The must-see tourist attractions in Australia

Is there a richer, more exciting destination than Australia? It’s one of the biggest countries in the world, and equally big is the amount of things to do there. The abundance and diversity of wildlife, landscapes and ways of life that coexist in one country is sure to shock you. 

Here you will find a comprehensive guide to the top tourist attractions in Australia, both urban and natural. Of course, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of other ways to spend your time! You should tailor your itinerary to your budget and interests, but being bored in Australia is literally impossible, so don’t worry.

Exploring the top urban tourist attractions in Australia 

Sydney 

Is it even possible to travel to Australia and not make a stop in Sydney? I don’t think so! The iconic view of the Opera House on the harbor is something you simply must see in Australia. 

There are so many activities to partake in here that we’ve prepared a specific guide about the things to do in Sydney. Some of the essentials, besides the aforementioned Opera House, are:

• The Sydney Harbour Bridge
• The Royal Botanic Garden
• Bondi beach
• The Australian Museum

Melbourne 

Melbourne is the capital of the Southeastern state of Victoria, a huge metropolis filled with fun activities to enjoy in and around it. Culture, nature, sports… you name it, Melbourne has it.

In terms of cultural attractions, there are some great museums to visit, like the Melbourne Museum. For Jurassic Park fans, until the 20th of October there’s a special exhibit where you can meet Victoria the T. Rex. The National Gallery of Victoria is another museum worth visiting if you have enough time. 

Melbourne hides another cultural gem: its laneways. These notorious alleys have bars, cafes, shops and, most interestingly, street art. If you see a narrow street, walk through it! You never know what you might find in it. 

What about nature? First of all, the Royal Botanic Garden is a must-see. But this region is also known for its wineries, which make for great activities to enjoy with friends or a loved one. 

There’s another unique activity in Melbourne that you can’t miss out on: seeing the unbelievably cute little penguins (their actual name!) from Phillip Island Nature Park. 

Last but not least, Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia. If it fits in your itinerary and budget, I strongly recommend attending a game of Australian rules football (AFL). Probably the most famous of all sporting events in the country, the Australian Open takes place in Melbourne so, if you’re a fan of tennis, this is the place to be. 

Perth

You’ll get a different experience in Perth than in Sydney or Melbourne. It’s much quieter and less crowded than the aforementioned cities, which is great! But are there enough things to do in Perth to make it worth the visit? Absolutely. 

The city itself is home to a huge variety of attractions. The massive Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a must-see. With its stunning views of the nearby Swan River, this park is the most relaxing way to end the day after walking around the city. The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a window into the aboriginal art of this country, a great contrast with the more modern artworks. Another great place to observe Australian art is in the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, focused only on modern pieces. 

In terms of nature, the local beaches are the main attraction. The best ones are Cottesloe Beach, Metthams Pool and Bathers Beach. You can also visit the nearby wineries if you like a bit of enotourism.  

Depending on the time of the year you choose to travel, you could also join a whale watching cruise, only available between September and December. If you’d prefer to spend your days with tiny animals instead of huge ones, you can head to Rottnest Island to meet the adorable quokkas and, if you’re lucky, get a picture with them. 

Less than half an hour South you’ll find Fremantle, Perth’s Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fremantle Prison is one of the most interesting attractions of Western Australia. 

Brisbane

Brisbane is a destination in constant growth with much to offer to its visitors, both inside the city and around it. For example, you can book a tour to climb the Story Bridge during the day or at night (the twilight option is the best way to see the city come alive). 

The Museum of Brisbane (MOB), located on the 3rd floor of the City Hall, is another must-see. It’s also the starting point to see the Clock Tower from within, a fantastic viewpoint to admire all of Brisbane. The Clock Tower tour is free so, if you’re up for the climb, don’t miss out on it! Another option for a cultural outing is the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

After a day of touring around, a typical way to get some much needed rest and relaxation is to visit one of the many breweries littered around Brisbane for a craft beer. 

When it comes to natural attractions, you’re about to find out that Brisbane is a great place to visit for adventure lovers. Man-made Streets Beach comes immediately to mind, but a trip to Moreton island, the world’s third largest sand island, will prove much more exciting. Some of the island’s top activities include:

• A snorkeling tour of the Tangalooma shipwrecks and the marine life that lives within them 
• A natural spa day in the Blue Lagoon (the water has tree oils with healing properties)
• Rolling down a sand dune on a toboggan
• Kayaking, surfing, and water and beach sports
• Hiking to Honeymoon Bay

I’ve left the best for last, because Brisbane is home to an iconic and unmissable attraction: the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting a close-up look of a koala, this is the right place to go. Get the Instagram post of a lifetime by recording everything! 

Tourist attractions in Australia for nature lovers

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has been one of the top tourist attractions in Australia for ages. Its beaches are a surfer’s dream, with 70 km of coastline available. Some of the best are Surfers Paradise Beach, Rainbow Bay, Kirra Beach, Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek. If it’s your first time, many of these offer surfing lessons, but you can always enjoy swimming or paddle boarding if you prefer.

But what can you do outside of the water? Plenty! For example, if you travel with kids, you’ll be pleased to know that this area is famous for its theme parks, including Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Wet'n'Wild. 

Here are a few other suggestions to round up your itinerary:

• Inland from this area is the Scenic Rim, where you can explore the Australian rainforest.
• Australia is a minefield of breweries, and the Gold Coast is no exception. You have to visit at least one!
• Climb to the top of SkyPoint for a different perspective of the local scenery.

Natural parks and reserves

Australia has a massive array of national parks and natural reserves to visit, highlighting the country’s different landscapes, from the desert to the forest. 

Our guide about the Australian national parks will help you plan your trip, as well as provide some vital information and tips. 

Some other options include:

• Blue Mountains National Park
• Cape Range National Park
• Wilsons Promontory

Great Barrier Reef

This is arguably the most famous natural attraction in the world! It’s a magical place and an extremely important source of biodiversity in terms of corals, plants and animals. 

The typical starting point for exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is Cairns. However, there are many tours available and you just have to pick the one that suits you best. Snorkeling and diving are essential activities to enjoy in this area, but there’s even more awaiting. For example, there’s a “Museum of Underwater Art”, submarine rides, and overnight experiences (you literally sleep above the reef). 

Great Ocean Road 

This might be the greatest road trip you could embark on in Australia. How could it not be? You will be driving with a turquoise sea on one side, and a lush, green forest on the other. 

Most itineraries begin in Melbourne and end in Portland, but you can always pick and choose which stops to make.

You can spend the day in one of the beaches that are right off the road for some surfing, go to a lookout to get a panoramic view and some great pictures, or adventure into the forest (you might find some beautiful waterfalls along the way). Two other natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road are:

• Lake Elizabeth, where you can see the rare platypuses in the wild! 
• The Twelve Apostles, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Australia

Australia attractions map: plan your itinerary!

We've gone over all the amazing things to do in Australia, but with such a large country, it's essential to know where everything is. Here's a map of all the attractions highlighted in this guide!