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10 of the Most Stunning Places to Visit in Australia

With its magnificent landscapes and captivating cities, it’s easy to see why Australia is such a popular destination for holidaymakers from around the world. It’s also home to around 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including both man-made and natural wonders. 

In this article, we’ll share with you some of the country’s most stunning places to visit, encompassing all corners of this Great Southern Land. 

If you want to tick a few off your “bucket list”, be sure to book your accommodation well ahead of time if you want to score the best deals. Whether you’re after a holiday rental in Wollongong or a place to stay in Sydney, you’ll find options to suit. Websites like Rentola offer a diverse array of properties in Wollongong, which is the perfect base for exploring the beaches and national parks of the Illawarra region.

1. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland 

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef is an underwater wonderland off the coast of Queensland. It comprises around 3,000 reefs and coral cays that provide a habitat for a dizzying array of tropical fish, sea turtles and marine mammals. The best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is on a snorkeling or scuba diving cruise or you can get a bird’s eye view during a helicopter flight. 

2. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

With its jagged peak rising above the reflective waters of Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain has long lured adventure-seeking travellers. It lies at one end of the 65-kilometre Overland Track, one of Australia’s most famous multi-day hikes. For a shorter walk, you can gaze up at this iconic mountain from the Dove Lake Circuit or enjoy breathtaking views from Marion’s Lookout. 

3. Uluru and the Red Centre, Northern Territory

At the very heart of Australia is Uluru, a red-hued sandstone monolith that seemingly rises out of the surrounding desert plains. It forms part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a spectacular area that is of cultural significance to Australia’s Indigenous peoples. While watching sunrise or sunset over Uluru is a “must”, so too is witnessing the domed rock formations of “The Olgas”. 

4. Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

One of Australia’s most visited attractions is Sydney Harbour, with its sparkling blue waters and iconic Opera House. It can be admired from one of many vantage points that overlook the water or from the comfort of a ferry. Parklands ring the harbour shores, with the most famous being the magnificent Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. 

5. Fraser Island, Queensland

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fraser Island (also known as “K’Gari”) encompasses magnificent rainforests, coastal heaths and dune-backed beaches off the southeast coast of Queensland. Due to its rugged terrain, it is best explored by 4WD, which will allow you to access its crystal clear lakes and red-hued cliffs. One of Fraser Island’s most photographed sites is the rusted shipwreck of the S.S. Maheno.

6. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Encompassing majestic wetlands and soaring sandstone escarpments, Kakadu is an undeniably evocative destination. It sprawls across almost 20,000 square kilometers and provides a habitat for saltwater crocodiles, flatback turtles and a staggering diversity of birdlife. Join a guided tour to discover its UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders, which include serene swimming holes and some of the world’s oldest Indigenous rock art. 

7. Barossa Valley, South Australia 

Settled by German migrants in the 19th century, the Barossa Valley is now one of Australia’s most famous wine-growing regions. It’s home to not only big-name wineries but also boutique cellar doors where you can taste the local specialty, Shiraz. In recent years, the Barossa Valley has established itself as a foodie hub, with not only great wines but also gourmet restaurants found in the towns of Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston. 

8. Great Ocean Road, Victoria 

Extending 240 kilometers along the south coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road was built by soldiers returning from World War I as a memorial to those who lost their lives. It’s famed for the limestone stacks known as the “Twelve Apostles”, as well as the legendary surf break at Bells Beach. Laid-back coastal towns dot the route, including Port Fairy and Apollo Bay. 

9. The Kimberley, Western Australia

Encompassing the sparsely populated northern reaches of Western Australia, the Kimberley is an area of rugged mountain ranges, spectacular gorges and remote coastlines. It’s traversed by the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road, which serves as the main artery for accessing its national parks, freshwater swimming holes and outback stations. 

10. Maria Island, Tasmania

Located a short ferry ride off the east coast of Tasmania, Maria Island is a former convict settlement that is now protected as a national park. It’s not only home to large numbers of wombats, wallabies and Forester kangaroos but it boasts one of the healthiest populations of Tasmanian devils in the world. Explore the convict probation station at Darlington before marvelling at the patterned sandstone of the Painted Cliffs.

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