You can choose destinations based on your interests, including city sightseeing, beaches, wildlife, natural landscapes, road trips and Aboriginal culture. Tourism Australia lists destinations across Australia's cities, beaches, islands, outback and national parks.
1. Sydney
You can start your Australia itinerary in Sydney to explore its harbour, beaches, cultural attractions and surrounding areas. Tourism Australia includes Sydney among Australia's major capital-city destinations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach and city attractions |
| Location | New South Wales |
| Suitable travel period | Check current weather for your planned activities |
| Entry | Varies by attraction |
| Things to do | Explore the harbour, visit Bondi Beach and see city landmarks |
| Tip | Allow time for both harbour attractions and beach areas |
Sydney can also serve as a starting point for a Blue Mountains excursion.
2. Melbourne
You can include Melbourne if you want to explore museums, galleries, food, cultural attractions and nearby regional destinations. Tourism Australia identifies Melbourne as one of Australia's major capital cities and highlights its food and cultural experiences.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Arts, culture, food and city attractions |
| Location | Victoria |
| Suitable travel period | Check current weather for your planned itinerary |
| Entry | Varies by attraction |
| Things to do | Visit galleries, explore city areas and plan regional day trips |
| Tip | Combine Melbourne with the Great Ocean Road if you have sufficient time |
You can also use Melbourne as a base for a Great Ocean Road itinerary.
3. Great Barrier Reef
You can visit the Great Barrier Reef from destinations such as Cairns and other coastal gateways. Tourism Australia states that the reef stretches about 2,300 km and supports a wide range of marine life.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Coral reefs, marine life and islands |
| Location | Queensland |
| Suitable travel period | May to October offers the dry season in Tropical North Queensland |
| Entry | Activity-specific |
| Things to do | Snorkel, dive, sail or take a reef excursion |
| Tip | Check seasonal marine conditions and activity requirements before booking |
The tropical north experiences a wet season from November to April. Summer also coincides with stinger season around the Great Barrier Reef, when additional protective measures are required for some water activities.
4. Uluru and Kata Tjuta
You can visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre to experience Australia's outback landscapes and Aboriginal cultural heritage. Tourism Australia identifies Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park as a major natural and cultural destination.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Aboriginal cultural experiences |
| Location | Northern Territory |
| Suitable travel period | Check temperatures and local conditions before planning |
| Entry | National park and activity charges may apply |
| Things to do | Join guided walks, view the landscapes and explore cultural experiences |
| Tip | Allow time for outdoor activities and consider daytime temperatures |
Uluru is also part of Australia's World Heritage-listed cultural and natural heritage.
5. Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles
You can include the Great Ocean Road if you want a coastal road-trip experience from Victoria. The 12 Apostles are among the route's major natural landmarks.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Coastal cliffs, beaches and the 12 Apostles |
| Location | Victoria |
| Suitable travel period | Check road and weather conditions before travelling |
| Entry | Varies by attraction and activity |
| Things to do | Take a road trip, visit coastal viewpoints and explore nearby attractions |
| Tip | Allow sufficient time for stops rather than treating the route as a single viewpoint |
Tourism Australia identifies the 12 Apostles as a major natural landmark along the Great Ocean Road.
6. Blue Mountains
You can take a day trip or overnight visit to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. Tourism Australia states that the area is about 90 minutes from Sydney and includes the Three Sisters, walking trails, waterfalls and mountain villages.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Three Sisters, forests, valleys and waterfalls |
| Location | New South Wales |
| Suitable travel period | Check weather and trail conditions |
| Entry | Varies by attraction |
| Things to do | Hike, visit viewpoints and explore Katoomba or Leura |
| Tip | Check trail conditions if you plan longer walks |
The Blue Mountains can fit into a Sydney-focused itinerary without requiring a separate domestic flight.
7. Gold Coast
You can include the Gold Coast if beaches, coastal activities and theme parks are part of your itinerary. Tourism Australia lists the Gold Coast among Australia's major destinations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Beaches, coastal attractions and entertainment |
| Location | Queensland |
| Suitable travel period | Check current weather for beach and outdoor activities |
| Entry | Varies by attraction |
| Things to do | Explore beaches and visit selected attractions |
| Tip | Account for attraction tickets separately from accommodation and transport |
The Gold Coast can be combined with Brisbane depending on the length of your trip.
8. Kakadu National Park
You can visit Kakadu National Park if you want to explore wetlands, waterfalls, wildlife and Aboriginal rock art. Tourism Australia describes Kakadu as a World Heritage-listed destination with cultural sites and landscapes.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Aboriginal rock art, wetlands and wildlife |
| Location | Northern Territory |
| Suitable travel period | May to October is the dry season |
| Entry | Check current park fees and tour charges |
| Things to do | Explore cultural sites, wetlands and guided experiences |
| Tip | Check seasonal access because wet-season conditions can affect some areas |
Kakadu is about three hours from Darwin and conditions vary significantly between the wet and dry seasons.
9. Whitsundays
You can include the Whitsundays for island experiences and access to the Great Barrier Reef. Tourism Australia highlights activities such as sailing, snorkelling and visits to Whitehaven Beach.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Islands, beaches and reef activities |
| Location | Queensland |
| Suitable travel period | May to October for the tropical north's dry season |
| Entry | Activity-specific |
| Things to do | Sail, snorkel and explore Whitehaven Beach |
| Tip | Check marine conditions and activity availability before booking |
The Whitsundays are about 55 km off the Queensland coast.
10. Ningaloo Reef
You can visit Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia for reef experiences and marine wildlife. Tourism Australia describes Ningaloo as the world's largest fringing reef and highlights its access from the beach.
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| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Coral reef, marine life and coastal experiences |
| Location | Western Australia |
| Suitable travel period | Check seasonal marine conditions |
| Entry | Activity-specific |
| Things to do | Snorkel, explore the reef and join wildlife experiences |
| Tip | Check seasonal wildlife experiences before fixing your dates |
Ningaloo Marine Park is World Heritage-listed and is known for its access to the reef from the coast.
