There’s no doubt Australia is one of the most remote, fascinating, and highly developed countries in the world.
Endowed with a myriad of natural wonders, plenty of wildlife, dazzling beaches, cosmopolitan metropolises, and large expanses of the outback, it’s easy to see why this captivating country is such a complete travel destination. It not only matches every taste, budget, age, or interest out there, but it also delivers some unique experiences almost impossible to find somewhere else. From amazing sightseeing to fabulous land and aquatic adventures, there’s absolutely nothing you can’t do during your holiday in Australia.
However, as often happens in life, good things are the hardest to come. Obviously it’s not easy to decide on visiting one of the world’s most remote countries – a long way, a short time, and sometimes pretty expensive flights. Nevertheless, according to those who’ve already taken the plunge, all these are nothing compared to the wonderful Australian experience. Once you’ll be in, you’ll never want to leave. Besides, Australia is so much more than just a paradise for adventure seekers, it is a delight for foodies, art lovers, and budget travelers.
Here are 20 best naturals places to visit in Australia, hopefully, will bring you to Australia someday soon:
From Mountains
1. Blue Mountains
If you’re looking for a dose of nature, the Blue Mountains are for you. Only 1.5 hours from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, it can be visited as a day trip or a weekend getaway, depending on your travel time frame. Make sure you have time to visit Wentworth Falls. This spot offers walks of varying difficulty with stunning views of the waterfall, and it’s just a short drive from the main event – The Three Sisters. These famous rock formations are the highlight of this picturesque postcard area
2. Broken Hill
There are few places in Australia, or indeed the world, as fascinating, complex, and unexpected as Broken Hill. Founded on the richest lead, zinc, and silver orebody ever discovered, a mining rush in the 1880s made it one of the most prosperous settlements in Australia’s early colonial days.
3. Cradle Mountain (Tasmania)
A jagged, dolerite peak, this majestic mountain is often completely shrouded in clouds. The trek to this mountain is equally magical.
The world-famous Overland Track can also be found here. Tourists can visit one of the most popular natural areas in Tasmania’s Central Highlands region here. This is Australia’s premier alpine walk, sprawling across a massive 65 km.
This mountain is nestled on the northern end of the Lake St Clair National Park. It stands at 1,545m in height, and is the ‘jewel of the park’. It is counted as part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, and pampers. Moreover, the Cradle Mountain is a humble abode to different species of plants and animals, such as echidnas, the platypus, the Tasmanian Devil, quolls, and several others as well!
4. Walsh’s Pyramid (Queensland)
Walsh's Pyramid is an independent peak, detached from any mountain ranges. It has a distinct pyramidal appearance – therefore deriving its iconic name. Nestled 20 km south of Cairns, in Queensland, this stupendous mountain is a tourist magnet for a variety of reasons.
5. Mount Feathertop (Victoria)
Mount Feathertop is one of the best, most exciting mountains in Australia. It lies within proximity to Mount Hotham, and is the second-highest mountain in all of Victoria
Although this mountain offers spectacular snow sports, the summit is prettiest in the summertime. It is gorgeous beyond words, and you have to see it to believe it. From the top, you get a full scenic view of the rest of the Australian Alps, the valleys and the breathtaking horizon. You will be able to run your hands through clouds here as well! However, unlike the rounded summit dome of most mountains in Australia, Mount Feathertop is unique in having a sharp, steep summit slope – so do be wary!
To Beaches
6. Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Queensland, is the greatest mass of coral in the world and one of the world’s foremost tourist attractions
Stretching for over 2,300 kilometers, it is remarkably visible from space, and nine hundred islands dot this enormous ecosystem, which is actually comprised of 2,900 individual reefs. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a humbling experience; every year around two million visitors enjoy all that this natural wonder has to offer. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the best ways to experience the joys of the rich underwater world, while boat trips, kayaking, and even helicopter rides offer another view of the reef’s gargantuan proportions. Gently sailing through the perfect turquoise waters, dolphins, sea turtles and the reef itself are visible below the waves – an unforgettable experience.
7. Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is a 7km stretch of coast located in the Whitsundays. It is most easily accessible from Airlie Beach unless you are lucky enough to own a yacht. The beach is popular with locals and tourists alike but if you choose to camp there you will have the beach all to yourself and just a handful of other lucky campers for sunset and sunrise. The white color of the sand and the incredible blues in the water make this a truly unique destination that is constantly sighted in almost every ‘best beach in the world list’.
8. Byron Bay
If Byron Bay, Australia isn’t already on your bucket list, I highly recommend adding this bohemian paradise and then moving it to the top.
Byron is one of Australia’s top tourist destinations but if you’re willing to put in a little work you can still find some more well-hidden gems just out the back in the hinterland mountains. From countless waterfalls and swimming holes to incredible mountains and bush walks this small region hides so much beauty. I would suggest starting with a hike to the bottom of Minyon Falls for a swim, a hike to the top of Mt Warning for an incredible sunrise, another swim at Killin Falls, and then a hike to the Natural Arch. These are just some of the most accessible but there is so much more if you’re willing to explore
9. Noosa Main Beach (Queensland)
Noosa Main Beach is the standout among the many breathtaking beaches on the Sunshine Coast. The golden sands, pristine waters, and patrolled beach make it an ideal swimming spot for the whole family. Pods of dolphins may even join you in the waters and humpback whales can be spotted into the distance during their annual migration. Noosa's north-facing direction means that conditions are far more sheltered than other beaches and the warm climate means it can be enjoyed year-round.
Noosa Beach is also surrounded by the famous Hastings St featuring world-class restaurants and boutiques. The strip is the place to see and be seen on the Sunshine Coast. Once you have had a refreshing swim you can effortlessly move to one of the eateries for a delicious meal. Surfers may be disappointed though because this is a beach best suited for swimming and soaking up the Queensland sunshine
10. Airlie Beach/Whitsundays
Airlie Beach is a perfect hub to meet other backpackers who have a hankering for adventure. We had so much fun going on all kinds of nautical adventures. We even husked our own coconuts and played with turkeys and wallaby’s on the island. Airlie Beach is also known for its man-made lagoon, an excellent spot for beachside/poolside cocktails.
And With Island
11. Exmouth
If Coral Bay's strengths are the water then Exmouth is really about the Range and the Reef - a National Park that abuts a Marine Park, wrapped up in a UNESCO World Heritage listing based on both marine and terrestrial (land) based qualities that need to be preserved
Exmouth a nature lover’s playground with one of the longest fringing reefs on the planet, meaning in many places the coral comes right up to the beach. You can swim with whale sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless filter feeders that can grow up to 18 meters in length), spot a black-footed rock wallaby at Yardie Creek or take a guided walk through the fossil-crusted Mandu Mandu Gorge, which has been inhabited by humans for about 30,000 years.
12. Tasmania ( My fav )
The island state of Tasmania may be isolated from the rest of the country but it still remains one of the best places to visit in Australia; almost half of its area is protected as the government looks to preserve the natural riches. With desolate wilderness and alpine plateaus interspersed with stunning white beaches, waterfalls, and forests, exploring its terrain is simply mesmerizing. Taking a boat trip along its craggy coast is equally rewarding and you can even see dolphins, penguins, and seals along the way.
But Tasmania isn’t just for nature fans. There’s an extraordinary food, gin and whiskey distilleries, wildlife sanctuaries (where you’ll meet endangered Tasmanian devils), cool-climate wineries,
The island also hosts an eclectic range of great festivals throughout the year, where you can enjoy local beer and wine or arts and music events
13. Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula is a peninsula located southeast of Melbourne, just an hour drive from the city. It has been an immensely popular day trip or staycation site for the residents of Victoria, especially Melbourne for decades now. Mornington Peninsula has so much to offer to its visitors – beaches, national parks, scenic views, relaxing spas, vineyards, golf courses, mazes, camping sites and so much more. This plethora of activities and the brief distance makes it so desirable to visit during long weekends like Queen’s Birthday, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year, and so on. Sampling some Pinot Noir while in the peninsula is a must.
14. Rottnest Island
Rich with history, Rottnest Island is located on Australia's West Coast just south of Perth. It was once used as a military base during the war. The Quokka, a unique Australia animal, can only be found on this island. Fantastic Reef, plentiful beaches, and great for swimming. The best way to explore the island is by bike! Inclusive packages can be booked (and are cheap) that include ferry transfers, Perth city transfers, bike & snorkel hire.
15. Kangaroo Island
Located just a short ferry ride off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is known for its wildlife, classic Australian landscapes, nature reserves, and fresh produce. Don’t let the name deceive you, the island isn’t covered in kangaroos, however, there are many other animals and attractions to keep you busy for a few days! First up on your road trip has to be the Seal Bay Conservation Park where you can get up and close with seals frolicking and (mostly sleeping) on the beach
And How About National Park?
16. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Many visitors to Australia’s Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park may be more familiar with its former name of Ayers Rock. The name was changed to reflect its aboriginal heritage when Australia’s most famous natural landmark reverted to native ownership. It is the spiritual center for the region’s aboriginal peoples. Uluru is a huge sandstone monolith rising out of the Northern Territory’s Central Australian desert. The Kata Tjuta part of the park consists of 32 rock domes. This is the place to be if you want stunning sunrise and sunset photos as the rocks change colors in the sunlight
17. Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park may be the only place on earth where you can see both crocodiles and aboriginal rock art. Aborigines have lived in the region for 40,000 years, creating their rock art in about 5,000 places. Located in the Northern Territory, Kakadu is home to diverse terrain, and flora and fauna, including kangaroos and giant crocodiles – the Alligator River are within park boundaries. It is the largest national park in Australia; about half the size of Switzerland. Situated inside the park is Ranger Uranium Mine, one of the world’s most productive.
18. Nambung National Park
Nambung National Park is another place that combines the ocean with outstanding rock formations. Only these rock formations, some dating back 3.6 billion years, aren’t in the water; they’re in the adjacent Pinnacles Desert. Thousands of pinnacles or pillars rise up from the yellow sand bordering the Indian Ocean; some formations are short and fat, others are skinny and taller. Wildlife is abundant here, with 176 species of animals, so you might see grey or red kangaroos, dingoes, and even humpback whales during their migration season. Enjoy a walk on the Western Australia beach at Kangaroo Point.
19. Kosciuszko National Park
Picturesque is a good word to describe Kosciuszko National Park in southern New South Wales. Mountain scenery reflected in pristine glacial lakes is picture-postcard perfect. This is Snowy Mountains and Murray river country, after all. The park is home to Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in mainland Australia, and Cabramurra, the country’s highest town. Home to aborigines for around 20,000 years, the park is the only place where the endangered southern corroboree frog can be found. The year ‘round tourist destination offers skiing in winter, and hiking and horseback riding in the summer.
20. Freycinet National Park
The Hazards, rugged pink and red granite mountains rise out of the sea at Freycinet National Park, Tasmania’s oldest park. Below the formations are the gorgeous blue waters of Wineglass Bay, considered one of the best beaches in Australia. While you’re on the lookout for rare flora and fauna (this is a good place for birdwatchers), you may come across sites associated with the aborigines. Some areas of the park are so remote, they have yet to be visited by humans, who otherwise visit here for sea kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, and other water activities.