Australia might be quite the journey from most corners of the world, but your efforts are richly rewarded when you touch down in the land Down Under. Home to an enviable selection of natural wonders, ancient culture and spectacular weather, planning a visit to this vast country is remarkably simple, no matter what your preferences are. 

From beachfront holidays spent soaking up the sun to coastal road trips and island escapes, feeling in touch with the natural world has never been easier. Ready to find out more? Spanning every part of the country, we’ve chosen some of the absolute best destinations to visit during your Australian adventure.

What are the best things to do in Australia?

  • 1

    Great Barrier Reef

    One of the world’s most impressive coral reefs

    Great Barrier Reef
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    The Great Barrier Reef is an extraordinary coastal destination in Australia. Stretching over 2,000 km along a pristine coastline, this remarkably biodiverse place overflows with fascinating coral reefs and rare marine life, remaining virtually unmatched anywhere else on Earth. 

    While the weather is pleasant throughout the year, visit the Great Barrier Reef from May to October. This time of year provides the ideal experience as rainfall is low, underwater visibility is excellent and water temperature is optimal. From swimming and scuba diving to whale-watching, endless coastal activities await. 

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  • 2

    Uluru

    Travel to the Red Centre for ancient geological landmarks

    Uluru
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    Uluru is where travellers can experience Australia's ancient past. With the Anangu people calling the region home for at least 30,000 years, this incredible red monolith is a spectacular focal point for this storied legacy. Rising to almost 350 metres, it's one of the largest sandstone monuments in the world.

    The nearby Kata Tjuta rock formations are another special landmark in the heart of Australia's Red Centre. Featuring 36 enormous domes spread throughout 20 km of vast wilderness, these age-old destinations hold powerful spiritual meaning to the indigenous community while providing incredible desert scenery.

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  • 3

    Great Ocean Road

    Take a scenic drive along Victoria’s famous coastline

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    The Great Ocean Road offers an excellent, seemingly never-ending road trip that winds through the region’s countryside with the shimmering coast and the Ottaway Ranges at your sides.  This 250-km-long natural wonder lets you come face to face with nature heavyweights such as the Twelve Apostles – colossal monoliths reaching from the waters’ depths, their thinning base a wave away from collapse – the Gibson Steps, the London Arch, Bells Beach and Logan’s Beach. 

    For surfing fanatics, look out for the World Surfing Championship, which sees Bells Beach as a top surfing site. If the odds are in your favour, you may even witness a humpback whale giving birth on Logan’s Beach.

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  • 4

    Sydney Harbour

    Scenic waterfront with an iconic opera house and bridge

    Sydney Harbour
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    Sydney Harbour is an iconic waterfront with the world-renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House dazzling thousands of visitors year-round. Also known as Port Jackson, there are more than 240 km of waterfront to explore through stunning beaches, bushland walks, and restaurants.

    Catch a water ferry into Circular Quay to surround yourself with upmarket eateries, shops, and museums. The Opera House not only attracts talents from around the world but is home to resident performing arts companies like Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet. Meanwhile, the Royal Botanic Gardens offer a peek into the region’s idyllic flora and fauna. 

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  • 5

    Whitsunday Islands

    Relax amid postcard-perfect island landscapes

    Whitsunday Islands
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    The Whitsunday Islands are situated about 55 km from Queensland, close to the Great Barrier Reef. This immaculate group of 74 mostly uninhabited islands resonate with white-sand beaches, dense rainforests, and luxury experiences. 

    Relaxation comes easily in the Whitsundays, with shorelines like Whitehaven Beach offering a mesmerising experience. Further along the coast, the Hill Inlet Lookout provides a vantage point across the turquoise waters. Alongside world-class scuba diving, rafting and hiking, the Whitsunday Islands is a must-visit for adventurous travellers. 

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  • 6

    Rottnest Island

    Escape the mainland for a coastal paradise

    Rottnest Island
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    Rottnest Island offers a stunning getaway for those looking to leave behind the city of Perth for natural beauty without travelling vast distances. And with 63 beaches and 20 bays to explore, you won’t have a problem filling your itinerary with outdoor activities.

    Rottnest Island is home to Australia’s famous population of quokkas, an adorable cat-sized marsupial. These curious creatures freely roam the island, so you may just encounter one during your visit. Meanwhile, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and limestone reefs stretch along this tiny island's coastline. Accessible by air or water, reaching this serene destination is rather straightforward from either Fremantle or Perth.

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  • 7

    Barossa Valley

    Sample delicious wines surrounded by stunning landscapes

    Barossa Valley
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    The Barossa Valley is recognised as a premier Australian wine region for good reason, as more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors call it home. This valley has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the early 19th century when German settlers arrived in the region. 

    Once you’ve stocked up on top-quality Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Barossa Valley presents numerous award-winning dining experiences that showcase authentic regional cuisine. Plus, there are outstanding national parks, hot balloon adventures, fascinating museums, and charming villages across this vast region.

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  • 8

    Daintree Rainforest

    Journey into the ancient past with a rainforest like no other

    Daintree Rainforest
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    The Daintree Rainforest is an unmissable destination for lovers of the great outdoors in Australia. Estimated at around 135 million years old, this place holds the impressive title of the world’s oldest rainforest. It has a remarkably complex ecosystem that makes it unique even among other great rainforests around the world.

    Spanning 1,200 sq km from inland Queensland to heavenly white-sand beaches along the coastline, you’ll discover scenic nature walks, spearfishing activities, and luxury stays throughout your visit.  It provides habitat for endangered and iconic species such as the Southern cassowary (a large flightless bird) and the rare Bennett's Tree-kangaroo. 

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  • 9

    Kakadu National Park

    Rugged adventures awaits you in Australia’s Northern Territory

    Kakadu National Park
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    The Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s most significant geological wonders, earning its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list thanks to its immense natural and cultural value. Inhabited continuously for more than 40,000 years by the Bininj and Mungguy people, it is among the best places to see examples of millennia-old rock art.

    You can surround yourself with nature through cruises along the Yellow Water Billabong or a stop at the pristine Motor Car Falls. Alongside scenic flight tours and four-wheel driving expeditions, you’ll encounter lavish stays in the remote wilderness, ensuring you can relax in comfort after a long day of sightseeing.

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  • 10

    Byron Bay

    Soak up the sun with Australia’s famous alternative town

    Byron Bay
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    Byron Bay is known as Australia's foremost spot for relaxation. Set in the sunny northeast corner of New South Wales, this famed beach town offers infinite charm, as the warm weather and chilled-out vibes are bound to loosen up even the most restless visitors. So, embrace the laidback atmosphere and soak up the coastal bliss.

    Renowned for top-notch surfing and wellness experiences, Byron Bay’s hippy legacy remains for all to see. You’ll discover a myriad of luxury day spas, while beachfront bars and bohemian storefronts maintain the community’s authenticity. Adopt an alternative lifestyle and get to know why Byron Bay is so beloved by locals and travellers alike.

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