If I could only make one more trip in my life, it would be back to Australia. The country has something for everyone, and there are so many Australian landmarks worth visiting its impossible to see them all in one trip.
This article may contain compensated links. Please read my disclaimer policy for more info.
The Australian continent is the collective name for mainland Australia, Tasmania and approximately 8,221 smaller islands that surround it.
It takes fives hours to fly from Perth to either Sydney or Brisbane and not much less to fly from Darwin to Sydney.
Are you planning an Australia travel route and need help choosing which famous landmarks to see? This post will give you lots of information and tips. You can also read more about general Travel advice in this Australia Guide, and I’d highly recommend reading one of these travel guides.
I’ve made at least seven lengthy trips to the country, and I’ve only seen a small proportion of the country.
Guide to the Best Australian Landmarks
For that reason, I’ve collaborated with some fellow travel bloggers to put together this Australia travel guide of the very best landmarks and Australia tourist attractions to visit.
To help you plan your Australia sightseeing, I’ve put a ⭐️ next to the famous Australian landmarks.
For ease of knowing where the top attractions in Australia are the post is divided into states.
New South Wales – Sydney Australia Landmarks
If you ask anyone to name the most famous buildings in Australia, most people would start with the Opera House.
Sydney Opera House ⭐️
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
The Opera House is the most Iconic of Sydney landmarks due to its glorious white sails and its position on the harbour.
The building was a result of a competition to design a new opera house for Sydney. The accolade was won by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon and his design which was inspired by the peeling of an orange. These segments are today known as the sails.
What Unesco says about one of the most iconic places in Australia
Architects still consider its elaborate design as advanced today, and it was made a Unesco World Heritage listed site in 2007. In the words of Unesco this building
“represents multiple strands of creativity, both in architectural form and structural design… it is one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity, not only in the 20th century but in the history of humankind.’
As Australia sights go, the Opera House should be top of your list if you’re visiting Sydney.
Best views of this iconic Australian building
The Opera House is one of the most famous things in Australia to see and to get the best views you need to head to the Botanical Gardens or the Harbour Bridge.
You also get a fabulous view of this famous city landmark on the Sydney to Manly Ferry, which sails past the front of the building.
Take of tour of the Opera House
You can take a tour of the opera house, and it’s one of Sydney, Australia tourist attractions not to miss.
For more information about the tours available or to reserve a ticket
Sydney Harbour Bridge ⭐️
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
After the opera house, Sydney famous landmarks have to include the harbour bridge. Renowned for its magnificent firework display on New Years and nicknamed the coat hanger this is another iconic landmark not to miss.
The bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. Its 1149 metres long and it takes a whopping 272,000 litres of paint to cover it.
You can walk across the bridge for free, and if you want to get some of the best views in Sydney, a climb up the pylon lookout tower is worth it.
Sydney Bridge Climb
For the more adventurous the Sydney Harbour bridge climb should be on your itinerary. Having done the climb myself, I can say it’s an unforgettable experience that is worth every penny.
Its one of the best Australian man made landmarks!
The view from the top is spectacular, and it’s such a fantastic feeling to stand on top of this Sydney, Australia monument. You get a 360-degree panorama of the city which is truly magnificent. Not to mention its one of those landmarks of Australia that everyone dreams of climbing, so its a big bucket list tick!
You can book your ticket for the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb here.
Natural Landmarks in Sydney
Outside of the city centre, one of the best Sydney Australia landmarks is the three sisters in the Blue Mountains. The views here are spectacular.
Three Sisters, Blue Mountains
The Three Sisters is by far the most famous landmark in the Blue Mountains, and you’ll find them in Echo Point Katoomba which is over 100 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.
The unusual rock formation was created by wind and rain which has allowed the soft sandstone to develop into the three sisters; it is however predicted that this unique rock formation will eventually be eroded entirely.
How to get to the Three Sisters
The best way to get to Katoomba from Sydney is to hire a car and drive there. It takes approximately 1 and a half hours from the city centre.
However, if this is not an option, there are many tour companies that offer day trips to the area. Public transport is also an alternative, but it is an approximate journey of three-hours that involves two train rides and a bus trip.
for information about tours to the Blue Mountains from Sydney.
Who are the Three Sisters
The three sisters are part of an Aboriginal dream-time legend; it is believed they were once three beautiful sisters named Meehni, Wimblah and Gunnedoo who were all turned into stone by their tribal leader. This is because all three sisters fell in love with brothers from another tribe which was forbidden under tribal law.
Other things to do in the Blue Mountains
Besides observing the three sisters, you may explore the many hiking tracks around this beautiful area. You can also make your way down the giant stairway to the base of the three sisters. Alternatively, for those who prefer something more adventurous, there is caving and abseiling in this area.
Another option is to take the Scenic railway which is currently the steepest cable railway in the world. This railway is at 1 Violet St Katoomba, a 30-minute walk from the three sisters.
Australian Landmarks, Natural Sites around New South Wales
The Drip
This Australian natural landmark in New South Wales is one of the natural attractions in Australia that is less frequented by tourists.
Julie from A Not So Young Woman, Abroad tells us why it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
If you happen to be near Mudgee New South Wales and looking for a unique experience, The Drip is just the place to go.
How to get to The Drip
It’s best to visit The Drip on an overnight trip from Sydney. It takes approximately 4 hours to drive there, so although it is possible in a day, it would be a long day.
The Drip is situated about 45 minutes from Mudgee on the Ulan Road between Mudgee and the Golden Highway near Cassilis. At first glance, it looks just like a little trail into the bush so you may think you’re in the wrong place.
Facilities at The Drip
Following the trail off the road to The Drip you’ll find tables and its a great place to have a picnic lunch. The Drip also has facilities that allow you to also camp for the night.
Things to do at The Drip
Along a leisurely hike on the trails, you’ll be awestruck with the beauty of the Australian bush and its Aboriginal heritage. The walk to the site is approximately 1.2kms one way.
Known by the traditional people of the area as a women’s area, The Drip Gorge was once a site where women would go to give birth. If you keep your eye out, you will find a small female handprint that signifies The Drip’s special place and meaning for Aboriginal women.
Along the trails, you’ll find Brett Whitely Murals depicting Indigenous Aboriginal art. The art on the rock cave walls gives a glimpse of the significance of this place. The paintings depict a woman, a child, emus, eels and fish.
Why is it called The Drip?
The Drip gets its name from its sandstone rock structures where water drips into the Goulburn River below. The water rushing through the rock formations along the river causes natural spa pools making it a great place to take a relaxing dip on a hot day.
Mt Kaputar, National Park
By Anne from PreTraveller
How to get to Mt Kaputar National Park
This is another of Australia’s landmarks that is less frequented by tourists, probably due to its location. It’s near Narrabi which is approximately a 6-hour drive from Sydney.
You can visit Mt Kaputar National Park if taking the inland route between Brisbane and Sydney.
Mt Kaputar National Park takes you by surprise, as it rises out of the flatlands around near the outback town of Narrabri, which is located in northern New South Wales.
The main road to travel through the area is the Newell Highway, and Mt Kaputar rises on the eastern side and is the dominant landmark in the area.
Sawn Rocks
The National Park is vast and, we only had a short time to explore, so we decided to visit the Sawn Rocks section.
Sawn Rocks is a 40km drive from Narrabri.
We visited in the early morning and were fortunate to be the only people there, which meant that we were able to enjoy the site in peace.
Sawn Rocks are only a short walk from the car park, and they are a very spectacular cliff of volcanic basalt hexagonal rock crystals. We enjoyed our visit, and it was a great shortstop on our longer trip through the area.
Victoria, Landforms in Australia
Great Ocean Road ⭐️
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
This is one of the worlds most beautiful roads, and it has several stunning landmarks to visit along the way. Tourists travel here to see the twelve apostles, one of the most famous landmarks in Australia. Click here for more information on planning a Great Ocean Road Itinerary.
How to get to the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road begins at Torquay which is home to some of Australias best surf beaches. The road stretches over 413 km and ends in the fishing town of Port Fairy.
You can take a day trip from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, but its best to hire a car and take a 3 or 4-day road trip.
There are so many more Aussie landmarks along this route worth seeing that a day trip does not do this area justice.
Landmarks on the GOR
As well as the Twelve Apostles, the Loch and Gorge, London Arch and the Grotto to name but a few, are all natural Australian landmarks along this route worth visiting.
There are also some fabulous seaside towns, amazing treks to explore in the Port Campbell National Park not to mention the wild koalas that you can spot at Kinnett river.
Places to visit along the way should also include Apollo Bay, Otway National Park, Warrnambool.
Mount Kosciuszko
By Emma from World Best Hikes
Australia’s highest mountain is not very tall – and more of a bump in a series of hills than a spectacular peak. But as one of the country’s few alpine areas, its rugged vistas are worth a visit. They’re a world apart from the more famous beaches, corals and deserts.
The region is particularly beautiful in summer when the wildflowers are blooming.
Plus it’s the only place in the world where you can walk to the top of a whole continent in one day, with no special equipment, mountaineering skills or even a high level of fitness.
Where is Mount Kosciuszko?
Mount Kosciuszko is located in the southeast of Australia, in the Australian Alps on the border of New South Wales and Victoria.
It’s part of Kosciuszko National Park, the UNESCO Kosciuszko Biosphere Reserve and the Great Dividing Range – one of the world’s longest mountain ranges, stretching down the entire east coast of the country.
The best view of the mountain is from Charlotte Pass – a ski village at the end of the road from the nearest big town, Jindabyne.
Ways to explore Mount Kosciuszko
From here you can take a short walk on the Snow Gums Boardwalk to a lookout over the Snowy River valley – or do the 18km-return Summit Walk to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. But this route is not the best: the easier, and most popular, way up is from the ski resort of Thredbo… well, more accurately, from the top of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift above Thredbo.
Get the Chairlift its the easiest way to the top
Yes, that’s right, you can take a chairlift up the first part! You’re in the alpine country, so you need to be prepared for bad weather, and you’ll need to take enough food and water, but otherwise, the 12km-return walk is not challenging.
So there’s no excuse not to make your pilgrimage up Mt Kosciuszko!
Melbourne Australia Landmarks
Planning a trip to Melbourne? Check out this Melbourne 5 day’s itinerary to help plan your visit.
Flinders Street and Hosier Lane
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
Flinders Street is home to several historical places in Australia, including the oldest railway station in the country. Flinders street station has to be on the list of famous Australian buildings not only for its clock faces but its where most locals choose to meet. In the 1920s it was the busiest train station in the world and its still popular today.
The clocks on the outside of the building date back to the 1860s and they still give the times of train departures today.
The building is in the art nouveau style with an impressive green dome that makes it instantly recognisable. Its one of the countries heritage listed buildings and worth a visit if you’re in Melbourne.
Street Art
Melbourne is famed for its street art and Hosier Lane if one the famous city landmarks to visit to see it at its best. Hosier Lane is just off Flinders street not far from the train station. The narrow lanes in this area are full of some of the most impressive street art that you’ll come across anywhere.
Artists have covered the side of buildings from the ground upwards, and they’ve even decorated the rubbish bins. It’s a great place and one of the most iconic Australian landmarks which everyone associates with Melbourne.
Aboriginal Landmarks in Australia
This is one of the big Australian landmarks, although its central location makes it an expensive site visit.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)⭐️
By Castaway with Chrystal
Uluru is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. Aren’t we lucky? It’s so pretty (tear). Uluru is the world’s SECOND largest monolith. Most of the actual rock is buried deep underground, and Uluru was originally under the sea. Crazy, right? But now, its surface is made up of gullies, valleys, ridges, and waterfalls that were created by erosion over time.
As you may have noticed, I’ve been calling it Uluru. But you might be wondering, “isn’t it called Ayers Rock?” Originally, it was named after Sir Henry Ayers, a Premier of South Australia. However, since Uluru has been given back to the traditional owners of the land, this is now its official and sacred Aboriginal name.
It’s really hard to imagine just how impressive rock in the middle of the desert can be, that is until you visit it. It’s awe-inspiring at any time of day, but especially at sunrise and sunset when the glow of the setting sun lights up the rock in the most magical ways.
How to get to Uluru
There are three main ways you can get to this remote Central Australian location. The first is to fly into either Ayers Rock or Alice Springs, and then hire a car to do your own self-guided Uluru tour (or you could pay for a tour).
The second is to take the Ghan Train across the desert from either Darwin or South Australia. The train only stops in Alice Springs though so you will have to hire a car from there or take a shuttle bus.
The last way will only apply if you already have access to your own vehicle. And that’s to drive from wherever you are. It’s likely it’ll take you a few days though, so it’s better to do this sort of travel during a backpacking or extended trip.
Other Northern Territory Well Known Landmarks
Kings Canyon ⭐️
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
If you’re visiting Uluru, it’s worth travelling to Kings Canyon, another of the major landmarks in Australia. Kings Canyon is a fabulous haven for hiking.
If you want advice on the best lightweight hiking boots, to take on your travels, check out this post for men or click here for women.
How to Get to Kings Canyon
The easiest way is to hire a car from Alice Springs and drive. It’s about 450 kilometres (280 miles) from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon, along a straight sealed road.
What can you do there?
To get spectacular views over the Canyon and Gorge, it’s a challenging 6 km hike which you can either do by yourself or take a tour with one of the Aboriginal guides.
A more adventurous option to explore the area is to hire quad bikes from Kings Creek Station. The station is a working cattle farm that sells camels to the middle east. They have accommodation at the station, and they can arrange scenic helicopter flights over the area.
Darwin Landmarks
Litchfield National Park
By Sally of Our 3 Kids v The World
We recently travelled to Darwin and the Top End of Australia with our three kids right at the end of April. It was the end of the wet season and I have to admit, it has to be one of Australia’s best-kept travel secrets.
We spent a few days in Darwin then hired a 4WD and two tents for the 5 of us. I strongly recommend you hire a 4WD when visiting the Top End as it gives you more freedom to visit off the track type places and waterholes.
The first stop on our Top End road trip was Litchfield National Park. Litchfield is a cruisey 90 min drive from Darwin.
What is there to do at Litchfield National Park?
We went straight to Wangi Falls and did the 1.7km hike over the top of the waterfall and back down the other side. It was still very early in the season, so Wangi Falls wasn’t yet open for swimming.
We then headed to Buley Rock Falls, which was packed and busy, which is often the case during weekends and holidays.
Having a 4WD meant we could drive into Florence Falls, which is where we spent the night in the campground with the sound of the waterfall lulling us to sleep.
The hike in gets the heart pumping; however, the reward is a fantastic waterhole to swim in. The water is crystal clear, and as it was the start of the dry season, the waterfalls were still flowing with a decent amount of water. The foliage was lush and green, making our visit truly breathtaking.
We only scratched the surface of the amazing places in Litchfield National Park, explore to your heart’s content, and you might just find a place of paradise and have it all to yourself.
for more information on tours to Litchfield National Park from Darwin.
Kakadu National Park ⭐️
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
Kakadu is the largest of Australias National Parks and its one of the most historical places in Australia. It’s a Unesco World Heritage site, and within the park, you can see aboriginal rock art that dates back over 20,000 years.
You can find the best examples of rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie. Participating in a tour is the easiest way to ensure that you see this impressive artwork. You’ll also learn about aboriginal history and the significance of the rock paintings.
In the heart of Kakadu is the wetlands, another area that is often on the list of the best attractions in Australia. Taking a Yellow water cruise is the best way to explore this area, especially if you like bird watching.
Check out some of the birds that you can see by clicking here.
Watch out for the crocodiles
The wetlands are also home to one Australias less friendly creatures the freshwater crocodile. Your likely to see them up close on a river cruise which is another reason why its best to take a tour in this region.
There are also some fantastic waterfalls within the National Park, and swimming is allowed in some. Just make sure you observe the signs which indicate if it’s safe to swim. Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are the most breathtaking, but you’ll need a 4WD to get to them.
Tours of Kakadu depart from Darwin, and you can easily combine them with a visit to Litchfield National Park.
If you’re visiting Darwin and want to visit the parks, I’d allow a minimum of 4 days in the area.
for more information on tours to Kakadu National Park from Darwin.
South Australia Landmarks
Kangaroo Island
By Patricia from Ze Wandering Frogs
Kangaroo Island is located in South Australia, about 130 miles (210 km) from Adelaide. The 4-hour drive will take you to Cape Jervis where you board a ferry to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. The ride itself is rather scenic, so plan for a few photographic stops along the way.
What is there to do on Kangaroo Island?
The island is vast, but with a diverse landscape. Some of the top attractions include wine tasting, wildlife watching, and more. Indeed, wildlife experience includes watching koalas up close at the Hanson Bay Sanctuary, going on a night walk for a chance to see echidnas, searching for Kangaroo Island penguins around the Kingscote coast, and checking the colony of Australian sea lions on Seal Bay
Those looking for a feel of the outback, take a drive on the red dirt road of the North Coast Road.
Beaches and Diving on Kangaroo Island
Water aficionados will love walking on the white sand beaches and dipping toes in the turquoise water of Emu Bay and Stokes Bay. Go sailing for an opportunity to spot dolphins. Divers can enjoy the ocean and explore the marine environment of the Western River Cove. Or give a try surfing at Vivonne Bay and feel like a local.
Admirals Arch – One of South Australia Natural Landmarks
A must-see is the Flinders Chase National Park. It’s the biggest park on the island. Besides observing wild kangaroos in their natural habitat, the park also features the Admirals Arch, one of Kangaroo Island’s most impressive landmark, the Remarkable Rocks, and the Cape Borda Lighthouse.
How long should you spend on Kangaroo Island?
Given the size of the island and the diversity of things to do on Kangaroo Island, we recommend at least three days there to make sure you get the most of your trip.
for more information on tours and day trips to Kangaroo Island.
Queensland Natural Landmarks
The Great Barrier Reef ⭐️
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
Famous landmarks in Australia don’t come much bigger than the Great Barrier Reef. This gigantic ecosystem covers approximately 348,7000 square kilometres, and it’s so big it can even be seen from space.
This is the largest reef system in the world and one of the Australia attractions not to miss.
In recent years the 2900 reefs that make up this eco-system have become a cause for concern. Some of the corals are dying, and there is now a big push by conservationists to preserve the reef for future generations.
The Barrier Reef stretches over 2,330 km in the coral sea off the coast of Northern Queensland. Over 900 islands are surrounding it, some of which you can stay on.
The main gateway to the Great Barrier is Cairns although you can organise day trips from Airlie Beach, Rockhampton and Port Douglas. You can also visit Lady Elliott Island on a day trip from Brisbane, which is an excellent choice if you haven’t got time to travel further north.
Top tourist destinations in Australia don’t come cheap, but they’re so worth it!
Trips to the barrier reef are expensive; it’s not only one of the most frequented Australia travel spots it’s also one of the most visited sites in the world.
Is the Great Barrier Reef worth it?
Absolutely, it’s worth every penny! The snorkelling and diving are fantastic, you can read all about my adventures on reef sleep here. Yes, you read that correctly you can stay on a pontoon in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef.
Whitehaven Beach ⭐️
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
Possibly the most stunning of Australia natural landmarks is Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. The beautiful white silica sand and the crystal clear turquoise water make it one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.
You can camp on the island, but you will need to get a permit from the Aussie government. However, there are no facilities, so most people choose to visit the beach on a day trip either from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.
Best view of Whitehaven Beach
One of the best ways to appreciate the sheer beauty of this area is to take a walk to the Hill lookout. The view over Whitehaven beach is jaw-droppingly spectacular. The way the white sand forms swirling patterns in the sea is beautiful, and this is what makes Whitehaven beach one of the most stunning natural landmarks in Australia.
The snorkelling here is not the best on the reef, but there’s a good chance of spotting a ray. Most trips to Whitehaven will stop at one of the fringe reefs where there’s much more exciting coral to see.
For more information on a Camira Sailing adventure to the Whitsunday Islands, check out this post here.
How to get to Whitehaven Beach
The main way gateway to the Whitsunday Islands is Airlie Beach. The easiest way to get there is to fly to Proserpine Airport or Hamilton Island. From here you’ll need to get a boat or take a day trip to Whitsunday Island.
for Camira Sailing Adventure – its the best trip to Whitehaven Beach
South Queensland Landmarks
Lamington National Park
By Karen of Smart Steps to Australia
Lamington National Park is a 22,000-hectare park in the Gold Coast hinterland in Queensland about two hours south of Brisbane.
The Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. It’s the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world, and it is a spectacular site to explore.
O’ Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
The main resort in the national park is O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, and it sits in an elevated position at the top of a narrow, winding road. While you can make the journey on a day trip from Brisbane, it is wise to stay for a weekend to make the most of your stay as there is a lot to see.
The resort offers spectacular views, a free tree top walk and plenty of hiking opportunities and tours that take you into the ancient Gondwana rainforest.
There are also several paid wildlife activities on offer including a bird of prey show, a night glow worm tour and wildlife encounters.
Fantastic place to go bird watching
You don’t need to pay to see the wildlife though – there is wildlife all around you, and we saw so many birds (including the rare Albert’s lyrebird) and pademelons on our visit while walking around.
What I love most is that the resort also offers excellent food, an infinity pool with the best views I’ve ever seen and a fabulous spa so you can combine your visit to this stunning landmark with a luxury stay.
North Queensland Australia, Famous Landmarks
Cape York
By Sophie Marie – Lifestyle Queensland
When not to travel to Cape York
What is there to see at Cape York?
With some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia, you could be staring at a barren dirt road one minute and a lush tropical rainforest the next. Cape York is also home to some fantastic natural wonders like the famous white sandy Chilli Beach and countless, beautiful, waterfalls.
The main draw to those adventurous travellers is being able to say they visited “The Tip” of Australia. At 1200km north of Cairns, it’s the northernmost point of mainland Australia and a significant landmark to tick of your bucket list!
Take a picnic to enjoy lunch while looking out over the crystal clear ocean and don’t forget to take a photograph at the famous sign to prove you made it!
Brisbane Landmarks
Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens
By Ngaire Stirling of Brisbane Kids
Set on 56 hectares, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha are home to thousands of species of native and exotic plants, from arid, tropical and temperate climates. The gardens are the perfect escape from the bustle of the central city or a destination for overseas visitors to take pleasure of an Australian outdoor museum of plants.
Things to see at the Botanical Gardens
One of the biggest drawcards of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha is the tropical display dome which is a temperature controlled large lattice structure (geodesic), housing an array of different tropical plant species.
Explore the winding pathway through the dome up to the central pond filled with native fish.
After the dome, make your way through the arid zone, Australian plant collection and the incredible fern house.
Finally, to finish off your walk, take a detour to the Japanese gardens and marvel at the range of bonsai plants, some of which are over 65 years old.
Other features of the gardens include a children’s playground, artificial lagoon, fragrant plant collections and a popular rainforest walk.
Enjoy Lunch at the Gardens
After a morning of enjoying the gardens, head for refreshments at the onsite cafe where you might be lucky enough to cross paths with a resident water dragon.
How to get to Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha are located on Mt Coot-tha Road at Toowong just minutes from the Brisbane CBD in Queensland, Australia.
Located right next door to the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens is the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium where you can book to see a show at the cosmic skydome or just peruse the space-related exhibits.
There are regular service buses to the gardens or you can park for free within the grounds. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Coot-tha are open 365 days of the year and entry to the public is free.
Brisbane Story Bridge – A Great Queensland Man made Landmark
By Melissa from Thrifty Family Travels
For me, the most iconic landmark in Brisbane City is the heritage listed Story Bridge.
Located across the Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point to Fortitude Valley, the Storey Bridge is a steel cantilever bridge.
It is, in fact, the longest cantilever bridge in Australia and the 6th longest spanning-arch bridge in the world.
When was the Story Bridge Constructed?
Built in 1940, the Story Bridge took five years to construct. The bridge is 80 metres above sea level, which is approximately 22 stories! While this might sound high, it’s still 50m shorter than the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Talking about the Sydney Harbour Bridge – Dr John Bradfield designed both bridges.
The Story Bridge is pretty easy to visit. Located in the heart of the Brisbane CBD- you can either drive across it, walk across it, cruise under it or even climb to the top of it! That’s right; you can climb it!
Climb the Story Bridge
The Story Bridge is one of only three bridges in the entire world that you can climb. I did it just recently, and it was amazing!! You have perfect 360-degree views across South East Queensland from the top.
your climb of Brisbane Story Bridge
Best view of the Story Bridge
If climbing the bridge isn’t your thing, I recommend jumping on one of the Brisbane City Cats (just a fancy way of saying ferry) and cruising on under the bridge. This is where you will get the most brilliant photographs of the bridge.
Landmarks in Tasmania
Bruny Island
By Delphine of Lester Lost
As the southernmost state of Australia, Tasmania is a gem. Famous for its pristine nature and historical sites in Australia, Tasmania always leaves travellers with fond memories.
At the southeastern tip of Tasmania is another island, quietly tucked away on the edge of the Great Southern Ocean.
Bruny Island is a fantastic destination for a few days or even a full week. If you are looking for a mix of adventure, nature, wildlife and fine food, Bruny Island could very well be your favourite place in Tasmania.
Where is Bruny Island?
The Island is an hour’s drive from the capital Hobart and half an hour on the ferry. Made of two islands connected by an isthmus, Bruny Island is rural on the north side and wild on the south side.
Things to do on Bruny Island
In a few days, you can explore preserved national parks, learn about Australia’s first explorers and encounter some local wildlife. An adventure cruise will bring you close to fur seal colonies and allow you to experience the Great Southern Ocean in a fun and wild ride.
Wildlife on the Island
You can relax on endless beaches and enjoy a meal of oysters and other local delicacies. The most striking thing about Bruny Island is probably how much of the wildlife you can observe. Apart from the seals, you can watch the return of fairy penguins at dusk and the unique painted wallaby, an adorable white marsupial.
Bruny Island is a fantastic road trip destination with quality roads and friendly locals. I discovered Bruny Island after several visits to Tasmania; however, I recommend making it a priority when you travel to the Apple Isle.
For more information on a day trip to Bruny Island from Hobart
Port Arthur Historic Site ⭐️
By Bec Wyld of Wyld Family Travel
Port Arthur is one of the important places in Australia. It is a name that so many Australian remember, a place where our history began and a place where our nation changed forever in more recent times.
Port Arthur was originally a convict settlement where criminals were sent to be ‘rehabilitated’ The cruel and harsh living conditions did little to help those that were sent there. The old mill was turned into a barracks that house these criminals while they worked in the surrounding areas.
Take a tour of Port Arthur Historic Site
You can now tour these sites they called home with the help of a guide so you can get all the details in what went on here many years ago.
During this tour of the ruins of Port Arthur, you will also learn about how this place was yet again to instil fear into visitors and Australians alike. It is the scene of our only mass shooting. The Port Arthur massacre was a time in our recent history where the pain of this place was again put into the forefront.
Now the ruins stand as a monument to the people that were sent here and the people who were murdered here in 1996. As you round the corner on the cruise of the isle of the dead, the ruins dominate the side of the hill where they have stood the test of time.
Bay of Fires
By David of Paid Surveys Fanatic
A great Australian landmark that keeps getting more and more attention is the stunning Bay of Fires in Tasmania. The beautiful beaches here are some of the best in the world. They have perfect powdery white sand and aqua water which contrasts with the orange lichen on the rocks.
There are many rocky gullies with their own beaches and inlets to explore. As a bonus, it must be one of the cleanest beaches in the world.
This conservation area covers a long stretch. Between this and the fact that it is quite isolated in north-eastern Tasmania, even in busy times, you can easily find spots to enjoy by yourself. You can camp by the beach (in allocated areas) and have some of the best views in the world.
Why is it called Bay of Fires?
The name, Bay of Fires, came about because of Captain Tobias Furneaux spotting Aboriginal fires in the area when he sailed past in 1773.
How to get to Bay of Fires?
The best way to get here is by car from Launceston or Hobart airports. From Launceston airport, it’s about a two and a half hour drive. The closest town is Binalong Bay at the Bay of Fires southern end, and it is the perfect destination for people who like to get away from it all.
for more information on a day trip to Bay of Fires from Launceston.
Western Australia Landmarks
Rottnest Island
By Bailey from Destinationless Travel
Many of Australia’s most popular landmarks lay on the east coast; however, in Perth, Western Australia, you can visit arguably the most beautiful island in Australia – Rottnest Island.
How to get to Rottnest Island
From Perth, it takes just over an hour to reach the island by ferry. Three ferry companies operate from different ports around the city, with the most popular in the heart of Fremantle.
Rottnest has become a favorite place for locals, and for many years the people of Perth have enjoyed its stunning beaches all to themselves.
Get a picture with a Quokka
However, in recent times, the island has shot to fame and is now one of the top must-visit places in Australia thanks to one selfie. That selfie was taken by Rodura Federrah with one of the islands unique animals, the Quokka.
The Quokka is a small marsupial only found on Rottnest. These cute little guys have never had predators, so they’re not afraid of humans. Taking a selfie with a quokka has become a must do on any visit to Rottnest Island.
Best way to get around Rottnest Island
You can visit Rottnest Island on a day trip, or you can choose to spend a night or two. On the island, there is a range of accommodation options ranging from campsites to luxury hotels.
Spending the night at Rottnest Island is the best way to see all the stunning beaches. There a bus on the island but renting a bike and cycling the island is the most popular form of transport.
Regardless of whether you’re here for the beaches, bars, or Quokkas, Rottnest Island is a great place to visit and one of Australia’s newest famous landmarks.
to learn more about tours to Rottnest Island.
The Pinnacles ⭐️
By Fiona of Passport and Piano
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is one of Australia’s natural sights that I can only describe as incredible. The desert sand is bright yellow, and the limestone pillars that protrude all around you resemble something from another planet.
Some of the tallest pinnacles reach three and a half metres high, which make them amazing landmarks that are well worth visiting.
What is a Pinnacle?
They are a unique Australian landmark as the pinnacles only form with a specific combination of limestone and weathering by the ocean, wind, rain, and decaying vegetation. Scientists still do not know precisely how they were formed, but there is lots of information in the visitor’s centre explaining their theories.
How to visit Pinnacle Dessert
You can visit The Pinnacles on a tour of independently. There is a loop which you can drive around, and a 4WD car is not necessary. You can also walk around them, but take care of the heat; it is ferocious!
The best time to visit is at sunset, and I can highly recommend taking the Sunset and Stargazing tour
Mount Augustus
By Nina of WA Explorer
Mount Augustus is quite literally one of Australia’s biggest attractions. Located in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region, Mount Augustus is a massive rock that is twice the size of its more famous counterpart, Ayers Rock (Uluru).
How big is Mount Augustus?
Mount Augustus is an incredible sight to see with the rock mass covering over 4.7 hectares, it’s 7 km long, 5 km wide and rises over 700 metres high. The rock constantly changes colour depending on the day, switching from crimson red, to orange and violet.
Things to do at Mount Augustus
Things to do at Mount Augustus focus on the national park and of course the rock. There’s a 54 km loop trail around Mount Augustus which has entry points to the best sights including walking trails, Aboriginal rock engravings and rock pools.
Unlike Uluru, visitors are not discouraged from climbing on Mount Augustus, and the challenging 12 km summit trail takes hikers to the top of the rock.
How to get to Mount Augustus
Mount Augustus is remote, and there’s no easy way to get there. By road Mount Augustus National Park is situated 470 km east of Carnarvon with the majority of this on gravel roads.
Travellers need to be self-sufficient and bring all supplies, especially water and extra fuel. Alternatively, organised tours, including scenic flights, are available in Carnarvon.
Best time to visit this western Australia natural landmark
The best time to visit Mount Augustus is during the wildflower season from June to September. The summer months can be extremely hot with searing temperatures. Visitors to Mount Augustus can stay at the Mount Augustus Outback Resort which has caravan sites and self-contained dongas.
That brings us to the end of our tour around the Best Australian Landmarks; I hope you’ve found the guide useful.
Please do leave a comment below.
If you want to save this post for later use one of the pins below and pin it to Pinterest.
Passport and Piano is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.
Find me on: Web
