The oldest inland town in Western Australia, York was settled in 1831 and is known for its heritage architecture. With a location on the Avon River in Avon Valley, York is an easy day trip destination from Perth, one that offers history, culture, countryside scenery, and adventure activities.
Aromatic eucalyptus, ferns, and mountain ash surround the pool into which the 275-foot-tall Steavenson Falls plunge, with white water turbulence giving way to stillness. The lush area is marked by the black scars of the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, but the region’s regeneration is proof of Australia’s fighting spirit.
This remote stretch of waterway is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and boasts approximately 117 miles (188 kilometers of the unobstructed river completely devoid of inhabitants and civilizations. Cruise along the Gordon River for a peaceful glimpse of the banks of one of the last temperate rainforests in the world.
The MacDonnell Ranges are a 400-mile (644-kilometer) stretch of mountains offering spectacular views and some of the top natural attractions in Australia’s Northern Territory. Visit the ranges to experience Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm, and the secluded water holes of Serpentine Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole.
Located in Vaucluse, in eastern Sydney, Nielsen Park is a year-round outdoor recreation destination. Part of the Sydney Harbour National Park, it offers a beach, large expanses of lawn, plenty of shade, a promenade, sheltered picnic areas, a food kiosk, and wonderful harbor views. It’s particularly popular among families with kids.
Towering red-rock canyons, wildflower-filled gorges, and weathered mountain peaks make up the West MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch west of Alice Springs over an area of 1,240 square miles (2,000 square kilometers. The wild landscapes afford ample opportunities for outdoor activities and harbor a wide variety of wildlife and a rich Aboriginal heritage
Nicknamed "the Gabba" after the suburb of Woolloongabba where it’s located, Brisbane’s 42,000-seat cricket ground serves as home turf for the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls. The stadium, known for having one of the best cricket wickets in the world, also hosts concerts, rugby, and other sporting events.
Looking out over the Brisbane River, with a backdrop of the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Eagle Street Pier is an idyllic location for dinner in Brisbane. The riverside precinct has a varied selection of bars, cafés, and restaurants, dotted around a 19th-century wharf and ringed by modern glass-fronted high-rises.
See thousands of marine animals without leaving the city at the SEA LIFE Melbourne aquarium. Boasting more than 10 themed zones, the aquarium features penguins, sharks, rays, crocodiles, starfish, and much more. The ocean’s diversity and marine conservation efforts are the focus at this popular family attraction.
From the moment you walk through the giant fiberglass replica of a crocodile's head, you know that Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is wild about crocs. Located on the outskirts of Broome, this adventurous park is home to native saltwater crocodiles deemed too aggressive to remain in their Outback communities.
Formerly home to Steve Irwin, also known as “the Crocodile Hunter,” the Australia Zoo is one of Australia’s largest and most popular wildlife conservation facilities. Managed by the Irwin family, whose personalities are a major part of its continued success, the zoo has a huge collection of native Aussie animals as well as creatures from around the world.
With 175 acres (65 hectares) of fruit orchards open to visitors, Tropical Fruit World is one of the Gold Coast’s most unique tourist attractions. The eco-friendly, family-run working farm grows over 500 varieties of tropical fruits, and visitors can go behind the scenes to get a glimpse into farming life.
See what it was like to sail aboard the tall ship, Polly Woodside, whose historical mission was to haul coal and wheat/nitrate from South America to England. This wooden ship made that voyage an impressive 16 times and now rests in Melbourne. Visitors can climb aboard, steer the ship, and pretend to sail the seven seas.
Brisbane’s Parliament House is where the business of governing Queensland takes place. And it couldn’t take place in a much grander setting: The 1868 building boasts a beautifully restored interior, a sweeping staircase, and gold-leaf details. Take a guided tour or watch the parliament sitting from the public gallery.
Despite its name, American River is a town on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island (not, actually, a river). Set in a sheltered harbor between the ocean and Pelican Lagoon, the location attracts yachties and fishing vessels with its calm waters. For travelers, it’s primarily a base for birdwatching in Pelican Lagoon and exploring further afield on Kangaroo Island.
You’ll find plenty of beaches around Byron Bay and dotting the coastline of the expanded region. But for those that wish to get far out of the town and away from typical surfing and swimming hot spots, expansive Seven Mile Beach calls. This peaceful stretch of sand is ideal for those who prefer a quieter escape and fewer crowds.
Located in New South Wales, between Port Macquarie and Newcastle along Australia’s eastern coast, the village of Seal Rocks is renowned for its undeveloped beaches and prime surfing opportunities. Visitors also come to see the impressive Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, which offers stunning views.
In Eurimbula National Park, mangrove thickets line the coast and clear creeks feed into the sea. White sand and a wide sky make this Queensland park feel endless, with air filled with the sharp scent of eucalyptus. While human visitors love the park, it’s also a haven for wildlife—keep your eye out for the dramatic plumage of black cockatoos, and the brilliant blue of the sacred kingfishers.
Phillip Island isn’t only famous for its wildlife sightings, coastal hikes, and the nightly Penguin Parade—the Victorian island is also home to a legendary Grand Prix racing circuit. With a history dating back to 1928 and formerly the site of the Australian Grand Prix, the Phillip Island Circuit is known for its technical twists and turns and spectacular ocean views.
The pretty mountain town of Kuranda is tucked into hills 16 miles (25 kilometers) northwest of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. The journey is part of its appeal; visitors get views of forests and waterfalls, whether by train, skyrail, or road. The laid-back town has outdoor markets, eateries, wildlife tours, and an alternative vibe.
The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef often draws visitors to Cairns, but the natural beauty found on land is another great reason to visit. Lush, green, and with a touch of wilderness, this tropical city has a rainforest feel just off the Australian coast. One of the best places to experience this scenery is at the Flecker Botanic Gardens—specifically inside the swampy section known as Centenary Lakes.
Part of Australia’s Gondwana Rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamington National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Covering 77 square miles (200 square kilometers), it’s known for its rich biodiversity, ancient trees, over 500 waterfalls, and more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) of hiking trails.
Among central Hobart's most recognizable buildings, St. David's Cathedral is a towering Anglican church. It was built in 1868 on a site where previous churches stood (and were subsequently destroyed by windstorms). The church’s neo-Gothic architecture and large organ are among its major draws.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra is an elite facility that trains athletes in a wide variety of sports and disciplines. As well as physical training, the AIS researches and teaches sports science, medicine, nutrition, and other related fields. Travelers can visit on guided tours that run several times per day.
Founded by the Seppelt family in 1851, this landmark Barossa Valley winery combines heritage vineyards, historic architecture, art, gardens, food, and pretty scenery—including the 2,000-plus Canary Island date palms that line the estate's entrance. Tours, seated tastings, restaurants, and picnicking are among the winery's top activities.
The Cape Schanck Lighthouse has stood in solitary splendor atop rugged cliffs since 1859—and its light still burns even now. The heart of the Mornington Peninsula’s Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, it’s a starting point for a range of splendid walks, although the lighthouse itself is difficult to access.
If you’re on a large cruise ship stopping in Sydney, you might pass through the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Situated in the heart of Australia’s biggest city, the port aims to make it as convenient as possible to get off (and back on) the ship, and also connects travelers to a plethora of sightseeing options.
This rocky 32-acre (13-hectare island in the heart of Port Jackson is as rich in history as it is in sandstone. Once home to an explosives store and later a convict stockade, Goat Island has housed the Sydney Water Police and even served as a film set. These days, it’s part of Sydney Harbour National Park.
Dating back to 1859 and nicknamed "The Heath" after its original bushland race track, Caulfield Racecourse is one of Melbourne’s most legendary horse racing venues. Hosting prestigious events such as the Caulfield Cup—the precursor to the world-famous Melbourne Cup—it’s a top destination for a festive day at the races or a fun family outing.
Tamborine Mountain Distillery is an award-winning distillery that produces boutique liqueurs and spirits. They use local ingredients and native flora to give their drinks a unique taste, and implement traditional Russian and Ukrainian processes. Visitors come to taste the distillery’s products in the mock-Tudor tasting room.
