10 Famous Landmarks in Australia (2026)

Discover the most famous landmarks in Australia, from the Sydney Opera House to Uluru, with highlights, history, and tips to help you plan your visit.

Australia is a land of many wonders with many popular landmarks that need to be on your Australia bucket list. It is a country and a continent on its own. It holds rare species and most of them are only unique to this part of the world. This is the land where you can find the Kangaroo, a beautiful porch mammal. You can take a lot of time to explore this amazing land and I guarantee you that you will not exhaust all its wonders.

A lot of people backpack around Australia every year. If you are an Australian and you want to explore your country more, this list is perfect for you. For foreign tourists who wish to know the best tourist spot in Australia, hang on as I take you on a guide through this land of magic.

Famous Landmarks in Australia

1. The Sydney Opera House

This is our top most famous landmarks in Australia. When someone spots this in a picture and is asked the name the country of origin, Sydney will be the definite answer. A marvelous structure is shaped like a bunch of shells.

Not only is it a crucial landmark for Australians, but it is also the first stop for tourists who come to Australia and explore an East Coast Australia itinerary.

2. Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park

This is a national park that is mainly made of monoliths and descending dry hills and is one of the more popular famous landmarks in Australia.

The park is one of the most photographed natural sites in the world and you will know why when you visit this amazing place. If you are escorted by a good tour guide, you can have one of the most exciting nature tours of your life.

3. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

This is another listed World Heritage Site on our famous landmarks in Australia list. It is one of the largest living structures currently and it was put under protection by the Australian government to avoid its destruction. It consists of more than 3,000 coral reefs and inshore mangrove islands.

The park is a site to behold and I do not think if there is any left in the world as this one. You can dive and explore this majestic view with regulation from your tour guide.

4. Blue Mountains National Park

This is another impressive site that you should see whenever you visit the famous landmarks in Australia. It is so revered that it is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is wonderful. When you visit these mountains, they appear blue from a distance due to the eucalyptus trees.

The rest is made of amazing waterfalls, gorges, aboriginal rock paintings and many kilometers of hiking trails. This is a 600,000-acre heaven on earth.

5. The Sydney Harbor Bridge

Although Australia is well known for its natural tourist attraction, it has some manmade features to marvel at. The Sydney Harbor Bridge is one of these man-made wonders. The bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. It connects Sydney’s north shore to the central business district. It has two railway lines on the bridge with an eight-lane road also on the bridge.

You can also have a guided walk on the bridge and enjoy a spectacular sunset view of the city.

6. Bondi Beach

A vacation is not complete without a day out to the beach; one of the more fun famous landmarks in Australia. The Bondi beach is one of the most popular beaches in Australia. It is just a few minutes’ drive from the Sidney city center. Here, you can get your nude on and enjoy the Australian sun at its best while swimming in the hazy waters.

7. The Great Ocean Road

A road trip in this scene is one of the best experiences you will ever have. The Great Ocean Road was not built for exploration but it serves that function perfectly and is one of the most famous landmarks in Australia. Stretching over 300 kilometres along the Australian Southeast coast, the drive will surely leave you with satisfaction.

The drive will take you through the towns of Torquay and Allansford and you will go through Port Campbell National Park. You will also get a chance to see the famous rock mountains along the way. You can acquire the services of easy rent cars for a good car which will get you through the entire road trip.

Embarking on a road trip across Australia is the adventure of a lifetime, but it requires meticulous planning.

8. Fraser Island

The Fraser Island is another must-visit place when exploring the famous landmarks in Australia and one of the best islands in Australia. The island has crystal clear water and is covered with ancient rainforests. The colored sandstones of the Cathedral, the Champagne pools, and a long endless beach are some of the things you expect to see when you visit this island.

9. Kakadu National Park

Another must visit place in Australia. The Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest national park covering an area of approximately 19,000 square kilometers.

The park has it all from rainforests, swamps, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, waterfalls and a diverse collection of wildlife species. The park is enormous and you can explore it from bus, air, a car or by boat.

10. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, often referred to simply as the MCG, is one of Australia’s most important sporting landmarks.

Located just outside Melbourne’s city centre, it has hosted countless historic moments, from international cricket matches to AFL grand finals and even the Olympic Games. With a capacity of over 100,000, it is one of the largest stadiums in the world.

Even outside of match days, visitors can explore the stadium on guided tours or visit the National Sports Museum to learn more about Australia’s deep connection to sport.

11. Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

The Queen Victoria Building is a stunning heritage landmark in the heart of Sydney. Built in the late 19th century, this grand Romanesque-style building is known for its impressive domes, stained glass windows, and intricate tiled floors.

Today, the QVB is a high-end shopping arcade, but it remains just as much a sightseeing stop as a retail destination. Walking through the building offers a glimpse into Sydney’s architectural past while enjoying cafés, boutiques, and historic displays.

12. Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia’s most significant convict-era landmarks. Located in Tasmania, this former penal settlement tells the story of Australia’s early colonial history and the harsh realities faced by convicts.

The site includes well-preserved ruins, restored buildings, and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the water. Visitors can explore the complex on foot, take a harbour cruise, or join guided tours that bring the stories of Port Arthur to life.

13. Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest in Queensland is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world and a truly unique Australian landmark.

Stretching from the coastline to the mountains, it is home to an incredible range of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.

Visitors can walk along elevated boardwalks, cruise the Daintree River, or explore secluded beaches where the rainforest meets the sea. The area also holds deep cultural significance for the local Indigenous communities.

14. Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of tropical islands off the coast of Queensland, famous for their crystal-clear waters and idyllic scenery.

Whitehaven Beach, with its pure white silica sand and turquoise sea, is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The islands are a popular destination for sailing, snorkelling, and island-hopping, offering easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and unforgettable coastal views.

15. Snowy Mountains and Mount Kosciuszko

The Snowy Mountains are home to Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia. Located in New South Wales, this alpine region offers a completely different landscape from much of the country.

In winter, it becomes Australia’s main ski destination, while in warmer months it is ideal for hiking, cycling, and scenic drives. The summit of Mount Kosciuszko is accessible via walking trails, making it one of the most achievable high peaks in the world.

Things to Know before you go to Australia

Best time to visit Australia

March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Australia; it isn’t too hot or cold, making it a great time to walk around Australia. Avoid January, which is the hottest month in the country whilst October through to April is rainy season.

Getting to Australia

Tourists fly into Australia, often via the major international airports of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

Australia is pretty far away from most destinations so we recommend choosing a comfortable airline and taking advantage of stopovers.

Getting around Australia

Australia is huge so flying is the easiest way to cover the large distances between destinations. Domestic airlines such as Virginal Australia, Qantas and Jetstar serve most cities in the country.

Driving around Australia is an easy and scenic option for many; roads are well-maintained, there are plenty of service stations and car rentals are available from all major airports. If you plan on travelling extensively, you could hire a motorhome or campervan from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or other major cities and plan the best route for you along the coast.

Once you are in a city, you can take advantage of the public transport options as well as the hop on, hop off tourist buses that are available all over the country.

Typical prices in Australia

Prices differ depending on the area of Australia you are staying in, with Sydney being the most expensive city to visit.

Dry beds in hostels can be found from as little as $15 Australian dollars whilst private rooms in budget hotels cost around $80 AUD. More luxurious hotels start at $250.

An average meal will cost around 20 AUD whilst a sit down meal in a restaurant for two will cost at least 80 AUD.

Greyhound offers bus journeys around Australia, with passes available from around 330 AUD.

Save money in Australia

Australia’s an expensive country to visit but there are ways to save some money. Most hostels will have a kitchen available for you to use, so take advantage of this and cook your own meals; eating out in Australia can be a big expense for many.

When traveling around the country, stick to buses and car share with friends rather than flying from one destination to another. If you do want to fly, stick to the budget airlines like Tiger Airways, Jetstar and Scoot.

Drinking can be expensive in Australia so take advantage of the various happy hours on offer as well as the bars in hostels.

Famous Landmarks in Australia FAQ