101 Images That Will Make You Want To Come to Australia

Editor’s note: This collection shares scenic places around Australia.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Yulara

No trip to Australia’s Red Centre is complete without a visit to ancient and silent Uluru, a monolith in the middle of the desert.

Marvel at this mysterious rock’s fiery and rusty colours that change with the position of the sun.

Especially at dawn, when the sun strikes the face of Uluru, turning it a deep crimson colour.

Activity: Uluru sunrise viewing and base walk experience
Where to stay: Yulara

Hutt Lagoon, Coral Coast

Fly above Hutt Lagoon to see a giant bubblegum-pink lake.

The unusual colour is caused by algae and high levels of salinity.

From the air, the lake nestles beside dunes and the blue Indian Ocean. The contrast almost looks like an optical illusion.

Activity: Pink lake scenic flight and Hutt Lagoon tour
Where to stay: Kalbarri or Geraldton

Cape Peron, Francois Peron National Park

Witness Australia’s ochre and turquoise phenomenon at Cape Peron in Shark Bay.

Here, the red desert plunges down to meet the turquoise-coloured sea below.

Drive a 4WD to the designated visitor area and take in the view from the lookout, keeping well back from the cliff edges.

Activity: 4WD safari tour
Where to stay: Denham

Waterfall Reef, Cygnet Bay

At Waterfall Reef in Cygnet Bay, the Kimberley tides put on quite a show.

As the tides recede, water spills over a ledge on the reef, creating a marine waterfall.

You’ll need a boat to see it, but it’s well worth the effort.

Activity: Waterfall Reef sea safari
Where to stay: Cygnet Bay or Broome

Bitter Springs, Mataranka

In Elsey National Park, Bitter Springs is a thermal spring with a gentle, meandering warm waterway.

When the swimming area is signed open, float along between the palms.

The tropical, jungle-like atmosphere makes it quite an escape from the outback heat.

Activity: Self drive recommended
Where to stay: Mataranka or Katherine

Rowley Shoals, Kimberley

Head to the three coral atolls of Rowley Shoals, located 300 kilometres offshore.

Underwater visibility here is superb, with giant coral heads and colourful marine life to discover if you have your snorkelling gear with you.

Soak up these incredible sights to get a sense of Australia’s remote underwater wilderness.

Activity: Liveaboard dive expedition
Where to stay: Broome

Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park

Explore a collection of huge, rounded granite boulders along a quiet and protected bay on the Southern Ocean.

Elephant-shaped rocks overlook a turquoise-coloured swimming spot.

It’s a beautiful place for a dip when conditions allow, or simply to admire those stone elephants.

Activity: William Bay National Park guided tour
Where to stay: Denmark or Walpole

Esperance Coastline

The blues and whites of Esperance’s beaches are iconic.

Take a stroll along the squeaky white sands of Lucky Bay, overlooking clear, electric-blue waters.

Get a real sense of Australia’s bush when you see native kangaroos basking in the sun.

Activity: Coastal self drive tour
Where to stay: Esperance

Lake Argyle Aerial

Travel to Australia’s second-largest body of fresh water, a man-made reservoir on a magnificent scale.

At Lake Argyle, the flooded landscape leaves rugged red islands rising from the water, once part of the escarpments.

Catch it at sunset for a fiery, unforgettable light show reflecting off the water’s edge.

Activity: Lake Argyle scenic flight and cruise
Where to stay: Kununurra

Cathedral Gorge, Purnululu National Park

Stroll through Cathedral Gorge in the Kimberley and discover an unusual natural amphitheatre.

The walls amplify even a whisper into a chorus of echoes.

Striated sandstone walls surround you, creating a surreal, colourful environment.

Activity: Bungle Bungle discovery fly and 4WD tour
Where to stay: Kununurra or Halls Creek

Castle Rock, Porongurup National Park

Explore the Porongurup Range and climb towards Castle Rock; a rock scramble and ladder lead to the upper cantilevered Skywalk.

Take in spectacular views of the region that stretch as far as the Stirling Ranges and the Southern Ocean.

It’s a panorama worth the climb.

Activity: Porongurup National Park hiking tour
Where to stay: Albany

Cable Beach, Broome

Celebrate sunset Broome style on two wheels along Cable Beach.

As the sun sets, fiery reds, oranges and yellows spread over the Indian Ocean and reflect in the wet sand.

It’s quite a way to soak up the colours of the coast.

Activity: Cable Beach sunset camel ride
Where to stay: Broome

Baines River, Northern Territory

The Baines River system makes a sinuous path through the tropical savanna.

From the air, it carves through seemingly endless expanses of red earth and bright green bushland.

The colours are unbelievable, and the scale gives you a sense of the wildness of Australia’s Top End.

Activity: Scenic flight over the Top End
Where to stay: Timber Creek or Katherine

Tarkine (takayna), Tasmania

Hike through the Tarkine’s cool-temperate rainforest, dripping with moss and creepers.

Then take in the dramatic Edge of the World, where the Southern Ocean roars against the coast.

On a clear, cloudless day, the colours of this temperate coastline are startlingly beautiful.

Activity: Tarkine Drive guided rainforest tour
Where to stay: Smithton or Stanley

Geoffrey Bay, Magnetic Island

Hop aboard an open-top car as it follows the coastal road at Geoffrey Bay, with views out onto turquoise waters.

Take in the contrasting colours: lush, green vegetation set against blue skies and azure seas.

Spot wild koalas by the side of the road, perhaps, as you explore Magnetic Island.

Activity: Magnetic Island open-top car hire
Where to stay: Magnetic Island or Townsville

James Price Point, Broome

At James Price Point, red Pindan earth and coastal scrub meet pristine white sands and the Indian Ocean.

Come here at sunrise to see the ochre cliffs painted in reds and oranges, with green scrub and blue water alongside.

The reds of the desert and the turquoise of the coast combine for one of Australia’s most colourful experiences in the remote north-west.

Activity: 4WD beach adventure tour
Where to stay: Broome

Gantheaume Point, Broome

At Gantheaume Point, fiery red headlands meet the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Take in the colours of this dramatic stretch of Broome’s coast.

At very low tide, the exposed rock shelf reveals dinosaur footprints dating back 130 million years.

Activity: Broome scenic lookout and lighthouse visit
Where to stay: Broome

Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road

Follow the Great Ocean Road and gaze out onto limestone pillars rising from the crashing Southern Ocean.

At sunset, the stacks and cliffs are painted pink in the fading light.

It’s a spectacular meeting of rock, surf and sky.

Activity: Great Ocean Road full-day tour from Melbourne
Where to stay: Port Campbell or Apollo Bay

Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park

Explore the gorgeous plunge pool fed by Wangi Falls’ twin waterfalls, swimming only when the area is officially signed open.

A towering canopy of monsoon forest envelops this oasis of coolness in the rugged Top End.

Take time to relax and enjoy the sight of the falls after a hot day.

Activity: Litchfield National Park day tour from Darwin
Where to stay: Darwin or Batchelor

Gibb River Road, The Kimberley

The Gibb River Road takes you into the vast, rugged, mysterious Kimberley landscape.

It’s a riot of colour: towering red escarpments, dusty horizons, deep blue-green waterholes and bone-shaking tracks.

Pull up your 4WD at sunset and watch the entire sky turn purple, gold and crimson over a silence that feels profound.

Activity: Extended Kimberley 4WD tour
Where to stay: Kununurra or Derby

Esperance Wildflowers

Catch wildflowers bursting forth along Esperance’s pristine, white-sand Southern Ocean beaches.

Pinks, purples and yellows frame the coast when the flowers are in bloom.

It’s a seasonal burst of delicate colour against the coastal wilderness.

Activity: Coastal self drive tour
Where to stay: Esperance

Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park

Walk onto Lucky Bay’s dazzling, snow-white beach and peer out onto impossibly turquoise, electric-coloured waters.

The sand squeaks underfoot.

And there are kangaroos, believe it or not, sometimes basking on the sand.

Activity: Cape Le Grand National Park guided tour
Where to stay: Esperance

Finke Gorge National Park, Northern Territory

Drive the 4WD tracks along the Finke River into Finke Gorge National Park, with a high-clearance vehicle and the skills to handle the terrain.

It’s a colourful extravaganza: red dust, huge cliffs and deep gorges.

It’s remote and wonderful.

Activity: Expert 4WD guided outback tour
Where to stay: Alice Springs

Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania

Drive the sinuous roads of Tasmania’s gorgeous east coast.

They link beaches, green farmland and secret bays.

Follow the coast and soak up the colours along the way.

Activity: Coastal self drive recommended
Where to stay: Bicheno or St Helens

Coles Bay and The Hazards, Freycinet Peninsula

It’s the combination of colours that takes your breath away: the pink-granite mountains known as the Hazards, rearing above the turquoise-blue water.

They form the backdrop to Coles Bay on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula.

Don’t miss Wineglass Bay, with its perfectly formed arc of white sand and deep, clear, aqua-blue waters.

Activity: Freycinet National Park guided walking tour
Where to stay: Coles Bay or Swansea

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia

Wilpena Pound is an otherworldly place, a huge natural amphitheatre in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, part of an 800-million-year-old mountain range.

Enjoy a bushwalk to a viewpoint and take in the scene, a cacophony of reds, pinks and purples.

Come early in the morning and enjoy the Pound in silence. It’s incredibly peaceful, and you’ll feel as though time has stood still.

Activity: Wilpena Pound scenic flight and 4WD tour
Where to stay: Rawnsley Park Station or Hawker

Cunderdin Wildflowers, Golden Outback

In the short, precious spring season, Western Australia’s normally dry Golden Outback blooms with a riot of colours.

Wildflowers take over the landscape.

It’s a bucket-list experience and a photographer’s dream.

Activity: Self drive recommended
Where to stay: Merredin or Northam

Cape Huay, Tasman National Park

Cape Hauy brings you to sheer dolerite columns standing hundreds of feet above the wild, crashing Tasman Sea.

It’s a final-day highlight of Tasmania’s Three Capes Track, which finishes at Fortescue Bay.

The view from the marked track and lookout is epic. Keep well back from cliff edges as you take it in.

Activity: Three Capes Track guided multi-day hike
Where to stay: Port Arthur

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania

Rising steeply above the placid waters of Dove Lake is Tasmania’s most famous mountain, a spectacular sight.

Ancient rainforest surrounds Cradle Mountain.

You can explore on foot along the lake’s circuit.

Activity: Cradle Mountain day tour and Dove Lake walk
Where to stay: Cradle Mountain or Strahan

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Margaret River

Follow the walks around Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for views across the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay.

It’s a stretch of rugged cliffs, coastal scrub and blue water to savour.

Keep your eyes peeled for migrating humpbacks from June to December.

Activity: Cape to Cape Track guided walk
Where to stay: Dunsborough or Margaret River

Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island

Hike through lush cloud forest towards the summit of Mount Gower on Lord Howe Island.

This is a challenging climb requiring a guide, with a 360-degree view of the blue-green lagoon and coral reef around the island.

It’s a sky-high view of an isolated island world.

Activity: Guided Mount Gower hike
Where to stay: Lord Howe Island

Bay of Fires, Tasmania

Tasmania’s Bay of Fires offers a dazzling array of huge granite boulders, splashed with bright orange lichen and backed by white sand and turquoise-coloured water.

The contrast makes this one of Australia’s most colourful coastlines.

Follow the beaches and soak up the scene. It’s a spectacular place to explore.

Activity: Bay of Fires guided lodge walk
Where to stay: St Helens or Binalong Bay

Maria Island, East Coast Tasmania

Maria Island is an idyllic island sanctuary for wildlife-lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Cycle past abandoned convict ruins, explore pristine beaches and admire the spectacular, striped sandstone cliffs.

Wombats, Tasmanian devils and Cape Barren geese roam freely, sometimes just steps away from your accommodation.

Activity: Maria Island National Park ferry and day tour
Where to stay: Triabunna or Orford

Molonglo Valley, Australian Capital Territory

Discover the valleys and ridges of the Molonglo Valley, part of the green lungs of our nation’s capital.

Breathe in the beauty of rolling and sometimes misty hills and valleys.

Experience high-country air on the region’s hiking and cycling trails.

Activity: Molonglo River Corridor walking and cycling trails
Where to stay: Canberra

Deep Creek National Park, Fleurieu Peninsula

Take a journey to Deep Creek, a rugged, pristine, protected area plunging into the Southern Ocean.

The spectacular coastline offers magnificent views of the ocean and Kangaroo Island, while bushland is a sanctuary for wildlife including kangaroos and emus.

Walking tracks lead through ancient forests, over lush, green hillsides and along dramatic, towering coastal cliffs.

Activity: Deep Creek National Park guided hike
Where to stay: Victor Harbor or Normanville

Katoomba, Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains get their name from millions of eucalyptus trees which release oil vapours to create a shimmering blue haze in the deep valleys.

Visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation at Katoomba, overlooking an immense valley of sheer cliffs.

Take in spectacular scenery of temperate rainforest and waterfalls.

Activity: Blue Mountains scenic day tour from Sydney
Where to stay: Katoomba or Leura

Tasman Peninsula, Southern Tasmania

Witness the power of the Southern Ocean along the Tasman Peninsula’s rugged coastline.

Towering sea cliffs and dramatic rock formations show what the ocean can do.

It’s a pristine, rugged, beautiful coastline where the land, the Southern Ocean and the sky meet in harmony.

Activity: Tasman Peninsula coastal cruise
Where to stay: Port Arthur or Eaglehawk Neck

Knights Hill, Illawarra

Be inspired by the rugged beauty of the Illawarra escarpment around Knights Hill.

From high on the escarpment, see where the mountains meet the blue of the Pacific.

Enjoy expansive views of coastlines, valleys and bushland.

Activity: Illawarra escarpment hiking tour
Where to stay: Wollongong or Kangaroo Valley

Stockton Sand Dunes, Anna Bay

At Stockton Sand Dunes, an enormous expanse of moving coastal dunes meets the vast, blue Pacific.

Quad-bike and sandboard over the biggest moving coastal dune system in the Southern Hemisphere.

Or go on a 4WD tour to take in the scale of it all.

Activity: Stockton Beach 4WD and sandboarding adventure
Where to stay: Port Stephens or Newcastle

Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Breathe in the beauty of our nation’s oldest wine region at Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley.

Enjoy hot air balloon rides over manicured vineyards.

It’s a region of rich Shiraz and kangaroos, with plenty to take in as you explore.

Activity: Hunter Valley hot air balloon flight
Where to stay: Pokolbin or Cessnock

Crackenback, Kosciuszko National Park

Marvel at the sheer size of the Australian Alps around Crackenback, with granite tors rising above glacial lakes.

Walk among dazzling summer wildflowers.

In winter, the high country transforms into pristine, snow-covered beauty.

Activity: Kosciuszko National Park guided hiking tour
Where to stay: Jindabyne or Thredbo

Kimberley, Northern Tasmania

Experience the beauty of tranquil valleys around Kimberley in northern Tasmania.

Discover farmland steeped in heritage.

Explore a region known for its fresh, local produce.

Activity: Local farm and produce trail self drive
Where to stay: Deloraine or Launceston

Low Isles, Port Douglas

At Low Isles, a tiny island retreat on the Great Barrier Reef, turquoise-blue shallows surround white sand.

Snorkel over tropical fish and coral gardens, following local conditions and marine-stinger advice.

Maybe you’ll spot a marine turtle as you explore beneath the surface.

Activity: Low Isles Great Barrier Reef cruise and snorkel tour
Where to stay: Port Douglas

Port Lincoln, Eyre Peninsula

Port Lincoln is a recognised seafood capital of Australia, with white sharks and sea lions in the surrounding waters.

Go cage diving with great whites or join a sea lion swimming experience.

It’s a rugged coastline with an adventurous side.

Activity: Port Lincoln shark cage diving experience
Where to stay: Port Lincoln or Whyalla

Mulwala, Yarrawonga

See dead river red gums sticking out of Lake Mulwala at dusk.

The setting sun illuminates their branches, creating a magical reflection on the calm waters.

Take a houseboat holiday or try some of the many watersports the expansive lake has to offer.

Activity: Lake Mulwala boat hire and cruise
Where to stay: Yarrawonga or Corowa

Surfers Point, Margaret River

Watch the mighty ocean break against the Western Australian coastline from Surfers Point.

Visit the Margaret River region for some world-class swell, tall timbers and fine food and wine.

It’s a feast of ocean scenery and coastal life.

Activity: Guided surf lessons or Margaret River wine tour
Where to stay: Margaret River or Prevelly

Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef

Orpheus Island’s secluded resort is surrounded by the fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkel from the beach in warm, clear waters, following local conditions and marine-stinger advice.

There’s a colourful world of tropical fish beneath the surface.

Activity: Orpheus Island snorkel and dive expedition
Where to stay: Townsville

Heysen Trail, Deep Creek National Park

Hike through native scrub on the Heysen Trail at Deep Creek, part of one of South Australia’s most well-known trails.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and look out for beautiful eucalypts along the way.

Encounter some of the area’s wildlife on a visit to this remote stretch of coast.

Activity: Deep Creek National Park guided hike
Where to stay: Victor Harbor or Normanville

Stanwell Tops, Illawarra

Look out over the winding roads and Pacific Ocean from Stanwell Tops on the Illawarra escarpment.

It’s a popular hang-gliding and paragliding site.

The coastal view alone is worth stopping for.

Activity: Tandem hang gliding experience
Where to stay: Wollongong or Thirroul

Anvil Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains

Drive through eucalypt forests to reach Anvil Rock Lookout in the Blue Mountains.

Take in sweeping, undisturbed views from this less-visited gem.

Enormous sandstone cliffs fall away into the blue-hazed valley below.

Activity: Blue Mountains guided bushwalk
Where to stay: Blackheath or Mount Wilson

Batemans Bay, Eurobodalla

Kayak in the marine park around Batemans Bay and relax on white sandy beaches on the pristine NSW South Coast.

Taste the freshest seafood and explore quaint fishing villages.

Admire the natural beauty of sheltered bays in the Eurobodalla region.

Activity: Batemans Bay oyster farm tour
Where to stay: Batemans Bay or Moruya

Warburton, Yarra Valley

Marvel at towering mountain ash timber and gently rolling hills around Warburton.

The mighty Yarra River makes its way through the heart of the region.

Get off the beaten track on a visit to Victoria’s upper Yarra Valley, on the fringes of the renowned wine region.

Activity: Yarra Valley wine tasting and tour
Where to stay: Healesville or Warburton

Broulee, Sapphire Coast

Unwind among pristine beaches at Broulee on the Eurobodalla coast of NSW.

Take a dip or go surfing and snorkelling along this stretch of bays, beaches, coves and headlands.

Explore the surrounding bushland and national parks for an escape from busy city life.

Activity: Broulee Island Reserve coastal walk
Where to stay: Broulee or Narooma

Hawkesbury River, Sydney

Cruise through the Hawkesbury River’s gorges on a houseboat or pleasure craft just outside Sydney.

Marvel at the beauty of the sandstone cliffs towering above you.

Navigate the winding river through this bushland treasure.

Activity: Hawkesbury River scenic boat cruise
Where to stay: Brooklyn or Pittwater

Somersby, Central Coast New South Wales

The lush, green, hilly hinterland around Somersby lies just north of Sydney, in the green belt of the Central Coast.

Tranquil bushland and waterways offer an idyllic escape into a different pace of life.

Enjoy the pure country air on a bushwalk and discover the area’s hidden waterfalls.

Activity: Brisbane Water National Park bushwalk
Where to stay: Gosford or Terrigal

Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Where the turquoise of the Coral Sea meets the buzz of a great little coastal town, Airlie Beach is guaranteed to fill your senses.

Relax on the beach, visit one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands or take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Hop aboard a yacht or a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to an island with powdery white sand and azure-coloured seas.

Activity: Whitsunday Islands sailing and snorkel tour
Where to stay: Airlie Beach

Snowy River, Kosciuszko National Park

Explore the high country along the Snowy River in Kosciuszko National Park.

Granite boulders and the rugged peaks and valleys of the Australian Alps frame the river landscape.

It’s a place to marvel at Australia’s mountainous wilderness.

Activity: Guided horse riding tour or river rafting
Where to stay: Jindabyne or Thredbo

Mount Kosciuszko, Snowy Mountains

Climb to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain.

Marvel at a spectacular 360-degree panorama of rugged, wild, beautiful high country.

Along the way, take in the alpine landscape of peaks, valleys and wildflowers in season.

Activity: Mount Kosciuszko summit guided walk
Where to stay: Thredbo or Perisher

Ansons River, Eastern Tasmania

A hidden gem on Tasmania’s east coast, the Ansons River reaches a secluded estuary near the Bay of Fires.

Come to bathe in the soft, diffuse light and experience this beautiful place.

Explore the estuary by kayak or settle in with a fishing rod and wait for something to bite.

Activity: Ansons River estuary kayaking
Where to stay: St Helens or Binalong Bay

Geeveston, Huon Valley

The pristine rivers, deep valleys and towering timbers around Geeveston are part of southern Tasmania’s magnificent natural environment.

Discover the Huon Valley’s rainforest heritage and apple-growing history.

It’s a gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Activity: Tahune Adventures AirWalk experience
Where to stay: Geeveston or Dover

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Take the ferry to Rottnest Island, a protected island gem where two-wheeled traffic reigns over four-wheeled.

Hire a bike and explore the blindingly white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water.

Keep an eye out for the famous quokkas along the way.

Activity: Rottnest Island ferry and bicycle hire
Where to stay: Rottnest Island or Fremantle

Long Island, Whitsundays

Long Island in the Whitsundays has national parkland surrounded by jade-coloured inlets and azure-coloured bays.

Explore by kayak or snorkel when conditions allow, following local marine-safety and stinger advice.

Enjoy the pristine beaches before heading back to reality.

Activity: Whitsunday Islands day cruise
Where to stay: Airlie Beach

Larapinta Trail, West MacDonnell Ranges

The Larapinta is an epic walking journey through the West MacDonnell Ranges, following the line of the red ridge into the heart of the desert.

Walkers traverse rugged gorges, descend into ancient chasms, marvel at towering sandstone walls and rest beside cold waterholes.

It’s a journey through time into the heart of the Red Centre.

Activity: Guided multi-day Larapinta Trail hike
Where to stay: Alice Springs

Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi National Park

Hike up to Booroomba Rocks’ rugged granite slabs just outside Australia’s capital.

Be rewarded with epic views over Namadgi National Park and the undulating, often misty mountain ranges.

Get outside and explore this beautiful stretch of high country.

Activity: Namadgi National Park guided bushwalk
Where to stay: Canberra

Desert Springs, Alice Springs

Desert Springs is a neighbourhood of Alice Springs, set in Australia’s Red Centre.

The wider desert landscape brings red earth and vast horizons to the town’s doorstep.

Take time to reflect on the sheer scale of this country.

Activity: Alice Springs cultural and heritage tour
Where to stay: Alice Springs

Winton, Outback Queensland

Winton in Outback Queensland has huge horizons, huge skies and a huge amount of history.

Its stories include links to Waltzing Matilda and Australia’s dinosaur trail.

It’s a place to take in the wide-open country as the sun goes down.

Activity: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum tour
Where to stay: Winton or Longreach

Richmond, Southern Tasmania

A short drive from Hobart, Richmond contains many original cottages and Australia’s oldest bridge still in use, a sandstone arch over the river.

Visit one of the quaint tea rooms.

Or stroll past beautiful heritage homes in this charming village.

Activity: Richmond Gaol and historical town tour
Where to stay: Richmond or Hobart

Churchill Island, Phillip Island

Churchill Island is a tiny island with an amazing heritage story, reached by a short bridge.

Visit the heritage garden and working heritage farm.

The world-famous Penguin Parade is nearby on Phillip Island.

Activity: Phillip Island penguin parade tour
Where to stay: Cowes or San Remo

Rakula, Top End

The country around Rakula is a must-see for those exploring the Top End.

Here you can experience the beauty of the bush, the red earth contrasting with green, wetlands and paperbark forests.

Keep an eye out for native birds in this vast landscape.

Activity: Kakadu or Litchfield National Park tour
Where to stay: Darwin or Jabiru

Cambridge, Southern Tasmania

Take a drive through the farmland around Cambridge, with great photo opportunities overlooking the Derwent River and Hobart in the distance.

This piece of paradisal countryside will take your breath away.

It’s a chance to slow down just outside the city.

Activity: Hobart and Derwent River scenic drive
Where to stay: Hobart or Richmond

Bruny Island, Tasmania

Bruny Island boasts beautiful beaches, sea cliffs, forest and local produce.

Don’t miss the view from the Neck, which connects North and South Bruny, with a beach on either side.

Take in the scenery and wildlife on this island escape.

Activity: Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
Where to stay: Bruny Island or Keterrinng

Little Beach, Albany

Little Beach is a pristine, tranquil bay with white sands, turquoise waters, granite boulders and coastal scrub.

It sits within Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve.

Enjoy a dip or snorkel when conditions allow, or a walk along the foreshore.

Activity: Albany coastal and wilderness guided tour
Where to stay: Albany or Denmark

Tamar Valley, Northern Tasmania

Take a drive from Launceston along the banks of the Tamar River.

Enjoy views of apple orchards and undulating vineyards, and explore quaint old farmsteads.

Finish with a glass of local Pinot Noir at one of the region’s many cellar doors.

Activity: Tamar Valley wine tour
Where to stay: Launceston or Rosevears

Hamilton, Derwent Valley

Around Hamilton, the Derwent Valley’s river scenery invites you to slow down and relax.

Beautiful green pastures and historic hop fields give the area its rural character.

The Derwent Valley will surprise and delight.

Activity: Derwent Valley farm gate trail self drive
Where to stay: Hamilton or New Norfolk

Petermann, Northern Territory

Not many tourists venture to the far south-west corner of the Northern Territory.

Those who explore the Petermann region are rewarded with sharp light and remote red sands.

It’s a place to take in the clearest skies and the sheer space of desert country.

Activity: Remote outback 4WD tour
Where to stay: Yulara or Alice Springs

Brown Beach, Kangaroo Island

Brown Beach on Kangaroo Island is a gorgeous little stretch of coast, perfect for relaxing.

Enjoy a swim in its clear waters when conditions allow.

Keep an eye out for seabirds along the shore.

Activity: Kangaroo Island wildlife and seal watching tour
Where to stay: Penneshaw or Kingscote

Clare Valley, South Australia

With its undulating hillsides, quaint stone cottages and historic vineyards, Clare Valley’s picturesque landscape makes it an idyllic region to explore.

Riesling is the star of the show.

Cycle the Riesling Trail or take a drive through the region, popping into a cellar door for a taste of its crisp wines.

Activity: Clare Valley Riesling Trail bike hire and wine tasting
Where to stay: Clare or Auburn

Arkaroola Village, Flinders Ranges

Immerse yourself in the vast, silent beauty of the northern Flinders Ranges’ untamed landscapes at Arkaroola.

Marvel at rugged mountains and red rock country, venture into deep gorges and follow dusty 4WD tracks.

Stay out under the stars at night and peer up to take in a dazzling array of them.

Activity: Arkaroola Ridgetop Scenic Tour
Where to stay: Arkaroola Village or Blinman

Talia Caves, Elliston

Southern Ocean waves crashing against the Eyre Peninsula’s limestone cliffs have formed massive caves.

At Talia Caves, the Woolshed is a humbling sight.

Use the designated access route to take in the views, staying well back from cliff edges and waves.

Activity: Eyre Peninsula coastal self drive
Where to stay: Elliston or Port Lincoln

Wirrina Cove, Fleurieu Peninsula

Wirrina Cove’s natural harbour is a jewel on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Rolling hillsides and deep blue waters make this picturesque bay a tranquil sight.

Enjoy the view or take to the water for sailing when conditions allow.

Activity: Fleurieu Peninsula coastal drive
Where to stay: Normanville or Victor Harbor

Heart Reef, Whitsunday Islands

Get an awe-inspiring bird’s-eye view of Heart Reef, an actual heart-shaped coral formation.

Take to the skies aboard a helicopter to see its unmistakable shape.

Sapphire and turquoise waters surround it.

Activity: Whitsundays scenic flight including Heart Reef
Where to stay: Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island

Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park

Take a scenic flight to witness the Bungle Bungles’ spectacular, otherworldly landscape.

Orange-and-black striped, beehive-shaped sandstone domes rise from the Kimberley.

Purnululu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Activity: Bungle Bungle discovery fly and 4WD tour
Where to stay: Kununurra or Halls Creek

Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia

Take a walk on the wild side at the Kalbarri Skywalk.

Suspended high above the red-and-white sandstone walls, it looks over a gorge carved by the twisting path of the mighty Murchison River.

The Skywalk offers unique views of this spectacular gorge.

Activity: Kalbarri National Park skywalk and gorge tour
Where to stay: Kalbarri

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Northern Territory

Thirteen large, dramatic sandstone gorges make up Nitmiluk, cut into the earth by the Katherine River.

Take a boat cruise when operating, following current park and operator access advice. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocs without assuming they are the only crocodile risk.

Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Australia’s Top End.

Activity: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge cruise
Where to stay: Katherine

Molonglo Valley, Canberra

Escape the hustle and bustle and soak up the peace and quiet of the Molonglo Valley on Canberra’s rural outskirts.

Take in the natural beauty of its green pastures and native grasslands.

Or take to its tracks and follow the valley by bicycle.

Activity: Molonglo River Corridor walking and cycling trails
Where to stay: Canberra

Gibsons Steps, Great Ocean Road

When Gibsons Steps are open and tide and sea conditions are safe, take the historic rock-cut steps down to the beach.

Look up at the 70-metre cliffs and out towards the offshore stacks of Gog and Magog.

It’s an unforgettable perspective on the Great Ocean Road’s coastal scenery.

Activity: Great Ocean Road scenic drive
Where to stay: Port Campbell or Princetown

Simpsons Gap, Alice Springs

At Simpsons Gap, a permanent waterhole is surrounded by towering, rugged, red rock walls.

This refuge for black-footed rock wallabies is a humbling place.

It’s a magical, tranquil spot to soak it all in.

Activity: West MacDonnell Ranges day tour
Where to stay: Alice Springs

Port Willunga, Fleurieu Peninsula

Visit gorgeous Port Willunga on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Take in the beauty of the ochre cliffs, calm waters and remnants of an old jetty.

Look for the caves that were chiselled out by local fishermen.

Activity: Fleurieu Peninsula self drive and wine tour
Where to stay: McLaren Vale or Victor Harbor

Tom and Eva Lookout, Great Ocean Road

At Tom and Eva Lookout, isolated sea stacks rise above the Southern Ocean.

The stacks are named after the two survivors of a nearby shipwreck.

It’s a dramatic sight along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

Activity: Great Ocean Road scenic drive
Where to stay: Port Campbell or Warrnambool

Barangaroo, Sydney

Barangaroo’s transformed harbour front offers stunning views across Sydney’s sparkling skyline and harbour.

Enjoy dining options and take in the public art installations.

Go for a stroll in the modern, curving parkland or along the harbour-side walks.

Activity: Barangaroo guided heritage and foreshore walk
Where to stay: Sydney CBD or Pyrmont

Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell Ranges

Ellery Creek Big Hole is a massive, sheltered gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges, with towering, striated red cliffs plunging into dark water.

Take care if swimming: the water can be extremely cold even when the desert is hot.

Visit this oasis on the way through the Red Centre, a highlight on the Larapinta Trail.

Activity: West MacDonnell Ranges day tour
Where to stay: Alice Springs

Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park

Wentworth Falls offers scenic bushwalks with jaw-dropping views of the falls and the Blue Mountains’ blue-hazed valley.

Tracks hewn into the cliff face offer views into the amphitheatre below.

Gaze at the falls as they cascade and plummet before your very eyes.

Activity: Blue Mountains scenic day tour from Sydney
Where to stay: Wentworth Falls or Katoomba

Katoomba Falls, Blue Mountains

Marvel at Katoomba Falls, a ribbon-like waterfall cascading down sandstone cliffs.

It drops into the Jamison Valley below.

Take in the glorious, eucalyptus-filled views from the surrounding lookouts.

Activity: Scenic World cable car and skyway experience
Where to stay: Katoomba or Leura

Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island

At Remarkable Rocks, wind-sculpted granite boulders sit on a colossal dome above Kangaroo Island’s coast.

Take in the breathtaking views looking out over the Southern Ocean.

The orange of the rocks against blue water makes quite a scene.

Activity: Kangaroo Island wilderness and Remarkable Rocks tour
Where to stay: Kingscote or Flinders Chase

Kings Canyon, Northern Territory

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park is a challenging and worthwhile trek. Prepare for the exposed walk and follow the park’s heat restrictions.

Take in red sandstone walls dropping more than 100 metres to an ancient valley floor from the marked trail, well back from edges.

Follow the side track down to the Garden of Eden oasis and admire the waterhole. Swimming is not permitted.

Activity: Kings Canyon rim walk guided tour
Where to stay: Kings Canyon Resort

Pinky’s Beach, Rottnest Island

Pinky’s Beach is a gorgeous, white-sand beach a short cycle from Rottnest’s main settlement.

Crystal-clear, turquoise-coloured water stretches towards a lighthouse in the distance.

A postcard straight off Rottnest.

Activity: Rottnest Island beach hire and snorkel
Where to stay: Rottnest Island or Fremantle

Hellfire Bay, Esperance

Hellfire Bay is a remote and spectacular beach in Western Australia’s Cape Le Grand National Park, an idyllic day trip from Esperance.

Electric-blue waters meet clean sand, coastal scrub and rocky headlands.

The bay’s beauty is sure to restore your soul.

Activity: Cape Le Grand National Park guided tour
Where to stay: Esperance

Camp Cove, Watsons Bay

Escape the hustle and bustle and relax on Sydney’s most laid-back beach.

Tucked away in Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs, this beautiful and protected harbour beach has calm, clear waters and a relaxing atmosphere.

Take a casual swim with Harbour Heads in view and revel in the laid-back luxe.

Activity: Watsons Bay ferry and coastal walk
Where to stay: Watsons Bay or Surry Hills

Paringa, Riverland

Experience life along the meandering Murray River as it makes its way through the sun-drenched Riverland, an agricultural region in South Australia.

Gaze out over the calm waters beneath the historic Paringa Bridge, surrounded by river gums and citrus trees.

Cruise by houseboat or take up some watersports as you explore this diverse and exciting destination.

Activity: Murray River houseboat rental or paddle steamer cruise
Where to stay: Renmark or Berri

Wynyard, North West Tasmania

Discover the perfect combo of green, undulating farmland and the glittering expanse of Bass Strait that makes up this charming coastal town in North West Tasmania.

Stop by during the annual tulip festival and be dazzled by fields of tulips juxtaposed with the wild and rugged coastline.

Take a drive along the coast and take it all in.

Activity: Table Cape tulip farm visit (seasonal)
Where to stay: Wynyard or Burnie

Cygnet Bay, Dampier Peninsula

Be transported to another time when you visit this historic pearl farm on the Dampier Peninsula. Here, tides come in huge and leave just as dramatically.

Experience the stark beauty of the area with its striking colours of turquoise and red.

Enjoy the remoteness of this part of the Kimberley.

Activity: Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm tour
Where to stay: Cygnet Bay or Broome