1. Sydney Opera House
One of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Sydney Opera House is a masterpiece of modern architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour, enjoy a live performance, or admire the view from nearby Circular Quay. The best time to visit is at sunset when the golden light makes the sails glow beautifully.
- Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (for tours), show times vary
- Entrance fee: Free to visit outside; guided tours start at approx. AUD 43
- Best time to visit: Sunset or evening for performances
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators
2. Great Barrier Reef
The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, is a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers, it is home to vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and coral gardens. Visitors can take boat tours from Cairns or Port Douglas to explore this natural wonder.
- Opening hours: Varies by tour operator
- Entrance fee: Marine park fee of approx. AUD 7, plus tour costs (starting from AUD 100)
- Best time to visit: May – October (dry season, clearer waters)
- Family-friendly: Yes, with child-friendly snorkeling tours available
- Accessibility: Some tour operators provide wheelchair-accessible boats
3. Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This massive sandstone monolith in the heart of Australia is sacred to the Indigenous Anangu people. Visitors can take guided cultural tours to learn about its significance and watch the rock change color at sunrise and sunset. Climbing Uluru is not allowed out of respect for its cultural importance.
- Opening hours: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (hours vary by season)
- Entrance fee: AUD 38 per adult (3-day pass)
- Best time to visit: April – October (cooler weather)
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible viewing areas and walking paths
4. Great Ocean Road
One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria offers stunning views, charming towns, and famous rock formations like the Twelve Apostles. Travelers can enjoy stops at beaches, rainforests, and wildlife parks along the way.
- Opening hours: Open 24/7 (self-drive)
- Entrance fee: Free (some attractions along the route may have fees)
- Best time to visit: Summer (December – February) for warm weather, spring (September – November) for fewer crowds
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Accessibility: Some lookout points and attractions have wheelchair access
5. Bondi Beach
Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi is a hotspot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk offers stunning ocean views, and the area is packed with cafés and shops. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round, making it a safe spot for swimming.
- Opening hours: Open 24/7
- Entrance fee: Free
- Best time to visit: Summer (December – February) for beach weather, early morning for fewer crowds
- Family-friendly: Yes, with a children’s pool and safe swimming areas
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths and beach wheelchairs available
6. Daintree Rainforest
One of the world’s oldest rainforests, the Daintree is home to unique wildlife, lush greenery, and the rare cassowary. Visitors can take guided walks, river cruises, or canopy tours to explore this UNESCO-listed site. The rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation, creating a stunning natural landscape.
- Opening hours: Open 24/7, but tour times vary
- Entrance fee: Free for general access; guided tours start from AUD 40
- Best time to visit: May – September (dry season, comfortable weather)
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Accessibility: Some boardwalks and visitor centers are wheelchair-friendly
7. Kangaroo Island
A haven for wildlife lovers, Kangaroo Island offers close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and more. The island also features stunning coastal landscapes, caves, and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore Flinders Chase National Park and admire the Remarkable Rocks.
- Opening hours: Open 24/7 (ferries and tours have set schedules)
- Entrance fee: Free to visit, but parks and tours may charge fees
- Best time to visit: March – May (mild weather, active wildlife)
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Accessibility: Some walking tracks and attractions have wheelchair access
8. Blue Mountains
Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, and bushwalking trails. The Three Sisters rock formation is a popular highlight, and visitors can enjoy the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger train.
- Opening hours: Open 24/7 (Scenic World: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Entrance fee: Free for most areas; Scenic World attractions start at AUD 50
- Best time to visit: Autumn (March – May) for cooler weather and fewer crowds
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Accessibility: Some lookouts and attractions offer wheelchair access
9. Cradle Mountain
Located in Tasmania, Cradle Mountain is one of Australia’s best hiking and nature destinations. The park offers breathtaking alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and trails for all fitness levels. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot wombats and Tasmanian devils.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Visitor Centre)
- Entrance fee: AUD 25 per person or AUD 60 per vehicle (valid for 24 hours)
- Best time to visit: Summer (December – February) for hiking, winter (June – August) for snow scenery
- Family-friendly: Yes, with shorter walks suitable for children
- Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access; visitor center has facilities
10. Phillip Island
Famous for its Penguin Parade, Phillip Island is a great spot for wildlife lovers. Each evening, little penguins return from the sea to their burrows, delighting visitors. The island also has beautiful beaches, the Koala Conservation Reserve, and thrilling motorsports events.
- Opening hours: Varies by attraction (Penguin Parade: from 5:00 PM, depending on sunset time)
- Entrance fee: Penguin Parade tickets start at AUD 30
- Best time to visit: Summer (December – February) for warm weather, but the penguins can be seen year-round
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms and facilities