24 Best Places To Visit In Australia
What do you think of when you hear the word Australia? Kangaroos, beaches, and ‘g’day mate’? Well yes, Australia does have its fair share of ‘roos, but the land Down Under offers SO much more than that! We’re talking awe-inspiring mountains, epic road trips, enormous national parks, beautiful waterfalls…the list really is endless. We’ve rounded up some top Aussie travel bloggers who have given us their tips about the best places to visit in Australia – and you can be certain that whatever you’re looking for in your trip, Australia can offer it and more. Keep reading for 24 of the best places to visit in Australia!
Best places to visit in New South Wales
1. Blue Mountains
Recommended by Rachel and Jeremy from The Kiwi Couple
If you’re looking for a dose of nature, the Blue Mountains are for you. Only 1.5 hours from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, it can be visited as a day trip or a weekend getaway, depending on your travel time frame. Make sure you have time to visit Wentworth Falls. This spot offers walks of varying difficulty with stunning views of the waterfall, and it’s just a short drive from the main event – The Three Sisters. These famous rock formations are the highlight of this picturesque postcard area.
If you head to Echo Point you can get an epic view of them, or hop on Scenic World’s gondola. While you’re there, don’t miss the Scenic Railway – the steepest passenger railway in the world! Last but not least, Lincoln’s Rock is a must. With views of the vast landscape and a secret little cave perfect for watching the sunset, it’s the best end to the day.
Blue Mountains hostels from $17.80 a night
2. Bathurst
Recommended by Tara from Where Is Tara
Bathurst is one of my favourite spots in Australia for so many reasons. One of them is that my cousins have farms out there. They let me stay whenever I pass through and bring me to cattle markets, which is a real novelty to me having grown up in the city. The other reason I love Bathurst is because it is often overlooked by tourists, despite having so much to offer. It’s the oldest inland city in Australia and is the site of the original Australian gold rush.
Visit the T-Rex at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, take a spin around the famous Mount Panorama Circuit. Or simply grab a cup of coffee from Campos, take a stroll through Machattie Park and check out the commemorative plaque from Charles Darwin’s visit in 1836. For a unique day trip in the Bathurst region check out the gold rush town of Sofala (it feels like a ghost town and has a GREAT book shop), or head to the Jenolan caves for some natural beauty, limestone-style!
Sydney hostels from $15 a night
3. Sydney
Recommended by Rachel and Jeremy from The Kiwi Couple
Sydney is the largest city in Australia – filled with beautiful beaches, fun activities and good food. One of the best ways to view the beauty of Sydney is by taking a relaxing stroll. An amazing beach walk, and one of the best, is from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. It offers gorgeous views of the area’s famous rocky beaches, thin beaches and sandy beaches. Another popular walk is along the Sydney Harbour Bridge walkway. Both walks are free and are a great way to enjoy Sydney.
We love getting up high and seeing cities from above. The perfect way to do this in Sydney is by doing the Skywalk at Sydney Tower. At 268 metres high, it’s guaranteed to get your heart pumping. You’re harnessed in though so it’s not (too) scary! And finally, a must do of Sydney is to eat your heart out. Try a deep fried Golden Gaytime ice cream from What The Fudge Cafe, you won’t regret it!
Sydney hostels from $15 a night
4. Byron Bay
Recommended by Dane from Holiday From Where
Byron is one of Australia’s top tourist destinations but if you’re willing to put in a little work you can still find some more well hidden gems just out the back in the hinterland mountains. From countless waterfalls and swimming holes to incredible mountains and bush walks this small region hide so much beauty. I would suggest starting with a hike to the bottom of Minyon Falls for a swim, a hike to the top of Mt Warning for an incredible sunrise, another swim at Killin Falls and then a hike to the Natural Arch. These are just some of the most accessible but there is so much more if you’re willing to explore.
Byron Bay hostels from $25 a night
Best places to visit in Victoria
5. Melbourne
Recommended by Aditi from Diary of a Cusp
Melbourne has secured its spot of the most liveable city in the world the seventh time in a row. Most days see a varied weather – hail, sunshine, rain, wind – but that doesn’t impede the livelihood of Melbourne. Any given day you can find an event, an exhibit, a music gig, or a show to relish. You get access to free trams within the city circle to wander across without outlaying a buck on transportation. Melbourne is a multicultural metropolitan with copious restaurants serving slavering foods and cafes for your caffeine fix – Melbourne’s coffee is some of the best in the world.
Melbourne hostels from $18 a night
6. Great Ocean Road
Recommended by Jack and Jenn from Who Needs Maps
Lorne is a popular stop along the Great Ocean Road (and to the Twelve Apostles). It’s the perfect place to relax along the seaside, maybe go for a surf, eat some of the best fish and chips, and enjoy the scenery. Jack is a surfer and loves to go out to the Great Ocean Road for a surf. But the trip isn’t complete without a stop in Lorne for a parma and a pot post-surf. Lorne also has some beautiful walks and waterfalls to explore, like Erskine Falls and Phantom Falls. My favorite, is if you go during the right season, you can catch a couple of whales at sunset. Grab a wine at a seaside restaurant and enjoy the serenity.
7. Mornington Peninsula
Recommended by Aditi from Diary of a Cusp
Mornington Peninsula is a peninsula located southeast of Melbourne, just an hour drive from the city. It has been an immensely popular day trip or staycation site for the residents of Victoria, especially Melbourne for decades now. Mornington Peninsula has so much to offer to its visitors – beaches, national parks, scenic views, relaxing spas, vineyards, golf courses, mazes, camping sites and so much more. This plethora of activities and the brief distance makes it so desirable to visit during long weekends like Queen’s Birthday, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year and so on. Sampling some Pinot Noir while in the peninsula is a must.
Best places to visit in Queensland
8. Sunshine Coast
Recommended by Sophie from Adventures of Soph
The Sunshine Coast has got to be one of the most beautiful strips of coastland in all of Australia, boasting beautiful, long white beaches lined with health conscious cafes and boutique clothes shops. When you aren’t soaking up the sunshine on one of the many beaches, you can head out to the hinterland for a day of mountain hiking or hop off the beaten track to discover secluded swimming holes and waterfalls with not a soul in sight. Noosa National Park and fairy pools is an absolute must do, just avoid the midday rush of the crowds.
Sunshine Coast hostels from $12.50 a night
9. Brisbane
Recommended by Erica from A Girl Who Wanders
Brisbane is my hometown and a place I intend on staying for a very long time. Why? Because it has everything! Unlike its capital city counterparts of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane offers all the perks at a fraction of the cost. High on my list of places to visit is Southbank, the home of performing arts and Queensland culture as well as back alley bars and river front dining. Southbank also features Australia’s only inner-city beach, a man-made marvel which takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city and into a tropical oasis with sparkling waters and white, sandy beaches.
West End is another suburb I highly recommend visiting, with its hipster vibe, insanely good coffee and street markets to keep you shopping for hours. If you’re after a view of the city from the top, head up to Mt Coot-tha for its stunning 360 views of the city and the surrounding hinterland. I also highly recommend climbing the Brisbane Story Bridge for an extra special addition to your trip, as the view is stunning and the adrenalin rush one not to be missed!
Brisbane hostels from $15 a night
10. Gold Coast
Recommended by Erica from A Girl Who Wanders
If you’re looking for a destination that has it all, search no further and get yourself to the Gold Coast! With arguably some of the best beaches in Australia, the Gold Coast is my “go-to” spot during the hot summer months. But if lazing about on soft, white sandy beaches or swimming in the crystal clear ocean doesn’t take your fancy, the Gold Coast Hinterland is only a short drive from the beach and has some of the most amazing walking tracks and viewpoints in Queensland.
My favourite thing about the Gold Coast is how the vibe is extremely laid back yet also electric, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the “Sunday sesh” atmosphere of the day and the party scene that comes to life as soon as the sun goes down. If you’re planning on visiting the Gold Coast anytime soon, my personal recommendations for the best places to visit are Burleigh Heads beach and the Lamington National Park.
Gold Coast hostels from $21 a night
11. Airlie Beach/Whitsundays
Recommended by Jack and Jenn from Who Needs Maps
Airlie Beach is a perfect spot to get a taste of everything. You can embark on an adventure to the Great Barrier Reef, sail to the Whitsundays, eat some of the freshest food straight out of the ocean, and walk some of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia. Did I mention there are some awesome beer gardens?
Airlie Beach is a perfect hub to meet other backpackers who have a hankering for adventure. We had so much fun going on all kinds of nautical adventures. We even husked our own coconuts and played with turkeys and wallaby’s on the island. Airlie Beach is also known for its man-made lagoon, an excellent spot for beachside/poolside cocktails.
Airlie Beach hostels from $28 a night
12. Noosa
Recommended by Fanny from Minka Guides
Growing up, I always heard about Noosa from other Australians as this dream coastal destination. Being from the country, I didn’t really understand why until I finally visited a few year ago and fell in love. Unlike many other iconic coastal cities, Noosa isn’t filled with towering skyscrapers and massive shopping malls. In fact, the local council don’t let anyone build higher than the trees, ensuring that this sub-tropical town retains its amazingly beautiful seaside town vibe – whilst also being an incredibly popular place to visit!
The main beach can get pretty busy with sunbathers, so I’d recommend doing a trek through nearby Noosa National Park to one of its beautiful and deserted stretches of sand. A 45-minute walk along the Tanglewood Track takes you to Alexandria Bay, where tiny, translucent fish swimming in the shallows (and the occasional nudist) are your only company. Absolute paradise.
Noosa hostels from $24 a night
13. Atherton Tablelands
Recommended by Sophie from Adventures of Soph
Think endless waterfalls, rolling green hills dotted with dairy cows and rustic, family run cafes. All within an hour’s drive away from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is the perfect gateway to the countryside, whether it be for a day trip or for a long weekend. The best way to see the Tablelands is to hop in a car, grab an area map and just drive. The waterfall circuit of Elinjja Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Zillie Falls are not to be missed and if you happen to find yourself there on the last Saturday of the month be sure to check out the Yungaburra markets.
Atherton Tablelands hostels from $25 a night
14. Townsville
Recommended by Sam from Sam Around The World
Boasting palm laden beach fronts, a 90% chance of sunshine and warm temperatures all year round, Townsville is an absolute must on any North Queensland itinerary. Wander the strand and learn about rich WWII history or take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and dive the S.S Yongala shipwreck – it’s one of the best dives in the world. And it doesn’t stop there, the city is home to a vibrant nightlife, an impressive food scene and easy access to the beautiful Magnetic Island. If you time your trip right you’ll have the chance to experience one of the islands infamous full moon parties!
Townsville hostels from $18 a night
15. Cairns
Recommended by Nicola from Polka Dot Passport
There are not many places in the world where you can spend your morning snorkelling through a vibrant underwater playground that is part of the world’s biggest single structure of living organisms, and your afternoon dipping into turquoise water holes, canopied by one of the most diverse and oldest rainforests on the planet. Cairns is a gateway to not one but TWO natural world heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, making it a pretty special place to visit. Don’t leave without doing a horse ride along Cape Tribulation beach, taking a trip out to the GBR or going croc-spotting along the Daintree River.
Cairns hostels from $12 a night
16. Whitehaven Beach
Recommended by Dane from Holiday From Where
Whitehaven Beach is a 7km stretch of coast located in the Whitsundays. It is most easily accessible from Airlie Beach, unless you are lucky enough to own a yacht. The beach is popular with locals and tourists alike but if you choose to camp there you will have the beach all to yourself and just a handful of other lucky campers for sunset and sunrise. The white colour of the sand and the incredible blues in the water make this a truly unique destination that is constantly sighted in almost every ‘best beach in the world list’.
Cairns hostels from $12 a night
Best places to visit in Northern Territory
17. Uluru
Recommended by Crystal from Castaway With Crystal
Uluru is probably Australia’s most recognisable landmark. But this huge chunk of rock is also extremely sacred to the local Anangu Aboriginal people here, a place of great power. It is the centre of the universe and the home of the ‘Earth Mother’. In the outskirts of Uluru, within small caves, Aboriginal rock art can be seen that is tens of thousands of years old. These are considered national treasures and Uluru is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Though you can still climb to the top of the rock and experience the undoubtedly magical views, doing so is a point of controversy between the local Aboriginal people and the national park service that manages the area. For this reason, tourists are heavily encouraged not to climb. Uluru rises 348 meters above the ground, but the bulk of this rock lies underground. It has a circumference of 16 kilometres and can be walked around in full using a cleared path.
Alice Springs hostels from $27 a night
18. Darwin
Recommended by Edit From Edit Around The World
Although Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, it is rather small – but it’s actually a great place for shopping. Plus, for history lovers, it’s a true treasure city with the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and several aboriginal art galleries. On the other hand, adventure seekers can check out the Crocosaurus Cove, where the Cage of Death experience offers the thrill of being in the same environment, more precisely in a special cage in the water, together with a 5m long croc. Crocodile can also be found on many restaurant menus around Darwin. From crocodile sandwich to croc pizza, the variety is large and very delectable. It tastes rather like chicken, but it comes at a much higher price.
Taking a tour on the Adelaide river gave me the opportunity to see the techniques of the crocs when they’re preparing to attack. Litchfield National Park is a great place to see crocodiles in their natural habitat – plus it has wonderful swimming spots located at a high enough altitude that the crocodiles can’t reach.
Darwin hostels from $23 a night
Best places to visit in Western Australia
19. Perth
Recommended by Vicki from Make Time To See The World
Perth is one of my favourite places to visit in Australia and the perfect starting point for exploring more of the state. From its beach lined suburbs to the up-and-coming craft beer haven that is Freemantle, all of which is in easy reach of the famous wine region of Margaret River, it’s a foodies paradise with ever present sunny weather. Add to that epic skyline views from Kings Park, and that it’s only a hop, skip (and a short sail) to the beautiful Rottnest Island where you can get up close to some of Australia’s most interesting indigenous creatures (who doesn’t want a Quokka selfie?!). My personal favourite – in west facing Perth you’re always guaranteed an over-water sunset!
Perth hostels from $15 a night
20. Margaret River
Recommended by Alex from Like A Local
A scenic drive away from Western Australian’s capital city Perth lies Margaret River, an adorable and laid-back coastal town. Margaret River attracts all walks of life, from surfers looking for the best waves to wine connoisseurs browsing the local vineyards. My ideal day in Margaret River would begin with a delicious breakfast at the eclectic cafe The Margaret River Bakery, followed by a morning dip at nearby beach Hamelin Bay where you can meet the friendly stingrays parading along the shoreline.
In the afternoon check out world famous wineries, such as Fermoy Estate or Cape Mentelle. To accompany your wine, head to Olio Bello for a delicious lunch or to sample their array of olive oils. By this point you’ll need a sugar high to pick you up, so check out the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and enjoy their free samples before retiring for the evening with some live music at the famous Settlers Tavern in the centre of town.
Margaret River hostels from $30 a night
Best places to visit in Tasmania
21. Launceston
Recommended by Elle from This Is Yugen
If, like me, hiking mountains, swimming in crystal clear beaches and exploring small charming towns is your cup of tea, then be sure to take a sip of the city of Launceston. To me, there is no place more beautiful or unique in Australia. In the city, you have the option to confront your fear of heights on the world’s longest single span chairlift over Cataract Gorge, or trick yourself into thinking you have teleported to Japan at the permanent Japanese snow monkey exhibit in the City Park.
Meanwhile, a 2.5-hour drive to the north-east of Launceston takes you to the Bay of Fires, where you can swim in the impossibly clear sea and climb rocks spray painted the colour of fire by Mother Nature. If that’s not enough adventure for you, a 2-hour drive to the west of Launceston takes you to Cradle Mountain National Park, where you can go on an epic hiking adventure. With its perfect new moon curve peak, Cradle Mountain has become something of a symbol for Tasmania. Oh and did I mention that this place is basically wombat heaven – I promise you won’t leave without seeing at least two of these cuties!
Launceston hostels from $25 a night
22. Hobart
Recommended by Vicki from Make Time To See The World
Hobart is Tasmania’s capital and a tourist hotspot – and with good reason! Home to Australia’s biggest privately funded museum – MONA (Museum of Old & New Art) – it’s worth a visit to Hobart just to experience this incredible and ever evolving exhibition space (it’s an incredible looking building from the outside too!). Even if you are not a museum fan, Hobart has got something for everyone to enjoy. From the history of Port Arthur, the isolated beauty of Bruny Island, the hip market scene at Salamanca Place, the views from Mount Wellington and some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever get your hands on at Constitution Dock, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend break – or starting point for exploring the rest of Tasmania.
Hobart hostels from $23 a night
Best places to visit in South Australia
23. Kangaroo Island
Recommended by Sophie from Travel Matters
Located just a short ferry ride off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is known for its wildlife, classic Australian landscapes, nature reserves and fresh produce. Don’t let the name deceive you, the island isn’t covered in kangaroos, however there are many other animals and attractions to keep you busy for a few days! First up on your road trip has to be the Seal Bay Conservation Park where you can get up and close with seals frolicking and (mostly sleeping) on the beach.
Further along the coastline is where you’ll find the main area of attraction, Flinders Chase National Park, where epic cliff faces, seals perched on rocks and Admiral’s Arch will stun you and your camera. Journey further into the National Park to find the all-natural Australian beauties known as the Remarkable Rocks. The cluster of rocks that have naturally formed bizarre shapes (such as ‘Eagle Rock’) over time are mind blowing in itself, let alone the views along the island’s coastline.
Kangaroo Island hostels from $20 a night
24. Adelaide
Recommended by Sam from Sam Around The World
Fast becoming one of Australia’s favourite capital cities, Adelaide is constantly abuzz with festivals, events, markets, gigs and art exhibitions. Not only is Adelaide a stone’s throw away from some of the world’s best wine regions but it’s also renowned for its trendy restaurants and craft beer scene. You’ll quickly see for yourself why it’s one of the best places to visit in Australia. Spend a day wandering by the sea in Glenelg or trek through Waterfall Gully to the summit of Mt Lofty for an epic view over the city. However you decide to spend your time, you’ll soon see that a few days is hardly enough to fully experience this wonderful place.
Adelaide hostels from $18 a night
Now you know where to go, you might also want to take a look at a rundown of the best hostels in Australia!
Have we missed any of the best places to visit in Australia? Let us know in the comments!
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