Australia, the smallest continent with the largest island, sits between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. The Land Down Under is packed with tourist destinations and scenic sights, perfect for any traveler. From appreciating the traditional lives of the locals, visiting the beach for some tan, to indulging in local delicacies, you will never run out of things to do.
If you are thinking about what places to check out when traveling to Australia, look no further. In this blog. We’ll share the 10 best tourist attractions in the Land Down Under, making your trip memorable and one for the books.
1. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is by far the most famous attraction in Sydney, Australia. Its famous building resembles billowing sails or huge shells and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, tourists and locals admire this icon’s beauty for its unique architecture.
Surrounding the Sydney Opera House is water on three sides and the border of Royal Botanic Gardens to the south. You can do many things in this tourist destination, such as watching performances, dining in famous restaurants, or booking a guided tour to enjoy the Sydney Opera’s highlights.
You’ll certainly be amazed at the striking architecture inside when entering the opera house. Should you wish to take a beautiful photograph of this place and fill your photo books with high-quality shots, it’s best to do so from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Moreover, you can also capture a nice shot when you board a ferry or a harbor cruise. Today, the Sydney Opera House is under renovation with a 10-year upgrade but is consistently operating.
2. Daintree Forest
Another Australian wonder is Daintree Forest in Queensland. This natural forest is as old as the Amazon Rainforest, with an age of 180 million years. The entire forest is 1200 square kilometers huge, and you can enjoy a guided tour by the indigenous people from the tribe of Kuku Yalanji when taking a Dreamtime walk.
The Daintree Forest also boasts the Silky Oak Lodge, which features various tree houses where you can stay while listening to the ancient forest’ nature sounds. Also, the Mossman River is nearby, where you can use a paddle board while enjoying the view of local saltwater crocodiles. Don’t worry because these creatures won’t bite and commonly don’t approach the inland.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of lush rainforest, clear blue rivers, rugged mountains, beautiful coral reef systems, and beaches. Cape Tribulation is famous for its pristine white sand when you wish to visit the beach while staying at Daintree Forest.
3. Gold Coast
Gold Coast, located on the southeastern coastline of Queensland, is famous for its sunny skies and warm weather for the entire year. This holiday destination is widely known for its casual and laid-back vibe as tourists enjoy the sea, the sun, and the surf.
Most people visit to check out Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast’s capital. It’s filled with several vibrant nightclubs and shopping malls with bars, restaurants, and hotels. Check out the coast’s high-rise towers, where you can sunbathe, swim, and try different water sports.
If you want to visit Australia for some fun and the sea, Gold Coast is the perfect destination. With its stunning sunsets, outstanding amusement and water parks, and scenic nature reserves, you’ll certainly find something to do in this must-visit place.
4. The Eynesbury Estate
If you love to learn all about the culture and history of Australia, the Eynesbury Estate should be on your list. This tourist destination combines classic heritage with modernized attractions, from golf courses to other amenities, educational facilities, and sports reserves.
The Recreation and Sports Reserve has an oval catering for football and cricket, a court for netball and tennis, an adventure play space, a dog park, and a pavilion. Additionally, several local sporting clubs are available for visitors and residents.
On the other hand, the Eynesbury Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course created by Graham Marsh. It features a historical backdrop with extensive bunkering, wide fairways, creeks, and water hazards. Enjoy eating at Ms. Peacock Restaurant and Bar during your break when you wish to try playing. Moreover, coffee is also available at Birdy and Co Cafe.
5. Kakadu
Kakadu National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a two-hour ride from Darwin, and visiting this national park allows you to witness the traditional and historical lands of the Mungguy or Bininj people. Kakadu National Park is also Australia’s biggest national park, and it’s best to explore this tourist destination by car.
A helpful piece of advice: arrive at Kakadu early to give you ample time to explore the entire park. Check out the Jim Jim Falls, which is 200 meters high, or swim at the beautiful infinity rock pool, Gunlom. If you love hiking, there are many odd walking trails you can try. On the other hand, you can also use your 4WD to explore and drive around the park and arrive at Jarrangbarnmi or the beautiful Koolpin Gorge.
6. The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest coral reef system. It’s located in Queensland, off the coast of the Coral Sea. Additionally, it’s also the world’s most complex and diverse ecosystem. Currently, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects and preserves this huge coral reef system. This marine sanctuary is home to at least 1500 fish species, including dolphins, whales, sea snakes, turtles, and birds.
If you wish to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the best way is to cruise on a boat and reach Queensland’s northern coast. To reach the reef, you can get off from Cairns, Yeppoon, Townsville, Mission Beach, Cooktown, or Port Douglas. These boat cruises are available for single-day to multiple-day trips, and they usually anchor at different stops for diving and snorkeling.
Aside from boat cruises, you can also experience the Great Barrier Reef through underwater observatories, helicopter flights, and glass-bottomed guided boat tours.
7. Fraser Island
Another unique tourist destination in Australia is Fraser Island, the world’s biggest sand island. It consists of a 75-mile beach lying off Queensland’s southeastern coast, making it part of the longest beaches in the world. When visiting Fraser Island, you can rent a four-wheel truck and drive across dingos, dune systems, shipwrecks, mangroves, rainforests, and tidal pools.
Aside from various tourist sports for a great adventure, an airport is also nearby the sandy shores and hotels where you can stay. There are also more than one hundred clear freshwater lakes, with Lake MacKenzie and Lake Wabby the most famous.
On Fraser Island is Great Sandy National Park, a famous local park and home to various bird species and mammals, including wallabies, dingoes, dolphins, and whales. Fraser Island also features beautiful hiking trails, water sports activities, and beautiful camping grounds for a unique experience.
8. Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a remote rural town located near the middle of Australia and is ideal when you wish to explore the Red Center. Featuring its laid-back and relaxing vibe, Alice Springs is perfect for tourists who love to explore the rich culture and history of the Aborigines. You can see several museums and art galleries that feature the spectacular artwork of indigenous Australian tribes.
Additionally, Alice Springs has a dozen restaurants, hotels, and bars for visitors to check out, but you’ll be most amazed at this town’s desert landscape, gorges, and rock formations. Visit Uluru, which attracts tourists with its distinctive hue and huge landmass, or the rock formations in Kata Tjuta and the Kings Canyon’s chasms.
9. The Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most famous day trips when traveling from Sydney and is one of the hikers’ most loved national parks for its trails. This beautiful park is named because of the blue haze radiating from diverse eucalyptus trees. Additionally, it features dramatic gorges, aboriginal rock paintings, and waterfalls.
When visiting The Blue Mountains National Park, don’t miss your chance to visit the famous Three Sisters, a towing sandstone rock formation. You should also visit the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world. It brings passengers down to Jamison Valley, reaching the cliff-side tunnel and an ancient rainforest.
Aside from rock formations, you can also engage in abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding when visiting this national park.
10. Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park is Western Australia’s second-biggest national park. Surrounded by the Hamersley Ranges, this national park is best known for its mountainous environment, beautiful gorges, waterfalls, and slot canyons. It also features Western Australia’s three highest peaks, rising above the rugged landscape’s dark red hues.
You can enjoy hiking in this park with the precipitous chasms and narrow gorges underneath. Moreover, enjoy a refreshing swim or bathe in secret water holes and waterfalls after taking a walk. Kajiri National Park is also home to diverse plant species and wildlife, including wallabies, red kangaroos, and echidnas.
Australia Is An Unforgettable Tourist Experience
The top ten destinations mentioned above are just some of the places to visit in Australia. Regardless of the kind of traveler you are, it’s guaranteed that you’ll find the best adventure suited for you.
