The 18 most beautiful things to see in Australia

The 18 most beautiful things to see in Australia - Australia knows how to be original and inimitable in so many ways. Difficult to describe it completely. Better explore it.

The 18 most beautiful things to see in Australia

It is the land of boundless horizons , of changing landscapes painted in red . It has a very ancient history that surprises you in the midst of so many manifestations of youth . And in the national parks , nature is wild and lush, with animals you can't find anywhere else in the world. Australia knows how to be original and inimitable in so many ways. Difficult to describe it completely. Better explore it.

What to see in Australia? Melbourne, national parks and much more. Discover the best places to see on a Costa Cruise.

• Melbourne
• Hobart
• Cairns 
• Sydney
• Great Barrier Reef
• Whitsundays Islands
• Daintree Rainforest
• Freycinet National Park
• Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
• Kangaroo Island
• The Pinnacles
• The Bungle Bungle Range
• Kakadu National Park
• Uluru Ayers Rock
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Blue Mountains National Park
• Fraser Island
• Broome

Melbourne

The discovery of the “upside down” world begins here, with the cultural capital and most European city of Australia which remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists. It is a must for its many points of interest, from museums to vintage shops, from bars to art galleries, up to the many events and festivals it hosts. The attractions are innumerable and the smartest way to start enjoying them is to follow one of Melbourne's guided tours , the ones that reveal wonderful observation spots like Federation Square and many others.

We start from Flinders Street Station , the busiest railway route in the southern hemisphere, home to the oldest station in Australia, inaugurated in 1854. You can admire the Victorian building in the typical yellow shade or, not far away, cross the Federation Square. If you want to take a break to eat, there is no better place than the gigantic Queen Victoria Market : just think that in 1960 the mayor at the time wanted to raze the structure to make room for parking, but the citizens got an agreementwhich in fact prevented the realization of that project. Taking a tour of this market will also be an opportunity to try a famous Melbourne coffee.

Inevitable, if you love art, a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, the largest and most visited art museum in Australia with a permanent exhibition of international works. A couple of hours will be enough to complete your tour. And so you can move to St. Kilda , a pretty neighborhood with its historic buildings , seaside restaurants and clubs, beaches and exciting nightlife . And the shops on Chapel Street will charm you. Curious detail: at the pier, after sunset, you will see penguins appear in every season . And finally, why not enter the Luna Park? It is a locationhistoric and great fun.

If you think Australia is a young country, you are wrong. And at the Koorie Heritage Trust you will find confirmation with the testimonies of the Aboriginal population that are millions of years old! But Australia is also and above all the kingdom of multiculture , celebrated at the Immigration Museum with various interactive activities. Another characteristic note is represented by Street Art , present above all in Hosier Lane , where it is easy to come across artists at work , such as at AC / DC Lane and Center Place . Finally, for well-deserved relaxation, here is the Royal Botanic Gardens, a park with a magical and decidedly fascinating atmosphere. In the summer, an open-air cinema with movie nights and the possibility of stopping for a picnic. A bit like the Fitzroy Gardens , another park nearby.

Hobart

The heart and capital of Tasmania is located in the southern part of the island, exactly where the Derwent flows , a river that represents an economic resource for the whole region. Traditionally whale fishing has developed the major activities with taverns and many fish dishes to be enjoyed freshly caught. The port is very picturesque , overlooking the ocean waters. Hobart also has a particularly cosmopolitan soul , especially thanks to the Mona museum .

Tasmania welcomed some 300 prisoners in the British-built Porth Arthur Penitentiary. A place from which it was practically impossible to escape. The center of the town of Hobart is Salamanca Place , which has always been a hub of commerce and home to shop windows, restaurants and cultural life with the Salamanca Arts Center . The Saturday market has a recognized reputation for food and wine and Hobart, like Tasmania in general, has become a reference in the field of cuisine. It is no coincidence that the Taste Festival takes place here every year and attracts many visitors.

The Parliament House building dates back to 1840 and is the oldest and most prestigious in the area, while the Waterfront harbor area hosts the most important events. In the area there are also some museums: the Tasmanian Museum and the Art Gallery , the Maritime Museum and the Narryma Heritage Museum . In the center, the Elizabeth Mall is home to bars and restaurants, the shopping street is Liverpool Street together with Bank Arcade and Criterio Street . The small village of Battery Point is worth a visit , ideal for a romantic evening, while a highly recommended excursion leads to Mount Wellington which from its 1200 meters high dominates the city and offers an unforgettable panorama (but also a decidedly more rigid climate).

Cairns

And here we are in Australia's natural capital , in the heart of North Queensland , with the strength of its Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest , World Heritage Sites. Regardless of how long we have for our vacation, Cairns is a destination not to be missed and in this respect its many natural beauties speak for themselves. Winter is hot and in the evening the temperature range is felt. The activities are numerous and all engaging. To begin with, in the water we could touch our fins with Nemo while snorkeling in the Coral Seafull of cute goldfish. Some areas are real natural pools , where diving is within the reach of even beginners.

Or we could explore the Daintree Jungle or just swing all day in the hammock of a tropical island . By the way, the climate alternates between a rainy season and a drier one, the vegetation is very green and luxuriant . Immersing yourself in this magic is possible thanks to the Skyrail Rainforest , the best way to get in touch with the rainforest declared World Heritage . The Skyrail concludes its journey in the charming town of Kuranda . The journey is completed in an hour. A first stop at Red Peak Station takes us to the heart of the forest, where fauna and flora show their beauty to the fullest.

The second stop allows you to admire the Barron Falls , spectacular in the rainy season. The city is full of pubs where you can enjoy the excellent Australian beer . There are restaurants and clubs of all kinds, as well as shops. In any case, Cairns offers adventures for explorers of any experience and ability by crossing the rainforest, encountering local fauna or discovering the indigenous history of these lands. The choice is wide: we can go rafting on the Tully River , we can learn about the local history with the Walkabout Cultural Adventures or the Mingalla Aboriginal Tours or a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. But to delve into the details of Australian history, a tour of the Tjapukai Cultural Center is recommended .

For family fun, the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome that kids will love as well as the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon with its man-made beach with salt pool just a stone's throw from the city center. Again: we can plan a trip to Babinda Boulders and rent a kayak, visit the Josephine Falls by swimming in its refreshing waters. And finally we can take a bike ride to Smithfield Mtb Park

Sydney

A splendid city that embraces its glorious harbor and beaches . The impact on the view from the sea is extraordinary . But woe to stop at the view, the beauty goes beyond. Around Sydney , national parks complete the landscape but also penetrate the heart of city life, making their way between suburbs and skyscrapers and down to the harbor. Clouds of flying foxes pass over visitors' heads and circle the fig trees on the outskirts at night. There are giant spiders that pop up when you least expect them, possums shake the roofs of townhouses andCockatoo parrots with their sulfur crests sing from balcony railings. In short, the concrete jungle of Sydney looks like a real jungle. And this gives it a unique charm.

Its inhabitants , after a Saturday spent lazily on the beach , indulge in… a nap in the disco , then a shower and off to the streets for a new restaurant to try , a bar to socialize, a new band to listen to, a sports team to cheer on. All this always with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt: the mix between glamor and casual is proverbial. Bondi Beach , a few minutes from the center, is a very popular place with many clubs.

And starting from the Bondi Iceberg ocean pool you follow a fascinating path on the coast between the beaches of Tamarama and Cooge , enriched by works of art during the Sculpture by the Sea event . Also worth seeing is the Taronga Zoo , on the sea, 12 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay with 4 thousand animals of all kinds. And of course we come to the Sydney Opera House , an iconic 20th century masterpiece that hosts more than 40 weekly performances . A tour takes visitors behind the scenes and to top it off you can dine overlooking the harborin one of the fine restaurants such as Peter Gilmore's Bennelong.

Great Barrier Reef

It is the home of marine biodiversity , the largest coral reef in the world with its 2,300 kilometers . Where to start for a visit? For example, landing from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay , a splendid coral sand island . You can dive and snorkel among turtles and colorful fish , sunbathe on the catamaran trip and take a glass-bottom boat ride. Over 23 species of seabirds are housed here . With a private flight, then, you can fly over the natural wonder of Heart Reef observing the turquoise waters and the coral that surprisingly takes the shape of a heart .

Returning to the sea you can reach the Agincourt cliff where there are 16 diving sites. Sailing, on the other hand, is the most suitable way to enjoy the charm of the Whitsunaday Islands where the sunsets are spectacular and the sand is white . The Thorsborne Trail , on the other hand, allows you to cross, along the east coast of the island of Hinchinbrook , a tropical paradise with cloud-covered mountains, jungle and pristine beaches.

Whitsundays Islands

An archipelago of 74 tropical islands just off the coast of Queensland near the Great Barrier Reef . Tourists from all over the world come to admire the white sands of Whitehaven Beach and the stunning beauty of Heart Reef . The reef protects the islands from big waves and makes them ideal for activities such as sailing , swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing on the sand of secluded beaches, in hidden bays.

Hamilton Island, the largest , has its own Great Barrier Reef Airport connected to Brisbane and other major cities. Otherwise you arrive via ferry from Airlie Beach . Marine biologists meet here who study and protect species such as rays, starfish or sea cucumbers . Withaven Beach is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the world, the silica sand is so white it seems unreal. It can only be reached by boat or by helicopter. 

Daintree Rainforest

It is believed to be one of the three oldest rainforests , with its plants and animals that you won't be able to see anywhere else. It can be explored independently or with the help of an expert guide. It contains unimaginable wonders : between marvelous valleys, superb beaches , spectacular mountains, magnificent rivers. Walking inside the Daintree forest means discovering crocodiles , birds and all forms of wild life, perhaps riding a horse or stopping in serenity on a pristine beach.

Freycinet National Park

Its name derives from the French explorer Louis de Freycinet who arrived in this area around 1800. It is the most photographed place in Tasmania , located on the east coast and offers breathtaking views. It is located along the peninsula overlooking the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by the high peaks of the Hazards . Every year thousands of visitors are attracted by the pristine coasts and the charm of an unspoiled and protected rural environment . There are the white sandy beaches , the clear waters of Tasmania's oldest park (over 400 million years old), a wild coastal vegetation inhabited by wild animals among the 49 species found only in this territory.

Kayaking, snorkelling, diving and swimming: fantastic activities in the crystal clear water in contact with the rich marine fauna. And perhaps emerging from the water it is possible to spot a white sea eagle or an Australian gannet that dives to look for food. And in the evening, after a pizza or a picnic, it will be beautiful at sunset to see the pink granite of the Hazards shine. If you look closely, you can also see the infamous Tasmanian devil.

Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

The towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne are a haven for surfers. From here we start on the Great Ocean Road , passing towering limestone cliffs , wide white beaches and beautiful wooded scenery. It is one of the most beautiful coastal roads you have ever seen, where the contrasts between the rugged coastline and the verdant rainforest alongside it are a unique spectacle.

And so the marvelous Twelve Apostles appear , stacks of limestone that rise majestically from the ocean. A panorama to be appreciated while walking along the seafront , from one of the various observation platforms. Observing the Loch Ard Gorge one is captivated by the romantic but also tragic story of the lives lost here, the story of the more than 50 ships sunk along this treacherous coast with its rocks. Campbell National Park is worth exploring . Continuing on the road beyond Port Campbell you will arrive at the remains of London Bridge and discover the bewitching night lights of Melbourne crossing the West Gate Bridge.

Kangaroo Island

Thirty minutes by plane from Adelaide , thirteen kilometers off the South Australian coast . Kangaroo Island is full of native animals , handcrafted food , epic rock formations and even beautiful hotels perched high above the sea. A good way to start a visit here is to walk among the endangered sea lions . To do this you need to go to Seal Bay Conservation Park . You walk on a nearly one-kilometer wooden walkway following the Boardwalk Tour . And if you want to swim a bit, the safest spots are off the north coast likeEmu Bay . Black swans congregate around American River , dozens of pelicans flock to Kingscote Wharf every afternoon. And for kangaroos , but also koalas and wallabies , just follow the guides of Kangaroo Island Odysseys.

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles Desert is a jaw-dropping scenery along the Coral Coast within Namburg National Park . Pinnacles are nothing more than thousands of rock formations of different shapes and heights, even up to five meters . The dunes and valleys of the landscape change with every breath of air, with different shades at different times of the day. Every day, at sunrise and sunset , the Pinnacle Desert is ablaze in shades of red . At night the stars shine in total darkness.

The Bungle Bungle Range

Another World Heritage Site, within the Purnululu National Park , in the Kimberley region in the north of Australia. The term Purnululu means " sandstone " and has long been inhabited by local aborigines . It can be reached along the Great Northern Highway and the park can also be visited with an off-road tour or by helicopter by landing inside.

On foot the jungle reveals a thousand secrets . You may find yourself facing cliffs that suddenly slope down to the sea, long and narrow cracks or gorges that are hidden but large enough to hold a concert for a large audience! The characteristic streaked domes of the Bungle Bungle range are found at the southern end of the park, as is Cathedral Gorge . Long paths help visitors not to miss even a detail of such beauty. Encounters with 130 endemic bird species are also special. Finally, you will be able to observe the aborigines Djaru and Gija, the true keepers of the park, intent on their activities around the Ord River .

Kakadu National Park

In Australia's largest national park the scenery is truly varied and unexpected, between sudden and rugged escarpments in the heart of the lush rainforest , with the chance to admire something as exclusive as the rock art galleries that date back twenty thousand years . In fact, here we are in Kakadu , in the heart of the aboriginal culture, that of the people of Bininj and Mungguy , crossing this environment is a bit like entering a world of a very distant time.

From Kakadu we arrive at the art sites of Ubirr , where the best examples of what is called X-ray art are highlighted, when the skeletons of animals and people are illustrated. Also noteworthy in this sense is the rock art of Nourlangie , or that of Anbangbang with the story of Namarrgon, the man of lightning , the one who, according to the myth, controls the violent storms in the rainy season.

Uluru Ayers Rock

His profile is now part of the global collective imagination . Not only is it a spectacular natural creature, Uluru is also and primarily a deeply spiritual place . Observing this immense monolith , one perceives its own imposing presence. 348 meters high , with a history of at least 550 million years , Uluru dominates the landscape in a magic of colorful suggestions . A sandstone colossus , often referred to as the "red center", one of Australia's most recognizable brands: something that cannot be forgotten once you have been able to admire it up close with the colors changing before your eyes and the echo of millenary stories capable of winning the heart.

For the aborigines, the Anangu or the Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park (obviously recognized as Unesco heritage) has a special cultural significance that combines memories and the land in a single concept . The landscape itself seems to whisper, through the force of the wind , the stories of creation and the origins of the world. Tourists can get close to this majestic beauty by driving and discovering the profile of Ayers Rock from the car or by walking following the traditional paths , or why not, with a camel tour and finally dining under an extraordinary star show.. To you the choice.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

The park that bears its name develops around two of Australia's most spectacular sites , dedicated to the world-famous monolith of Uluru and the extraordinary red domes of Kata Tjuta. We are in the heart of the Central Australian desert , 450 kilometers from Alice Springs . The park is owned by the Anangu people and the rental management by Parks Australia, in collaboration with the historic owners. In addition to the geological formations known throughout the planet for their particularity and fascinating indigenous culture , the park hosts a fascinatingvariety of plants and animals , with some very rare species.

Blue Mountains National Park

With that blue horizon of eucalyptus trees that seem to stretch to infinity , you can't help but be enchanted by the natural beauty of the entire Blue Mountains area . You discover the horizon step by step, exploring some of the 140 kilometers where the paths develop through the local bush, in the midst of the imposing rock formations but also with a look at the underground caves. Aboriginal guides will complete the picture by telling the stories of dreams and showing the works of local artists. The best end of the day of explorationyou will then be in one of the luxurious huts surrounded by wild nature.

Fraser Island

An entire island of sand , also known by its ancient name that says it all: K'gari , that is Paradise . This is how the historical owners of Fraser Island , the Butchulla people, described it from the beginning . Thanks to its multifaceted landscapes, incredible wildlife and all the other wonders that every year attract thousands of tourists, from the coasts to the hinterland. The capital Brisbane is 360 kilometers away and the boat trip from Hervey Bay Harbor takes just 40 minutes. The sand duneshave been shaped by the winds of K'gari and in the long stretches of beautiful beaches there are lakes and inlets of crystalline fresh water (for example the famous Lake McKenzie ), in the heart of beautiful rainforests in the abundance of flora and fauna to explore .

Broome

The rich and colorful history of this city has created a multicultural melting pot that is fully reflected in the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of its streets and people. The warm climate and the surrounding of palm trees offer a typically tropical setting that is well suited to the points of tourist interest and the stretch of white sand known as Cable Beach. This 22km long beach is softer than you might imagine. It is Broome 's main attraction for many tourists . The water is calm and flat, the waves gentle and the horizon a blue never seen before.The name derives from the long submarine telegraph cable that connected north-western Australia to Indonesia in 1889 .