Top 13 Iconic Places to Visit in Australia For Your Bucket List

G'day, mate! If you're planning a trip to Australia, you may feel stumped by the number of awe-worthy options. This country is massive, so whether you've got 7 days or 1 month, I can help you make the most of your time. 

Growing up in Australia, I was fortunate enough to explore many ends of the country. From the lush rainforests of Tropical North Queensland to Melbourne's cosmopolitan heart, Australia is deep in diversity. 

Whether camping, skiing, or surfing appeals to you, this country is packed to the brim! In this guide, I'll run you through the must-see spots, hidden gems, and most beautiful parts of Australia. 

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Australia?

Are 7 days enough to visit Australia? It is! 

Visiting Australia gives you many chances to connect with Aboriginal culture, native wildlife, and friendly locals. And, of course, there's a handful of the best beaches. 

Here are the best places to visit in Australia! 

13. Adelaide, South Australia 

Let's get the ball rolling in South Australia's capital, Adelaide. 

Home to hot spots like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, this city offers plenty for wine lovers and culture enthusiasts. 

Whether you want to frolic among the vineyards, hang out in art galleries, or head down to the wind-swept beaches, Adelaide is one of the top places to visit in South Australia. 

12. The Kimberly, Western Australia  

Hugging the heart of Western Australia, The Kimberly boasts authenticity and adventure. If you want to get off the beaten track, this national park is the perfect place. 

Replete with rugged terrain, stunning landscapes, and plundering gorges, this spot looks like it's been ripped straight out of an adventure book. 

Go swimming in the waterfalls, look at the unique geological formations, and soak up life in the Aussie outback. 

11. K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland 

Coined as the globe's largest sand island, K'gari is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Fraser Island has freshwater lakes, bliss-inducing beaches, and peculiar ecosystems. If you're wondering what to do in Australia, this place is a bucket list item. Even if you only have 7 days in Australia, Fraser Island is well worth visiting. Especially if you're already going to visit Cairns and Sydney!  

10. Cairns, Queensland 

Cairns harbors many of my favorite childhood memories, and it's a top spot for vacations in Australia. 

It's where my brother and I swam above sharks, my friend got stung by a jellyfish, and I saw crocodiles for the first time. As a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, this tropical paradise is an ideal base for travelers. Jazz up your itinerary with this Daintree Rainforest flight from Cairns!

Whether you want to get in touch with Aboriginal culture in Kuranda, go hiking in the lush forests, or hang out in the contemporary city bounds, Cairns has something suited to you. 

9. Brisbane, Queensland 

If you're looking for a mix of outdoors, culture, and city life, Brisbane is one of Australia's best places to go. 

Nearby, you can explore the sun-soaked Gold and Sunshine Coast, discover the hinterland, and surf some epic waves. With a warm climate, this is one of the best places to visit year-round. It's also quite popular with young adults, so if you're looking to socialize, Brisbane is a top choice. 

8. Uluru, Northern Territory

Also known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is one of Australia's most iconic places to visit. Undoubtedly, you've come across postcards or photos of this gigantic sandstone monolith. 

As a sacred site for the Indigenous people, Uluru upholds its remarkable heritage and history. If you plan a trip to Australia, aim to visit this hot spot at sunrise or sunset. This is when you'll have the ultimate light show! 

7. Sydney, New South Wales 

Oh, Sydney. How could I forget? Considering the rivalry with Melbourne, I have a love-hate relationship with the often-confused capital. 

If you're visiting Australia, Sydney is a must-see for many. Hemmed in with a few highlights, this is one of the top spots to enter full tourist mode. Get your sightseeing hat on and visit gems like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. 

With so much to do, it's easy to see why many people go to Sydney on vacation. 

6. Tasmania 

If you're wondering what to do in Australia, Tasmania may not stand out. 

Based on my first-hand experience, this state is steeped deep in natural splendor, animated cities, and the nuance of national parks. It's one of the 5 best places to visit in Australia.

Explore spots like the stunning Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park off the beaten path. Remember to bring an extra jacket. Tasmania is known to be windy and wild, even during the summer! Spice things up at the national park with this evening Tasmanian Devil feeding tour! 

5. Melbourne, Victoria 

My home town! I may be biased, but Melbourne is one of the best cities in Australia. 

This city is packed with wild nightlife, delicious cuisine, cultural events, classic vintage shops, cool street art, and almost everything you can imagine. With blue-water beaches, sprawling city life, and seaside vibes in St Kilda, you can even catch some penguins at the pier! Melbourne is an ideal base for escapes to the Grampians, the Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island. 

Whether you want to party at a festival, get artsy at a gallery, or taste some of the globe's best coffee, Melbourne is easily one of the best places to visit in Australia in December. 

4. Blue Mountains, New South Wales 

If you only have 7 days in Australia, the Blue Mountains is a bucket list experience. This green-graced gem is one of the most famous places in Australia!

Sitting just a stone's throw from Sydney, this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes for a fantastic day trip. Soak in the sublime views, visit the lush forests, and admire the unique landscape. 

3. Perth, Western Australia 

Perth is packed with a laid-back atmosphere, and a clashing contrast of city meets nature. As the capital city of Western Australia, this spot boasts breathtaking beaches and adventure-worthy escapes. 

If you're looking for the best things to do in Australia, Perth is the gateway to many top endeavors! See local wildlife in Rottnest Island, walk in the waters of Margaret River, and watch whales in Fremantle. 

If you're wondering the best time to visit Australia, summer (December to February) is the top choice. That being said, June through December is ideal for whale-watching in Perth. 

2. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland 

If there's one thing Australia is known for, it's the eye-catching Great Barrier Reef. 

Located off the coast of Queensland, this UNESCO site boasts scuba diving and snorkeling and attracts intrepid explorers year-round. 

As one of the best things to do in Australia, this is a place where you can observe sharks, dolphins, turtles, fish, whales, and so much more! For water lovers and nature enthusiasts, the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's most beautiful places to visit. 

1. Whitsundays, Queensland 

The Whitsundays should be number 1 on your bucket list if you're visiting Australia. Woven with whirl-like wafts of powdery white sand contrasted against turquoise-hued water, this place is an oasis. 

Look no further for what to do in Australia because the Whitsundays are a show-stopper. This group of idyllic islands is perfect for sailing, snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing. 

Whether you want to head out on a jet ski tour or get your adrenaline pumping on a crocodile safari, the Whitsundays is one of Australia's best places to visit. 

Kangaroos, Beaches, and Beyond! 

Now that you're familiar with the best places to visit in Australia, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.