Where to Go in Australia? The Top 9 Destinations to Visit
One of the most challenging parts about planning a trip to Australia is deciding where to go and what to see. Australia is about the size of the United States, so there’s a lot of ground to cover. Coastal cities surrounded by turquoise waters, ancient rainforests, native bushland, towering mountains, and world-renowned wine regions are just some of the attractions on this diverse continent.
To help narrow down your choices, here is a list of my top 9 destinations to visit in Australia:
Sydney
Sydney holds a special place in my heart. I lived there for about one and a half years after college and loved every single second of it. It’s Australia’s largest city and is the main gateway to the country. It has gorgeous, sunny weather, a cosmopolitan city center, and beautiful blue beaches, bays, and coves.
Can’t miss:
walking around Sydney Opera House followed by sunset cocktails
sailing on Sydney Harbour
the Bondi to Coogee Walk
the Bridge Climb
surfing in Manly
Melbourne
Melbourne’s vibe is completely different from Sydney, though it is so worth getting to know. Funky laneways covered in colorful graffiti lead you to hidden cafe’s... with the best coffee in the world. Edgy boutiques, vintage shops, craft breweries, international eateries, and art galleries line the streets. The music scene is legendary and the nightlife is a blast.
Can’t miss:
a flat white from a local coffee shop
the Queen Victoria Market
a rooftop bar crawl
vintage shopping in Prahran, South Yarra, and Fitzroy
biking to St. Kilda
Adelaide Wine Country
Some of the most well known wine regions in Australia are all within a 1-2 hour drive from Adelaide, such as the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and Adelaide Hills. Each area has its own stunning landscape like vine-lined hillsides and sandy beaches backed by farmland. Discover boutique wineries with unique wine varietals or visit the cellar dollars of mega brands like Penfolds and Jacobs Creek. There is a winery for every taste preference in South Australia, from robust reds to dry whites.
Can’t miss:
drinking port from your birth year at Seppeltsfield in the Barossa Valley
breakfast picnic with the kangaroos
coastal drives in the Fleurieu Peninsula
the d’Arenberg cube
foodie adventures like cheese and olive tastings
Kangaroo Island
Known as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is brimming with native wildlife and natural beauty. Expect animals like kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and cockatoos onland, and sharks, whales, dolphins, and sea lions thriving in the Southern Ocean. Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island, roughly the size of Long Island, but has a population of less than 5,000 people. It’s a lot prettier than Long Island too, with jagged limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and unspoilt bush.
Can’t miss:
assist with land rehabilitation activities to support the island post bushfire
barbeque in the middle of the bush
Remarkable Rocks at Flinders Chase National Park
coastal walk to Admirals Arch
honey farms and gin distilleries
The Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of over 70 sandswept islands off the coast of Queensland. Most are uninhabited, with lush coastal forests and hidden lagoons ready to be explored. Spend your days sailing around the islands or base your stay on one of the main islands, like Hamilton Island or Hayman Island. With some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, it is the perfect place to unwind.
Can’t miss:
multi-day sailing trip on the Great Barrier Reef
white silica sand on Whitehaven Beach
Hill Inlet Lookout Track
cuddling a koala on Hamilton Island
helicopter flight to Heart Reef
Lizard Island
Lizard Island Resort is the Northernmost resort on one of the worlds natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. The whole island has only one luxury resort, promising coveted reef encounters and seclusion for the lucky ones who stay for a few nights. Lizard Island boasts direct access to the fringing reef, with more vibrant snorkeling and scuba diving just a short boat ride away. Or simply relax on one of the 24 private beaches on the island.
Can’t miss:
giant cod diving
castaway picnic on a private beach
deep sea fishing
glass bottom kayaking
the Lizard Island Research Centre
Port Douglas
Head to Port Douglas, where the reef meets the rainforest. The sophisticated town of Port Douglas is a great launching pad for day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and into the Daintree Rainforest. Impressively, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest living rainforest on earth, with exotic plants from the age of dinosaurs and rare wildlife like cassowaries and tree kangaroos. After a day of adventures out at sea or in the mountains, stroll down Macrossan Street and enjoy dinner alfresco at the marina.
Can’t miss:
Dreamtime walk with the Kuku Yalanji
boat trip to go snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef
freshwater swimming holes & creeks at Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest
4WD excursion to Cape Tribulation
a stroll along Four Mile Beach
Tasmania
The compact size of Australia’s Southernmost state (you can drive from the bottom of the island to the top in a few hours) allows you to experience a variety of landscapes and activities in a short amount of time. Over ⅓ of Tassie consists of national parks and unspoilt wilderness reserves. Stroll on empty coastlines, walk through eucalyptus-clad forests, and traverse rugged mountains. Savor the gourmet food and superb wines offered on this eclectic island.
Can’t miss:
Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park
lichen covered rocks of the Bay of Fires
private tour to meet Tasmanian devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
MONA in Hobart
Cradle Mountain
Byron Bay
The mantra of Byron Bay is slow down, chill out, cheer up. This hippie hamlet is perched on the easternmost tip of mainland Australia. It has a vibrant boho culture and laid back ambiance. The beaches are stunning and there are breaks for both novice and pro surfers. Fun fact, I met Chris Hemsworth there… it’s his hometown so keep an eye out!
Can’t miss:
hiking Cape Byron at sunrise or dusk.. look out for adorable wallabies
kayaking, standup paddle boarding, or surfing the clear waters
listening to live music in the streets
enjoying a long brunch & shopping downtown
visiting the inland villages and rainforest
*** Honorable mentions include Noosa, Brisbane & the Gold Coast, Margaret River, Broome, Rottnest Island, Uluru-Kata Tjuta, the Kimberley, and Kakadu National Park.
If you have any questions about Australia, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am an expert in coordinating vacation plans in Australia and have personally experienced all of these destinations.
xx Kathryn