Australia's Most Scenic Locations

From awe-inspiring natural wonders to impressive modern structures, Australia is packed with a diverse range of stunning beauty.

Australia is a top bucket-list destination for travelers worldwide. Whether you're drawn to the bustling urban scenes of Melbourne or Sydney or prefer the tranquility of a mountain range or island, the country offers both within a single day’s journey.

Whether you're visiting for the first time or the fifteenth, these are some of the most beautiful destinations you won't want to miss in Australia.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Often overlooked, Australia's carefully planned capital, Canberra, is home to one of the country's most impressive landmarks – the Australian War Memorial.

This monument, built to honor the fallen heroes from across the nation both before and after statehood, also houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Just outside Canberra, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world at Gibraltar Falls, with its dramatic 50-meter plunge nestled within Namadgi National Park.

If you're not ready to brave the heights of the falls, you can enjoy birdwatching, visit the National Arboretum, or explore the nearby protected wetlands.

New South Wales

New South Wales, home to Australia's largest city, Sydney, is filled with stunning urban sightseeing opportunities.

Two of the city's most iconic landmarks are the Sydney Opera House and the ANZAC Bridge. The Opera House, with its roof designed to resemble a collection of white sails, sits majestically on Sydney Harbour next to the Harbour Bridge, creating one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.

The ANZAC Bridge, a tribute to the soldiers from New Zealand and Australia who lost their lives in World War I, gracefully spans Johnstons Bay. The bridge also proudly displays both the Kiwi and Aussie flags as symbols of unity.

A short drive from Sydney takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, named for the bluish haze created by the eucalyptus trees that blanket the mountaintops.

One of the most awe-inspiring sights is the Three Sisters, a trio of rock formations. The name originates from an Aboriginal legend about three sisters who were transformed into stone.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is home to Uluru, arguably the most iconic natural landmark on the continent.

This enormous monolith holds deep cultural significance for the Anangu people, who have inhabited this region for millennia. While climbing Uluru was banned in October 2019, it remains an equally spectacular sight whether viewed from the ground or the sky.

Another stunning natural wonder in Australia's 'Top End' is Kakadu National Park, the largest national park in the country. This vast wilderness is home to a wide range of wildlife, including crocodiles and flatback turtles.

It’s also a captivating place to explore Aboriginal culture, with rock art dating back over 20,000 years (yes, that's correct), and knowledgeable staff on hand to help you appreciate its historical significance.

The Simpson Desert spans from the Northern Territory into South Australia and Queensland, offering various ways to experience its vast, red expanse. Start your adventure in Alice Springs, the nearest town in the Northern Territory.

Queensland

Stretching from the northern tip of the country along the Coral Sea, Queensland’s diverse ecosystems offer a unique chance to experience a variety of stunning landscapes all within close reach of one another.

One must-see destination is Cape Tribulation, also known as Cape Trib, a tropical rainforest teeming with rare plant and animal species.

Cape Tribulation is brimming with beauty – whether you’re taking a guided hike through the lush rainforest, relaxing on the beach, or visiting the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll feel like you've explored the world in just a few days.

Off the coast lies one of Australia’s most beloved beach escapes, the Whitsunday Islands. With most of its 70 islands uninhabited, they retain an untouched, secretive charm.

The vast, pristine white sand beaches make for perfect photo opportunities and are ideal picnic spots for those on a leisurely cruise.

South Australia

The stunning aquamarine and blue waters of the Yorke Peninsula showcase some of the most picturesque landscapes in all of Australia.

Cape Spencer, with its charming lighthouse, offers perfect photo opportunities, and just across the water, Kangaroo Island makes for one of the region's best day trips.

(And yes, there are plenty of kangaroos to spot.)

Tasmania

Though Tasmania is the only state not located on the Australian mainland, it stands proudly on its own, offering unique attractions that rival its larger counterparts.

Located near the heart of Tasmania, Cradle Mountain offers sweeping views and is part of the protected Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

With its glacial lakes and vast forests, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to explore, especially for avid hikers.

Off the southern coast of Tasmania lies Bruny Island, a narrow strip of land connected by a single-lane causeway known as 'The Neck.'

The island's abundance of fresh produce means you’ll have no trouble finding delicious oysters, fish, cheese, and wine, often just a short walk away.

Victoria

While Melbourne boasts some of Australia’s most prestigious neighborhoods, the state of Victoria is also home to many of the country’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

One of the best ways to take in this stunning scenery is from above, ideally in a hot-air balloon over the picturesque Yarra Valley wine region.

For those in good physical condition, the 5-kilometer Kokoda Memorial Walk offers breathtaking views of gum trees, inspired by the trail where Australian soldiers lost their lives in Papua New Guinea.

Phillip Island, located about two and a half hours south of Melbourne, is a popular destination for animal enthusiasts, especially to witness the nightly parade of Little Penguins – as the name suggests, these penguins are small (and incredibly adorable).

But that's just the beginning – the island is also a haven for spotting seals, birds, dolphins, whales, wallabies, and more, all while enjoying the beach and a refreshing swim.

Not all of Victoria's natural beauty lies above ground. The limestone formations of the Buchan Caves in eastern Victoria are renowned for their semi-translucent, otherworldly colors and stunning shapes.

Western Australia

As Australia's largest state, Western Australia is home to Perth, often considered the most isolated capital city in the world.

But all that vastness brings an abundance of natural beauty. One of the most stunning regions is the Margaret River Valley, a coastal area south of Perth, renowned for its scenic landscapes and world-class wine production.

Both locals and visitors are drawn to Margaret River for its coastal walks, iconic lighthouses, and the chance to spot whales along the shore during certain times of the year.

While the Great Barrier Reef is famous worldwide, it’s not the only reef along Australia’s coast. On the other side of the country lies Ningaloo Reef, a 705,015-hectare protected area, home to whales, sharks, and numerous coral species – many of which you can explore without a scuba certification.

This treasure of the Indian Ocean also holds the title of the world's largest coral fringing reef.