Sydney Harbor, Australia
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10 Must Visit Places in Australia

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This list highlights 10 of my favorite spots while visiting Australia, and they are some of the most iconic vistas as well as some hidden gems. Connect all these far-flung places in my Australia trip itinerary.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. The Great Barrier Reef
  2. 2. Sydney Opera House
  3. 3. The Twelve Apostles
  4. 4. Uluru
  5. 5. The Blue Mountains
  6. 6. Cape Tribulation
  7. 7. Bondi Beach
  8. 8. Mornington Peninsula
  9. 9. Great Otway National Park
  10. 10. Byron Bay
  11. Bonus: Royal National Park

1. The Great Barrier Reef

The most accessible areas are disappearing quickly, so check out one of the largest reef systems of the world while you can! Teeming with fish and coral heads bigger than cars, the Great Barrier Reef is an incredible underwater city that provides a unique experience with every dive. A liveaboard is the best way to explore it, see why and what it’s really like diving with Reef Encounters.

Giant Clams with sun shining through the water at the surface while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Encounters, Cairns, Australia
Giant Clams while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Encounters, Cairns, Australia

2. Sydney Opera House

You’ll be surprised to learn that the design was originally not great acoustically, but ever since it’s completion in 1973 it has cemented its title of being one of the world’s most famous and distinctive buildings. The Opera House has been an enduring symbol of Sydney Harbor, and it is just as impressive today.

Looking at view of Sydney Opera House
Looking at view of Sydney Opera House

3. The Twelve Apostles

Located along the great ocean road in Southern Australia, The Twelve Apostles is one site that truly felt like it was out of a postcard. There are many other incredible natural formations along the way, each with their own stunning beauty. The journey to see these sites is the perfect weekend road trip form Melbourne.

Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Australia
Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Australia

4. Uluru

Uluru and Kata Tjuta are unusual sites with cultural significance, located in the red center of Australia. Take a short flight to Ayer’s Rock to explore all the hiking that the area has to offer as I cover in my 4 day itinerary.

Uluru at Sunrise in silhouette
Uluru at Sunrise

5. The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a hiker’s dream. Easily reached from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offers a variety of trails and even canyoning. A variety of guided tours make this wild area even simpler to visit.

Waterfall overlook on canyoning hike in the Blue Mountains
Waterfall overlook on canyoning hike in the Blue Mountains

6. Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation is one of the only places in the world where two world heritage sites meet. Here the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world. This makes for spectacular vistas and distinctly Australian adventures.

Walking along the beach at Cape Tribulation at sunset
Walking along the beach at Cape Tribulation

7. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach offers great surf, the famous Bondi icebergs pool, and a lovely walk to the next coastal town. Spend a day here to get a sense of Australian surf culture and get some steps in exploring.

Bondi icebergs pool, start of Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
Bondi icebergs pool, start of Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

8. Mornington Peninsula

You must visit a winery while in Australia. My favorite was Jack Rabbit Winery, located on the Mornington Peninsula, not too far from Melbourne. There is nothing better than sampling wine, having fresh seafood, and overlooking the ocean and vineyards at the same time!

Mussels Bowl and Wine flight overlooking the ocean at Jack Rabbit Winery, Bellarine Peninsula
Mussels bowl and wine flight overlooking the ocean at Jack Rabbit Winery

9. Great Otway National Park

Go chasing waterfalls in Great Otway National Park. Some waterfalls only require a 15 minute walk to reach. Now that’s what I call low effort, high reward!

Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park, Australia
Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park

10. Byron Bay

Byron Bay is the epitome of a cute surf town. With cute boutiques and cafes all over, don’t miss out on the views and whale spotting on the Cape Byron Walking track.

Wategos Beach in Byron Bay, walking along with surfer in the distance
Wategos Beach in Byron Bay

Bonus: Royal National Park

Take the drive outside of Sydney to this stunning park where you can hang out on the beach, go fishing, or get some fun shots on the cliffside walk.

Sitting on Rock Overhang over ocean, Watamolla Beach to Eagle Rock, Royal National Park Coastal Walk,
Sitting on Rock Overhang over ocean, Watamolla Beach to Eagle Rock, Royal National Park Coastal Walk

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