Australia is home to some of the most stunning and iconic landmarks in the world. From the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru, learn more about 10 of Australia’s top must-see attractions and experience its natural beauty and cultural history.
Discovering Australia’s Top 10 Landmarks
Australia is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and based on some tourism data we found, the top 10 landmarks travellers must visit are the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Blue Mountains, Phillip Island, Bondi Beach, the Twelve Apostles, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Port Arthur, and Kakadu National Park.
| Landmark | Tourist Visitation (Approx.) | Reference/ Data Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Opera House | 10.9 million | Sydney Opera House Annual Report 2019-20 |
| Great Barrier Reef | 2 million | Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority |
| Sydney Harbour Bridge | 3.5 million | BridgeClimb Sydney |
| Blue Mountains | 4.5 million | Blue Mountains Regional Tourism |
| Phillip Island | 3.5 million | Visit Victoria |
| Bondi Beach | 2.6 million | Destination NSW |
| The Twelve Apostles | 2 million | Visit Victoria |
| Uluru (Ayers Rock) | 395,000 | Parks Australia |
| Port Arthur | 275,000 | Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority |
| Kakadu National Park | 200,000 | Parks Australia |
Sydney Opera House – Stunning Architecture to Vibrant Arts Scene
Located in Sydney Harbour, the iconic Sydney Opera House is a World Heritage Site and one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks. The building features a large sail-like roof made from tiles of five different colours. It hosts over 1,500 performances each year. Inside you can explore the theatres and learn about the architecture through guided tours or take part in one of their cultural events!
Dive into a world of wonder at the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching 2,300 kilometres along Australia’s northeastern coastline. It holds an immense diversity of life, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The reef is best explored by boat, snorkelling or diving. You will be able to see hundreds of unique sea creatures as well as beautiful corals and can even spot migrating whales!
Why do People Visit the Great Barrier Reef
Experience spiritual significance and natural beauty at Uluru
In the heart of the Northern Territory is Uluru/Ayers Rock – an immense sandstone monolith. It’s a sacred site and spiritual home to the local Anangu people. Rising up out of the desert, this impressive landmark stands 348metres tall, with a base circumference larger than 8km and changing dramatic colours across its surface throughout the day. Experience this awe-inspiring site through guided walks, camel rides or scenic flights around it.
Unique Facts About Uluru That May Surprise You
Stunning coastal of the Twelve Apostles
Located in the Port Campbell National Park on the Great Ocean Road, The Twelve Apostles is a formation of limestone stacks along the coast. Though there are now only eight stacks, you’ll still be able to appreciate their majestic presence rising out of the Southern Ocean. There’s plenty of room to wander around and snap photos, or join a two-hour guided ranger tour. In addition to the apostles themselves, you can also spot whales, dolphins and seals during your visit.
Uncovering unique things to do in Lorne
Get a bird’s eye view of Sydney at the iconic Harbour Bridge
If you’re up for a thrilling adventure, the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is a must-do activity for you. The 134-meter climb to the top of the bridge offers breathtaking views of the Sydney skyline, the harbour, and the Opera House. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian walkway that spans the bridge and enjoy the stunning views.
From the top of Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge. Adult Climbs from $268
Blue Mountains – from stunning snow-capped vistas to scenic hiking trails
The Blue Mountains, located just a couple of hours from Sydney, offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The region is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Australia, including rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. You can take a scenic drive along the Great Western Highway, visit the charming mountain towns of Katoomba and Leura, and explore the hiking trails that lead to breathtaking lookout points. Don’t miss the chance to ride the steepest passenger railway in the world at Scenic World.
Scenic Railway by Scenic World
Encounter adorable penguins and enjoy scenic beaches at Phillip Island
If you’re a nature lover, Phillip Island is just the perfect destination for you. This island is located just a couple of hours from Melbourne, is home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and koalas. You can watch the famous Penguin Parade at sunset, where hundreds of little penguins waddle up the beach to their burrows. You can also visit the Koala Conservation Centre and get up close with these adorable creatures, or take a scenic coastal drive and spot seals basking on the rocks.
Soak up the vibrant beach culture at Bondi Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Australia, Bondi Beach is a hub of activity year-round. In summer, you can catch some waves, swim in the ocean, or soak up the sun on the golden sand. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at surfing or stand-up paddle-boarding. In winter, you can take a coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte and enjoy the stunning views along the way. You should also visit the Bondi Markets on Sundays for some unique local finds.
Step back in time and explore Australia’s convict past at Port Arthur
If you’re interested in Australian history, a visit to Port Arthur is definitely a must. This former penal colony, located in Tasmania, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a glimpse into Australia’s convict past. You can take a guided tour of the site and learn about the daily lives of the convicts, or take a ghost tour at night for a spooky experience. Check out the beautiful gardens and ruins of the site, which offer a peaceful respite from the dark history of the place.
Port Arthur Historic Site official website
Discover ancient rock art and unique wildlife at Kakadu National Park
For an unforgettable wilderness experience, visit Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. This vast wilderness area is home to stunning landscapes, including wetlands, waterfalls, and ancient rock formations. You can take a guided tour of the park and learn about the indigenous culture and history of the region, or explore on your own and discover hidden swimming holes and secret waterfalls. Don’t miss the chance to see some of Australia’s most unique wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and wallabies.
Kakadu National Park: When is the Best Time to Visit
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