When you think about planning a trip to Australia, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is where exactly you should go in such a large and diverse country. Australia is a vast land with coastlines that stretch endlessly, cities that have modern yet deep cultural roots, and natural landscapes that you will not find anywhere else. If you are looking for the best places to go in Australia, this guide will help you make decisions that ensure your trip is memorable and worth every moment.
You might already know that Australia is famous for its beaches, but it is equally recognized for cities . The combination of cities and relaxing coastal areas makes them one of the best Australian destinations for travelers who want variety in a single trip. Below, you will find a detailed look at both cities and beaches that stand out and that you cannot afford to miss if you want your trip to feel complete.
Sydney
Sydney is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and if you ask anyone where to go in Australia for a first visit, the name Sydney almost always comes up. The Sydney Opera House, with its unique design, stands as a symbol of the country, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers breathtaking views that capture the scale and beauty of the harbor. Walking around Circular Quay gives you a chance to enjoy street performances, local dining, and ferries that take you across the harbor.
The city is not just about landmarks, though. If you enjoy beaches, Sydney is home to Bondi Beach, a place that has become one of the best places to go in the world for surf culture, coastal walks, and beachside cafes.
The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, for example, is a stretch that allows you to experience cliffs, rock pools, and ocean views in a way that makes you feel immersed in the natural beauty of the coastline while still staying connected to the city. Sydney has both urban life and beach escapes with exquisite hotels that only a few cities around the world can match.
Melbourne
If you are wondering about the best Australian destinations for art, coffee, and culture, Melbourne is the city you should choose. Known for its laneways filled with street art, cafes that take coffee brewing to the level of craft, and events that celebrate sports and music, Melbourne provides a different atmosphere compared to Sydney. The city feels less about landmarks and more about experiences.
You will find the Federation Square area as a central spot where locals and tourists gather, and the National Gallery of Victoria offers a mix of local and international art exhibitions that reflect both heritage and innovation. The city also has close access to natural escapes.
A short drive takes you to the Great Ocean Road, which is one of the best places to go in Australia if you want dramatic coastal scenery, cliffs, and the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations. Melbourne teaches you that sometimes the best way to enjoy a city is to walk, explore, and let the streets guide you.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Heading north, Brisbane is a city that feels warm, open, and designed for outdoor life. With the Brisbane River running through it, the city offers scenic spots like South Bank Parklands, which is filled with gardens, pools, and dining options. If you ask locals where to go in Australia for a balance of city living and access to beaches, Brisbane often comes up because of its proximity to the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast is famous for Surfers Paradise, which is one of the best places to go in Australia if your idea of vacation includes beaches that stretch for miles, waves that invite surfers from around the world, and nightlife that keeps the energy going even after the sun sets.
The region is also home to theme parks and hinterland areas with rainforests, making it versatile for both families and adventure seekers. Together, Brisbane and the Gold Coast create a destination that feels both laid back and full of opportunities for fun.
Perth and Western Australia
Perth often feels like the hidden gem when travelers think about the best Australian destinations. Because it is located on the western side of the country, it is less crowded with international tourists, but it offers a unique experience for those who make the effort to visit. The city has a calm and relaxed lifestyle, with beaches such as Cottesloe Beach providing perfect spots to watch sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
From Perth, you can also explore Rottnest Island, home to the famous quokkas, small and friendly animals that have become favorites for visitors. If you are asking yourself where to go in Australia for a less commercialized and more authentic beach experience, Western Australia provides exactly that.
You can also venture further north to see Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef, which offer snorkeling experiences that many consider better than the Great Barrier Reef because of their accessibility and the chance to swim with whale sharks. This region shows you that the best places to go in Australia are not always the most popular ones but can often be the ones less traveled.
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
No discussion about the best places to go in Australia would be complete without mentioning Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder is one of the largest reef systems in the world and is recognized globally as a must-visit site.
From Cairns, you can take boat trips to explore parts of the reef through snorkeling or diving. The clear waters, colorful corals, and marine life make it one of the highlights of any trip.Beyond the reef, Cairns also connects you to the Daintree Rainforest, which is considered one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
This combination of marine and rainforest ecosystems makes Cairns stand out as one of the best Australian destinations, especially if your idea of travel involves nature and adventure in equal measure. If your best Australia vacation includes checking something off your life’s bucket list, the Great Barrier Reef should absolutely be on it.
Adelaide and South Australia
Adelaide is a city that often surprises visitors with how much it offers. It is known for its festivals, food markets like Adelaide Central Market, and easy access to some of the best wine regions in the country such as Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. If you are thinking about where to go in Australia for food and wine, Adelaide is the perfect choice.
At the same time, the city is near beautiful beaches such as Glenelg, where you can enjoy both calm waters and a lively atmosphere with shops and cafes. South Australia also gives you access to Kangaroo Island, which is one of the best places to go in Australia for wildlife, with opportunities to see kangaroos, sea lions, and koalas in natural settings. Adelaide combines urban living with nearby escapes in a way that feels balanced and refreshing.
Bringing Your Trip Together
When you look at the map of Australia, it might feel overwhelming to decide where to go first. However, once you focus on a mix of cities and beaches, the picture becomes clearer. Sydney has iconic landmarks and world-famous beaches, Melbourne gives you culture and coastal drives you’re going to love, Brisbane and the Gold Coast bring sun and surf, Perth has that untouched remoteness and natural beauty, Cairns’ biggest attraction is the Great Barrier Reef, and Adelaide connects you with food, wine, and wildlife.
If you are planning your best Australia vacation, remember that the country is large, and you cannot cover everything in one trip. Instead, choose the best places to go in Australia that align with your interests, whether it is surfing, art, food, wildlife, or natural wonders.
If you’re still undecided on how to make it work, let us at Justbuytravel, help you in making thoughtful choices. We’ll help you book everything from flights to the best Australian hotels suited to your budget.
You will discover that the best Australian destinations are not just about individual attractions but about the experiences you create along the way.
Which part of Australia is best to go to?
The east coast is the best part to go to, with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Great Barrier Reef offering a mix of beaches, cities, and adventures.
What is the prettiest place in Australia?
The Great Barrier Reef is often called the prettiest place, with colorful coral, marine life, and crystal-clear waters creating breathtaking natural beauty unmatched anywhere else in the world.
What are the top 5 destinations in Australia?
The top five destinations are Sydney for landmarks, Melbourne for culture, Great Barrier Reef for marine beauty, Gold Coast for beaches, and Perth for relaxed lifestyle with unique western landscapes.
Is 10 days enough to visit Australia?
Ten days is enough for highlights like Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns, but given Australia’s size, you will only see part of the country and not everything.
