Top 21 Places To Visit In Australia
Posted on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 by Ankita Awasthi Leave a Comment
Not only is Australia the smallest continent and the sixth-largest country in the world but is an on-spot getaway for all the explorers. Its diverse options to explore all kinds of places make it an appealing destination for travellers in the world. And why wouldn’t it? From thrilling to serene, there are many places in Australia to explore and this beautiful country is a complete package for all types of travel interests. The sheer size of Australia is nothing short of impressive. Covering an area of over 7.6 million square kilometres, it is one of the most megadiverse countries in the world.
What allows the travellers to visit the country, time and again, is how slow time gets here accompanied by the most-friendly natives of the place. From rocky cliff lines and sheltered coves to wide expanses of golden sand, Australia’s coastline has something for everyone. Interestingly, the coastline is dotted with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Having said that, we present to you the best places to visit in Australia. Rest assured, few of these places could be lesser popular than others but are equally breathtaking and significant.
Table Of Content
| 1. The Rocks | Historic Laneways |
| 2. Melbourne | The Sporting Capital of the World |
| 3. The Great Barrier Reef | A Coral reef in Australia |
| 4. Chinatown | Chinese Ethnic Enclave In Sydney |
| 5. Circular Quay | Gateway To Sydney |
| 6. The Sydney Opera House | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| 7. Hyde Park | Oldest Public Parkland In Sydney |
| 8. Palm Beach | Summer Bay |
| 9. Bondi Beach | World’s Most Famous Beach Destinations |
| 10. Royal Botanic Garden | Oldest Garden in Melbourne |
| 11. Mountain Kosciuszko | Australia’s tallest mountain |
| 12. Fraser Island | World’s Largest Sand Island |
| 13. George Street | Oldest Street In Sydney |
| 14.Great Ocean Road | World’s Largest War Memorial |
| 15. Kangaroo Island | Australia’s Third-Largest Island |
| 16. King’s Cross | Late-Night Heart Of Sydney |
| 17. Kakadu National Park | Australia’s Largest Park |
| 18. Port Arthur | Most Significant Convict Era Sites Worldwide |
| 19. St. Mary’s Cathedral | New South Wales |
| 20. Blue Mountains National Park | Great UNESCO World Heritage |
| 21. Sydney Harbor | World’s Finest Natural Harbour |
1. The Rocks
The era of modern Sydney has emerged from no other place other than “The Rocks”. Ever since the European natives arrived in 1788, this place gave a platform for them to construct their rich colonial houses and shops. Being located next to Sydney Harbor adds to the location’s charm. Witnessing these breathtaking architectures and mesmerising sights is everything you’ll need to kickstart your travel itinerary.
You could note that this place is not just confined to sightseeing but also offers various facilities like delicious food, and interesting activities like Sydney harbour jet boat thrills. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your ultimate travel itinerary followed by looking for the best booking options for flights from India to Sydney (and back).
- Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
- Timings: No timing restrictions.
- Distance from Nearest Airport: The Rocks is 15.3 Km away from the Sydney Airport (SYD) which takes about 22 minutes to commute.
2. Melbourne
A perfect place to feast on mouthwatering cuisines while enjoying the comfortable aura of cultural diversity. Many might know, that Melbourne is referred to as the “Sporting Capital of the World”. Despite that, the city has so much to offer for all kinds of tourists with their diverse interests. Melbourne is one of the most liveable cities in the world and it’s no wonder that it is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne. The graffitied lanes, aromatic coffees, sporting events, art galleries, live music, festivals and fashion events National Gallery of Victoria, arcades, federation square, royal botanic gardens, great ocean road, St. Kilda beach, and bayside sites are all you’d need to fall in love with the city. Also, before considering the options for flights from India to Melbourne, make sure you are ready with the road mapping of your itinerary.
- Best Time To Visit: September-November; March to May
- Timings: No timing restrictions.
- Distance from Melbourne Airport: 23.1 Km which takes around 30 minutes to cover the distance.
3. The Great Barrier Reef
Another amazing tourist destination of Australia that one just can’t miss onto. Interestingly, this place is even listed among the top world heritage and is referred to as one of the seven wonders of the world. The Great Barrier Reef is the “world’s largest coral reef system”, consisting of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. The surface area of the place stretches up to 2300 km which seems fairly enough for a traveller to spend a day-long exploration.
The magnificent structure is a pro location not just to offer you some amazing sights but is a mini-paradise for all the nature enthusiasts and water activity lovers, especially for diving and snorkelling. So wait no more and plan your trip to the Great Barrier Reef today. Also, before you research for the best flights from India to Cairns, you must keep other factors and requisite bookings into consideration as well.
- Best Time To Visit: June to October
- Timings: Not mentioned
- Distance from Cairns International Airport: 259 km
4. Chinatown
As the name suggests, this tourist attraction in Australia brings a hint of China for you to experience. Located in the southern part of Sydney Central Business District, China Town is one of Australia’s most interesting urban enclaves. Its history dates back to the early 1800s, now people can enjoy Chinese culture and food here.
What’s more, this neighbourhood has something for everyone from traditional Chinese food and markets to colourful architecture and lanterns. And if that is not enough, residing adjacent to the darling harbour and central station, this place is a part of the big web of Haymarket suburb. So, if you’re planning to visit something non-conventional yet memorable, Sydney’s China Town is the place for you.
- Best Time To Visit: September – November; March-May.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Distance from Sydney Airport: 12.1 km
5. Circular Quay
A prime location on Sydney’s harbour, Circular Quay is an international passenger shipping port. Standing tall beside the sparkling water, this place is Sydney’s main ferry terminal. Circular Quay is one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks and one of the busiest areas in the city. Located on the waterfront at the mouth, it is home to a number of attractions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens as well as a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops.
There’s always something to do in Circular Quay, whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an action-packed adventure. It’s also a great place to take a walk or enjoy a meal or drink with friends. You can easily give a boost to your sightseeing plans while taking a water ride around the harbour.
- Best Time To Visit: October-November; February-March
- Timings: No restricted timings. However, for the convenience of getting around, it is advisable for tourists to visit Circular Quay during the hours that ferry services run, which are from 8 AM to 9 PM.
- Distance from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: 9.1 km
6. The Sydney Opera House
Talking about the best places to visit in Australia, the Sydney opera house can’t be left behind. Completed in 1973, it is also one of the most recognizable structures in the world and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The opera house contains multiple performance venues as well as a restaurant, bar, and educational centre.
Sydney opera house annually hosts more than 1,500 performances and welcomes nearly 8 million visitors from all over the globe. Its detailed architectural marvel with 75% of the site surrounded by water is surely a witness-worthy view. The structure is designed in an unusual form of huge shells. Even though the place is currently under a 10-year long restoration project, it will continue to remain functional and open for its visitors.
- Best Time To Visit: September – November; March-May.
- Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Distance from Sydney Airport: 15 Km which takes about 20 minutes to cover the distance.
7. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a must-see tourist attraction in Sydney, Australia. The parklands are expansive and provide a green oasis in the heart of the city. With gardens, playgrounds, sculptures, and fountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can also take a walk or ride through the park on one of the many provided pathways.
As an added bonus, many of Australia’s top tourist places are located within walking distance of Hyde Park. The place comprises umpteen monuments, statues, artwork, and various water features. Interestingly, it is Australia’s oldest park and shines as beautifully as it has been since its inception. Located in the heart of the city, this place potentially attracts all kinds of tourists that visit Sydney.
- Best Time To Visit: Mar-May, Sep – Nov
- Timings: Open 24*7
- Distance from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: 13.3 KM
8. Palm Beach
One of the most beautiful and clean places to visit in Australia is not exactly a beach but a peninsular area in Sydney. Located just an hour north of Sydney, Palm Beach is world-renowned for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforest hinterland. Not just a basic peninsular area, the three parts of it connected to three water bodies namely Pittwater, the Pacific Ocean, and Broken Bay.
Palm Beach is one of those places that seems to exude an effortless charm; it’s hard not to be happy when spending time here. What’s more, if you’re a fan of all basic water activities like surfing, swimming, sailing, etc, Palm Beach is the place that you must visit for a memorable experience.
- Best Time To Visit: April-May; September-November
- Timings: No restrictions
- Distance from Palm Beach International Airport: 8.8 km
9. Bondi Beach
It’s no secret that Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s – and Australia’s – most popular tourist destinations. What might be less well known is that Bondi also offers a wide range of activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike. This iconic beach in Australia attracts a huge mass of tourists, why! The beach is a crescent of sand about two kilometres long, between the ocean and a series of cliffs and hills.
Interestingly, it is well known for its reliable surf, attracting board riders from all over Sydney. Besides that, from excellent eateries to viable access to the city centre and safe swimming pools to long beautiful beaches for tourists, Bondi Beach has everything for everyone. The place has slowly but steadily made its position among the best tourist place in Australia and for all the right reasons.
- Best Time To Visit: December to February
- Timings: Open 24*7
- Distance from Sydney Airport: 11 km
10. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the oldest and most diverse gardens in Australia. With more than 50,000 plant species, it’s not hard to see why it is a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike. From the heritage-listed buildings and manicured gardens to the diverse and unique plant life, a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden is a must for any nature lover.
The gardens span over 38 hectares of land in the heart of Melbourne and Cranbourne, with a sloping landscape towards the river, comprising of trees, garden beds, lakes and lawns. The picturesque setting of the Royal Botanic Garden makes it a popular spot in Australia for photography, nature walks and enjoying the different gardens. So, if a traveller is a fan of natural aura and learning about new plant species, they might not want to miss this one.
- Best Time To Visit: August-October; December-March
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Distance from Airport: 14.3 km
11. Mountain Kosciuszko
The Mountain Kosciuszko is the highest mountain in Australia with an altitude of 2228 meters. The mountain was named by Polish explorer Paul Edmund de Strzelecki in 1840. It is located in the Snowy Mountains in the state of New South Wales and is a tourist destination in Australia for hikers, skiers and snowboarders. A plan to hike or ride to Mount Kosciuszko could give an interesting turn to your basic itinerary.
Despite being close to a major city, the mountain is wild and remote, with snowfields that extend all the way down to the foothills. The trek also offers various picnic spots on its way for all the people who believe in stopping and enjoying every possible scenic beauty. So, plan your trip to this place as it has become a hassle-free procedure.
- Best Time To Visit: September to November
- Timings: 8:30AM-4:00PM
- Distance from Albury Airport: 235.2 km
12. Fraser Island
One of the unconventional places of the world that offers rainforest growing through the sand. Fraser Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. Situated off the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island is a large sand island that stretches over 123 kilometres. The island is known for its secluded beaches, rainforests, and wildlife. In addition to its natural attractions, Fraser Island also has a number of man-made attractions, including Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek.
The traveller can opt for a self-drive trip or be a part of a guided tour team in order to explore this segment of the country. Being the world’s largest sand island, this place is not famous just in its country but is a world-famous destination. And reaching there is no more hustle, all you have to do is look for the best options for flights from India to Queensland here.
- Best Time To Visit: March-September
- Timings: Throughout the day
- Distance from Airport: 80.2 km
13. George Street
Back in its time, the place played a vital role in the development of Sydney city. The street runs through the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District and is home to many commercial towers, shops, and restaurants. George Street in Australia is a lively and vibrant street that is full of energy. The street has a long history dating back to the early 1800s when it played an important role in Sydney’s development.
Today, George Street is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia and is always buzzing with activity. The place holds a historical significance and an emotional connection among the city natives. The place is well-developed and hence is a feasible location for exploration. It even comprises the roads that were brought into form by the Europeans. That’s why these roads are also the oldest roads in the country that are still functional and duly maintained.
- Best Time To Visit: August-November
- Timings: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM
- Distance from Airport: 8.5 km
14. Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road stretches along the southeastern coast of Australia and provides some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the world. This place is a warm home to exceptionally vibrant landscapes. What lets this place stand out from ordinary places is how it offers a new sight of sky canvas and rugged natural beauty, each time. Apart from its magnificent beauty, the place has many shipwreck stories to narrate for its visitors.
The Great Ocean road meanders through lush rain forests, around thundering waterfalls, and along cliff-hugging rocky shores, making it one of the best tourist places to visit in Australia. Not just this, with its surfing culture at the Great Ocean Road, it is a great opportunity for all the adventure enthusiasts to relax like a pro. So, it is safe to say, with everything this place bags to offer, this 242 KM road stretch shall make your coastal journey a memorable one.
- Best Time To Visit: December – February
- Timings: 24 hours open
- Distance from Great Ocean Road / Peterborough Airport: 60 km
15. Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is one of the most beautiful and diverse places in Australia. With over 4,405 square km of natural bushland, the island is home to an abundance of native wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, sea lions, and koalas. The island’s coastline is also dotted with beautiful lighthouses, which offer stunning views of the ocean. It is the 3rd largest island in Australia and is one of the most diverse and fascinating places on Earth.
Moreover, tourists flock to the island to enjoy its many natural attractions including its stunning beaches and rugged cliffs. This island is famous for resting in the laps of Nature’s most raw form. The reason this place gathers great tourist footfall is that it offers its visitors a worthy escape from their day-to-day life. So, here’s your chance to plan your trip to Australia while exploring Kangaroo Island’s beauty. Look for options for flights from India to Adelaide and book the best for yourself.
- Best Time To Visit: March-May
- Timings: 9 am-3.30 pm
- Distance from Kingscote Airport: 32.1 km
16. King’s Cross
The place is the life of the late-night plans and is famously known as The King’s Cross. Situated in the heart of Sydney, it is one of the busiest transportation hubs in Australia. Servicing trains, buses and taxis, it’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. Millions of people from all over the world pass through its gates each year. It is a great place to start your Sydney adventure.
Speaking of the key highlights of the place, King’s Cross comprises Sydney’s two famous locations; the dandelion-shaped El Alamein Memorial Fountain and the giant neon-lit Coca-Cola billboard. As far as entertainment is concerned, this place has all the possible equipment to have you covered. Be it the small bars, pumpkin nightclubs, elite theatres to fine-dine restaurants, King’s Cross has everything ready to serve on your plate. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start your explorations.
- Best Time To Visit: September-November; March-May
- Timings: 24 hours open
- Distance from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: 13 km
17. Kakadu National Park
Staging its natural habitat under the spotlight, Kakadu National Park has the greatest variety of ecosystems to offer to its visitors. Not only is this Australia’s largest national park but is also one of the world’s largest tropics. The region is renowned for its natural and cultural heritage, containing one of the world’s oldest and most continuous cultures on earth. Also, it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1981 for its outstanding cultural and natural values and is one of the most popular tourist places in Australia.
Kakadu is also home to a diverse range of ecosystems, making it an important site for conservation. With its combination of rainforest, wetlands, and spinifex-covered hills, Kakadu offers visitors an unrivalled wildlife experience, rich indigenous culture, and spectacular scenery. So, if you plan to visit this place, you’ll get a chance to explore extensive areas of savanna woodlands, open forests, floodplains, mangroves, tidal mudflats, coastal areas and monsoon forests.
- Best Time To Visit: May-September
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Distance from Darwin International Airport: 149.2 km
18. Port Arthur
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Port Arthur, remnants of 30 historic 18th and 19th-century buildings, is famous for both, being a true treat to the eyes as well as for its historical value. It is a small town located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia best known for its convict-era ruins and penal colony. It also features stunning coastal landscapes and a variety of natural wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins, making it one of the top places to visit in Australia.
The location of this place is yet another highlight of its existence. Neighboured by a rocky cliff and the Tasman Sea, this structure stands firmly tall with its unconventional stone walls. So, make your Australia travel a bit more tilted towards the informative end and learn about the rich history of this place while experiencing its aura. So, get ready to plan your future flights from India to Port Aurthur and enjoy the beauty of this ultimate destination.
- Best Time To Visit: December-March
- Timings: 8:00am until 5:00pm
- Distance from Beaumont/Port Arthur Airport: 10.7 km
19. St. Mary’s Cathedral
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Australia for people who are into spirituality is St. Mary’s Cathedral. The cathedral is the oldest surviving building in Sydney and has been host to many important events throughout its history, including royal weddings and funerals. The cathedral’s spire is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Australia and can be seen from miles around.
The architecture of this building has been inspired by Europe’s great medieval cathedrals. The place welcomes all kinds of visitors and has no charge to enter for anybody. Additionally, its authorities have set a weekly routine of free guided tours for its visitors and their welfare. Although it has no hard and fast rules and regulations to enter this place, one must never forget that this is a place of worship which needs to maintain its basic decorum.
- Best Time To Visit: September to November
- Timings: 6.45am-6:30pm
- Distance from Sydney Airport: 41.3 KM
20. Blue Mountains National Park
With a distance difference of 38 miles from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is another destination that one must not miss on their Australia itinerary. Located in New South Wales, Australia, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and for good reason. The park is home to a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, including rainforests, eucalyptus forests, and sandstone escarpments.
The place already is a thing amongst all the travellers as it attracts a large footfall on daily basis. Speaking of the highlights of the location, the opportunity to have an unrushed glance at three sisters – ‘Meehni’, ‘Wimlah’ and ‘Gunnedoo’! In fact, it is one of the most in-demand sites that leads numerous travellers to visit this place. Another interesting site that could awe you with its natural existence is the echo point lookout which even offers lovely scenic beauty along with its enchanting aura (quite literally).
- Best Time To Visit: September-October
- Timings: 9:00AM-4:30PM
- Distance from Sydney Airport: 118.1KM
21. Sydney Harbor
The aquatic dreamland- “Sydney Harbor” is one-stop that a traveller must never miss while exploring this city. Covering an area of 21 square miles (54 sq km), this place offers an amazing view, with a paradise of picturesque scenery, historical sites, national parks and beautiful beaches. The Sydney Harbor isn’t just confined to its own beauty and serenity but has other big tourist attractions of Australia in its vicinity for you.
Whether it is Sydney Opera House, Manly, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Harbor has a lot more to offer than one would expect. Honestly, the best way to enjoy the beauty of this destination is to board the Sydney ferry. So, while you’ll sit back and enjoy the vantage points through the sail, you can also go swimming at the authorised premises.
- Best Time To Visit: December – February
- Timings: 24/7
- Distance from Sydney Airport: 23.5KM
That is all about the top 21 places to visit in Australia. If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, look no further than Australia. With its world-famous beaches, stunning landscapes, and cosmopolitan cities, it has something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a vacation that will take your breath away, book your India to Australia flights today with us!
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Happy travelling and exploring!
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About Ankita View All Posts
Ankita Awasthi has been a content writer for over half a decade now. She seeks to satiate her writing urge by charting creative blogs with up-to-the-minute information. In true wordsmith spirit, she believes that a creative head never sleeps! Her blogs constantly aspire to inspire readers to live their travel dream. Her writing genre covers Indian tourism destinations, offbeat locales and travel guides with focus on its rich art history, culture, heritage, nature trails and travelling attributes.
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