35 Best Places to Visit in Australia

Australia is one of the most urbanised nations in the world. The country has grown tremendously in terms of its industries and development prospects.

Besides, Australia is well known for its natural landscapes and picturesque views. The country is well endowed with open spaces, deserts, beaches, hills, and mountains. It also houses many top megacities of the world, namely, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

If you are looking to visit the top tourist attractions in Australia, keep scrolling below.

Currency in Australia - The official currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar or AUD. 1 AUD equals 54.78 Indian Rupees as on 25 March 2023.*

*Currency rates are subjected to the market exchange rates.

Below we have provided you with a detailed list of the top tourist places to visit in Australia, with all the essential information you may need. This list contains reef sites, islands, parks, museums, gardens, harbours, towers, bays, valleys, and many other popular tourist attractions.

Enlisting the best attraction spots and places to visit in Australia which you must take a trip to whenever you are visiting the country.

1. Circular Quay, Sydney

Circular Quay is mostly famous for sailing ferries or cruises from its harbour. It is one of Sydney's most important hubs for transportation. Some of its prime attractions that tourists can explore are street entertainment performances, Taronga Park Zoo, the Opera house, and the Botanical gardens. In addition to that, there are shopping stores and different kinds of cafes and restaurants.

• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Location: Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Timings: 08:00 AM - 09:00 Pm (for Ferry Services). Otherwise, open for 24 hours.

2. Darling Harbor, Sydney

Darling Harbour, stretching from Kings Street and Cockle Bay to Pyrmont, is unique in terms of its facility including waterfront dining and a variety of entertainment options. Also, there are plenty of activities curated for tourist engagement like shopping and dining. Along with that, there are playgrounds built for kids' fun and entertainment. Tourists can explore the Sea Life aquarium, interact with exhibits, and more.

• Entry Fees: AUD 29.60 - AUD 46
• Location: Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

3. Carlton Gardens, Melbourne

Carlton Gardens is one of the oldest tourist sites in Australia. Some of its special attractions are the different kinds of old architectural fountains, flower beds, the Melbourne Museum, European trees, and more. This site is also listed as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO. The Carlton Gardens thus is unique in its own way.

• Entry Fees: AUD 15
• Location: 1-111 Carlton Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Melbourne, Australia
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

4. Chapel Street, Melbourne

In the context of shopping and vibrant nightlife, Chapel Street is one of the most prominent spots to visit. It is a blend of everything, including food, fashion, bars, markets, and theatres along with vintage shops, art galleries, and much more. The place is also a representation of Melbourne’s architectural styles and nightlife culture.

• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Timings: Thursday to Saturday (From day till late night hours)

5. King Street, Perth

King Street is home to many luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Chanel and more. Today, King Street has many apartment buildings, cafes, restaurants, and designer boutiques as well. Moreover, the location of King Street is considered one of the heritage places in Perth and is about 150 years old.

• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Location: Perth WA 6000, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

6. Broome, Perth

Broome is a coastal place and a populated tourist spot in Australia. The locals residing here also call the place the anime Rubibi.  One of the main reasons for the place being famous is that Broome was once the largest Pearling Port in the world. Moreover, tourists visit this place to bathe in the sun during winter and enjoy camel rides, waterfalls, and more.

• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Location: Kimberly, Perth, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

7. The Perth Mint, Perth

The Perth Mint is famous worldwide as it is the oldest mint that is still in operation in Australia. Its establishment traces back to the year of 1899. AS of today, this attraction in Perth, Australia is famous for producing many expensive metals, such as silver, platinum bars, gold and platinum coins as well. It was originally constructed to function as a place to mint gold sovereigns for the Britishers.

• Entry Fees: Depending on different tour packages
• Location: Kimberly, Perth, Australia
• Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (All days of the week)

8. Swan Bell Tower, Perth

The Swan Bell Tower is located on the banks of the river Swan in the main central business district. Another nearby landmark is the Barrack Street Jetty of central Perth. The top attractions of the Swan Bell Tower are its 18 bells, a museum, a high view balcony and a souvenir gift shop for tourists.

• Entry Fees: AUD 18 (For Adults), AUD 9 (For Children between 5 - 14 years), AUD 16 (Concession), AUD 44 (For Family), Free of cost (For Children below 4 years)
• Location: Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000, Australia
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM (All days of the week)

9. Great Barrier Reef, Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef lists itself as one of the largest reefs in the world. It has a diverse inculcation of marine life, corals, and reefs underwater. The aquatic life of the Great Barrier reef is vibrant and very colourful, which one may be able to explore by trying scuba diving. In addition to that, you can also have access to underwater glass-made waterproof boats.

• Entry Fees: Depending on different tour packages
• Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

10. Hahndorf, Adelaide

The place of Hahndorf is in the old town of Adelaide, which gives a feel of the medieval times in Europe. The old towns and its roads offer an opportunity for photography lovers to capture the essence of houses in medieval Europe. Some other tourist places to visit here are cafes and restaurants serving local food with their home made pickles and jams. In addition to this, the town has many boutiques as well. Its top attractions are Beerenberg farm and the Cedar housing beautiful artworks.

• Entry Fees: Depending on different tour packages
• Location:  Hahndorf, Adelaide, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

Australia is a country of many sights that has picturesque landscapes. Here is a list of the top  landscape sights  rivers, valleys and lakes you must tour in Australia:

11. 12 Apostles, Melbourne

Tourists can visit this place at any time of the day but the best time to really enjoy this place is at sunrise and sunset. Especially during sunset, the yellow rock of the 12 Apostles turns into every shade of orange and red, thereby displaying a very picturesque camera capturing moments. Visitors can also take walks along the rocks and see the waves crashing on the shore sea stacks. The rocks are of limestone origin and go up to a height of 45 metres.

• Entry Fees: Free of Cost
• Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 Hours

12. Great Ocean Road, Melbourne

The main attraction of this site is the limestone stacks formations on the side of the beach. You can also avail hiking trips, watch the waterfalls, take a walk in the rainforest, and visit the nearby parks. The nearby beach also allows you to set up camps and enjoy water sports, while the road offers wide views of the forests.

• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Timings: 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM

13. Fraser Island, Brisbane

Fraser Island has become one of the most visited tourist attractions as it is the largest sand island in the whole world. Some of the most prominent things to see here are the whales, sharks, large areas of forests, freshwater lakes, and sand dunes. Some of the activities that you can experience here are swimming, scuba diving, and camping.

• Entry Fees: AUD 53.65 - AUD 270
• Location: Brisbane, off the coast of Queensland, Australia
• Timings: 06:30 AM - 01:00 PM, 01:45 PM - 04:00 PM

14. Mullaloo Beach, Perth

Mullaloo beach is located in the outskirts in the northern suburbs of Perth. It is an ideal place for a beach holiday for both adults and kids. Tourists can enjoy the long coastline of white sand, take a walk along the shoreline or go for a swim in the blue coastal waters. The beach has playgrounds dedicated for kids and also has the facility of beach fishing. Other activities to try are boating, swimming in a nearby lagoon, kite flying, bird sighting, and watching the wildflowers.

• Entry Fees: Free of Cost
• Location: Northern suburbs of Perth, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

15. Scarborough Beach, Perth

The top lookouts for tourists in Scarborough beach are its white sands, crystal transparent blue waters, sunbathing, surfing and swimming. The location of the beach makes it an ideal spot to plan weekend getaways. Besides taking a stroll along the coastline and beach sports, tourists can also go swimming in the outdoor pool of the beach, and entertain themselves by dining near the greenery spaces of the beach.

• Entry Fees: Free of Cost
• Location: Suburbs of Scarborough, Perth, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

Many mountains and valleys in Australia conduct adventurous sports and sightseeing on top of their peaks. Here is a list of all the popular high-peak spots for tourists:

16. Lake Mountain, Melbourne

One of the most popular hiking spots to get that adrenaline rush. The three activities that are most popular here are mountain biking, invigorating walking, and cross-country skiing for 30 kilometres of ski trails. Visitors can also enjoy colourful wildflowers, panoramic views of the Victorian Alps and the Great Dividing Range. Besides this, tourists can reside in the resort of the mountain and simply enjoy a picnic on any of the plateaus.

• Entry Fees: AUD 55.80 (For Car Entry by Pre-Booking), AUD 62 (For Car Entry by On-site Booking), AUD 32 (For Car Entry by Locals on Wednesdays), AUD 20 (For Motorbikes/Push Bikes), AUD 30 (For Senior Cars on Weekdays), AUD 20 per passenger (For bus vehicles over 8 seats)
• Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

17. Yarra Valley, Melbourne

Yarra Valley is famous for its wine region, and some of its largest producers are sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. One of its most attractive adventure tours that one must not miss is going on a hot air balloon over the entire valley. The hot air balloon tour gives you a panoramic view of the entire horizon of the area and its vineyards.

• Entry Fees: AUD 181.37
• Location: North East Melbourne, Australia
• Timings: 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

18. St Kilda, Melbourne

The major attraction of Sky Diving in Melbourne is what attracts people to St Kilda. It gives a wide view of the entire landscape from up above in the sky, up to 15000 feet. The activities that a tourist can enjoy are freefall of up to 60 seconds at a speed of 200km/hr and above and floating under the canopy for 5 to 7 minutes.

• Entry Fees: Free of Cost (SkyDiving AUD 300)
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Timings: 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM

19. Uluru, Alice Springs

Uluru is located in Alice Springs and is mostly known for its night sky visuals. The Uluru point is that of one of the largest monoliths on Earth, whose height is more than 348 metres. This place is one of the favourite spots for hitchhiking. Another striking feature of the landscape is the sunset time of the day. Moreover, you can also engage in tribal tours around this place.

• Entry Fees: AUD 199 - AUD 299
• Location: Southwest of Alice Springs, Australia
• Timings: Depends on different tour’s departure and return time

20. Snowy Mountains, New South Wales

Snowy mountains are famous for skiing activities here, and other snow sports. Many of its high peaks reach 7000 feet above sea level. Some of the snow activities you can engage in here are snow tubing, snowshoeing, chairlift rides, snowboarding, and more. Along with that, you can savour the delicacies like beers, wines, and schnapps.

• Entry Fees: AUD 29 for one vehicle one day
• Location: Southeastern New South Wales, Australia
• Timings: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Australia has many famous malls that house luxurious brands. Not to mention, the streets of the mall are filled with an array of shops and cafes. Some are as follows:

21. Block Arcade, Melbourne

Block Arcade shopping mall offers a plethora of shopping items, ranging from footwear, apparels, to chocolates and more. Amongst other shopping stores of clothes, jewellery, household items, Block Arcade mall is famous for chronographs, sweets and a varied range of footwear. As it is the Melbourne is also called the shopping capital of Australia, hence with Block Arcade mall offering so much in its stores, it is a hub for shopaholics.

• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Location: Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
• Timings: 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM (Monday to Thursday), 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM (Friday), 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM (Saturday), 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Sunday)

22. Queen Street Mall, Brisbane

In the heart of Brisbane, with more than 700 shops, Queen Street Mall tops as the largest space to get spoiled by choices available in shopping. The mall has an open-air pedestrian place on its grounds, accompanied by street stores outside as well. There are international fashion shops inside the mall, such as Zara, H&M, and more, along with designer boutiques as well.

• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
• Timings: Open for  24 hours

23. Rundle Mall, Adelaide

Rundle Mall is famous for its combination of three major tourist attractions, namely, a premium range of shopping brands, dining quality, and top-class restaurants. There are more than 1000 retail shops in the mall, showcasing a varied arrangement of eatables, and shopping items. One of the popular spots is Murray and Hay shopping spaces.

• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Location: Adelaide, South Australia
• Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM

Australia is home to many exotic and rare species of animals in its parks and wildlife reserves. Therefore, enlisting the various gardens, parks, reserves and zoos that are famous in Australia:

24. Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne

Melbourne Zoo offers a lot more than just sightseeing of animals. Tourists can ask any zoo keeper to impart them with knowledge about the animals they will be watching. The zookeepers take visitors to a selected animal and tell them about individual characteristics and anything unique of that animal. Along with this, the Zoo offers special access to trained pets as well! Moreover there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to taste different delicacies.

• Entry Fees: AUD 42 (For Adults), AUD 21 (For Children Between 4 to 15 years only on Weekdays), AUD 38 (For Seniors), AUD 31.50 (Concession)
• Location: Elliott Avenue, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
• Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Open all days of the week)

25. Moonlit Sanctuary, Melbourne

The Moonlit Sanctuary is home to more than 70 species of animals. On a special note Moonlit Sanctuary is Australia’s award winning national park. Tourists can enjoy feeding wallabies and kangaroos, watch colorful birds, pet friendly koalas and watch different species of reptiles. The sanctuary also has many endangered species kept in protection. Visitors can also enjoy watching nocturnal animals during its night tour.

• Entry Fees: AUD 29 (For Adults), AUD 15 (For Children Between 4 to 17 years), AUD 23 (For Australian Pension Card Holders), AUD 79 (For Family With 2 Adults and 2 Children)
• Location: 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale VIC 3912, Australia
• Timings: 09:30 AM - 04:00 PM (Midnight), Last Entry is at 03:00 PM

26. Koala Conservation Reserve, Melbourne

The major attraction of the Koala Conservation Reserve is to see the Koalas in their natural habitat. Tourists can get a first hand experience of seeing the daily routine of Koalas, their sleeping patterns, eating and their usual activities. Visitors will have the assistance of park rangers to provide them with more in-depth information about the same. Furthermore, the park encompasses facilities for disabled individuals as well.

• Entry Fees: AUD 15.00 (For Adults Above 16+ years), AUD 37.50 (For 2 Adults and 2 Children), AUD 7.50 (For Children 4 to 15 years), AUD 10.50 (For Australian Pensioner)
• Location: 1810 Phillip Island Road, Rhyll VIC 3923, Australia
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 05:30 PM (Open all days of the week)

27. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Brisbane

On an average a tourist would need to spend about 3 hours to see all that Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has to offer. On public vote, this sanctuary has been voted to be the most famous tourist destination of the Gold Coast of Australia. Visitors can enjoy the daily events, local Australian animal species, the natural bushland, and the sanctuary has preserved their culture. This sanctuary is the jewel of NTAQ, or National Trust of Australia.

• Entry Fees: AUD 30.00 - AUD 51.00 (One-day entry for Individual Tickets), AUD 27.00 - AUD 145.80 ( One-Day Entry for Family Tickets)
• Location: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin QLD 4223, Australia
• Timings: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM (Open all days of the week), Closed on 25th April and 25th December

28. Australia Zoo, Brisbane

The Australia Zoo is home to over a 100 species of animals that tourists can learn about. It is one of the most iconic zoos as it was established by the famous “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin’s parents. It was opened in the year 1970 and has been awarded multiple titles like the Queensland Tourism Award in 2012 and more. Tourists can enjoy doing multiple activities such as walking with the kangaroos, patting a koala, the tiger temple, and the Crocoseum.

• Entry Fees: AUD 59 (For Adults), AUD 47 (For Students), AUD 47 (For Pensioners), AUD 35 (For Children Between 3 to 14 years), AUD 189 (For 2 Adults and 3 Children)
• Location: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Brisbane, Australia
• Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Open all days of the week), Closed on Christmas Day - 25th December.

29. Sea World Marine Park, Brisbane

The Sea World Marine Park has major attractions, such as precincts, rides, exhibits, shows and presentations, and animal adventures. The park also allows you to avail celebration of different occasions inside its premises. Furthermore, you can also witness different kinds of animals, from water animals to land animals.

• Entry Fees: AUD 219 (for Locals)
• Location: Dr, Main Beach, Brisbane Australia
• Timings: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM, 01:30 PM - 05:00 PM (Only on 25th April)

30. Kakadu National Park, Darwin

Kakadu National Park is a location with enormous cultural and environmental importance. You may spend time climbing through desolate sandstone escarpments and watching 300 types of bird species and crocodiles. The Kakadu Escarpment is one of the most beautiful places in Australia because of its natural scenery.

• Entry Fees: AUD 12.50 -  AUD 100.00 per pass
• Location: Drive from Stuart Highway, Darwin, Australia
• Timings: Open for 24 hours

31. Daintree National Park, Northeast coast of Queensland

Daintree National Park has two main tourist attractions, which are the cape tribulation and the Mossman Gorge. The park has crystal clear waters, and boulders of granite rock, not to mention, it encompasses one of the world’s richest ecosystems. There are over 18,000 species of flora and fauna, wherein tourists can take a guided tour to witness them all.

• Entry Fees: AUD 15 (Kids from 4 years to 14 years), AUD 30 (for Adults), AUD 75 (for a family of four people)
• Location: Cairns, Queensland, Australia
• Timings: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM. The park is open on all days, except 25 December

There are many museums in Australia that depict the culture, contemporary and history of Australia. The top museums that tourists visit are:

32. Melbourne Museum, Melbourne

The Melbourne Museum showcases the culture, natural environment and the history of the city of Melbourne and the state of Victoria. Its history dates back to 600 million years and the museum presents prehistoric creatures, ancestral spirit named Bunjil and the special centre Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The Melbourne museum also has an IMAX theatre where tourists can enjoy watching movies.

• Entry Fees: AUD 25.50 (For Adults), AUD 70 (For family with two adults and two children), AUD 25.50 (For Children up to 16 years)
• Location: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Open all days of the week)

33. Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne

Heide Museum of Modern Art is an award-winning museum that is located on the banks of the Yarra river. It is a public museum that displays the ancient history of the city of Melbourne. The museum also has a modern-day contemporary art gallery that showcases the modern developments of Australia, in all its forms and a park on its premises.

• Entry Fees: AUD 22 for adults, AUD 17 Senior’s days on Tuesdays, Free for kids under 16, members, Manningham residents
• Location: 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen VIC 3105, Australia
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

34. Aviation Heritage Museum, Perth

The museum was opened in the year 1983, it displays a variety of items of military and civilian aviation. It also showcases 30 aircrafts and a number of interactive exhibits, artefacts, and other aviation related displays. The special attraction of the museum is its Lancaster tour where tourists can experience the feeling of sitting inside the Lancaster Bomb. In addition to this, tourists can enjoy first hand experience of simulated cockpits, special events, attend aircraft restoration workshops and more.

• Entry Fees: AUD 15 (For Adults), AUD 7.50 (For Children over 5 years), AUD 10.00 (For Senior or Pensioner)
• Location: Air Force Memorial Estate, 2 Bull Creek Dr, Bull Creek WA 6149, Australia
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM (Open all days of the week)

35. Tasmania Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Hobart

The premises of the museum is an activity-filled attraction for tourists. The museum hosts live music shows, a plethora of food and drink, art shows on the lawn, and a bunch of other activities. No kind of charge is to be paid to get museum ground access. The most sought-after way that people prefer to reach here is a ferry ride from the Hobart coast.

• Entry Fees: AUD 10 - AUD 35 (for Tasmanians and Non-Tasmanians), Free for under 12 years, 18 years and if you have a companion card access
• Location: 655 Main Road, Berriedale TAS 7011, Australia
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM