Australia is on many people’s travel bucket lists – but what about the bucket list for when you actually get here?
Australia is huge, and planning a trip can quickly feel overwhelming. From tropical rainforests and world-famous beaches to incredible wildlife and unforgettable road trips, there is no shortage of experiences waiting for you.
This list isn’t meant to be exhaustive (that would be impossible!), but it highlights some of the most unforgettable experiences to add to your Australia bucket list.
From coastal walks and iconic landmarks to wildlife encounters and epic road trips, here are some of the best things to do in Australia.
Iconic Australian Landmarks
Sydney Harbour (Sydney, NSW)
No trip to Australia feels complete without visiting Sydney Harbour.
Here you’ll find two of the country’s most famous landmarks:
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
You can walk across the bridge, take a harbour cruise, or simply enjoy the views from Circular Quay.
💡 Bucket list experience: Do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for incredible views across the harbour.
Uluru (Northern Territory)
Uluru is one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks and an incredibly important cultural site for the Anangu people.
Watching the rock change colours at sunrise or sunset is a truly unforgettable experience.
Twelve Apostles (Great Ocean Road, Victoria)
The Twelve Apostles are one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks.
These dramatic limestone stacks rise out of the ocean along the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.
Visiting at sunrise or sunset is particularly spectacular, when the golden light reflects off the cliffs and ocean.
Australia’s Best Beaches
Bondi Beach (Sydney, NSW)
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world.
It’s known for:
- golden sand
- great surf
- beachside cafés
- relaxed coastal lifestyle
It’s also the starting point for one of Australia’s most famous walks.
Many travellers combine a visit with the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
Whitehaven Beach (Whitsundays, Queensland)
Whitehaven Beach is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Located in the Whitsunday Islands, it is famous for its bright white silica sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. The beach stretches for over seven kilometres and is surrounded by the incredible scenery of the Great Barrier Reef.
One of the highlights of visiting Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, where swirling patterns of white sand and blue water create one of the most photographed views in Australia.
Lucky Bay (Esperance, Western Australia)
Lucky Bay is known for having some of the whitest sand in Australia.
Located in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, the beach is famous for its bright white sand, turquoise water and stunning coastal scenery.
Lucky Bay is also well known for its kangaroos that often relax on the sand, creating one of the most uniquely Australian beach experiences.
Check out our Road Trip guide to Lucky Bay!
Incredible Nature Experiences
Daintree Rainforest (Queensland)
The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world and one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.
Expect to see:
- ancient plants
- cassowaries
- crocodiles
- incredible biodiversity
Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders.
Snorkelling or diving here is an unforgettable experience. Or, if you don’t fancy getting in the water, why not take a plane ride and get an aerial view?
The Whitsundays (Queensland)
The Whitsundays are a group of 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Whitehaven Beach, mentioned above, with its pure silica sand, is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in Australia to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
Visitors can spot kangaroos, koalas, sea lions and echidnas, as well as explore dramatic coastal landscapes such as the famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
Fraser Island / K’gari (Queensland)
K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world.
The island is famous for its wild landscapes, including:
- freshwater lakes such as Lake McKenzie
- the dramatic Maheno Shipwreck
- long beach highways where 4WD vehicles drive along the sand
It’s one of the most unique and adventurous destinations on Australia’s east coast.
Blue Mountains (New South Wales)
Just a short trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are known for their dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forests and scenic hiking trails.
One of the most famous viewpoints is the Three Sisters rock formation, which can be seen from Echo Point lookout.
The region is perfect for day trips from Sydney and offers incredible walking trails, waterfalls and panoramic views.
Beautiful Coastal Destinations
Byron Bay (NSW)
Byron Bay is known for its:
- relaxed surf culture
- beautiful beaches
- incredible sunsets
One of the must-do experiences is the Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk, which takes you to the easternmost point of mainland Australia.
Noosa (Queensland)
Noosa combines beautiful beaches with stunning national park walks.
The Noosa National Park Coastal Walk is famous for:
- ocean views
- dolphin sightings
- koalas in the trees
For more Noosa inspo, check out some of our Noosa blog posts!
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
This is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia.
Highlights include:
- dramatic ocean views
- cliffside paths
- beautiful beaches along the way
The full walk is around 6km and can take 2–3 hours depending on stops.
Rottnest Island (Western Australia)
Rottnest Island is a beautiful island located just off the coast of Perth and is famous for its adorable resident animals – quokkas.
These small marsupials are known as the “happiest animals in the world” because of their smiling faces.
Visitors explore the island by bike, discovering stunning beaches, hidden coves and crystal-clear water along the way.
Check out our Rottnest Island guide here!
Epic Australian Road Trips
Australia is one of the best countries in the world for road trips. With vast landscapes and incredible coastal drives, a road trip is one of the best ways to explore the country.
Here are some of the most famous routes:
East Coast Road Trip (Sydney → Cairns)
One of the most popular backpacker routes in Australia.
Highlights include:
- Byron Bay
- Gold Coast
- Fraser Island
- Whitsundays
- Great Barrier Reef
Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
One of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.
Highlights include:
- the Twelve Apostles
- dramatic cliffs
- stunning ocean views
Perth to Esperance (Western Australia)
This road trip takes you to some of the whitest beaches in Australia, including the famous Lucky Bay where kangaroos often relax on the sand.
Perth to Exmouth (Western Australia)
A spectacular road trip along Western Australia’s coastline.
Highlights include:
- Ningaloo Reef
- whale sharks (in season)
- incredible turquoise water
Final Thoughts
Australia is a country filled with incredible landscapes, wildlife and unforgettable travel experiences.
Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, relaxing on world-class beaches, or heading out on an epic road trip, there’s always something new to discover.
If you’re planning a trip, hopefully this bucket list gives you a few ideas to start building your own Australian adventure.
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