ayres Rock, but in Australia we prefer to use its indigineous name of Uluru.
Surrounding Uluru is miles and miles of majestic outback desert. If you have time, I highly recommend a camping trip to the outback where you can sleep under the stars. It’s best to stay in the campgrounds near Alice Springs to avoid running into any animals.
Need more inspiration about Uluru? Here are some more resources:
9. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Getting out on the world’s largest coral reef and the largest living structure on the planet has to be on your Aussie bucket list.
Stretching 2,300km long, the Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder of the world and in my opinion lives up to its reputation.
It’s a well known fact that the Barrier Reef has been threatened over the years thanks to greenhouses gases and global warming, but conservation efforts are in place to protect it and keep it thriving.
If you’re a diver, or even just a snorkeler, the options are endless as it’s actually made up of 2,900 individual reefs. Most people visit the reef from Cairns, which is known as the unofficial gateway, but you can also access the reef from several points along the East Coast such as the aforementioned Whitsundays.
Need more inspiration? Check out these guides:
Watch us explore the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas
10. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
While in Cairns, be sure to head north to a landmark that often gets missed by international travellers. The Daintree National Park is the oldest existing rainforest in the world.
How can something so old be so beautiful? I mean, at 110 million years old the Daintree Rainforest is as old as it gets.
My favourite spot is Cape Tribulation, a headland located within Daintree National Parkand where two World Heritage Listed sites collide – the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef.
Other spots to visit include Daintree Discovery Centre, Cow Bay, Myall Beach, Emmagen Beach, Cape Kimberley and Mason’s Cafe, and swimming hole.
Watch us explore the Daintree Rainforest in this video
11. Fraser Island, Queensland
If you’re a hard-core 4×4 driving enthusiast put Fraser Island at the top of your Aussie bucket list. Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world’s largest sand island.
It stretches 123 km long, 23 km wide, and was created over 800,000 years ago from sand dumped by places as far as Antarctica when it was still joined with Australia.
I can’t get enough of Fraser, it’s an adventure with nature you’ll crave more of. My favorite spots are 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek, Maheno shipwreck, Lake Mackenzie, Indian Head, and Champagne Pools.
From the shore, if you’re lucky and visit at the right time, you might even see humpback whales in the ocean.
Read more resources about Fraser Island:
Watch us explore Fraser Island in this video
12. Melbourne, Victoria
I could live in Melbourne, and I’m not the only one apparently as it consistently ranks at the top of most liveable cities in the world! I just don’t know if I could live with the four seasons in one-day weather pattern.
Anyhow, Melbourne is an awesome city to visit.
If you’re a sports nut like me it’s got the Australian Open Tennis, the Grand Prix, the Melbourne Cup, and the AFL.
For everyone else, it’s got an incredible food scene, some of the best coffee and cafes in the country (if not the world), cool pubs, endless shopping, great festivals, awesome markets, handy public transport, and just an all-round addictive vibe!
Need more inspiration about Melbourne, check out these guides:
13. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
You’ve probably heard of the Great Ocean Road, it’s kinda famous for being one of the best road trips in the world.
We spent 2 weeks driving the GOR and it lived up to expectations. If I have one tip, don’t rush it, don’t drive it in one day like the tour buses, slow down, and give it the time it deserves.
The scenic drive was completed in 1932, by soldiers who returned home from WWI. It was built in dedication of those who lost their lives. It starts in the small town of Torquay and finished in the quiet town of Allansford.
Many people take a couple days to drive the Ocean Road, stopping off in some of the small towns along the way.
But if you only have time for one place, then Port Campbell National Park is the highlight, it’s where most of the top scenic spots are located like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. s
Learn more about the Great Ocean Road in these guides:
14. Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Rottnest Island, or Rotto as the locals call it, is something special. With over 60 picturesque beaches and bays and top spots for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming, and fishing it’s possibly my favourite island in Australia.
If you’re planning a trip to Perth, don’t miss Rottnest, which is an easy day trip away.
It’s one of the best places in Australia to see quokkas, a native animal to Australia, which is sadly endangered. If you don’t go to Rottnest Island, the best place to see a quokka is in a zoo.
Stay over if you can, but if you only have half a day make sure you visit The Basin and Pinky Beach. Grab a bike, it’s the best way to explore the island, and don’t forget your camera!
Learn more about Rottnest from these additional resources:
15. Hobart, Tasmania
I’m not CRAZY about Hobart, but I can definitely see why some people are crazy about it. It’s a nice place with lots of history – it’s Australia’s second oldest city – and I really enjoyed how you can use it as a base to explore so many great places such as Cradle Mountain and Mount Field National Park.
I highly recommend the other places close enough to Hobart are Bruny Island, Port Arthur, and historic Richmond.
I also love the fact that it’s walkable, and feels like a small town rather than a city. My favourite neighborhoods being Salamanca and Historic Battery Point, and of course, the famous MONA Museum is a must-visit.
Read more about Hobart in these guides:
16. Barossa Valley, South Australia
If we’re just talking wine and food, then the Barossa Valley and nearby Adelaide Hills is the best place in Australia to go for satisfying the taste buds.
It’s a short drive from Adelaide and with over 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries from big names to boutiques including Jacob’s Creek, Penfold’s, Wolf Blass and Grant Burge, you’re not lacking in options.
And the scenery is something else too – do the 57-kilometre Barossa Scenic Heritage Drive for some stunning scenery.
Learn more about the Barossa in these guides:
17. Karijini National Park, Western Australia
We had high expectations for Karijini National Park as so many people we met on our 18-month trip told us that Karijini was their favourite national park. And they weren’t lying.
This place is spectacular, and I can’t believe that I’d never heard of this place before visiting – it’s a true hidden gem, and we’re doing our best to share it with as many people as possible.
At 627,422 hectares, Karijini is the second largest national park in Western Australia and is known for its historic rock formations, said to be more than 2.5 billion years old.
The colours of the rock, the gorges, the swimming holes, the waterfalls, the hiking – it’s off-the-beaten-path in WA, but totally worth the effort!
18. Gold Coast, Queensland
We chose to call the Gold Coast our home for a reason. Whilst it’s a region well known for tourism with a tagline “famous for fun“, it has a great mix of beautiful coastal and hinterland scenery, with some of the best beaches in the country.
The Gold Coast is where Australians go to vacation. If you search for pictures of it, you can see why. The long stretch of golden sand beach is backed by high-rise buildings, and slopes into turquoise waters.
But there’s more to do here than just hit the beaches. It’s where you will find Australia’s largest theme parks, it has a buzzing nightlife scene, and world-class shopping.
As Australia’s sixth largest city, you might want to head out of the main city centre, and head somewhere quieter. For a relaxed vibe, my favourite spots on the coast are Burleigh Heads, Rainbow Bay, and Coolangatta.
Be sure to stay around the hinterland area if you love nature. From here, you can check out Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park, and Binna Burra National Park!
Want to learn more about the Gold Coast? Check out these guides:
19. Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
Another place we knew little about until we travelled around Australia was Wilsons Pomontory, also known as Wilsons Pom.
Again, it’s a hidden gem that our friends in Melbourne suggested we go to, so we’re letting the cat out of the bag!
Located just a 3-hour drive from Melbourne, this 50,000-hectare coastal wilderness area is where Melbournians go to vacation. In fact, it’s so popular they have a ballot system to stay in the accommodation during peak season.
There’s a reason for this though. Your reward – stunning vistas of pink granite boulder mountains, turquoise water, squeaky white sand, intimate coves, forested valleys, and incredible hiking.
20. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island is just off the coast of Adelaide and is well worth exploring. It’s famous for its kangaroo population (hence the name), but it’s an island full of diversity.
It has incredible landscapes from beaches to sand dunes and forests to rolling farmlands. You will be sure to spot a wild array of Australian animals – dolphins, kangaroos, koalas and more AND the food and wine is incredible!
Watch us explore Kangaroo Island in this video
Before You Go
So there you have it, those are the best places in Australia to add to your Australia bucket list.
Australia is home to miles and miles of gorgeous coastline, mysterious islands, the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the majestic outback desert, glamorous cities, vast swamps and wetlands, and unique wildlife you won’t find anywhere else.
With all this to explore, it’s unsurprising that visiting Australia has been on most people’s bucket list. Everyone should come down under at least once in their lifetime.
As you can see, there’s a lot of diversity and culture to explore in Australia, and it’s not all about wildlife and beaches (though these are some of the best reasons to visit Aus!).
There’s a reason why so many backpackers come to Australia for a year’s holiday, and then never leave. There is no where quite like Australia. Once you go, you will know.
More Tips for Visiting Australia
Need more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other resources:
Pin To Save It On Pinterest
What are your favourite places in Australia? Tell us in the comments. And if you haven’t been yet, what places are on your Aussie bucket list?
