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.

Natural Bouldering at Copper Rocks Margaret River - Instagrammable Western Australia

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!

Map of Places to Visit in Australia Itinerary

1) This most gorgeous window view in Western Australia — Nature’s Window

Hendric Standing at Nature's Window - Instagrammable Western Australia

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

Cherie Swimming at Bermagui Blue Pool - Places to Visit in Australia

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. 🐳

Bermagui Blue Rock Pool - Instagrammable New South Wales

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

Person Standing at Hanson's Peak in Cradle Mountain Tasmania - Places to Visit in Australia

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.

Couple Walking Along Hanson's Peak Trail after Sunrise - Instagrammable Tasmania

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

Wild Seal at Kangaroo Island - Instagrammable South Australia

Photo credit: @maxoliviphotography via Instagram

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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.

Guided Tour at Seal Bay in Kangaroo Island - Places to Visit in Australia

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

Akif Standing at Pinnacles Lookout - Places to Visit in Australia

There’s only one word to describe the Grampiansepic.

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.

Cherie Walking through Grand Canyon at Grampians National Park - Instagrammable Victoria

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

Colourful Ochre Pit at West MacDonnell Ranges - Instagrammable Places to Visit in Northern Territory Australia

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

Aerial Shot of Whitehaven Beach - Instagrammable Places to Visit in Australia Queensland

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!

Lady Running on Whitehaven Beach - Places to Visit in Australia

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

Drone Shot of National Arboretum Canberra During Sunset - Instagrammable Australian Capital Territory

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.

Person Along National Arboretum Canberra in Autumn - Places to Visit in Australia

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

Person Standing on Stockton Sand Dunes - Instagrammable Places to Visit in New South Wales

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.

Group of People Quad Biking on Stockton Sand Dunes - Instagrammable New South Wales

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

Redwood Forest in East Warburton Victoria - Places to Visit in Australia

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

Drone Shot of Almonta Beach - Instagrammable Places to Visit in South Australia

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.

Wild Kangaroo at Almonta Beach - Instagrammable South Australia

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

Gibraltar Falls - Instagrammable Australian Capital Territory

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.

Person Chilling at Gibraltar Falls - Instagrammable Places to Visit in Australian Capital Territory

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

Uluru Ayers Rock in Northern Territory - Places to Visit in Australia

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.

Cycling Past Uluru - Instagrammable Northern Territory Australia

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

Person Standing on Orange Rocks Bay of Fires - Instagrammable Places to Visit in Tasmania Australia

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

Pink Lake Hutt Lagoon in Western Australia - Places to Visit in Australia

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.

Drone Shot of Car by Pink Lake Hutt Lagoon - Instagrammable Western Australia

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

Larapinta Falls in Lamington National Park at Scenic Rim - Instagrammable Queensland

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!

Friends Chilling at Kings Park Western Australia - Australia Itinerary

If you’re feeling restless, start planning out your next Australia itinerary with these guides and itineraries!

TTI Youtube - Australia Itinerary

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.

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Michelle Neo
Aspires to eat every type of bread in the world, cuddle friendly dogs, and find rocks to climb. In no specific order.

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