Top 10 Places to Visit in Australia
Australia is a continent as much as it is a country — massive, diverse, and endlessly surprising. No matter how long you travel, there’s always more to see. I lived, worked, and journeyed across it for months, from diving on the Great Barrier Reef to exploring Melbourne’s laneways, road-tripping Tasmania, and even racing camels in the Outback. Here are my top 10 places to visit in Australia (all places I’ve experienced myself):
Not a bad way to watch the sunset in Broome.
1. Sydney 🌆 🌟 Did This
Australia’s most famous city. I explored the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach — though I actually preferred the quieter Manly Beach. Sydney has that big-city buzz mixed with iconic coastal scenery.
💡 JD’s Tip: Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly — cheap, fun, and the views are better than most tours.
Harbour views, skyscrapers, and that iconic Aussie energy.
2. Melbourne 🎨 🌟 Did This
I lived here for a while and fell in love with its art, coffee culture, and quirky laneways. The street art is incredible, and day trips like the Great Ocean Road are unforgettable. Melbourne felt creative, lively, and welcoming.
💡 JD’s Tip: Join a laneway walking tour — you’ll discover hidden cafés and murals that most people miss.
The perfect starting point to explore Melbourne’s laneways and hidden gems.
3. Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef 🐠 🌟 Did This
The jumping-off point for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. I learned to dive here, and snorkeling over coral gardens was an experience I’ll never forget. Cairns itself is a fun backpacker town with easy access to waterfalls and rainforests too.
💡 JD’s Tip: Pick a smaller reef tour for a less crowded experience — the reef feels more magical that way.
Pink fins, blue waters, and endless reef magic.
4. Uluru & the Red Centre 🏜️ 🌟 Did This
The spiritual heart of Australia. Seeing Uluru at sunrise, glowing red against the desert, was one of the most powerful experiences I had in the country. The surrounding Kata Tjuta formations are just as breathtaking.
💡 JD’s Tip: Take a guided walk with an Anangu guide — learning the cultural stories makes Uluru even more meaningful.
Watching Uluru shift colors at dawn is pure magic.
5. Perth & the West Coast 🌊 🌟 Did This
Perth is laid-back but full of sunshine, beaches, and nearby adventures like Rottnest Island (home to the famous quokkas). From here, I explored parts of the West Coast — wild, raw, and far less touristy than the East.
💡 JD’s Tip: Don’t miss snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef if you’re in season they have whale sharks— it rivals the Great Barrier Reef but with fewer crowds.
From city beaches to remote reefs — WA really has it all.
6. Tasmania 🏝️ 🌟 Did This
An island of rugged coastlines, rainforests, and wildlife. I road-tripped across Tasmania and loved the hikes, beaches, and small towns. Wineglass Bay and Cradle Mountain are just two highlights — Tasmania feels like a world apart.
💡 JD’s Tip: Give yourself at least a week — the distances are longer than you’d expect.
Nature’s paint job — those orange lichen-covered rocks are unreal.
7. Alice Springs & the Outback 🐪 🌟 Did This
The Outback feels like another world. I saw camel racing, tried a camel burger, and explored the red desert landscapes around Alice Springs. The vastness and isolation of this region are hard to put into words.
💡 JD’s Tip: The Outback sun is intense — carry more water than you think you’ll need.
Rock art near Alice Springs — a glimpse into timeless culture.
8. Gold Coast 🌴 🌟 Did This
Famous for surfing, beaches, and theme parks. I loved the skyline view of Surfers Paradise right next to the ocean. It’s touristy, but the energy is contagious.
💡 JD’s Tip: I actually preferred smaller beaches nearby — more relaxed and less crowded than Surfers Paradise.
Surfers Paradise — touristy, busy, and absolutely buzzing with energy.
9. Adelaide & South Australia 🍷 🌟 Did This
I worked in South Australia’s wine country and loved Adelaide’s slower pace. From vineyards in Barossa Valley to beaches and festivals, it’s an underrated part of the country.
💡 JD’s Tip: Take a day trip to Kangaroo Island — full of wildlife and natural beauty.
My new South Australian friend was very laid-back
10. The Kimberley (Northwest Australia) ⛰️ 🌟 Did This
Remote, rugged, and unforgettable. Towering gorges, waterfalls, and endless red landscapes make the Kimberley one of Australia’s most dramatic regions.
💡 JD’s Tip: Distances here are huge — rent a 4WD and prepare for long stretches without services.
Towering gorges, hidden pools, and unexpected travel buddies — the magic of the Kimberley.
