Must-See Australia Landmarks for Your Bucket List

Now that Australia has fully reopened its international borders to travellers after nearly two years of being shut during the pandemic, it’s the perfect time to start thinking big for your next adventure Down Under! Explore Australia’s endless memorable landmarks, natural wonders, and laid-back culture for a trip to Australia that you will never forget.

Keep reading this blog to learn about some of the iconic Australian landmarks to visit during your time in Australia. When the time is right, contact your TierOne Travel Consultant to start planning that bucket-list-worthy Australian adventure; they’ll make sure these must-see landmarks are on your Australia itinerary!

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Great Barrier Reef

One of Australia’s most famous landmarks, the Great Barrier Reef, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is breathtakingly beautiful and is the world’s largest coral reef! This is definitely a must-see on any trip to Australia.

Travelers can experience an abundance of marine life at the Great Barrier Reef with over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays to explore. It features literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the world’s most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches. Because of its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, and for good reason!

Location

The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, which is separated from the coast by a channel 100 miles wide in places and over 200 feet deep. The Reef has over 100 islands, from unique and exotic islands to the Whitsundays and the remarkable Northern Islands. There is truly SO much to explore in this area!

Things To Do

Enjoy many water activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottomed boat viewing, as well as educational trips, cruise ship tours, whale watching, and swimming with dolphins.
If you don’t want to go into the water, why not fly above it and take in the views from an aircraft or helicopter tour?!

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge serves as the primary transportation link between Sydney and its suburbs. It stretches about 500 meters long, making it one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world!

The Australian Heritage Council found the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which opened in 1932, of outstanding national heritage significance. The view of the bridge, the harbor, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is seen as an iconic image of Sydney landmarks! This is another must-see for any visit to Australia.

Location

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is located in Sydney and crosses over the Sydney Harbour.

Things To Do

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a thrilling adventure and experience one of the best panoramas of the beautiful city of Sydney!
Scale the bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney in The Rocks (a neighborhood of historic laneways and Harbour views). There are a variety of climbs, including a 3.5-hour tour and a shorter 90-minute tour. Climbs are available at dawn, during the day, at twilight, or in the evening.

Bondi Beach

Bondi is Australia’s most famous beach with ocean pools, impressive surf waves, and a bustling social scene. Bondi Beach is located right in the city of Sydney, creating a juxtaposition of ocean life and city charm.

Today, Bondi Beach is a lively dining and shopping hub, offering restaurants, hotels, and walking trails. There really is nowhere quite like Bondi Beach, and it is definitely a must-see landmark on any Australian trip!

Location

Bondi Beach is just 8km from the city center of Sydney. Bondi is easy to get to by public transport; the trip from Town Hall is just 30 minutes. Or, choose to take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay for a connecting bus to Bondi.

Things To Do

Watch the sunrise over the ocean.
Browse boutiques or relax with a drink in hand.
Keep an eye out for breaching whales and surfing dolphins!
Check out Bondi’s lively nightlife scene at clubs and restaurants.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is an enormous, biodiverse nature reserve and one of the largest national parks in Australia, covering almost 20000 square kilometers!

The national park is a unique example of a series of complex ecosystems, including tidal flats, floodplains, lowlands and plateaux, wetlands, rivers, and sandstone escarpments. The park provides a habitat for a wide range of rare or endemic species of plants and animals. It’s home to some 2,000 plant species and wildlife from saltwater crocodiles and flatback turtles to birds. Aboriginal rock paintings, dating to prehistoric times, can be viewed at sites such as Nourlangie, Nanguluwur, and Ubirr.

Location

Kakadu National Park is located in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Things To Do

Take a fishing tour. Beginners are welcome, and guides can teach you to cast, retrieve and use your lure.
Try one of the many hiking options. Rippling creeks, misty waterfalls, and hidden rock art are just a few of the things you might discover. From short walks to day-long treks, there’s something for every skill level.
Head out on an Animal Tracks Safari. Gain exclusive access into the wetland and end the day with a campfire bush food cook-up.
Take a scenic flight and let the sights take your breath away.
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find displays of artifacts, a gallery of art and crafts to purchase, and perhaps artists at work.
Go birdwatching to try to spot jabiru, brolgas, azure kingfishers, and more.

Great Ocean Road

Thinking of an Australian road trip? Experience rugged Australian beauty along the southwest coast of Victoria by driving one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives!

The iconic Great Ocean Road goes right along the seaside cliffs that wind along the Southern Ocean. See natural landmarks and striking landscapes along the road full of rocky cliffs, vacant beaches, and tall bluffs, surrounded by vibrant green countryside. You will find plenty of things to see and do around every corner.

Location

The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage-listed 240-kilometer stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia, between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.

Things To Do

Experience the twelve Apostles. These soaring pillars, which are made out of limestone over 10 to 20 million years, are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road.
Keep your eyes peeled for koalas on a nature walk in the Australian bush where the forest meets the sea. See other wildlife like birds, reptiles, whales, platypus (one of Australia’s most elusive and ancient creatures), and more!
Visit a hot spring sanctuary. Experience wellness on another level in the region’s natural geothermal waters.
Other activities include exploring Mount Gambier, the sapphire waters of Blue Lake, wandering the gardens of Umpherston Sinkhole, snorkeling in Piccaninnie Ponds, and diving into Kilsby Sinkhole

Uluru

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith and is an iconic Australian landmark. Uluru is sacred to indigenous Australians and is thought to have started forming around 550 million years ago.

Uluru is considered the spiritual heart of Australia. The nearby sites of Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are also must-sees while visiting this region.

Location

In the heart of the Northern Territory’s arid “Red Centre”. The nearest large town is Alice Springs, 450km away. It is located within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Things To Do

Take a walk around Uluru as well as hike many of the different trails around the area.
Explore the Field of Light a must-see visual attraction. Witness the spectacle of color lighting up the desert at this art installation.
The ultimate starry dining experience is the three-course Sounds of Silence dinner at Uluru. Sip sparkling wine and taste canapes from atop a red desert dune as the setting sun changes Uluru’s colors.
Join a sunrise or sunset camel tour or see the sights from above in a helicopter or for the adrenaline seekers take a tandem skydive!

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a popular gateway for exploring the country’s interior desert region. Alice Springs is a small town with a big heart, known as the gateway to the Northern Territory’s ancient outback.

This town embodies the quintessential Australian spirit, from the ancient desert it’s located on, to the Aboriginal culture that is intertwined into every aspect of life.

Location

Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, both 1,500km away.

Things To Do

Watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon
Wander through beautiful botanical gardens
Try one of the world’s best desert golf courses like the Alice Springs Golf Club
Visit Alice Springs attractions like the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, camel rides, the Kangaroo Sanctuary, and more!
See the preserved vintage buildings and equipment at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve.
Cool down in freshwater swimming holes on day trips outside of the town

Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia, and it is Australia’s largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. Canberra might be smaller than Sydney to its north and Melbourne to its south, but there’s still plenty to do here!

Its small-town vibe means it’s easy to get around and the locals are eager to share the best of their food, wine, beer, and attractions. Within the city limits, you’ll find museums, galleries, breweries, modern architecture, and famous buildings, and just minutes away from the city is nature full of mountains, valleys, and other picturesque landscapes.

Location

Canberra is located in the southeast part of Australia and is about 240 km southwest of Sydney.

Things To Do

Explore one of the world’s most architecturally-acclaimed buildings at Parliament House
Visit the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and spot five famous native Australian animals: the koala, platypus, kangaroo, emu, and wombat.
Walk up Mount Ainslie, Mount Painter, or Black Mountain to enjoy scenic views over the city.
See the nation’s most popular and important objects at the National Museum of Australia.
Pay your respects at the Australian War Memorial.

Melbourne

Melbourne locals are well-known for their obsession with sports and a groundbreaking arts and culture scene that is worth visiting. The city has a hip, European vibe, with cafes and speakeasies hidden in graffiti-laden alleyways, rooftop bars with views of the city’s skyline, and exciting live music venues with local and international acts.

The city is known for its cultural diversity, excellent dining, and amazing street art. Melbourne is also known for being the coffee capital of the world, and is regularly voted as the world’s most livable city!

Location

Melbourne is located in the south-eastern corner of mainland Australia.

Things To Do

Check out the amazing street art. Melbourne is considered one of the street art capitals of the world!
Visit Flinders Street Station and Federation Square; the main entrance to Flinders Street Station is a must-see symbol of Melbourne.
Experience Melbourne’s live music scene. There are plenty of bands playing at any given time.
Browse for souvenirs on Chapel Street, a popular shopping street with both local and international celebrities for its variety of high-quality clothing.
See the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Catch a game of Aussie rules (a similar game to American football) in winter or watch a cricket match in summer.
Wander around Melbourne’s exciting city center. With plenty of clubs, bars, shopping, and chic eateries on its street art-covered laneways.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of the world’s great nature-based destinations!

With native bushland, wildlife, pristine beaches, local wines, adventures, and sunsets on your doorstep, there is a ton to enjoy here. As one of the world’s best nature-based destinations, discovering natural attractions and wildlife is on the top of everyone’s list.

Kangaroo Island produces some of Australia’s finest foods and beverages, and they are famous for their honey, seafood, eggs, olives, wines and spirits.

Location

Kangaroo Island is located 14 kilometers (9 miles) off the South Australian coast, approximately 120 kilometers (66 miles) south-southwest of Adelaide.

Kangaroo Island is easily accessible from Adelaide, South Australia’s capital. By air, it’s just a 25-minute flight, or take one of SeaLink’s two modern ferries that take 45 minutes.

Things To Do

Walk one of the many different hikes on Kangaroo island, from easy walks to challenging treks.
See seals, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidna, goanna, Cape Barren geese, and over 40 other species of birds.
Enjoy the waters with swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and just simply relaxing on the beaches.
Experience a plethora of land activities like quad biking, sandboarding, bike riding, horse riding, and more.
Discover Kangaroo Island’s rich history at the many galleries, museums and collections.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a metropolitan region south of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. It’s known for long sandy beaches, great surfing spots, and an elaborate system of inland canals and waterways.

This is Australia’s holiday capital, home to a fantastic range of attractions, beautiful beaches, shopping, dining, major events, and more. The Gold Coast is a dedicated tourist town, so there’s plenty of fun stuff to do, and you’ll never be bored!

Location

The city of Gold Coast is located in southeastern Queensland, Australia, about 20 miles (30 km) south-southeast of Brisbane.

Things To Do

Take a scenic drive up to Mount Tamborine, go on a bushwalk to a waterfall, or visit a winery.
Visit one of the Gold Coasts’ many theme parks like Dreamworld, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild.
Go on a Gold Coast cruise! From dinner cruises, island adventures, whale watching, and even jet boating, the opportunities are endless!
The Gold Coast has more than 70km of fantastic beaches for relaxing, snorkeling, and surfing.
Walk one of the many hiking trails within Lamington National Park’s mountain ridges, valleys, and rainforests; make sure to keep your eyes peeled for rare birds.

Shark Bay

On the edge of the Australian continent where the far west coast meets the sea is the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Covering an area of more than 2.2 million hectares, it is one of the world’s greatest wilderness treasures. This westernmost part of Australia has a unique combination of wildlife, flora, and stunning scenery, unlike anywhere else. Shark Bay is actually two bays sheltered by peninsulas and a long island. The local Malgana Aboriginal people know it as Gutharraguda, meaning ‘two waters’.

Location

Shark Bay is a World Heritage Site in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. The 23,000-square-kilometre area is located approximately 800 kilometers north of Perth, on the westernmost point of the Australian continent.

Things To Do

Enjoy the world-famous Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience and watch the daily dolphin feeding.
Check out Shell Beach, a beach made up solely of Shark Bay cockle shells and one of only two beaches in the world of its kind. It stretches 120km with shells up to 10m deep!
Visit Dirk Hartog Island National Park, the longest island in Western Australia, which offers stunning natural beauty and wilderness.
Visit the Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, best viewed at low tide, the Hamelin Pool boardwalk offers excellent views.
Explore the ocean from a boat, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, boating, kite surfing, kayaking, or sightseeing tours!

Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest located in Tropical North Queensland, Australia is over 135 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world and the largest rainforest in Australia. It is home to many animal and plant species not found anywhere else in the world!

The Daintree Rainforest is a popular Day Trip destination from Cairns and Port Douglas and is definitely a must-see Australian landmark.

Location

The Daintree Rainforest is a region on the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, north of Mossman and Cairns.

Things To Do

Take a cruise on the Daintree River to experience the flora and fauna in this World Heritage protected region.
Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails here! The Daintree Rainforest hikes rank as some of the most exotic and challenging in the world.
Visit Mossman Gorge and do some self-guided walks.
Experience a croc cruise on the Daintree River.
Cross the river on the Ferry and travel to Cape Tribulation.
You can even visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation and go on an ocean safari!

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a protected nature reserve. It is home to the quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial as well as some of the finest beaches and bays in the world. Visiting Rottnest Island will be an unforgettable holiday experience.

With a choice of over 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays, you will be spoilt for choice. Rottnest Island’s unique natural attractions, fun family activities, a network of walk trails, and amazing tours make it Western Australia’s premier island destination all year round.

Location

Rottnest Island sits just offshore from the city of Perth, in Western Australia.

Things To Do

Rottnest Island offers a variety of water sports from swimming to diving, fishing, and surfing, snorkeling, and more!
There are two lighthouses situated on Rottnest Island: Wadjemup Lighthouse and Bathurst Lighthouse, and both of them offer beautiful scenery.
Go whale watching. Around 35,000 migrating Southern Right and Humpback whales linger in the calm waters around the Island.
Explore the Island’s unique landscapes along the Wadjemup Bidi; a series of walking trails that will take you to spectacular coastal landscapes, stunning inland lakes, and natural and man-made attractions.
Explore white-sand beaches and secluded coves, including the Basin, with its shallow waters, and Thomson Bay, the main hub and ferry port.
Surfers can catch a wave at Strickland Bay which is known for its surf breaks.

ARE YOU DREAMING OF SEEING THESE FAMOUS AUSTRALIAN LANDMARKS?
When you’re ready to book your own next getaway, contact one of our TierOne Travel agents. They have extensive experience in life-changing travel experiences and will be able to craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs

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