Iconic Must Sees in Australia

Every country has somewhere that cannot be missed. Australia has an abundance of amazing places for you to see, enjoy and experience. So, what are our favourites and what are some of our more secret places that we love and know in Australia.

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 is so much to see and do in a relatively small area. There is one iconic sight that beat the rest, the stunning Sydney Opera House.  Be sure to get up really close to see that the building is made of many long shell-like lengths of concrete. It is a sight to behold, with the classic backdrop of The Sydney harbour Bridge.  If you go at night it’s even more stunning. For the real experience, let us book you a concert or Opera performance. The acoustics are really very special too.

The Blue Mountains

So gorgeous that we believe that it should be compulsory to visit this UNESCO World Heritage area, only a short drive from Sydney and yet a million miles away in terms of peace and tranquillity. The vistas and expansive scenery are some of the best views you will find anywhere in the world. Stay in Leura at the Fairmont as it is slightly more laid back and has some fabulous, seldomly visited lookouts. For the avid hiker’s head to Blackheath for a day and take the walk between Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap. Wow, we love the Blue Mountains and please find time (2-3 nights) to love them for yourselves.

Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon – The Red Centre

Miles from anywhere, the classic rock formations in the middle of the country and a real sight to behold. Unique, very spiritual places with a long history with the Aboriginal culture, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is far far bigger than you think. Take an Aboriginal guided tour around the base if you are fit and healthy (it takes 3-4 hours). The equally impressive Kata Tjuta Rocks are not far away and for great canyon views try and get to the more remote Kings Canyon. Most people are time precious in the Red Centre and spend only 2 nights but if you want a real experience, fly to Alice Springs and take a 4WD vehicle on the Mereenie Loop, a unique way to get to Uluru and a proper outback journey.

Great Barrier Reef

The famous Great Barrier Reef is 2,300km long and is visited by almost everyone going to Australia. With great diving and snorkelling opportunities, it is very much one of the places everyone wants to see/visit when on holiday in Australia.

Kangaroos and Koalas

For anyone coming from the Northern hemisphere, seeing your first Kangaroo and Koala is exciting. Whilst the local Aussies are perplexed when we ask where are the Kangaroos, seeing them in the wild is right at the top of our wish list when travelling in Australia. There are plenty of them although you will need to head out in to the countryside. Our favourite place to spot Koala’s is the little-known Raymond Island where there are a good number of these ‘cuddly looking’ marsupials. Another of our favourite spots is the wonderful Kangaroo Island in South Australia, where both Roos and Koalas can be spotted together with many other Australian wildlife.

Fraser Island

Australia takes on the USA when it comes to the ‘biggest’ claims and Fraser Island adds to that, as the largest sand island in the world. We have added it because it is an incredible place to visit with freshwater lakes and white sand shorelines. It is a bizarre experience and well worth it.

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 its beauty, 1200km north of Perth. But if you can make it up here (the drive passes by iconic sites in their own right such as The Pinnacles and Kalbarri National Park to name but a few). One of the big draws is the opportunity to snorkel with Whale Sharks (March-August), an experience that 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 is on our ‘must sees’ due to its cultural Aboriginal significance, it is steeped in history and the ancient rock art is proof of this. A very spiritual and incredible part of Australia. You will need a permit to gain access and we have some great guided tours in this special part of the Northern Territory.

MCG-Melbourne Cricket ground

For any sporting enthusiasts, this is a very famous sporting arena, home to the tight shorts of the Aussie Rules Footy and one of cricket’s great landmarks. It is huge, making entry prices to watch games very reasonable. If you are lucky enough to be in Melbourne during any matches, go and watch one.

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There are so many wonderful sights and places to visit in Australia, we hope this whets your appetite. We are confident with our vast knowledge of Australia and look forward to helping you put together your own holiday, including as many iconic places as we can.