MY TOP 10 PLACES I’VE VISITED IN AUSTRALIA – AND WHY I LOVE THEM!

Welcome to my post on my top 10 favourite places I’ve visited in Australia. It’s no secret that I love it here—so much so that I’ve called this amazing country home for nearly ten years now! From natural wonders to vibrant cities, I’ve explored some pretty incredible places, and so far, nothing compares to Australia.

The land down under is split into eight states and territories, and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting five of them (so far!). This list is a personal collection of my favourite spots—from stunning beaches to epic scenery—all places I’ve experienced firsthand, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Australia or looking for new places to discover, this list has you covered. If you enjoy this post, feel free to share it on your socials and leave a comment at the end—I’d love to hear from you!

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1 NAROOMA, NSW

WHY I LOVE IT? Aqua Blue water and amazing sea life!

First, of my favourite places I’ve visited in Australia, is a much-loved town I like to visit several times a year. Narooma is around a 7-hour drive northeast of Melbourne, and a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra. There’s so much to do here, that this little town really packs a punch, I don’t have time to tell you about everything, so I’ll give you a few of my favourites.

If you take a walk along Wagonga Inlet, you can see the permanent ever-present seal colony often frolicking in the water or catching some rays lying in the sun. I’ve often just stood here and watched them play and fight, which is so surreal to watch.

There’s also Australia Rock, which is located in this area too, which is actually shaped just like the outline of the country, minus Tasmania.

Also, head on over to Mill Bay Boardwalk, which is home to the biggest stingrays I’ve ever seen! Literally – they are so big here. they make the ones on the Great Barrier Reef up in Queensland look minuscule! You’ll often find some seals here to, waiting for the fisherman to toss them some scraps as they clean their catch of the day.

Also, take your pick on the number of stunning beaches around this area, with clear blue water, which is best enjoyed on a summer’s day. Stay tuned for a blog post on this stunning town in the near future.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Just follow the Princes Highway, and you can’t go wrong! I drove here from Batemans Bay, which took about an hour. If you’re coming from Sydney, it’s roughly a 5-hour drive south, making it a great road trip option.

2 PHILLIP ISLAND, VIC

WHY I LOVE IT? Seeing wild penguins waddling onto the beach is something I’ll never forget!

Back in 2006, I’d just arrived in Melbourne, Victoria as a young backpacker. After exploring the city for a few days, I wanted to get out and see more of the area, so I asked my hostel to help me organize a day trip to Phillip Island—and it turned out to be such a fantastic day!

At the time, I was the kind of traveler who booked something last minute with no research, then just went for it the next day. It was an early start for me (anything before 9 AM felt like the middle of the night while I was backpacking!). I was picked up from my hostel in Melbourne around 7:30 AM, and we made several stops along the way, including animal sanctuaries and some stunning coastal spots on Phillip Island.

The highlight of the trip was definitely seeing the penguins! We were seated in a viewing area, which felt a bit commercial and boring at first as we waited for the sun to set. But as dusk came and the stands filled with excited crowds, we finally saw movement in the water. Out popped these adorable little penguins, shuffling up the beach and walking right past us! It was incredible. You can follow them from a distance along a boardwalk designed to let humans watch without disturbing them. Then, they disappear into their burrows for the night. What an unforgettable experience!

HOW TO GET HERE:

Phillip Island is about 146 kilometers (around 90 miles) from Melbourne, and it takes just under two hours to drive. If you’re not driving, I’d recommend an organized tour—they can often pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation. There isn’t any direct public transport from Melbourne to Phillip Island that I could find.

Penguin Parade, 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerlands, VIV 3922

3 CARNARVON HERITAGE PRECINCT, WA

WHY I LOVE IT: Beautiful surroundings, plenty to see and do in such a small area, and great food!

There’s so much to explore in this charming area. For starters, there are three fantastic museums, a boardwalk, and my favourite spot—The One Mile Jetty Café, which serves amazing food, especially their coffee and ice cream!

Start your visit at the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, which is set up just as it was over a hundred years ago when the station master and his family lived there. The One Mile Jetty Museum, located through the café, is another must-see. Since I left Carnarvon in January 2019, they’ve completed a big renovation, and I’ve heard it’s even better now! Don’t miss the Sheep Shearing Museum in front of the café, where you can wander through old machinery displays and explore the area.

Unfortunately, the One Mile Jetty itself is currently closed because it’s deemed unsafe. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be much urgency from the government to repair it, so it’s slowly deteriorating.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Driving? Perfect—it’s just a five-minute drive from the town center. If you’re on foot, it’s a lovely walk. From the Fascine, take the footbridge to Whitlock Island, where you’ll pass the old train station that once transported locals to the Precinct. As you walk on the rich red soil and through the blackened bushland, dotted with waterways, you’ll arrive at the Heritage Precinct in about 30 minutes.

4 BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW

WHY I LOVE IT? Epic scenery, cute Victorian villages, and lots of free activities!

The stunning Blue Mountains National Park is less than an hour’s drive from Sydney. I have visited here several times, visiting many beauty spots such as the famous Three Sisters at the Echo Point lookout. There is a very steep called the Three Sisters Walking Track and it is extremely steep! When I underwent this hike, it was an extremely hot and humid day, in the middle of summer. I started walking down the track, when about halfway down I realised then I needed to catch the HOHF bus to get to the next stop and it was leaving in a few minutes. I turned back and started half running, half struggling back up the steep steps! When I got to the top, I thought I was going to pass out! I was definitely seeing stars!

There are many beautiful walking trails and beauty spots to see, such as Govetts Leap, Leura Cascades and Scenic World. There’s also the stunning village of Leura, which has lots of lovely boutique shops and wonderful cafes.

HOW TO GET HERE?

You can take a train from Sydney’s Central Station to Katoomba, Lithgow, or Leura. Alternatively, drive via the M4 and A32, which takes just under an hour. The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is great for getting around the area.

5 SYDNEY, NSW

WHY I LOVE IT?  Beautiful. Lively. So much to see and do. So many different areas to explore.

Sydney is hands down my favourite city! I lived here for four wonderful years, and there’s so much to share about why this iconic city belongs on your Australian Bucket List. From the world-famous Harbour, home to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to the city’s legendary beaches like Bondi and Manly—there’s no shortage of amazing spots to explore. On hot days, you’ll find the beaches packed with sunbathers cooling off and soaking up the beach vibes.

When it comes to nightlife, Sydney has everything from upscale bars in The Rocks, to the lively Darling Harbour, or the wild nightclubs in Kings Cross. Foodies are also in for a treat, with plenty of top-notch restaurants and budget-friendly backpacker eats to suit all tastes.

Some of my favourite spots include the tranquil Chinese Garden of Friendship, where you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a city, and the historic charm of The Rocks with its stone buildings and narrow laneways—it feels like a slice of Europe. And, of course, the Sydney Opera House, which is just as magical outside as it is inside.

HOW TO GET HERE?

Sydney is incredibly accessible! Fly into Sydney Kingsford-Smith International Airport from all over the world, or grab a domestic flight if you’re already in Australia. You can also take the train or a coach from major east coast cities, though the coach is slower but gives you more of that scenic Aussie countryside!

6 SHARK BAY/MONKEY MIA, WA

WHY I LOVE IT: Free-roaming wildlife, wild dolphins, beautiful landscapes and scenery.

This beautiful, World Heritage-listed area is a little off the beaten track, but well worth the journey. You won’t regret it! The reason so many people flock here is to see the famous dolphins at Monkey Mia, which are just incredible. The best part is that these dolphins are very friendly and love coming up close to humans. I was lucky enough to see a seventeen-day-old baby when I visited—talk about cute! 

Beyond the dolphins, there’s stunning scenery and national parks all around. We didn’t manage to see everything during our weekend here, but we did check out Shell Beach, which is made entirely of shells with no sand! There are also beautiful views from Eagle Bluff, with its burnt-orange cliffs and blue ocean, and the amazing prehistoric Hamelin Pool stromatolites. A heads-up: we visited in early January when it can get extremely hot, so be prepared for the heat!

HOW TO GET HERE:

Monkey Mia actually has a small airport—more of an airstrip and a tin shed, really. There’s no public transport from the airport to Denham, the major town in Shark Bay. If you’re driving from Perth, it’s about an 8.5-hour trip along National Route One and Brand Highway or State Route 60.

7 ATHERTON TABLELANDS, FAR NORTH QLD

WHY I LOVE IT? The most amazing rainforest, epic trees, and waterfalls.

When I first ventured to Cairns into Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, I was a young, naive backpacker with no idea what to expect. Staying out partying until 3 AM, then getting picked up at 7 AM with the worst imaginable hangover wasn’t the best start! Fortunately, being young and resilient, I, embarrassingly, threw up in the rainforest minutes after arriving—but felt better almost immediately, allowing me to enjoy the day.

That day turned into one of the best of my life. The rainforest’s beauty is overwhelming. Despite my initial fears of encountering giant spiders with glowing red eyes and fangs, I put my worries aside and marvelled at my surroundings. The 500-year-old Cathedral Fig Tree, with roots that grow down and twist around each other, was so awe-inspiring that I forgot about my hangover entirely!

Walking along boardwalks through stunning gorges and encountering unique flora and fauna made me feel as though I were in another world. Our final stop was the renowned Millaa Millaa Falls, one of Australia’s most popular and beautiful spots. On that hot day, we couldn’t resist a dip, swimming underneath the falls to feel the icy water—an unforgettable experience in one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen.

HOW TO GET HERE?

You’ll need a car, as there’s no public transport to Dandella. Another option is a guided tour, which can pick you up from your accommodation and take you to all the highlights. It’s just over an hour’s drive via the Bruce Highway and Gillies Range Road / State Route 52.

8 JERVIS BAY, NSW

WHY I LOVE IT: Stunning scenery, national parks, and white sandy beaches.

Welcome to paradise—without the huge price tag! Think endless, stunning beaches with aqua-blue waters so clear you’ll want to dive in on a sunny day. Then there’s the famous Hyams Beach, with sand so white it looks like sugar. Known for having the whitest sand in the world, it’s truly a sight to behold!

Beyond the beautiful blue waters of Jervis Bay is the gorgeous Booderee National Park, which hugs the coastline and offers many walking paths and hidden, deserted beaches. We visited the Booderee Botanical Gardens one morning and felt as if we’d been transported to a rainforest in Far North Queensland. Thanks to the many boardwalks, it’s ideal for easy walks on hot days and manageable for families with young kids.

HOW TO GET HERE

Jervis Bay is about a three-hour drive south of Sydney. If driving, take the M1 and Princes Highway. Public transport is an option, though it’s a bit of a journey: catch a train from Sydney Central to Nowra/Bomaderry station, then take the #62 bus from the bus station to the centre of Huskisson. There are some buses around the area, though I struggled to find information about them online.

9 GREAT BARRIER REEF, QLD

WHY I LOVE IT? Amazing diving. Beautiful blue ocean.

So far I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Great Barrier Reef twice. Every time I go, I want to I want to go back. It really is so special. On my first trip, I got to scuba dive and saw three sharks! After initially being utterly petrified and thinking I’d be the shark’s afternoon snack, weirdly enough, I quickly forgot about being eaten by sharks and started to enjoy myself! I saw humongous sea turtles, colourful coral and even stingrays. There’s also the beautiful view from the boat which is just incredible to see, with the aqua coloured water all around you.

HOW TO GET HERE?

Located in Northern Queensland, and easily accessible from Cairns, Port Douglas or Townsville, the only way to see the Great Barrier Reef is via boat. Which means you will need to book yourself on a tour, unless you have your own boat, or choose to rent one! I highly recommend using ‘Quicksilver.’ They are incredible. The staff here are all marine biologists and give talks on the boat. The cruise includes your lunch onboard and all your equipment hire. This is also part of their mission to have fewer chemicals going into the sea and protecting the marine park. By using their wetsuits, you will not need to wear sunscreen which is better for the reef.

10 MORTON ISLAND, QLD

WHY I LOVE IT: Stunning scenery in every direction, virtually untouched, epic snorkelling, and shipwrecks.

I have to admit, I didn’t really know what I’d signed up for when I booked a tour for an overnight camping trip to this island. But what I found was a virtually untouched paradise that I still look back on with fondness.

It was incredibly hot during my stay on Moreton Island, so as soon as our tour group arrived, we all jumped straight into the sea—it was amazing. There might have been an embarrassing moment when I thought I spotted a shark fin in the distance, which turned out to be a buoy (used for tide and depth indicators). We all had a laugh—probably out of pity! We snorkelled around shipwrecks, went sandboarding down huge dunes, and explored the national park and many beauty spots. At night, we watched an incredible sunset on the beach.

HOW TO GET HERE 

The only way to get to Moreton Island is by passenger ferry. There are four services each way daily from the Tangalooma Island resort ferry Terminal at Holt Street in Pinkenba, Brisbane, and it’s just a 75-minute journey. You can also bring your car—a four-wheel drive is highly recommended.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Q. DO YOU NEED A VISA TO ENTER AUSTRALIA? 

Yes! You need a visa to enter Australia. You can check your eligibility and apply for a visa [here].

Q. HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT AUSTRALIA?

Australia is vast—about the size of Europe—so it’s not the kind of destination for a quick 1-2 week trip. Ideally, plan for at least a month. Many visitors stay for 6-12 weeks, and some, if eligible, even apply for a 12-month visa to explore all eight states and territories at a more relaxed pace.

Q. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT EACH PLACE?

Generally, for activities like city exploration, walking, and rainforest visits, autumn, winter, or spring are ideal to avoid the intense summer heat. However, if you’re planning to visit beach destinations, summer is the best time to enjoy the warm water. The ideal season or month to visit can vary depending on location, especially to avoid extreme weather or large crowds.

Q. WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?

Australia is known for its unique wildlife, so it’s good to be prepared and respectful. For example, Far North Queensland has saltwater crocodiles, and in forests and rainforests, you’re likely to see kangaroos—or maybe a spider or two! Research the specific area you’re visiting to know what wildlife to expect and how to interact safely.

Q. WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK FOR A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA?

What you pack will depend on when and where you’re visiting. During the Australian summer (December-February), pack light clothing. For winter (June-August), bring layers, especially if you plan to visit cooler regions or the snowfields, where winter gear is necessary. Northern Australia only has wet and dry seasons, not a traditional winter, so plan accordingly. Essentials include bug spray, high-SPF sunscreen, and swimwear, as water activities are often on the agenda!

Q. ARE THERE ANY CULTURAL ETIQUETTE TIPS OR CUSTOMS TO KNOW?

In culturally significant areas, like those important to Indigenous Australians, it’s essential to be respectful. For example, climbing Uluru/Ayers Rock is now prohibited due to its cultural importance. Always treat natural sites, beaches, and rainforests respectfully: take your rubbish with you, use designated bins, and ensure nothing goes into the ocean that could harm wildlife.

Q. ARE THERE SAFETY TIPS FOR BEACH AND OCEAN ACTIVITIES?

Australia is home to thousands of beautiful beaches, but safety is essential. Many beaches are unpatrolled, so check in advance if lifeguards are on duty. Swim between the flags, as this is the monitored zone, and lifeguards will be on watch during designated hours. Also, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and shade options like an umbrella, as amenities are often limited.

Q. WHAT’S THE INTERNET AND MOBILE NETWORK COVERAGE LIKE?

Australia’s internet speeds lag behind much of the world. Coverage is acceptable in major cities but often unreliable or nonexistent in rural areas. In remote locations, you’ll likely rely on maps, signs, and the help of locals.

Thanks for reading my post on my Top 10 Favourite Places to Visit in Australia. Each spot on this list brings back incredible memories, like snorkelling through shipwrecks on Moreton Island, hiking the steep trails of the Blue Mountains, and witnessing the unforgettable penguin parade on Phillip Island. Living in Australia has given me the chance to explore everything from the lush rainforests up north to the sun-drenched beaches in the south, with each place offering its own unique adventure.

Australia has truly captured my heart. It’s a remarkable place, brimming with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From the sunlit stretches of Queensland to the iconic Sydney Harbour, I’m constantly amazed by the sheer beauty and diversity this country has to offer. This list offers just a glimpse into the beauty I’ve experienced here, with each location bringing something unique and inspiring. I can’t wait to explore the other three states and territories in the future to discover even more incredible places.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through my top 10 places in Australia! I hope these stories and tips inspire your own travels—whether you’re an Aussie looking to rediscover local treasures or planning your first trip Down Under. If you’ve been to any of these places or have your own favourites to share, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this post, sharing it might help fellow travellers uncover their next Aussie adventure! 🌏

Happy travels, and see you on the next adventure!

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