Explore the Best Tourist Attractions in Australia: If you’re planning to travel to Australia, don’t miss out on this article to discover the most beautiful places.
Australia consists of 8 different states
- New South Wales, with its capital Sydney.
- Queensland, with its capital Brisbane.
- South Australia, with its capital Adelaide.
- Tasmania, with its capital Hobart.
- Victoria, with its capital Melbourne.
- Western Australia, with its capital Perth.
- Northern Territory, with its capital Darwin.
- Australian Capital Territory, with its capital Canberra.
Top Tourist Attractions in New South Wales
New South Wales is known for its vast green spaces, legendary mountains, and numerous captivating tourist attractions. It is the most populous state in Australia and is home to its largest city, Sydney, located on the eastern coast. The state’s economy heavily relies on the information technology and financial services sectors, with agriculture also playing a significant role in its economic development. Additionally, coal and related products are widely exported.
The state is renowned for its natural beauty, sports teams, and cultural landmarks. Among the key attractions are the Blue Mountains, Sydney, Byron Bay, and more. In the following report, let’s discover the most beautiful tourist spots in New South Wales.
The best time to visit New South Wales is during spring and summer, from April to September, when the state enjoys a moderate climate, perfect for water sports, mountain climbing, and long walks to explore its main tourist sites.
Sydney
Sydney is one of the top 15 cities to visit globally and one of the most famous tourist cities in Australia. It is the capital of New South Wales and a vital economic hub for the country. Sydney is also the most populous city in the state and the nation, with a population exceeding 5 million. It is home to some of the most iconic buildings in Australia, such as the Sydney Opera House, among many other tourist attractions in the city.
The Snowy Mountains
These mountains are one of the best tourist destinations in New South Wales and are the highest in Australia. They include Mount Kosciuszko, which stands at 2,228 meters above sea level. The mountains receive substantial snowfall every winter, making them ideal for skiing and other winter sports. However, they are equally enjoyable in the summer, where you can hike, relish the lively Australian atmosphere, explore caves, encounter local plants and animals, and discover numerous rare species in the mountains.
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay is famed for having the whitest sandy beach in the world, known as Hyams Beach. The bay encompasses a diverse range of charming and appealing beaches for nature lovers, surfers, divers, and tourists. The indigenous population dates back thousands of years, and since the area is not overcrowded with tourists, you can savor the experience of exploring Australia’s pristine wildlife.
The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are one of the top tourist spots in New South Wales, covering approximately a million hectares filled with a variety of eucalyptus trees, cliffs, waterfalls, and different types of forests. They also feature a combination of natural elements and fog that gives the mountains a blue appearance, hence their famous name. These mountains have become part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites for various reasons, including their ability to adapt after isolation from Gondwana.
To learn about the history of this vast region, start with the ‘Scenic World’ in the charming city of Katoomba. This attraction provides an entrance to the area with stunning views and is an excellent choice for timed hikers. There are also four ways to explore this national park in half a day, including a cable car that rises above famous formations like the ‘Three Sisters’ and ‘Orphan Rock,’ a glass-bottomed cable car that offers breathtaking views of the four times higher than Niagara Falls, and three walkways through the rainforest, with paths available inside the Blue Mountains National Park.
Other Tourist Activities in New South Wales
New South Wales offers many fantastic activities for travelers, making it an amazing part of tourist attractions in Australia and one of the best tourist destinations worldwide. Some of the key tourist activities in New South Wales include:
- Watching the Sydney Opera House.
- Taking a ferry ride in Sydney Harbor.
- Climbing the Sydney Tower Eye.
- Strolling on beaches like Bondi Beach.
- Taking a guided bus tour to the Blue Mountains.
- Going on a family trip to the Royal National Park.
- Seeing kangaroos on the beach at Moni Beach Nature Reserve.
- Visiting turtles at Cook Island Marine Reserve.
- Diving among the coral reefs at North Solitary Island – Coffs Harbor.
- Visiting the natural Montague Island Reserve.
Best Tourist Places in Queensland
Queensland, known as the “Sunshine State,” is the most popular tourist destination in Australia. It boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, golden beaches, tropical islands, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, coral reefs, and the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, it is home to rainforests listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hosting unique flora and fauna. The vibrant city of Brisbane adds a lively urban atmosphere.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth, a natural wonder, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is so vast that it can be seen from space. Located off the north coast of Queensland, it spans from Mackay to the northeastern tip of Australia. The park protects over 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, and numerous mangrove islands, along with over 1,600 species of tropical fish that inhabit the coral reefs. This incredible biodiversity attracts divers from all around the world.
Cairns
Cairns is strategically situated between the Great Barrier Reef and the dense rainforest of Atherton Tableland. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in far north Queensland and serves as a great base for exploring the state’s attractions. It is also a popular launching point for trips to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands. Cairns boasts beautiful beaches along the coast, from Trinity Bay to Palm Cove, as well as Cairns Esplanade, a 5-kilometer stretch along the bay with a saltwater swimming lagoon and a free children’s play area. Flecker Botanic Gardens house over 100 species of palms.
Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation
Daintree National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing the oldest rainforest on Earth and hosting some of the world’s most endangered species. Located in far north Queensland, it is divided into two main sections: the Mossman Gorge and the fertile lowlands. The park is home to over 18,000 plant species and a stunning array of wildlife. It also houses the famous Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest sand island globally, featuring expansive beaches, crystal-clear lakes, pure streams, dense forests, and multi-colored sand formations. The 75 Mile Beach serves as the main highway on the island, granting access to attractions like the Maheno Shipwreck, the flowing Champagne Pools, and the colorful sand cliffs. The island’s wildlife includes the purest breed of dingoes in Australia, along with more than 300 species of birds, plus tiger sharks, dolphins, and whales.
Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands, located off the central coast of Queensland, comprise 74 stunning islands along the Great Barrier Reef. All of these islands, except for five, are either national park or resort islands. Some of the most renowned resorts include Hayman Island, the beautiful Palm Bay on Long Island, and the sophisticated Hamilton Island. There are some uninhabited areas that are worth a visit, such as Whitehaven Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas, once filled with mango trees and lush vegetation, has now transformed into a charming holiday resort and a popular gateway for safari tours and reef trips. It is the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef, approximately an hour’s drive north of Cairns.
Kuranda
This charming village is located in the Atherton Tablelands just outside Cairns. It can be reached by the scenic Skyrail cableway, which glides above the UNESCO-listed rainforest, or the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway through the rainforest and its rugged waterfalls. Among Kuranda’s main attractions are its arts and crafts markets selling local souvenirs and handmade crafts, along with various natural parks and animal sanctuaries.
Lake McKenzie
Lake McKenzie is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and one of the least polluted areas globally. It is perched atop sand dunes where sand and clay form a concrete-like base. The lake is not connected to any ocean or sea, meaning its water is pure rainwater.
Lamington National Park
Located about two hours’ drive south of Brisbane, Lamington National Park is a World Heritage-listed area and one of the most popular national parks in the state. It features stunning landscapes of valleys, over 500 waterfalls, tropical and subtropical rainforests, and beech forests on higher elevations. The park is home to over 190 bird species, including lyrebirds and colorful parrots. It is also a haven for hikers with over 150 kilometers of walking trails.
Best Tourist Places in South Australia (Adelaide)
Adelaide is one of the capitals of the Australian states and the fifth-largest city in the country, with a population of around 1.31 million people. The city stands out for its Victorian architecture, waterfront facades, thriving arts scene, and tourist activities. Additionally, it offers a diverse range of Australian cuisine to suit all tastes. Its fantastic multicultural artistic and cultural institutions are reflected in the numerous cultural events and festivals held in Adelaide throughout the year.
So, if you decide to visit tourist attractions in Australia, don’t miss Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. In the following report, we will get to know the most beautiful tourist places in Adelaide, the best hotels, and the costs of tourism there.
Adelaide Central Market
Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest covered food markets in Australia, with a history dating back over 150 years. It boasts around 80 stalls filled with seasonal fresh products. The Central Market in Adelaide is the perfect place to taste regional specialties or grab picnic supplies. Visiting with a guide is a wonderful way to experience the local culture and cuisine. Simply visit the market in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast with typical South Australian foods.
Adelaide Hills
Nature trails, wilderness parks, and breathtaking scenery can all be found in the Adelaide Hills, located just a 30-minute drive from the city center. Here, you’ll spend some of the most beautiful moments surrounded by captivating views. When heading to these hills, it’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes, and it’s best to use a local guide to help you explore the famous peaks of Adelaide.
Kangaroo Island
Just two hours from Adelaide, you can reach Kangaroo Island, a remote and undiscovered destination known for its stunning beauty, abundant wildlife, and amazing sunsets. Spend a day here during your trip.
Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo is home to nearly 2,500 animals, with about 250 different species from all over the world, along with Australian favorites like kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. The zoo, considered one of the best tourist spots in Adelaide, is famous for a pair of giant pandas, the only ones of their kind in Australia. The admission ticket includes access to many of the zoo’s attractions, as well as events like animal feedings and other fantastic activities.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide Botanic Garden stretches across 124 acres (50 hectares) between North Terrace and Botanic Park, making it one of the most exciting green spaces in the city. Lined with trees, lily ponds, lotus flowers, and flower gardens full of roses and dahlias, Adelaide Botanic Garden is an ideal place for a leisurely walk. This makes it a magnet for many visitors each year.
City Beaches
The city boasts some of the best beaches in Australia, with white sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for relaxation. Would you mind spending your day between the sun and the sea with a fantastic cocktail outdoors? Most Adelaide beaches are just a 30-minute drive away, allowing tourists to enjoy the warm climate year-round. Glenelg Beach is the main tourist beach in the city and is an ideal destination for both visitors and locals.
Taste German Heritage in Hahndorf
When in Adelaide, you can’t miss a visit to the charming town of Hahndorf, settled by German immigrants in 1840. Here, you can enjoy rural charm amidst German heritage. During your visit, you can also taste some traditional local cuisine in this quaint little town.
Best Tourist Attractions in Tasmania
Tasmania is an island located in Australia. It is the twenty-sixth largest island in the world. The capital and largest city of the state is Hobart. The total area of Tasmania is 64,519 square kilometers (24,911 square miles).
Tasmania is known for its natural beauty. You’ll find yourself surrounded by trees and wilderness, and occasionally, you can even catch a glimpse of snow on the mountaintops, which is rare in Australia. While here, you can enjoy numerous tours and recreational excursions, as well as get up close to the tourist attractions in Tasmania.
Hobart Waterfront
Hobart’s waterfront is a picturesque area that includes boats, old warehouses, buildings, restaurants, floating fish shops, and more. It’s one of the fantastic places to visit in Tasmania. You can also stroll around and enjoy some excellent seafood.
Huon Valley – a Tourist Attraction in Tasmania
Huon Valley is home to some wonderful sights that you can see during a tour in Tasmania. There are some beautiful views that you can see on an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Huon River.
Among other favorite activities in this area is the Tahune AirWalk – walking above the treetops, including a suspended section 50 meters above the river. You can also:
- Hike on various forest trails here.
- Experience cable hang gliding.
- Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
For something different to see and do in Tasmania, head to the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. It consists of two main attractions – the caves themselves and some nearby thermal springs where you can swim.
Hastings Caves are dolomite caves formed millions of years ago. They are located 90 minutes by car south of Hobart through Huon Valley. The Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs offer a spectacular natural scene. They are home to stalactites, columns, shawls, and straws. The swimming pool is filled with beautiful thermal spring water at 28 degrees. The thermal springs are surrounded by forests with all the basic facilities like BBQ spots, toilets, and changing rooms. It’s a wonderful place for a picnic, so you’ll love coming here surrounded by nature. It’s one of the most enjoyable things in Tasmania.
Mount Field National Park
The first national park in Tasmania is filled with spectacular scenery, a good range of walking tracks, and a lot of wildlife. It also features many wonderful facilities.
Russell Falls is a star attraction and beautiful. It’s easy to reach here and can be accessed even using wheelchairs. The walk through the fern forest has some of the tallest trees in Tasmania. In winter, you can ice skate here.
Richmond Bridge
The historic town of Richmond is located just outside Hobart. It’s only about a 25-minute drive from the central business district. This town has always been one of the best places in Tasmania, and it’s full of interesting historic buildings and some important attractions.
While here, you can walk across the oldest bridge in Australia. Other attractions here include:
- A typical historical Hobart Town village.
- Richmond Maze.
The best part of this excursion is strolling and seeing all the old Georgian buildings. You’ll also find many of them are home to shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries.
Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay is one of the best places to visit if you love magnificent scenery and beaches.
Wineglass Bay is located in Freycinet National Park. Freycinet National Park is on the east coast of Tasmania and can be accessed via Coles Bay. There are many walking tracks in Freycinet National Park. You can camp here. This beautiful bay provides beautiful views all along the way. The walk takes about an hour each way but it’s steep in parts, so it can be a good workout. You can also visit Wineglass Bay by sea kayaking.
Maria Island
Maria Island is located off the east coast of Tasmania.
Maria Island National Park offers wildlife and thrilling natural scenes and convict history. You’ll find here fourteen historical convict probation era buildings which are on the World Heritage List.
You enter the island via ferry. Once on the island, you’ll find some walking tracks and can ride fantastic bicycles. In addition to the ruins, there are some beautiful beaches and cliffs to visit, as well as some peaks for climbing with views over the island and even Freycinet National Park. You’ll also enjoy birdwatching and can look for:
- Kangaroos.
- Wallabies.
- Wombats.
- Tasmanian devils.
You can camp on the island, and there are also two-storey rooms, but you can also do a day trip to the island.
Tourism Activities in Tasmania
A Tour of the Museum
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is the largest privately-owned museum in Australia and is located in a suburb of Hobart. This museum is ranked among the best museums in the world. Even people who aren’t generally fond of art museums or those looking for kid-friendly activities will find this museum interactive, entertaining, and entirely different from anywhere else. There is a great deal of diversity in the exhibits. The museum also employs light, sound, and movement to engage all your senses, so no one will get bored, not even young children.
Hiking at Mount Wellington
A trip to southern Tasmania would be incomplete without a visit to one of the best places here, Mount Wellington, or simply “the mountain” as locals call it. The mountain towers at 1271 meters and offers magnificent views of Hobart and southern Tasmania. In the colder months, the mountain is often snow-covered, providing an opportunity for some snow play. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy crisp, tranquil air, but at the same time, it can be fun to go on a cloudy day, making you feel like you’re above the clouds. You can drive all the way to the summit, although the road may be closed in winter or you might need chains, so be sure to check before you go.
Family Vacation in Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a small, beautiful town in Tasmania. It’s an entertaining stop on the way to Port Arthur. Each house here is named with the word “Port”. You should come here with your family to enjoy a different kind of life. You’ll also capture many memorable photos of this exciting time.
Exploring Wineglass Bay
One of the best sights to see in Tasmania is the beautiful Wineglass Bay. This coastal area is known for its soft white sands, blue sea, and orange rocks. The name, Wineglass Bay, refers to Aboriginal coastal fires observed by Captain Tobias Furneaux when he sailed here in 1773.
Visiting Freycinet Peninsula
Freycinet Peninsula is located on the east coast of Tasmania about 2.5 hours from Launceston. It’s at the southern tip of Wineglass Bay, making it the entry point to this area. You can enjoy many outdoor activities here, including hiking, fishing, surfing, birdwatching, and enjoying the beaches and scenery. You can camp by the beach as well as high among the trees with stunning views.
Seeing Tasmanian Devils
A trip to Tasmania wouldn’t be complete without seeing one of these small and endangered creatures. The best places to go in Tasmania to see Tasmanian Devils are one of the many wildlife parks, like Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Hobart, but there are also:
Zoodoo on the way to Port Arthur.
Zoodoo near the town of Richmond.
Tasmania Zoo outside Launceston.
Touring Tasmania is a perfect recreational experience, where you can enjoy a variety of activities, explore diverse attractions, and get close to wildlife at the same time.
Best Tourist Destinations in Victoria, Australia
Victoria is one of the top tourist destinations in Australia. Despite being the smallest Australian state in terms of area, it offers its visitors endless adventures, including driving along the world-famous Great Ocean Road, relaxing on the beach in a coastal village, exploring national parks, or visiting the stunning penguin colony on Phillip Island. The state capital, Melbourne, has been named the most livable city for six consecutive years and is also voted as the world’s best coffee city.
Grampians National Park
This stunning national park is distinguished by its unique geological diversity, ranging from rugged rocky hills to lush waterfalls and colorful spring wildflowers. It offers numerous ideal spots for capturing photographic moments. The park is also home to many Australian marsupials and local birds, which can be observed up close through its walking trails.
Torquay and the Great Ocean Road
The coastal town of Torquay is renowned as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, a 243-kilometer-long road listed as Australian heritage. This road often appears in international car commercials with a backdrop of the coast and mountains. Travelers along this road can stop at one of the golden beaches, rocky cliffs, explore temperate rainforests, or relax in one of the beautiful coastal towns along the way and savor local cuisine.
Great Otway National Park
Stretching from Torquay to Princetown, this park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky platforms, and beautiful spring wildflowers. In the north, there are tall forests, magnificent waterfalls, and serene lakes. Visitors can explore the park on horseback or mountain bike, with roads and trails available for these activities.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Australia, located about two and a half hours from Melbourne and connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is renowned for its spectacular colony of little penguins that waddle up the beach en masse at sunset. The island also offers many areas worth visiting, such as the Koala Conservation Centre, a chocolate factory, and numerous excellent restaurants.
Alpine National Park
The Alpine National Park is home to two of the best mountains in Victoria, Mount Buller and Mount Hotham, both of which are used by famous alpine resorts as destinations for winter sports. Naturally, spring and summer in the park offer a completely different experience, allowing visitors to take bushwalks to explore the magnificent plants and animals.
Bendigo
The city of Bendigo is less than two hours by car from Melbourne, and this small city offers a wonderful glimpse into Victoria’s past and the peak of the gold rush era when Victoria’s gold mines produced more than anywhere else in the world. Nearly a million kilograms of gold have been extracted from Bendigo alone since mining began in the 1850s. The city’s prominent attractions include many well-preserved examples of Victorian architecture, gold rush monuments, the Bendigo Tramways, and the Golden Dragon Museum, in addition to many buildings listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, such as the Bendigo Town Hall built in 1859, the Sacred Heart Cathedral from 1896, and the Military Memorial Museum from 1921.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
This park hosts the largest coastal wilderness area in Victoria, and this area is very popular among locals and tourists alike, providing excellent opportunities to get to know a wide range of native Australian plants and animals. It is a famous site for camping and romantic holidays.
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is about an hour’s drive from Melbourne, offering a pleasant day trip from the hustle and bustle of the capital. It provides a tranquil atmosphere amidst breathtaking nature. Prominent attractions include beautiful coastlines, national parks that stretch over 25,000 hectares, and natural hot springs.
Top Tourist Attractions in Western Australia
Perth
Perth has experienced significant growth in recent decades, thanks to a thriving mining industry, making it the fourth largest city in Australia. The city’s prosperity is evident in its gleaming skyscrapers, upscale fashion stores, fine dining restaurants, and lively entertainment venues. Additionally, Perth is a hotspot for water sports, situated along the Indian Ocean coast and the winding Swan River. Other attractions in the city include Kings Park, the Botanic Gardens, War Kings Park, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and the Memory Box Museum.
Margaret River
This beautiful city is located in the southwest of the state, about a 3.5-hour drive south of Perth, making it a favorite weekend getaway from the city. It’s also a preferred spot for surfers with over 40 scattered spots along the coast. Margaret River and its surrounding region are known for tall woodlands, white sandy beaches, and limestone caves like Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, and Mammoth Cave.
Broome
The thriving tourist city of Broome is one of the most famous destinations in Western Australia and the gateway to the stunning Kimberley region. Cable Beach is one of the main attractions in the city, stretching along the astonishing rocky cliffs for 22 kilometers with enchanting white sands and turquoise waters. Broome is also considered the pearl capital of Australia. Visitors can learn about the history of pearls at the Broome Historical Museum.
Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest coral reefs in the world, stretching for about 260 kilometers and housing astonishing marine biodiversity. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, it’s easily accessible from the beach. The rich marine life here includes over 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral. Exmouth is the main gateway to Ningaloo Reef and a famous starting point for coral reef trips, also one of the best fishing destinations in Australia.
Horizontal Falls
Viewing the Horizontal Falls is one of the most popular things to do in the rugged Kimberley region. This peculiar natural phenomenon is formed by water flowing through two narrow gorges. The only way to witness this spectacle is through an organized tour by seaplane or jet boat. Tours usually depart from Broome or Derby, and they often include a visit to the magnificent Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay, and a fresh seafood lunch.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is accessible by ferry from Perth or Fremantle. It’s a car-free nature reserve, and its main attractions include the Rottnest Island Museum located in a barn dating back to 1857, and the Parker Point Marine Trail.
Esperance Bay
Esperance Bay and its surrounding area boast a range of beaches, turquoise lakes, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. One of the prominent attractions in the area is Lucky Bay, located within the Cape Le Grand National Park. Popular activities in this area include diving, surfing, fishing, and beach safaris.
Key Tourist Attractions in the Northern Territory (Darwin)
Darwin is a tropical paradise in the far north of the Northern Territory in Australia. It is the capital of the only Australian state with a tropical climate, making it an ideal escape from cold cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Due to its proximity to Asia, Darwin enjoys a thriving cultural diversity with a wide range of ethnic restaurants. Darwin also offers its visitors an excellent array of art exhibitions, top-notch museums, botanical gardens, and wildlife. Additionally, Darwin serves as a convenient base for safari trips to Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
This market is held on Thursday and Sunday evenings from April 25 to October. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s cultural diversity with a variety of cuisines from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Portugal, India, Greece, China, Brazil, and Malaysia all in one place. The market attracts locals and tourists alike for buying unique gifts, watching entertainment shows, and enjoying the sunset view.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Located in a tropical park on Darwin’s waterfront, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory offers excellent collections of history and culture. This includes an impressive assortment of Aboriginal art, Southeast Asian, and Oceanic art, as well as works by Australian artists. The museum also provides an overview of the region’s history. It features natural history rooms offering insights into the local environment, housing one of the largest crocodiles in northern Australia. Among other notable exhibits is the Local History Gallery displaying photographs of Darwin before and after the 1974 Cyclone Tracy.
Darwin Waterfront Precinct
Situated just minutes from downtown, the Darwin Waterfront Precinct is a bustling boardwalk filled with restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. This area offers visitors the opportunity to dine on fresh seafood outdoors, try fishing at one of the free fishing platforms, embark on a harbor cruise, visit the Australian Pearl Exhibition to explore the history of pearl diving, or explore a large tank of living coral and other tropical marine creatures at the INPEX Ichthys Marine.
Defence of Darwin Experience
This intriguing experience is a part of the Darwin Military Museum, commemorating the bombing of Darwin in 1942. Multimedia presentations illustrate Darwin’s role in World War II and explore the impact of the war on the local population. Visitors can also explore the exhibits in the adjacent Military Museum, which is located in beautiful tropical gardens surrounded by the East Point Nature Reserve.
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre
This center displays a wide range of Australian aircraft, including bombers, helicopters, and Royal Australian Navy helicopters that played a crucial role in cleaning up Darwin after Cyclone Tracy. Video clips showcase the history of aviation in Darwin.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Established by Russian immigrant Maurice Holtze in 1891 on 42 hectares of land, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens houses a large and diverse collection of tropical plants. It’s one of the few areas in the world where marine and terrestrial plants grow naturally. Main attractions in the gardens include palm trees, rainforest, and an orchid garden. A network of pathways connects the main gardens, and there’s an auditorium hosting live shows.
Crocosaurus Cove
Located in the heart of the central business district in Darwin, Crocosaurus Cove offers the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles. Wildlife enthusiasts can get up close to giant crocodiles from within enclosures. Visitors can also participate in feeding sessions.
City Center
The city center of Darwin thrives with a tropical tourist atmosphere, boasting wide streets lined with numerous shops and galleries selling a bit of everything. The downtown area also hosts some prominent landmarks, including the Christ Church Cathedral, which was damaged by Japanese bombing during World War II and later destroyed by Cyclone Tracy. The new building features a narrow veranda and the adjacent wall that survived the cyclone. The Government House, built between 1870 and 1878, is a grand colonial-style white building.
Top Tourist Attractions in the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)
Carefully planned between Sydney and Melbourne in 1908 as a compromise between the two rival cities, the meticulously designed Australian capital sits around Lake Burley Griffin, with its shores hosting key attractions in Canberra, including the National Exhibition, the National Library, and Parliament House.
The lake is named after American architect Walter Burley Griffin, who won an international competition with his wife Marion Mahony Griffin to design the city, which features vast green spaces and geometrically designed streets.
Australian War Memorial
Opened during the midst of World War II to honor the war dead, this striking monument is centrally located between the National Museum, the National Exhibition, and the National Library. The bronze walls in the front courtyard are engraved with the names of all Australians who have died in war since 1885.
The memorial houses diverse exhibition halls that highlight armed conflicts in Australia from colonial times to the present. The exhibits also include a collection of vintage aircraft. Visitors are advised to allocate several hours to appreciate this thought-provoking landmark.
The New Parliament House
This architectural marvel, designed by Walter Burley Griffin, marked the realization of his vision for the Australian capital in 1912. Officially opened on May 9, 1988, it was built to replace the temporary Parliament House on Capital Hill, now known as the Old Parliament House. Architectural features of the building include massive circular walls made of granite. The foyer is adorned with 48 greenish-gray marble columns resembling a camphor forest, while the rooftop grassed terrace offers panoramic views of Canberra.
Australian Democracy Museum in the Old Parliament House
Located a short distance from the New Parliament House at the base of Capital Hill, the Old Parliament House has been in existence since its opening in 1927. Today, it houses the Australian Democracy Museum, which showcases the history of former Australian Prime Ministers. It also includes a Press Gallery containing important historical documents, as well as the House of Representatives and the Senate chambers designed akin to the British House of Commons.
Lake Burley Griffin
This beautiful lake, inaugurated in 1958, serves as the central axis of the city and is a natural haven in the heart of the capital. It attracts both locals and tourists alike for leisurely strolls and bike rides along the waterfront paths. The lake encompasses six islands, with Aspen Island being the largest and home to the National Carillon gifted by the British Government, featuring 55 bronze bells. On the northern side lies the Commonwealth Park, providing areas for play, boating ponds, waterfalls, and a stage.
The lake is surrounded by major tourist attractions in Canberra, including the National Exhibition, the National Library, Questacon, and the National Museum. Visitors can also enjoy watching the Captain Cook Memorial Jet fountain, inaugurated in 1970 in commemoration of Captain Cook’s 200th discovery of Australia, with its water reaching a height of 147 meters.
National Gallery of Australia
Situated on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, this gallery, which houses the largest collection of art in Australia, was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1982. It consists of 11 main galleries, as well as a large sculpture garden divided according to the four seasons. The art exhibits range from oil paintings, sculptures, decorative art, drawings, photographs, ceramics, fashion, and textiles.
National Portrait Gallery of Australia
Located near the High Court and the National Exhibition, it displays around 400 portraits of the most influential figures in the country. It also offers multimedia presentations that reveal fascinating details about the lives of those who helped shape the nation.
National Library of Australia
Opened in 1968, the National Library, one of Canberra’s prominent landmarks, houses treasures of books, manuscripts, newspapers, historical documents, music, and images. The building is a dramatic blend of the National Exhibition and the High Court with external columns reminiscent of a Greek temple.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Covering an area of 50 hectares, the Australian National Botanic Gardens are located a kilometer west of the city center. They encompass all the important species of Australian plants. Other notable attractions include the rainforest and the Red Centre Garden with its red soil and Spinifex grasslands. The park also hosts collections of birds and butterflies.
In our article about the best tourist attractions in Australia, we hope you’ve learned about your destination and where you can go to enjoy your time in Australia.
