With its mix of cosmopolitan cities and untamed natural beauty, the diversity and opportunities for adventure in Australia are endless. From the coasts to the Outback, the Land Down Under has no end of things to see and do. To ensure that you don’t miss out on some of the most incredible places, our experts have curated a list of the best places to see in Australia.
“You can have a completely different holiday depending on where you go. One day you can be in a city like Melbourne exploring hidden bars, and a few hours later you can be in the middle of nowhere, seeing landscapes that feel like they’re from another planet. Australia’s not just one trip. It’s about ten different trips rolled into one country.”
– Matt Doidge, Travel Consultant and Australia Expert
1. Take a Sydney Harbour Cruise
Yes, the harbour on Australia’s east coast is an obvious must-see, with its bridge and the iconic Opera House in the background. But your experience doesn’t have to stop there. Instead of merely admiring it from the shore, why not see it from the water on a sunrise yacht cruise? To make it extra special – and to give you a quiet moment amidst the bustle of city life – our experts can arrange a stop for breakfast on a secluded beach.
2. Explore the Outback by Rail
The very mention of the Outback conjures images of a beautiful yet formidable landscape where only the hardiest explorers dare venture. However, while it’s remote and sparsely populated, this vast inland region is filled with natural wonders and fascinating wildlife. Best of all, it can be enjoyed in complete comfort aboard the legendary Ghan train. Travelling from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, the Ghan offers all-inclusive dining, luxurious cabins, and off-train excursions… along with incomparable views of a once-inaccessible land.
3. Pay a Visit to Wine Country
Speaking of Adelaide, just over 50 kilometres north lies another unmissable destination: the Barossa Valley wine region. For the ultimate in comfort, our experts recommend arriving by helicopter to explore and enjoy the fruits of some of the world’s most renowned vineyards. And for those seeking a truly hands-on experience, there’s nothing quite like blending your very own bottle in a private session with a top winemaker.
4. Get Up Close to Uluru
Also known as Ayers Rock, this vast sandstone monolith rising dramatically from the flat desert is well worth a journey to central Australia. To make the experience even more special, we love the nearby resort, Longitude 131°. Guests staying in its luxury lodges wake to uninterrupted views of Uluru – right from bed. And there’s no need to keep your distance. Our travel consultants recommend a private sunrise walk with an Indigenous guide to avoid the crowds and gain a deeper understanding of this sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Stop by Kangaroo Island
A trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without seeing its extraordinary wildlife, and Kangaroo Island is the perfect place for it. Surrounded by stunning scenery – including the sea-carved rock arch known as Admirals Arch – this unspoilt wilderness teems with life. Seals, sea lions, and dolphins play in the waters while over 250 species of birds fill the skies. On land, you’ll spot penguins, wallabies, koalas, and, of course, the kangaroos that give the island its name.
6. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
As incredible as mainland Australia is, the ocean surrounding it offers an entirely new world to explore – and the Great Barrier Reef is perhaps the most unforgettable part of it all. With its vibrant coral formations and astonishing array of marine life – from manta rays and turtles to brilliantly coloured fish – the reef bursts with life and energy. Want to add even more depth to your visit? We suggest exploring with a marine biologist for a perspective few tourists experience. Take a boat out and return by helicopter to appreciate the Great Barrier Reef from every possible angle.
7. Stay in the Daintree
We’ve mentioned cities, the Outback, an island, and the ocean – but there’s still one more side of Australia you simply must see: the Daintree Rainforest. Located on the north-eastern coast, it’s the oldest rainforest in the world and once covered the entire continent. Today, it spans around 1,200 square kilometres and is home to countless species. And, lest you think a stay here means roughing it amongst snakes and insects, a visit can be as luxurious as it is awe-inspiring. We recommend the treehouse comforts of Silky Oaks Lodge, where you can relax in total serenity surrounded by nature. When you’re ready to explore, a guided night walk is the perfect way to meet your nocturnal neighbours.
The Best Places to See in Australia are Waiting
Australia is a vast, varied, and endlessly inspiring country that rewards curiosity. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in the Barossa Valley, a luxury stay beneath the Daintree canopy, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the Ghan, no two holidays here are ever alike.
At Hayes & Jarvis, we specialise in creating tailor-made itineraries that bring your Australian adventure to life. Our experts take the time to understand what excites you most, then design every detail – from boutique stays to private excursions – to ensure your journey is uniquely yours.
Discover Australia your way, with the expertise and care that only Hayes & Jarvis can offer.
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Written by: The Hayes & Jarvis Team
Posted in: Touring and exploring
Adelaide inspiration
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