Iconic Must Sees in Australia

Author: Chris Hawkins, Programme Director

Every country has somewhere that simply cannot be missed. Australia, though, is spoilt for choice - it's an abundance of amazing places to see, feel and experience. These are the places I find myself recommending again and again, alongside a few quieter spots that most first-time visitors never hear about.

Sydney and the Opera House

Sydney itself is fabulous - a busy city with a beating heart, and the most exciting city in Australia by a long way. There's a huge amount packed into a relatively small area. One sight beats the rest, though: the stunning Sydney Opera House. Get up close and you'll notice the building is made up of many long, shell-like lengths of concrete - it's a genuinely striking piece of engineering as much as architecture, especially set against the classic backdrop of the Harbour Bridge. Go at night and it's even more spectacular. For the real experience, let us book you a concert or opera performance there - the acoustics inside are something special too.

The Blue Mountains

So gorgeous that I'd almost call it compulsory viewing - this UNESCO World Heritage area is only a short drive from Sydney, yet feels a million miles away in terms of peace and tranquillity. The vistas and expansive scenery genuinely rank among the best views I've found anywhere in the world. I always recommend basing yourself in Leura, where the pace is slightly more laid-back and there are some fabulous, seldom-visited lookouts away from the coach-tour crowds - our Blue Mountains & Hunter Valley collection has some lovely options here, including the elegant Lilianfels Resort & Spa overlooking the Jamison Valley. For avid hikers, head to Blackheath for a day and take the walk between Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap - it's a real highlight. We love the Blue Mountains, and I'd urge you to find the time (2-3 nights) to fall for them yourselves.

Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon – The Red Centre

Miles from anywhere, these classic rock formations sit right in the middle of the country, and they're a genuine sight to behold. Unique, deeply spiritual places with a long history tied to Aboriginal culture, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is far, far bigger than you'd expect. Take an Aboriginal-guided walk around the base if you're fit and healthy - it takes 3-4 hours and is genuinely one of the most rewarding things you can do in Australia. The equally impressive Kata Tjuta rock domes aren't far away, and for spectacular canyon views, make the effort to get out to the more remote Kings Canyon. Most people are time-precious in the Red Centre and spend only two nights, but if you want a real experience, fly into Alice Springs and take a 4WD vehicle along the Mereenie Loop - a unique way to reach Uluru, and a proper outback journey in its own right.

Great Barrier Reef

The famous Great Barrier Reef stretches roughly 2,300km and is visited by almost everyone who comes to Australia - and for good reason. With outstanding diving and snorkelling opportunities, it's very much one of the places everybody wants to see when they're on holiday here, and it rarely disappoints.

Kangaroos and Koalas

For anyone coming from the Northern Hemisphere, spotting your first kangaroo and koala in the wild is genuinely exciting - even if the local Aussies are always a bit baffled when we ask where to find them. There are plenty of them, though you'll need to head out into the countryside. My favourite place to spot koalas is the little-known Raymond Island in Gippsland, home to a good number of these endearing marsupials. Another favourite of mine is the wonderful Kangaroo Island in South Australia, where both roos and koalas can be spotted together alongside plenty of other native Australian wildlife.

K'Gari (Fraser Island)

Australia takes on the USA when it comes to "biggest" claims, and K'gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) adds to that list as the largest sand island in the world. I've included it because it's an incredible place to visit, with freshwater lakes and pristine white sand shorelines. It's a genuinely bizarre, unforgettable experience, and well worth the detour.

Ningaloo Reef

The far less known - yet arguably more stunning - reef on Australia's West Coast, Ningaloo is the largest fringing reef in the world. Its remoteness is part of its beauty, sitting around 1,200km north of Perth. But if you can make the journey, it passes iconic sites in their own right, such as The Pinnacles and Kalbarri National Park, among others. One of the biggest draws is the chance to snorkel with whale sharks between March and August - an experience that genuinely cannot be missed.

Arnhem Land

Arnhem Land is a vast wilderness area in the northeast corner of Australia's Northern Territory, defined by rocky escarpments, gorges, rivers and waterfalls. It's firmly on my "must sees" list because of its profound Aboriginal cultural significance - it's steeped in history, and the ancient rock art here is living proof of it. It's a genuinely spiritual, incredible part of Australia. You'll need a permit to gain access, and we run some excellent guided tours through this special part of the Northern Territory.

MCG-Melbourne Cricket ground

For any sporting enthusiasts, the MCG is a very famous arena - home to the tight shorts of Aussie Rules footy and one of cricket's great landmarks. It's genuinely huge, which keeps entry prices for games surprisingly reasonable. If you're lucky enough to be in Melbourne during a match, go and watch one - it's a proper slice of Australian life.

Talk to our Australia experts:

There are so many wonderful sights and places to visit in Australia - I hope this has whetted your appetite. With our vast, first-hand knowledge of the country, we're confident we can help you put together a holiday that includes as many of these iconic places as possible. Browse our full range of Australia holidays or explore our escorted tours,

Frequently Asked Questions

How many of these highlights can I realistically fit into one trip?
It depends on how long you've got. For a two-week first-timer's trip, I'd suggest picking two or three - typically Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and either the Red Centre or the Great Barrier Reef. Trying to cover everything on this list in one visit usually means too much time in transit and not enough time actually enjoying each place.

Is Uluru worth visiting if I only have a short amount of time in Australia?
Yes, but I'd always recommend at least two nights there rather than a rushed day trip - it's a long way to travel for just a few hours, and the base walk and sunset viewing genuinely deserve unhurried time.

When's the best time to snorkel with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef?
Whale shark season runs from March to August, making this the ideal window if that experience is a priority for your trip.

Do I need to book an Aboriginal-guided tour in advance for the Red Centre or Arnhem Land?
Yes, particularly for Arnhem Land, which requires a permit to enter. We arrange this as part of your tailor-made holiday, so it's worth telling us early if it's something you'd like included.

Which of these places would you recommend for wildlife spotting specifically?
Kangaroo Island is the best all-rounder, since you can see kangaroos, koalas and a wide range of other native wildlife in one place. Raymond Island is a lovely, quieter alternative if koalas are your main focus.