Hands down the prettiest places in any Australia itinerary 📷
After months of being cooped up at home, I’ve come to realise that spending time in nature is something we all need. Whether it’s up in a mountain or on a secluded beach, a lot of fresh air and space can do us good.
No one but us at Copper Rocks, Western Australia.
Just before COVID-19 hit and borders started closing, Australia was the last country I visited — and man, I really miss it. The slow pace of life, the friendly locals, but most of all the abundance of picture-perfect nature spots that us city kids just don’t get enough of.
Out of the city, I loved how “alone” we were. Most of the time, we had the whole place to ourselves. Occasionally, we shared it with thieves who tried to steal our food — dem cunning birds!!
If you’re wondering where to go next in Australia, we found 16 gorgeous spots to add to your next Australia itinerary!
1) This most gorgeous window view in Western Australia — Nature’s Window
As if made for Instagram itself, Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Western Australia. Formed from layers of Tumblagooda Sandstone, the arch reveals sweeping views of the rugged Murchison River gorge below.
Entrance fee: AU$15 per car (~S$14.50)
Opening hours: Sunrise – sunset
How to get there: 6.5hr drive from Perth Airport
Read also: Western Australia Instagram Hotspots: 10 Out-Of-This-World Places That Can Only Be Found Here
2) This oceanside rock pool in New South Wales — Bermagui Blue Pool
Nestled between a dramatic cliff face and a cerulean ocean, the Bermagui Blue Pool is a natural gem along the south coast of New South Wales. It pairs a great cardio workout (or chill soak) with wondrous coastal views. You might even spot passing dolphins or whales if you’re lucky. 🐳
Entrance fee: Free
How to get there: 5hr drive from Sydney Airport
Read more: Sydney South Coast Road Trip — 7-Day Itinerary From Sydney to Eden
3) This scenic mountain in Tasmania — Hanson’s Peak
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Perfect for athletic go-getters, Hanson’s Peak is a tough uphill trail but the views at the top will not disappoint.
Get ready to conquer many steep steps over large rocks, and hoist yourself up using metal chains near the end. You’ll soon be rewarded with a fantastic view of Dove Lake and the jagged ridges of Cradle Mountain.
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Layer up as the weather here is known to change drastically.
Entrance fee: AU$16.50 per person, incl. shuttle service (~S$16)
Hiking time: 3.5hr return
Starting point: Dove Lake Car Park
How to get there: 2hr drive from Launceston Airport or 4hr drive from Hobart International Airport to Ronny Creek Car Park, then take a shuttle bus to Dove Lake Car Park and follow the Overland Track
4) This charming bay in South Australia — Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island
Photo credit: @maxoliviphotography via Instagram
Contrary to the name, Kangaroo Island isn’t only home to kangaroos. It’s also home to a large colony of endangered Australian sea lions. Also contrary to that name, you’ll find them at Seal Bay!
Living on an untouched beach, there are two ways to spot these playful animals. You can watch them from a distance on the boardwalk, or join a guided tour. The latter grants you exclusive access to the sand, where you get to walk amongst the colony and learn about their behaviours — and snap cute photos too, of course.
Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Entrance fee: From AU$16.50 (~S$16)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM (Last entry 4PM)
How to get there: 4hr drive from Adelaide Airport to Seal Bay Conservation Park
5) This majestic summit in Victoria — the Pinnacle Lookout, Grampians National Park
There’s only one word to describe the Grampians — epic.
It’s a thrill-seeker’s paradise with plenty of rocks to climb, waterfalls to dip in, and trails to trek. However, many come to hike to the Pinnacle lookout, one of the National Park‘s highest points. At the summit, you’ll get astounding views of surrounding peaks and lush forestry.
We recommend beginning your journey from Wonderland Car Park. Here, you’ll pass through the Grand Canyon, a mesmerising gorge filled with unique rock formations that promise great adventure and stellar photos!
Entrance fee: Free
Hiking time: 45mins – 5hrs return, depending on where you start
Starting points: Sundial Car Park (easy), Wonderland Car Park (moderate) or Halls Gap Caravan park (hard)
How to get there: 3hr drive from Melbourne Airport
Hungry for more things to do? Check out our 8-Day Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary!
6) These colourful ridges in the Northern Territory — Ochre Pits, West MacDonnell Ranges
Photo credit: @aishah__hamzah via Instagram
The West MacDonnell Ranges is a treasure trove of photogenic water holes, rocky chasms and red earth. But, one of the most colourful places here is the Ochre Pits. The rock faces resemble an artist’s palette — filled with warm and earthy colours ranging from yellow to red and brown.
For the local Aboriginal people, these natural pigments play an important role in their culture. For example, they were used for medicinal purposes and ceremonial body paint.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: Take a direct flight to Alice Springs Airport from any major Australian city, then rent a car and drive for 1.5hrs to the Ochre Pits
7) This pristine beach in Queensland — Whitehaven Beach
Photo credit: Tourism Whitsundays
Stepping onto Whitehaven Beach is like stepping into a postcard. The massive beach is filled with swirls of clear turquoise pools and soft silica sand that’s cool to the touch. As silica doesn’t retain heat, your feet won’t be burning here!
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
There’s also no need to fight with anyone for your own private slice of paradise. Whitehaven Beach is 7km long, so pick a spot and laze away.
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 12hr drive from Brisbane Airport to Airlie Beach, then join a day tour or rent a boat to reach Whitehaven Beach
8) This collection of forests in the Australian Capital Territory — National Arboretum
Photo credit: @wanderlust73 via Instagram
There’s an abundance of botanical gardens in Australia, but this one in Canberra takes the cake. After a bushfire destroyed a huge pine plantation in 2013, the Government decided to turn the burnt land into the National Arboretum — a botanical garden dedicated to trees.
Photo credit: @kimberley_v88 via Instagram
Today, the arboretum houses an impressive, thriving collection of over 44,000 trees from around the world. It’s one of the most flourishing places that nature lovers must visit when in Australia. Be sure to grab a map, though; it’s over 400 football fields wide!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Varies
How to get there: 20min drive from Canberra Airport
9) This moving sandscape in New South Wales — Stockton Bight Sand Dunes
Photo credit: @matt.lambley via Instagram
In Port Stephens, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands are an endless, ever-changing wonder. They’re the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Photo credit: @sand_dune_adventures via Instagram
The best way to experience the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes is through some action! There are tons of heart-pumping activities that’ll satisfy your inner daredevil, like quad biking, sand-boarding and even riding a camel by the beach!
Cost: Varies for different activities
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM (activities subject to seasonal weather and conditions)
How to get there: 2.5hr drive from Sydney Airport
Read more: Top 10 Things To Do in New South Wales That Will Satisfy Any Adventurer
10) This towering forest in Victoria — The Redwoods Otways
Found within the heart of Great Otway National Park, the Redwood Forest is a grand marvel. Planted in neat rows, these giant California redwoods stand over 55m tall, reaching towards the sky.
Wandering around, you’ll find a surreal calmness in the forest — which is why it’s a favourite amongst photographers and explorers.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 2hr drive from Melbourne Airport
11) This spotless beach in South Australia — Almonta Beach
Photo credit: @helen_jannesonbense via Instagram
Just off the coast of South Australia, the Eyre Peninsula boasts a stunning coastline over 2,000km long. Of them all, Almonta Beach stands out. With balmy, clear waters and pillowy soft sand dunes, it’s the perfect spot to catch a well-deserved break with your mates.
Photo credit: @joe_the_van via Instagram
What’s more, this spot is extra interesting because of the locals — don’t be surprised to see wildlife like kangaroos and emus dropping by to enjoy a splash too!
Entrance fee: AU$11 per car (~S$10.60)
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 7.5hr drive from Adelaide Airport to Almonta Beach Car Park
12) This captivating pool in the Australian Capital Territory — Gibraltar Falls
Photo credit: @soflo_r via Instagram
Under an hour’s drive from Canberra, Gibraltar Falls is one of the largest cascading waterfalls in the region. It’s an easily accessible one too, located just 15 minutes from the nearest car park.
Photo credit: @hikeandseek via Instagram
There’s also a pool at the edge of the falls that’s great for a quick dip and an even greater photo opportunity. For an extra fun experience, have a picnic on one of the large boulders and enjoy the spectacular views of neighbouring mountains. Just remember to take your trash with you 😉
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 40min drive from Canberra Airport
13) This 550 million-year-old icon in the Northern Territory — Uluru
Photo credit: @exploreuluru via Instagram
Mysterious and beautiful, Uluru is a magnificent sandstone rock formation located in the heart of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre. One of the most recognised places in Australia, the striking landmark is a definite must-visit.
Photo credit: @exploreuluru via Instagram
There’s plenty to do for curious travellers. Adventurers can jump on a motorcycle tour or go skydiving. Meanwhile, cultural souls can join an immersive tour to learn more about the sacred site from the local Aboriginal people.
Entrance fee: AU$25, pass valid for 3 consecutive days (~S$24)
Opening hours: Varies
How to get there: Take a direct flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru) Airport from Sydney, Melbourne or Darwin, then rent a car and drive for 30mins to Uluru
14) These bright orange rocks in Tasmania — Bay of Fires
Photo credit: @joey_ontheroad via Instagram
With an intriguing name and vivid colours to match, the Bay of Fires is one of the “hottest” places to visit in Australia. The stars of this attraction are the orange lichen-covered granite boulders.
Hang out and enjoy the view or embark on an exciting four-day expedition that explores Tasmania’s legendary East Coast, including the Bay of Fires and Mount William National Park.
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 3hr drive from Launceston Airport; 4hr drive from Hobart International Airport
15) This pink lake in Western Australia — Hutt Lagoon
Whether it’s bubblegum or millennial pink, you can’t deny that Hutt Lagoon is fabulous. The ‘Pink Lake’ is one of the most Instagrammable places in Western Australia, and the best time to visit is from 10AM to 2PM. It’s during these four hours that the pink hue is at its brightest.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 5.5hr drive from Perth Airport
Wondering what else the Coral Coast has in store? Read more in our 11-Day Western Australia Itinerary.
16) This secret, magical waterfall in Queensland — Larapinta Falls, Scenic Rim
Photo credit: @drew_j_brown via Instagram
Living up to its name, Scenic Rim is the ultimate “recreational wonderland”. This sprawling utopia is packed with six national parks, rainforests, lakes and wineries. Needless to say, there’s a lot to do.
For hikers who want a solid adventure, get off-trail and chase Larapinta Falls. The 30m-tall waterfall resides deep inside Lamington National Park, and you’ll have to rock hop and scramble over slippery rocks to get to this magical spot. It’s a difficult hike, but you’ll get a priceless experience at a waterfall you can’t find on Google Maps!
Hiking time: 5–8hr return, depending on fitness level
Starting point: Christmas Creek
How to get there: 2hr drive from Brisbane or Gold Coast Airport to Christmas Creek Road, then walk to Westray’s Grave and follow the creek to the falls
Disclaimer: All entrance fees and opening hours are correct at the date of publishing.
Plan Your Next Australia Itinerary
All over Australia, there are loads of jaw-dropping places that deserve a visit. Although we don’t know when we’ll get the go-ahead to travel again, planning for trips always puts me in a good mood!
If you’re feeling restless, start planning out your next Australia itinerary with these guides and itineraries!
Or, if you’re a more visual planner, check out our Oceania playlist on YouTube for good views and better vibes 🤘
There’ll come a day when we get to walk down the aeroplane aisle, pick up a rental car to drive out of the city, and finally see these picture-perfect spots with our own eyes 👀 Some of these spots may be slightly harder to get to, but the bright side is that there’s no shortage of space for travellers in the outdoors. (Just don’t let the wildlife steal your lunch.)
In the meantime, start putting your dream Australia itinerary together!
Read also: Travelling After COVID-19 — What to Expect
Facebook image credit: @drew_j_brown, @exploreuluru and @scottypass via Instagram
What are some places you want to visit next in Australia? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Tourism Australia.
