Aside from the irresistible charm of Australia’s animals, you can see some of the most unforgettable places in Australia, and the world, when you visit. For example, Australia is a place where you can experience the best beaches and mountains. If you’re into beaches, then you’re in the right place. If you’re into mountain hikes, then you picked the right country. Now, if you happen to love both, then, surprise! Australia has some of the best ones for you that will satisfy both your love for the ocean and the mountain.
The Land Down Under will give you unforgettable memories that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life, even leave your footprints literally on the sand or mud. You just have to know which places to visit for the kind of adventure you are looking for.
Here’s a guide so you won’t have to exert too much effort researching about the place. We got you covered.
10 of The Most Unforgettable Places in Australia
1. Bondi Beach, Sydney (New South Wales)
Who doesn’t dream about Bondi Beach? It’s portrayed very well in television programs and movies that you probably even pretended to be one of the sun-kissed lifeguards that man the beach.
At Bondi Beach, you have the ocean and you also have access to bars and cafes where you can chill. They’re within the vicinity of the beach so there’s not much of a problem with that
While the water can get harsh and cold, it’s really tempting to dive into especially when the weather gets extremely hot. Well, we all know about Australia. It’s either too hot or too cold. You’re lucky if you experience just the right amount of heat and the breeze.
Surfers are also famous in the area, so if you’re interested in some water sports, then you can try it too.
Bondi Beach is just a short ride away from the city proper making it accessible to tourists and locals.
2. Byron Bay (New South Wales)
With a higher chance of being less crowded, Byron Bay is a beautiful little seaside town with numerous beaches to explore. Main Beach tends to be the most crowded but with so many Byron Bay beaches to choose from you can easily find one that’s a bit more deserted (if you’re prepared to walk a little).
Byron Bay is exceptionally popular with surfers and with those that prefer a slightly less conventional lifestyle than most. You come here to relax and re-align your soul. Do some meditation or yoga or get out on the ocean and be a bit more active in a kayak or on a dive boat.
Humpback whales often stop by Byron Bay to say hello to locals and visitors, but spotting dolphins is very easy.
Stay at the Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay for a true Byron experience. Ask reception about their meditation and yoga classes or opt for some crystal healing or reiki. Just give them a shout to find out what relaxing activities they have on the week you’re staying.
3. Cottesloe Beach, Perth (Western Australia)
For those residing in Perth, their go-to beach is Cottesloe no less. It’s been that way for over a hundred years and it continues to amaze both locals and tourists.
The clear water of Cottesloe is inviting enough to have your early morning swim or just some downtime during the afternoon. For city dwellers who wish to take a day off and relax, they are very fortunate to have this beach in their neighborhood.
Just be patient when it comes to their parking spaces especially during peak season. It can get stressful to look for a spot but once you’re in, all your stress will be washed away by the saltwater.
4. Rottnest Island (Western Australia)
If you’ve headed to Perth, then you have to head over to Rottnest Island for a day trip. Rotto, as the locals would call it, is known for its picturesque beaches, but mainly for its most famous resident, the Quokka. The Quokka is known as the worlds happiest animal for a very good reason! You can go swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing – well, practically anything you like to do in the ocean – you can do it here.
You can choose from a lot of its beaches and bays, depending on your mood or your need. Don’t worry, Rottnest Island has over 60 beaches so you wouldn’t run out of options.
This piece of paradise in Western Australia is a car-free zone so hire a bike and go explore the island before heading back to Perth. It’s eco-friendly, great exercise and definitely a relaxing way to explore the island.
Rottnest Island might be the top of my personal list of unforgettable places in Australia.
5. Wineglass Bay (Tasmania)
Wineglass Bay has this unbelievable shape that will stop you right in your tracks. Just looking it up on the internet would make you say ‘whoa’, I can imagine what could be your reaction when you finally this island in person.
Tasmania may not be on top of your list when it comes to beaches, but you would regret it if you don’t at least visit one of its beaches. Located in the most southern state in Australia, Tasmania is a charming little state that’s waiting to be appreciated.
Wineglass Bay, being one of the many reasons why you should consider visiting Tasmania, is a small island with shorelines that can compete with the likes of those in Perth and in Sydney.
Just because this is the lesser popular option doesn’t mean it’s inferior. In fact, it’s been regularly voted to be one of the top coastal coves in the world and it sure lives up to the title. You should see it for yourself.
6. Bay of Fires (Tasmania)
If Wineglass Bay is one of the many reasons Tasmania is worthy of your time and effort, here’s another reason— Bay of Fires.
It’s another coastline that is surrounded by orange-hued granites. It’s so good-looking that it was named as the Hottest Travel destination in the world by Lonely Planet.
The bay is sometimes deserted so if you get lucky enough to chance upon Bay of Fires all to yourself, then it would give you more time to enjoy its stillness and its crystal clear water.
The Bay of Fires is close to St. Helens or Binalong Bay so you won’t have a hard time reaching the place if you happen to camp out in these areas.
Make sure you check out some of the excellent hiking options in Tasmania when you’re there.
7. Mindil Beach, Darwin (Northern Territory)
Sunsets in Mindil Beach are definitely unforgettable. It creates an imprint your mind that you can’t easily just replace by another magnificent sunset from another place. That’s how awe-inspiring Mindil Beach can get. Check out the markets during the day and the sunset at night, it’s a good place to get out of Darwin city and just chill.
Although the sand here is not as white as the other beaches on the list, it’s a nice place to cool down and just enjoy people watching while basking in the goodness of the light coming from the sunset.
You have every reason to believe the claim since a lot of people visiting Mindil Beach are mostly here for the sunset. It’s such a dreamy view, you would want to grab a glass of champagne or any of your favorite drink to complete the picture.
8. Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory)
After the beaches come the mountains.
Kakadu National Park is a terrestrial mass that’s over 20,000 square kilometers huge. It’s such a big mass of land that it was considered to be the largest national park in the country. For those who believe that nature is their friend, Kakadu National Park can be classified as your home.
Try to search for photos of this whale of a park and you might automatically want to grab your trekking poles and start to explore this beauty immediately. Just be sure to check what season you’re visiting. It can get unbearably hot up there. Drink plenty of water and wear lots of sunscreen.
9. Agnes Water Beach (Queensland)
Agnes Water Beach is another spot great for surfing. It’s very popular among locals who surf.
Don’t be surprised by the friendly sea creatures that roam around the area. You might stumble upon white-bellied sea eagles, turtles, large schools of fish and even friendly dolphins that will seek your attention whenever they have the chance.
It’s a good place to put on your list if you’re looking for something to remember your Australia trip very well. An encounter with dolphins is a strong contender.
10. Noosa National Park (Queensland)
Quieter but with equally gorgeous coast and blue waters, Noosa National Park in Queensland should also be on your list. Taking a walk through the national park will reqard you with spectacular scenery and the opportunity to spot some of Australias most loved wildlife.
It can quite get a bit luxe and fancy, so it’s perfect for your Instagram goals and picture-perfect fantasies. City dwellers would most likely enjoy the solitude of this place contrary to what they’re so used to a.k.a. the hustle and bustle of city living.
It is a good place to take a time out from the regular sunshine and reward yourself with some sprinkle of sunbeams with a dash of sand and saltwater goodness.
This list of unforgettable places is in no way definitive. There are plenty of must see places in Australia; we haven’t even mentioned The Great Ocean Road, The Great Barrier Reef, The Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island or even Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Australia may be known for its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, or the Sydney Opera Bridge, but if you look beyond the city charm, you will find that there are a lot of places waiting to be experienced by first-time travelers or even by repeat visitors.
Author: Jean Deruiter is a brand consultant and an outdoor enthusiast from the US. He writes about high quality and innovative travel gears, as well as the dos and don’ts of outdoor travelling.