If you’ve already started doing some research to plan your trip to Australia, you’ve probably noticed one thing… Australia is big!
Australia is more than 14 times the size of France. So when you prepare your trip or your road trip to the land of kangaroos, there are 2 options:
- Either be able to leave for several months
- Plan your itinerary according to your preferences and the time of year, but make sure to be well-organised to have a stress-free trip.
To help you, we have decided to share with you our top 7 places to see in Australia!
1. Sydney
Often mistakenly considered as the capital of Australia (which is obviously Canberra!), Sydney remains however as a iconic city of Australia!
Sydney, located in New South Wales in the southwest of the mainland, is a city that should be on everyone’s must-see list at least once in their lifetime.
With its iconic and globally renowned opera house, the legendary Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, and the expansive Darling Harbour, you will be left in awe.
Other notable attractions include the Royal Botanical Gardens, the famous beaches of Bondi and Manly, and the areas known for their street art.
If possible, we recommend visiting Melbourne (in Victoria) to experience another must-see metropolis in southwestern Australia and ultimately decide for yourself: “Melbourne or Sydney? which one do you prefer?”
2. Perth
Speaking of cities not to be missed, it is impossible for us not to mention Perth, capital of Western Australia!
If you are looking to explore Western Australia’s natural beauty, including its vast national parks and picturesque (and uninhabited!) beaches, Perth will likely be your starting point.
But before embarking on your adventure in your van or motorhome, it is highly recommended to spend a few days to explore Perth and its surrounding areas; including the renowned Kings Park that offers an incredible view at sunset, the newly developed Elizabeth Quay, and the multiple trails along the Swan River.
Are you a beach person? The beaches of Cottesloe, Scarborough or Swanbourne will make you happy.
As an added bonus, there are two must-do activities during your stay in Perth: A visit to Fremantle, a charming and peaceful small village, and a day trip to Rottnest Island, the home of the Quokkas!
3. Byron Bay
Who has never heard of Byron Bay? The best surf village!
Located only an hour from the Gold Coast, Byron is one of the key stops on any good East Coast road trip.
This quaint village exudes a laid-back vibe, with opportunities for surfing, live music, and scenic coastal walks that lead to Cape Byron and its lighthouse, providing a stunning view of the coast.
And if you are there in the right season, with a little luck, you may see whales passing by, a timeless spectacle!
If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of surfing, the various locations in Byron provide the perfect opportunity to catch your first waves.
Another unforgettable activity is a kayak trip to observe (without disturbing them!) the many dolphins that live in the area.
4. Alice Springs
Alice Springs, this name may seem insignificant to you. But if I mention Uluru to you, you likely envision the iconic sandstone rock formation of the Red Center, also known as the Red Center to the locals.
Alice Springs is a remote town in the Northern Territory, halfway between Adelaide and Darwin.
It was founded in around 1870, when Charles Todd was responsible for the development of the cable car lines. He named this city Alice, which was the name of his wife!
But Alice Springs is particularly appealing as it serves as the most convenient entry point to this distinct region of Australia.
Of course, Uluru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction of the region, but there is also the Larapinta hike, or the West McDonnel Ranges with its Ellery Creek and Glen Helen gorges.
Finally, Alice Springs has a charm and atmosphere that is unique to Australia, evocative of the country’s past, with its art galleries, rugged natural surroundings, and the Todd Mall where visitors can explore local art and purchase souvenirs.
5. Noosa
A little jewel on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is located 2 hours north of Brisbane.
It is also a place we highly recommend when we organise trips or road trips for our customers on the East Coast.
Noosa is known for its diverse array of oceanfront walks and hikes on its peninsula.
As you can imagine, these walks offer breathtaking views at any time of the day.
With proper guidance, you will also come across secluded swimming spots known as “natural pools” where you can take a refreshing dip or enjoy a picnic.
The Noosa National Park is also home to a variety of scenic viewpoints, such as the Dolphin Point lookout, Fairy pools, the picturesque Alexandria Bay, and the Paradise Caves.
Last but not least, the “Laguna lookout”, which will allow you to get a good view of Noosa and its surroundings!
6. Fraser Island
How can we not include Fraser Island in this top 7 of the must-see places on a trip in Australia?
Fraser Island is located off the coast of Queensland, and is known as the largest sand island in the world. With a length of 120 kilometers and width of 23 kilometers, it boasts unique flora and fauna.
Good to know : Fraser Island is also called K’Gari, which is its traditional aboriginal name meaning “paradise”!
Fraser Island is one of those places that takes some planning; it is not as easy to visit compared to other places along the coast.
That’s where our team can assist you; there are multiple options to explore the island, whether it be with your own vehicle (a 4×4 is required, and a high level of driving experience on sand is necessary) or through an organised tour (ranging from one day to multiple days).
Ferries operate from Hervey Bay or Rainbow beach.
To fully experience and enjoy the island’s must-see sites such as 75 Miles Beach, Indian Head, Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, and the Maheno Wreck in complete tranquility, we are here to offer guidance and assist you in booking your excursion under the best possible conditions.
7. Whitsundays
Impossible to finish this list without including the Whitsundays!
Along with Fraser Island, the Whitsundays are probably the most popular excursion on the East Coast.
Can you imagine spending 3 or 4 days on a sailboat exploring a paradisiacal archipelago, diving to discover unique marine life, and enjoying a good meal cooked by a chef on the deck of the sailboat, admiring the sunset?
This is a mere sample of what the Whitsundays has to offer!
There are various organised tours available, catering to different types of travellers, such as backpackers, those who want to combine adventure and partying, and those who prefer a peaceful exploration.
It is essential to seek advice on the most appropriate tours to suit your preferences, as the boats and experiences offered vary greatly. And here again, Vanz Travel can advise you and will be able to help you book the tour that best suits your way of travelling!
What if your dream trip to Australia became a reality?
We sincerely hope that this list of the top 7 must-see places during a trip to Australia has inspired you to discover this one-of-a-kind country.
Whether you’re planning a road trip or a longer stay, a week or a month, for a couple or with family, our team, led by a founder with over 10 years of experience in Australian tourism, will be delighted to assist you in planning your journey.
Feel free to consult the converted vehicles we recommend or contact us directly to discuss your future trip!