20 Amazing Places to Visit in Australia - Stunning Coastlines of Australia

Australia is also popularly known as the “World down under.” Its rugged landscapes, scenic beaches, fun adventure activities, magnificent wildlife and vibrant city life attract tons of tourists year on year. Australia being a vast country and the largest continent in the Oceania region, tourists can not cover the entire continent in just one trip hence we’ve brought out a list of tourists spots that you must visit during your Australia tour package.

1. Blue Mountains from Sydney

2 hours drive outside of Sydney city is the famous mountainous region in New South Wales called the Blue Mountains. The mountains get their name from the blue colour that surrounds it this is due to the dense eucalyptus rainforest located here and once it refracts in the sunlight, it gives a hazy blue colour to its surrounding making the mountains look blue to the naked eye. Tourists escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney city to this mountain region full of peace and greenery for a change of scenery. The Blue Mountains are not just about admiring the scenery, it also has numerous activities called the scenic world rides such as the skywalk, Skyrail and the steepest railway ride. This is one of the most popular tourists spots in Australia that is usually done as a day trip, but if you would like to extend your stay for a weekend getaway, you can stay in hotels and resorts located here for an extra day or two.

Try out: The Skyrail to get an aerial view of the mountains and rainforest.

2. Penguin Parade at Philip Island

Philip island’s highlight is the penguins walking like they’re participating in a parade every evening at sunset into the beach. This is an advantage the country has due to being close to the Antarctic circle. Penguin lovers must note photography is banned here and you can adopt a penguin and pay for their protection and growth here. Philip island, located 90 minutes outside of Melbourne city, has also other numerous animals such as a large colony of fur seals at Seals rock, wallabies, koalas etc that you can meet during your day trip to this wildlife park.

Try out: Thrill-seekers looking for some need for speed can head to the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit to do some car or motorcycle racing.

3. Great Ocean Road

Located in Port Campbell national park outside of Melbourne city, the Great Ocean Road is all about the drive. It is a scenic heritage road that can be enjoyed by self-drive or by the way of coach tours. The highlight of this road trip is seeing the limestones rocks called the 12 apostles standing on the beach. This 244 km road also covers other not to be missed highlights such as cape Otway lighthouse, Kennet river and surf coast. The scenery makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.

Try out: Honeymoon couples can enjoy the scenic drive by renting a car and enjoying the road trip during this day trip outside of Melbourne city. All you need is your valid Indian driver’s licence in English along with a credit card to rent a car. Our travel consultants at PickYourTrail will be able to guide you on how to book a car rental for this joyride.

4. Harbour Bridge

Another piece of architecture that Sydney, even Australia is synonymous to. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, apart from, being a platform to some spectacular sights – read skyline harbour and of course the Opera House – has a colourful and historical significance. The steel through arch bridge that gives passage to rail, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between Sydney central business district and North Shore opened in 1932. Its design was said to be inspired from that of Hell Gate Bridge of New York City. Due to its arch-like design, it is affectionately also called The Coathanger. The bridge holds a lot of significance, especially, to the survivors of World War 2 who made it to Australia. Setting sights on the grand structure that Harbour Bridge is the immigrants found much respite from the memories of the war.

5. Melbourne Museum

Want a little more perspective into Australia? The Melbourne Museum is your guide to everything Australia. From social history to indigenous cultures to even science and environment, there is a lot you are exposed to. This natural and cultural history museum is located in the Heritage Site of Carlton Gardens. The museum is a great place for education, history, culture and society – for people to engage with each other in a contemporary setting. It is, in fact, the largest in Southern Hemisphere. With seven main galleries, there is a lot to explore for everyone. Among these, one is the Children’s Gallery. Sidney Myer Amphitheatre, The Age Theatre are additional facilities of the museum. A public research centre, called the Discovery Centre is located on the Lower level of the facility. If a little history is what you want to be exposed to, you must visit the Melbourne Story exhibition. Interested in the local Koorie culture? The museum celebrates it in Bunjilaka, Aboriginal Cultural Centre. It houses an IMAX theatre that screens a lot of 3D documentaries. For a laid back time walk into the museum souvenir shop and the cafe that serves some delicious coffee.

6. Warner Brothers Movie World, Gold Coast

Fancy taking a stroll with Marilyn Monroe. Let us correct that. Fancy taking a stroll along with a Marilyn Monroe look alike? Not the real deal but, hey, does satisfy that bucket doesn’t it? After a little tweak, of course. Welcome to the Warner Bros. Movie World! Just turned 25 years old, this movie based theme park is located in Gold Coast in Australia. There is much to explore and discover over here. Movie-themed rides and attractions are central to this place, of course. Stroll in the park and get an opportunity to meet, greet and take pictures with Batman, Austin Powers, Marilyn Monroe, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the ever-favourite Looney Tunes characters. Everything is a little bit more grander here. Street shows from skits to singing performances are a norm here. The All Star Parade showcasing characters alongside vehicles and movie-themed floats – positively do not give this a miss. Want to dig a little deeper? There are numerous active film studios within the complex – from Scooby Doo House of Wax to The Condemned, Ghostship and the 2003 Peter Pan movie. Like all good theme parks do, there is no dearth of coaster rides here too. From Lethal Weapon – the Ride to the Green Lantern coaster ride, the roller coaster will keep your spirits up and have you squealing – with joy, hopefully. Looney Toons Village is, for the classic Disney romantics, a must visit. Batwing Spaceshot, Arkham Asylum and Superman Escape are some of the crowd pullers. If a movie is love and movie is life, this, my friends, is your pilgrimage.

7. Australian War Memorial

Every country and continent has its own dark period of warring and the resultant mourning that lasts even longer the war. Memories of war are etched deeply into people’s minds, it is only acceptable that this mourning gets a tangible representation. Memorials around the world have different stories to tell. But they seem to glide and touch past the themes of bravery, of love of sacrifice, of pain, of loss of – sometimes – glory, misplaced might I add and of course of victory. And finally, peace because the deed is done and we can finally move on. Among the many memorials around the world, Australian War Memorial stands out. Dedicated to all the martyrs of the armed forces, it is considered the most significant of its type in the world. Located in Canberra, The War Memorial has a Commemorative Area – the shrine, a Hall of Memory, galleries and a Research Centre and Research Centre. On the outside, the Sculpture Garden is set up to provide pleasing visuals.

8. Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier reef is the largest reef system in the world stretching across 2300 km with the lively marine life and corals. The reef has 900 islands that can be explored through cruises, helicopter, seaplanes or boat rides from few of Queensland cities to experience this magnificent marine life that Australia has to offer. Great Barrer reef is definitely one of the biggest highlights of visiting Australia. The tours also provide adventure activities such as semi submarines, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling and scuba diving as per the clients choice.

Try out: Scuba diving at the Great Barrier reef should definitely be on any scuba diving enthusiasts bucket list as Australia is known worldly as one of the best places to do a deep-sea dive.

9. Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Uluru is also known as the grand canyon of Australia due to the similar rugged terrain. Ayers Rock is a sandstone rock formation right in the middle of Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park and is a UNESCO world heritage site. There are other activities conducted here such as camping underneath the clear skies for an amazing stargazing experience. Tourists must note that it is in a remote area so when travelling alone through a self-drive, they can not access help easily. Best bet is to take coach tours with a guide. Tourists looking for a cultural experience can meet the aboriginals here and learn more about their way of life. Do not miss out on the gorgeous sunset here!

Try out: watch the “Field of Light Uluru”, an installation by Bruce Munro that has over 50,000 glass spheres that light up the area in darkness. It is an absolutely breathtaking sight.

10. Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in Australia, located in the North East coast of Queensland state known for its sandy white beaches, beautiful lakes and its pinnacle hills. Find the unique breed of dogs called Dingoes here, a crossbreed between dogs and wolves. Whale watching is popular here from July to November, Bird watching can be done from August to March, and fishing can be tried out from July to October.

11. Murramarang National Park

No trip to Australia is complete without seeing Kangaroos. Murramarang National Park is located 206 km south of Sydney and offers a unique chance at seeing the Kangaroos on picturesque locations in their true habitat. The national park is popular for school trips, hiking, trekking, camping and doing other adventure activities.

Try out: Treasures from the Deep Opal and Shell Museum is not to be missed as it showcases fossils, shells, and artefacts from millions of years ago.

12. Otway National Park

Explore the rainforests of Otway national park, located 162 km South-west of Melbourne and find yourself in between beautiful and rare flora and fauna. Enjoy the waterfalls, click pictures with koala bears, explore the lighthouse, and walk through the rainforest and spot unique bird species.

Try out: Triplet Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia. Its secluded location makes sure that its serenity and ambience makes it a special place to explore.

13. Sydney Opera House, Sydney

A multi-venue performing arts centre, the Sydney Opera House is one of the most distinctive buildings in the world. Comprising of venues like Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Theatre, Drama Theatre, Playhouse, Utzon Room and Outdoor Forecourt, several purposes are served under one roof. Housing cafes, restaurants, bars and retail outlets, there’s indeed something for everyone here. With white roof shell shaped sails atop a massive red granite, it is no wonder the Opera House has been internationally acclaimed as an architectural icon of the 20th century. The Opera House hosts over 1,500 performances and sees more than 1.2 million people attend them. The vision the Opera House poses is a dramatic and unforgettable one – therefore being the focal point of the Sydney Harbour.

14. Adelaide Oval

This one is for the cricket enthusiasts. If you are a self-proclaimed enthusiast – you probably agree with Aussies when they declare the Adelaide Oval to be the most picturesque cricket ground in Australia, if not the world. If you don’t, you really need to reconsider that. But if you don’t, hey, here’s a little bit more about that lovely cricket ground. Located between the central city and North Adelaide, the Oval made news for being the very first location to host a day-night test series match. A success it was! The stadium continues to be used for both cricket and football. But it also hosts rugby league, rugby union, soccer and concerts. It seats about 34,000 people and is under the management of the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority. After the renovations in 2011, it is claimed as the “perfect piece of modern architecture that somehow maintains its contemporary character”. A lovely piece of architecture, indeed, this place is a must visit when in Australia.

15. Infinity, Gold Coast

Fancy being lost in a time warp? Maybe crossing over a bottomless chasm? These are not plagiarised plot lines from a sci-fi movie, we assure you. Step into Infinity in Gold Coast and know that you are in for a mind-blowing 40 minute experience. 20 futuristic mazes, that are filled with special effects, atmospheric sound fields and illusions that seem infinite. Expect some groovy music to set the mood. A good source for some family entertainment, many a maze experiences are on offer. Inter-Dimensional Space, to the Cyclotron Propel, Electron Maze, The Infinite Light Canyon, Laser Zone, The Infinite Light Canyon. Fancy names got you excited? Well, they got us excited too! What’s more – this is a first of its kind in the entire world. Unleash the exclusive sci-fi geekness, we say!

16. The Bellingham Maze

Fancy getting lost in a maze in a foreign country? Don’t be wary. It’s a lot of fun than it sounds. We promise! Made of 1,000 trees, the hedge maze is one among the many mazes designed by The Bellingham Maze. Led through a magic waterfall, a wishing well and then over a bridge and through a tropical rainforest garden will bring you to the hedge maze. Once here, you are required to travel to the mountain and locate the hidden fountain – by following the sound of watering pattering about of course. There is no dearth to fun here – every maze here is designed to keep you on your toes, thinking, analyzing and finding your way. From the tyre maze to the rope, mini puzzle – all are designed to systematically to get you lost and then, of course, find your way. There is also a Snow White themed dwarf-hunt where you can visit the wandering princess in her cottage and then set out to find the dwarves! A huge aviary, a cafe are other features this The Bellingham Maze offers. Fancy taking some of this adventure back home? Head over to the puzzle shop and stock your den. But, no matter, this is the place that you will keep wanting to come back to. Meanwhile, satisfy yourself with the little puzzles you have bought – the miniatures of your fantastic experience.

17. Kangaroo Valley

A two-hour drive from Sydney, Kangaroo Valley is snuggled between the mountains, is a perfect place for a day trip from Sydney. You can also choose to take a train if you like travelling by train. The valley is a perfect spot for picnics and fun making it one of the best one-day trips to do with your family from Sydney. You can go horse riding or kayaking on the kangaroo river. It is a small yet calm and soothing town filled with art stores, crafts and cafes. If you are visiting the place during October, plan your trip accordingly so that you can visit the annual Kangaroo Folk Festival.

18. Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a coastal town of Southeastern Australia in the state of New South Wales. It is one of the most popular holiday districts and has interesting water sports as leisure activities. Byron Bay is a magical place for the Australians. Lovely white sands and high tides make it perfect to go surfing, a favourite past time to the Australians. If you are not up for water sports, sit on the white sand beaches and enjoy the sunset with your friends or loved ones.

19. Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island is one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The island is famous for its cafe and glamping. For those who don’t know what’s glamping – it’s a glamorous way of camping in the woods or anywhere else. There are several guided tours organised by the locals that give you an idea of what the island is all about. Get your Indiana Jones hat and rediscover the island in an adventurous way. If you are unsure of what to do and where to go, head to the island’s visitor centre and grab a pamphlet.

20. Jenolan Caves

The Jenolan caves are situated in the heart of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. These caves have existed for thousands of years and take visitors on a trip down the history lane. The caves are roughly 40 km deep in and have multiple passages with every passage leading to a different path, to a different unique story. There are over 300 entrances to the cave which are also closeby to the Jenolan River. The caves have been a part of history to the Gundungurra and Wiradjuri tribes. It is also believed by the tribal people that the river waters have special healing powers. So why not take a dip and get yourself treated.

Book your slot for the Australian vacation from our collection of Australia Tour Packages soon and do not miss out the top places to visit in Australia. Pickyourtrail has it all covered for you starting from where to go, how to go and when to go. Leave the planning to us and enjoy a memorable trip to Australia.