Travel - May 26, 2025

The Ultimate Australia Bucket List: 20 Places Not To Miss!

May 26, 2025

0 31 17 min read

The most common thing we get asked about our home country is what are the most unmissable places to visit in Australia and what experiences should be on the bucket list?

It’s hard to answer, as Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and offers so much diversity, you would need to spend years exploring it all to make that list.

Fortunately, we did just that. We explored our own backyard extensively, including on an 18th month road trip around Australia, so we think we know Australia pretty well.

Based on our personal experience, we prepared this guide to the ultimate Australia bucket list, so you can narrow down some places to visit on your trip.

uluru surrounded by green grass and tress — Uluru is a must see when you are planning a road trip in Australia

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Best Places in Australia to Add to Your Bucketlist
Before You Go
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Best Places in Australia to Add to Your Bucketlist

In the following list, we’re sharing both iconic destinations and hidden gems that we’ve personally visited. These destinations should not be skipped off any itinerary if you want to see the best of the country.

1. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

caz and savannah walking through water of Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia

Ahh The Whitsundays. When Belinda Carlisle sang about heaven being a place on Earth, I believe she was picturing the Whitsundays.

There are 74 islands that make up The Whitsunday Islands, and it’s most famous for its turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches, and thriving marine life. What’s not to love?!

It’s home to our favourite beach in Australia, Whitehaven Beach, a protected beach that is 98% pure silica, making it one of the whitest beaches in the world.

I would bet if you dropped a piece of paper on it, you would loose it, as such you are not allowed to bring anything on the beach with you – it’s to keep it beautiful.

As well as Whitehaven Beach, there are plenty of other secluded bays with that aqua blue water and pure white sand beaches that are great for a snorkel around the Whitsunday Islands.

Throw in tropical sunsets, every water sport imaginable, and the fact you’re in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the ideal spot for scuba diving. I don’t think I really need to go on.

The mainland town of Airlie Beach is a happening place with Hamilton Island being the most concentrated for accommodation and activities.

Need more inspiration about The Whitsundays? Check out these resources:

2. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

caz swimming in gunlom falls with valley views

Some people call Kakadu National Park “Kaka-don’t”, but don’t listen to them. They probably raced through the park on a day trip with a tour group and it deserves so much more time than that.

It’s Australia’s largest National Park and is impossible to see in a day.

We spent five days in Kakadu NP and still only scratched the surface, but what we saw made it easily ranked high on our list of favorite places in Australia.

It’s a UNESCO world heritage site where you can see ancient aboriginal cave paintings and, of course, the famous salt water crocodile. It has the largest concentration of salties in Australia, estimating to be around 10,000 living in its waters, so you don’t need to worry about not seeing them.

From wetlands to sandstone escarpments, waterfalls, swimming holes, billabongs, rivers, wildlife, and aboriginal rock art, it has it all.

3. Margaret River, Western Australia

white sandy beach cove with turquoise water

Most people outside of Australia haven’t heard much about the Margaret River region, but we’re aiming to change that. I can’t wait to go back to Margaret River – it’s one of our top 3 regions in Australia because it pretty much has it all.

There are over 150 wine producers, numerous breweries, incredible beaches, gourmet food, coffee houses, chocolate makers, cheese factories, caves to explore, forests to walk through, mountain bike trails, whale watching, surf culture, artists, and stunning landscapes.

This region in Western Australia is one of the oldest in the country. It has been home to the Wadandi people for over 50,000 years, making them one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

Despite this, it’s more famous for wine. It’s one of the world’s leading producers of wine, and yet grapes didn’t arrive here until 1967. This is how Margaret River does it – it can take anything and immediately make it the best.

Learn more about Margaret River with these guides:

4. Sydney, New South Wales

ferry going past sydney opera house — Sydney Harbour and Opera House

You can’t visit Australia and not spend at least a few days in Sydney, one of the world’s most beautiful cities – many of you will fly through here anyways.

Sure Sydney has a reputation of being on the expensive side, but most of the best things to do are free or cheap.

It’s also home to some of Australia’s most famous landmarks. Turn on TV ads and no doubt you’ll see images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House looming before you.

Sydney is also a vibrant city with a youthful atmosphere, and is well suited for families too. You can take the ferry over to Manly and see the Little Penguins, explore The Rocks District known for its artistic and bohemian vibes, and my favourite, visit the world-famous Bondi Beach.

If you want a bucket list experience to tick off, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, if you’re not afraid of heights. Climbing tours operate from dawn until dusk, do don’t miss out on this unique experience.

If you have more time to spare, consider taking a day trip out to the Blue Mountains and see the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.

Need more inspiration for your trip to Sydney? Here are some additional resources.

Watch us explore Sydney in this video

5. Broome, Western Australia

palm tree on beach in Broome, Western Australia

If you’ve been following us for a while you’ll know that Broome is our favourite place in Australia.

Our love affair with Broome dates back to our days working on a pearl farm in the Kimberley region, and so when we planned our big trip around Australia, we ended up spending five weeks there and didn’t want to leave.

It’s the landscape that sucks you in; it’s just so colourful. Picture striking red earth against the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean, the most amazing sunsets over Cable Beach, and year-round perfect weather.

Would you ever leave a place like this? Not to mention it has the vibe of a charming country town by the sea!

6. Byron Bay, NSW

Sunset at Byron Bay, NSW, Australia — Sunset at Byron Bay Main Beach

This legendary beachside town in Northern NSW has been attracting surfers, the spiritually minded, spa lovers, yogis, backpackers, and anyone trying to find themselves for years.

It can feel a bit overcommercialised these days due to its reputation for being a hot tourist spot, but it earned that reputation for a reason.

With some of the most famous surfing breaks in the country, the alternative lifestyle, and the stunning hinterland, Byron is the place to be, and be seen.

Don’t miss the lighthouse walk past Wategos Beach, sunrise and sunset, Bluesfest over Easter, and take a surfing lesson!

7. Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

aierial view of secluded Wineglass Bay — Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Tasmania is Australia’s largest island and is often forgot about by international visitors, but there was once place on Tassie that stole our heart and should not be missed off your trip.

Freycinet National Park is our favorite place in Tasmania and one of our top three favorite National Parks in Australia.

It’s known for being home to the world famous

Craig Makepeaceمصدر

The Ultimate Australia Bucket List: 20 Places Not To Miss!