Best places in Australia
I hope the top 10 places to visit in Australia will give you joy. Australians will take any excuse to pack up and go. Whether it’s a school holiday, the festive season, or a long weekend, we love every opportunity to hit the road.
When that happens, you’ll see towns empty and highways fill up as locals migrate like geese and return yearly (think sun-kissed weatherboard beach houses filled with childhood summer memories or a favorite country retreat).
For many Australians, the holidays are a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors, and luckily, the lucky country has plenty of scenery to explore year-round, from colorful reefs to ocher deserts to powdery mountains. Throw in a healthy appetite and your favorite road trip playlist, and you’re ready to experience Australia like a local.
While expensive flights and long travel times may deter some from visiting Australia and its South Pacific neighbors, bucket list destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef and the famous Sydney Opera House cannot be overlooked.
If you travel to the region, it’s useful to know the best locales to explore. US News ranks the top 10 places to visit in Australia and the Pacific based on user polls, expert opinions, and tourist-friendly accommodation.
According to Australians, these top 10 places to visit in Australia are not to be missed:
- Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, New South Wales
- Bruny Island, Tasmania
- McLaren Vale, South Australia
- Alice Springs, Northern Territory
- Seventeen Seventy, Queensland
- Yarra Valley – A spectacular experience
- Pitt Street Mall in Sydney – An iconic place
- Sydney
- Rundle Mall in Adelaide – A great shopping place
- The Rocks – A historic area
The top 10 places to visit in Australia are described below.
The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is stunning in history along its shores. The walk takes you past Tamarama Beach and Mackenzie Bay, bringing you amazing panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and sand that will take your breath away.
If you’ve never walked before, you might think it’s probably all sand and water, but this hour-long trek is steeped in a rich history that makes Australia proud today. Let’s look at what makes walking the Bondi to the Bronte coast so special and learn about the many activities and sights along the way. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
Start at Bondi Beach Your adventure begins at Bondi Beach. This one-kilometer stretch of golden sand symbolizes Australia’s surf and beach culture. Your walk begins on a well-defined moderate-gradient pathway with wonderful views along the rocky coast.
The beach has also featured on the long-running reality television show Bondi Rescue. It has professional lifeguards employed by the local council, who wear blue. You’ll find eateries, cafes, and bars not far from the main drag as you walk. Many stop for famous food and drinks before continuing on the trail.
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, New South Wales
Fun facts about Bondi Beach:
- Bondi is an Aboriginal word meaning water breaking over rocks or the sound of water breaking over rocks.
- Bondi became a public beach on 9 June 1882.
- Length of beach: one kilometer long.
- Beach width: 50 m wide (north end) and 100 m wide (south end).
- Water temperature is around 21 degrees in December/January/February, while around 16 degrees in September/October.
Fun facts about Bronte:
- Bronte holds an annual long-distance ocean swimming event between Bondi Beach and Bronte every December.
- One of Bronte’s biggest attractions, Bronte Baths is a public ocean swimming pool set on sandstone cliffs at the southern end of Bronte Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The Bronte and Bondi regions boast amazing shopping, dining, and accommodation for tourists and locals alike.
Bruny Island, Tasmania:
Home to breathtaking and diverse landscapes, stunning wildlife, an array of cuisines to delight the palate, and delicious single malts to soothe the soul, Bruny Island is sure to become a repeat destination on your Australian adventure.
Accessed only by ferry from the southeast coast of Tasmania, Australia, Bruny Island is an adventure set against the state’s open grasslands to the north and rainforest to the south. Joined by a narrow isthmus, aptly known as “The Neck,” Bruny Island is Tasmania’s premier island destination, known for its breathtaking scenery.
Open grasslands and light bushland define North Bruny, while the south has national parks and large rainforest areas. Once illuminated by Australia’s second-oldest lighthouse, a new modern light transports you back to a place that always felt like home. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
History
Despite a visit by British explorers in 1773, Bruny Island is named after Bruny d’Entrecasteaux, a French explorer. The spelling was changed from Bruni to Bruny in 1918. James Cook stayed there for two days in 1777, long enough to carve his initials into a tree commemorated by a plaque today.
A large community exists, mainly inhabited exclusively by tribals. Bruny was originally known as Lunawanna-Alonnah; the small settlements are known today by their original names. Since the 1830s, the island has been used for timber, apple orchards, sheep, and cattle grazing.
Get ready for engagement
Bruny Island is sure to please your appetite for food and variety. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion at a private retreat overlooking the sea and mountains, rough it out at a private eco-camping ground, or commune with nature at a wildlife preserve, get ready for personal bliss.
You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to tour the island—about 100 kilometers long—from the highest tip in the north to the lighthouse at Cape Bruny to experience the dramatically changing landscapes from “The Neck” to Bruny Island in the south. Keep your phone handy for panoramic photos of the coastline and Tasman Sea.
Tall forests, beaches, farmland, and open bays fulfill all your eco wishes. Refresh your senses with the scent of eucalyptus and take in the wild coastline on one of the world’s best eco-cruises from Adventure Bay. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars to see some of the world’s most exclusive birds. Was it the Forty-spotted Pardalote? It sure was!
Things to do
There is so much to do, see, eat, and enjoy in Bruny. We can’t tell you everything, but here’s a little of what you’ll find on this incredible and singular island that will surprise you and leave you yearning for more.
Make your way to Cape Bruny Lighthouse for a tour guided by people who grew up on the rugged coast and uncover the secrets of the scene built by convicts who arrived in 1836.
You will enjoy a 25-minute tour and climb the spiral staircase. Share first-hand accounts of stories about Australia’s last light keepers as your guide on the lighthouse balcony for iconic views of the Tasman Sea, South East Cape, and Whale Head. We can’t promise that the whales will reveal themselves, but it’s worth a shot.
A Bruny Island cruise was named one of the top 100 cruises in the world by New York’s Travel & Leisure magazine. Explore the coastline on a custom-built boat and spot seals, dolphins, penguins, white wallabies, and more.
Wildlife lovers
The world’s largest population of the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote and up to a third of the world’s swift parrot population await you with the black-faced cormorant. Bruny isn’t classified as an “Important Bird Area” by BirdLife International for nothing! If you haven’t been an ornithologist before, it might be time to leave Bruny.
Don’t miss the opportunity to peek at the world’s smallest penguin, the Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor), 40 cm tall and weighing just one kilogram, from September to February. Don’t forget to wear dark clothes, because little fairies are wary. A wildlife guide will be happy to assist you in this world of flightless birds.
Bruny Island also has a thriving population of white wallabies, a rare mutation of Bennett’s wallabies that results in white fur and pink eyes, nose, and claws.
With no predators to worry about on the island, they populate freely. Albino animals live on the southern side of Adventure Bay and are most active at dusk and dawn. When you first see this unique animal in its natural habitat, it will feel a bit like Neverland.
Foodie’s Heaven Manuka honey—one of the most unique and beneficial forms of honey in the world—is known for its healing powers. Tasmanian honey, straight from the hive, is prized by connoisseurs, regulars, and novices alike. With nearly 400 hives on Bruny Island, be sure to put this sweet take-home delight on your shopping list.
McLaren Vale, South Australia
The McLaren Vale wine region is home to world-class wines and unique experiences. You can visit beautiful surroundings, stay in an amazing place, and enjoy food made with local products.
One of McLaren Vale’s most famous wines is Shiraz, which also produces some high-quality Grenache and Cabernet.
Their wine selection is great for wine lovers who like the variety they offer.
The McLaren Vale wine region is a charming place both inside and out. We recommend you visit this McLaren Vale wine region. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
History of McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale’s history is clear and rich, spanning thousands of years and shrouded in a mixture of Kaurna culture and European colonization. John Rennell and Thomas Hardy planted grape vines in 1838, which quickly led to the creation of Seaview and Hardy Winery. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
In the spring, visit the outback town of Alice Springs, where adventure awaits. Nestled between the East and West McDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is celebrated for its desert landscape and the people who shaped its history.
The region holds a strong cultural connection with the traditional guardians, the Arrernte people. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
Watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon
There is nothing like seeing the dawn from the darkness in a hot air balloon. Greet the dawn of the desert as you gently sway, keeping an eye out for kangaroos, brumbies, and camels far below. As the sun hits the escarpment of the McDonnell Range, the landscape is illuminated in a golden glow.
Enjoy sparkling wine and light refreshments after landing, or volunteer to help the crew pack up the balloons – all hands are welcome to join in the fun.
Meet the wildlife of the desert
Meet goannas, spiny devils, and ring-necked lizards at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, home to more than 100 reptiles in their natural habitat.
Meet Chris ‘Brolga’ Barnes, who starred in the BBC’s Kangaroo Dundee series, at the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides a safe habitat for rescued orphaned joeys that are rehabilitated before being released into the wild.
Guided tours occur at sunset when the kangaroos are most active and offer the opportunity to get close to these famous Australian marsupials.
See the desert alive
Learn about the flora and fauna of Central Australia at Alice Springs Desert Park. Follow the trail through three desert habitats to see a free-flying bird of prey display in the nature theater. See native reptiles, bats, birds, and Australian bilbies in cool, dark nocturnal habitats.
Learn about Indigenous customs and ancient life culture with local guides who give presentations on desert foods and herbal medicines. An evening nocturnal excursion reveals critters that can be seen after dark.
Seventeen Seventy, Queensland
Seventeen Seventy is a small seaside resort famous for its lovely beaches and good fishing. It is located 501 kilometers north of Brisbane between Gladstone and Bundaberg to the southeast.
The most common access is through Miriam Vale, located on the Bruce Highway, 63 km west-southwest of Seventeen Seventy. This road takes you directly through Agnes Water, which is 6 km south of Seventeen Seventy.
The road is sealed from Miriam Vale except for approximately 2.2 km. It is sealed from Bundaberg. Deepwater National Park, Eurymbula National Park, and Round Hill Head are nearby.
On Wednesday, 24 May 1770, Lieutenant James Cook anchored the Endeavor about 3 km off this part of the coast. The ship was 32 meters by 9 meters and weighed 374 tons. Provisions included 81 tons of water, 9.64 tons of bread in bags, 5460 liters of beer in puncheons, 4000 pieces of beef, and 1.13 tons of raisins. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
National park
Nearby are both Deepwater National Park and Eurymbula National Park, characterized by rainforest, native bush, open heathland, wetlands, coastal vegetation, waterholes, abundant native animals, and bird life including emus.
Some lovely secluded beaches offer excellent opportunities for both swimming and beach and rock-fishing.
For more information on both parks, visit the Agnes Waters entry, which is the departure point for any potential visitor.
Yarra Valley – A spectacular experience
Soar above the Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon or meander by foot or car for scenic views of rolling hills, lush greens, and pastures. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
Scenery and vines
With boutique wineries around every corner of the valley, you’ll soon come to terms with its charms. Enjoy food tastings at the cellar door or with wine and lovely vines as you tour the surroundings. Pop into Ferguson Winery, Medhurst Wines, and Tarrawarra Estate.
Take in views of the valley from inside and outside the curved Tarrawarra Museum of Modern Art, built to blend into the landscape.
Forestry and wildlife
Graze a gourmet picnic with local produce in the peaceful fern groves and mountain ash at Badger Weir Park near Healesville. Spend an afternoon with friendly local wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, and shy platypuses.
Enter Sugarloaf Reservoir for bushwalking along an 18-kilometer trail. Enjoy bird watching, sightseeing, sailing, and coastal fishing, or relax with a picnic on Ironbark Ridge or Saddle Dam overlooking the reservoir.
The magic of flowers
The valley blossoms in spring. Look for cherry festivals at Cherryhill Orchards and Blue Hills Berries and Cherries, and celebrate the lavender season at Warratina Lavender Farm.
Pitt Street Mall in Sydney – An iconic place
Sydney is famous for its sights, harbor, food, and of course, shopping opportunities. While it may be the most exciting place to shop in the country, it’s dynamic, constantly changing, and always has something new for tourists.
For those interested in exploring this vibrant city, check out the best places to shop in Sydney. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
Rocks Markets
One of the best places for weekend shopping in Sydney, Rocks Market is charming, to say the least! The cobblestone streets are lined with vendors offering everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and souvenirs. Artists find this environment to be creative, and you may even see some of them sketching a scene or illustrating their work.
Sydney
Australia’s largest city is one of the most beautiful in the world. Most of its attractions revolve around the harbor, a dramatic expanse that forms a sanctuary for some of the country’s best beaches.
This is the Sydney you see on postcards, with the towering Harbor Bridge and Opera House’s shell-like fans plunging into the emerald waters. More sandy stretches await along the coast from Coogee to Bondi, attracting surfers and sun worshipers alike. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
When to visit:
The best time to visit Sydney is between October and May when it’s almost always sunny and the beaches are unspoiled. However, whale season is not to be missed, running from June to September, when 20,000 sea giants migrate to the coast.
Rundle Mall in Adelaide – A great shopping place
The best places to shop in Adelaide offer a range of options, from sprawling mega-malls to artisanal streets. Rundle Mall is a good place to start, with several strip malls, but don’t overlook more local spots where you can find thrift and vintage stores for a morning ramble.
Not sure where to go first? This list of the best places to shop in Adelaide should help. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
Rundle Mall
Attracting 22 million visitors annually, Rundle Mall is a car-free shopping street with over 700 retail stores, 15 arcades and centers, and 300 services. The full range of shops you’d expect in a city of Adelaide’s scale spans everything from hats and button bars to vintage photography and watch repair, through to the usual global fashion, beauty, and homeware brands.
Rundle Plaza and Adelaide Arcade are two of the self-contained malls within the mall. The former has undergone recent renovations, modernizing the 1960s building to create an enhanced dining experience, “The Terrace at Rundle Mall Plaza,” overlooking the busy pedestrian strip.
Adelaide Central Market
One of South Australia’s top tourist attractions, foodies flock to the Adelaide Central Market for a variety of artisan and multicultural goods under the roof of a gorgeous red brick building.
Conceived in 1869, today the market has more than 70 stalls and is still a traditional fresh produce market selling vegetables, fruits, seafood, and meat in addition to health foods and small produce.
The influence of Adelaide’s Chinatown, which blends with the western side of the market, can be seen in the surrounding restaurants and cafes. A handy tram stop outside King William Street, with Victoria Square on the right, or use one of the 1,000 undercover car park spaces.
Queen Street, Croydon
Featuring an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, vintage shops selling fashion and furniture, and trendy cafes, local creatives also decorate the area with colorful street art.
For those serious about brunch – and let’s face it, who doesn’t love eggs, Florentine? – food on Queen Street includes breakfast and lunch. Head to the inner west suburbs for a morning chat among the shops, stopping for a coffee at one of the independent roasters serving liquid gold – don’t forget to grab some beans to go.
The Rocks – A historic area
One place you won’t want to miss when visiting Sydney, Australia, is The Rocks. It’s Sydney’s oldest historic precinct, located directly under the Sydney Harbor Bridge, in the heart of the city.
It was originally the site of the first European settlement, established in 1788 when convict-carrying ships arrived from England to colonize New South Wales.
Which part of Australia should you visit?
As one of the largest countries in the world, there are many interesting places to visit. On your first visit, I recommend discovering Sydney, Rock,
Is traveling to Australia expensive?
A budget trip can start around Rs. 60,000 for a week, covering flights and basic expenses, while more luxurious experiences can cost upwards of Rs. 1,50,000 or more for the same period.
How much money do tourists spend in Australia?
Total tourism spending in 2022-23 was $164.5 billion. This is up 72% or $68.6 billion from 2021-22,
My Advice for visitors
Here are some tips for top 10 places to visit in Australia visitors:
Planning for varied climates: Australia’s climate varies greatly in different regions. The north can be tropical, while the south experiences distinct seasons.
Respect native wildlife: Australia is home to unique wildlife, including some endangered species. Be careful in wild areas, follow guidelines in national parks, and avoid feeding animals.
Be sun-safe: The Australian sun can be intense, especially in summer. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and stay hydrated.
Understand time zones: Australia spans multiple time zones. Be aware of these differences when planning travel, especially if you have connecting flights or scheduled tours.
Learn some Aussie slang: Australians use a lot of slang. Familiarizing yourself with common phrases like “arvo” (afternoon), “brekkie” (breakfast), and “g’day” (hello) can make your interactions smoother.
Use public transport in cities: Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have efficient public transport systems. Consider getting a travel card like Opal (Sydney) or Myki (Melbourne) for convenience.
These tips will help you make the most of your trip to the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
