Even though you could arrive in Australia jet lagged, once your body clock has adjusted and you go off on an Australian adventure, some really stunning scenery is ready to greet you. Australia has plenty of must-see scenery, from ancient monoliths and beautiful mountains to coastal highways and coral reefs. So if a trip filled with stunning locations and panoramic vistas appeals to you, keep reading for our list of Australia’s must-see landscapes.
1. The Whitsundays: Finding Paradise
You won’t want to miss the Whitsundays if you’re serious about experiencing the most breathtaking landscapes Australia has to offer. The Whitsundays, a group of islands off the coast of Queensland, are a textbook example of a paradise. White sands, turquoise oceans, swaying palms, and beachfront resorts—all the typical characteristics of the tropics—are present and accurate. Additionally, there are breathtaking sights everywhere you turn, whether you are sailing, snorkelling, or simply relaxing. The Great Barrier Reef is another breathtaking scenery that can be reached from the Whitsundays. A picturesque helicopter flight over a heart-shaped coral or a guided snorkel safari to swim with sea turtles are just a couple of the once-in-a-lifetime activities you can mark off this list. You won’t soon forget seeing even a little portion of the greatest coral reef system in the world, whether it’s above or below the seas.
2. Incredible and iconic: Uluru
The most recognizable of all Australian landmarks is undoubtedly Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith also known as Ayers Rock. This old rock formation, which is very spiritual and holy to the Anangu people, protrudes from the ground like a crimson colossus. Nothing can prepare you for the sight of something so enormous—a natural wonder that has been in the making for 500 million years—despite the fact that you have seen it on TV and in travel guides. In the Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru dominates the landscapes alongside Kata Tjuta (36 towering domes spanning more than 12 miles), but there is so much more to see in one of Australia’s most well-known settings. This remarkable scenery is made up of desert plains, steep canyons, outback waterholes, and impossible starry skies. Visit Uluru to witness it change from terracotta to violet at twilight or from glowing fiery red at sunrise, then remain to discover more of Australia’s prehistoric interior.
3. Driver’s Paradise on the Great Ocean Road
Driving along the Great Ocean Road is one of the best road adventures there is. From the surf town of Torquay (just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne) to the charming fishing community of Port Fairy, this breathtaking 413-mile coastal road follows the clifftops that overlook the Southern Ocean. Along the journey, charming seaside communities like Lorne and Apollo Bay are ideal for a quick stop for fish and chips on the sand, while Otway National Park’s lush rainforest is one of the greatest places to see koalas in the wild. The 12 Apostles, a group of rocky limestone stacks that rise from the sea and rank among Australia’s most famous natural sights, are the true stars of the show. Take an extra-special, extra-scenic coastline drive in a rental car. You won’t be sorry.
4. A tropical treat: the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest was described by Sir David Attenborough as “the most extraordinary place on Earth.” And that’s quite an honour considering how many breathtaking places he’s witnessed. One of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, this historic UNESCO-protected forest in Tropical North Queensland has been expanding for more than 180 million years. Wildlife enthusiasts should also take note of this lush environment’s incredible biodiversity, which includes 40% of Australia’s bird species and 60% of its butterfly species. One of only a few places in the world where Indigenous people manage a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area has also recently been at the forefront of Indigenous-led tourism. Join a guided tour to learn the secrets of this revered and alluring terrain with the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, the area’s original stewards.
5. Wineglass Bay: An Unmissable Beach
Tasmania is an uninhabited island state that is frequently missed by travellers to Australia. ‘Tassie’ is blessed with unending natural beauty and is home to some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Wineglass Bay, one of the nation’s must-see beaches. This magnificent curve of sand, shaped like the glass that houses your favourite Australian wine, is hidden between pink granite peaks in the unspoiled wildness of Freycinet National Park. Embrace the Australian tradition of bushwalking and take the 1.5-hour return trek to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, where the bay’s stunning show is waiting for you and your camera. When you finally dip your toes into the quiet, sugar-white sand, the steamy, slightly arduous trek to the beach (which takes three hours round trip) will have been well worth it.
