Australian Landmarks: 13 Famous & Incredible Ones to Visit!
Are you looking for a guide that will introduce you to some of the world’s most famous Australian landmarks? Well, if you are, then this is where you will find the ultimate guide to some famous Australian landmarks.
Australia is the world’s 6th largest country in terms of total area. While visiting Australia, you will come across plenty of landmarks & tourist attractions, be it man-made, or natural.
The country is filled with breathtaking landscapes, heritage sites, and outdoor experiences. This is the country where you will find the top UNESCO world heritage sites. But before checking out the landmarks, let us know a bit more about visiting Australia.
Tips to Visiting Australia
Australia is massive. And it’s obvious to get carried away when visiting such a beautiful country. So, there are some crucial things you should know before visiting Australia:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Australia is between September to November and March to May. Most tourists visit Australia during these months because the weather is ideal for trips & adventures during these seasons. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold.
- Australian summers are harsh, so if you visit during the summer, do not forget to carry sunblock.
- Australians show immense respect for the Torres Strait Islander & Aboriginal people. So while visiting Australia, it is important to remain respectful towards the people and their cultures.
- Most restaurants & shops in the cities accept cashless transactions. However, if you need to pay with cash, you will find ATMs almost everywhere.
- If you are renting a car to drive, remember to drive it on the other side of the road.
Now that you are aware of the important things let us move to our Australian landmarks article without any further delay.
13 Famous Australian Landmarks
1. Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s seven natural wonders, as labeled by CNN in 1997. It is one of Australia’s most magnificent natural wonders & famous landmarks.
It is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1981 and currently the world’s longest & largest coral reef. The reef comprises a myriad of marine life, including over 15,000 different species of fishes, turtles, sharks, whales, giant clams.
It consists of about 300 separate reef systems and 900 beautiful continental islands. The reef expands in a Northwest-Southwest direction for more than 200 km.
There are various ways to enjoy this marvelous beauty; you can swim through the clear blue waters or take a scenic flight for a birds-eye-view.
2. Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a historic site located on Tasmania island, an hour’s drive from the city of Hobart. Originally Porth Arthur was a timber station that was established in 1830. However, later on, it was converted into Australia’s largest prison colony.
At present, the site is considered among the most historical sites in Australia. Visitors can learn all about the history & past lives of convicts here.
It is one of the most famous convict sites. And it was known for having the toughest punishments in the country. The historic site now comprises a prison museum, a convict church, a souvenir shop, a cafe, and a separate prison for punishments.
3. 12 Apostles
The 12 Apostles by the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a collection of limestone pillars, standing among the must-visit Australian landmarks.
The rock formations are over 15-20 million years old, rising out of the Southern Ocean. It is believed that waves & wind carved them into caves & arches first and then to the 150-foot tall pillars that they are now.
The best way to get the most exciting experience of the 12 Apostles is by getting on a scenic helicopter flight and enjoy the panoramic views. You can also hike along the Great Ocean Walk or get to the viewing platform.
The Icy Tales team talked to Carl Panepinto, SEO Specialist at The Wealth Point, about the Great Ocean Road. Here is what he said:
“What I find most captivating about the Great Ocean Road is the mesmerizing coastal scenery, characterized by rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and iconic rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles.
Reflecting on my own experiences, the history and engineering feat of its construction by returned soldiers adds another layer of significance to this scenic route.
Knowing that it was built by veterans as a memorial to their fallen comrades during World War I adds a sense of reverence and appreciation for their sacrifice and resilience.
Driving along the Great Ocean Road offers me a profound connection to Australia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
It allows me to witness firsthand the breathtaking landscapes that have inspired generations of artists, writers, and adventurers.
Moreover, exploring historic sites and landmarks along the route provides insights into Australia’s rich maritime history and indigenous heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Overall, driving along the Great Ocean Road is not just a journey through spectacular scenery but also a voyage through history, offering me a multifaceted appreciation of Australia’s natural wonders and cultural legacy.”
4. Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, also popularly known as the “coat hanger,” is one of the most iconic Australian landmarks. The bridge was built in 1924; however, it was not opened until 1932.
The Harbour Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the entire world, with a height of 135 meters. For stunning views, adventurous visitors can climb to the top of the bridge following 1,000 steps.
5. Mount Kosciuszko
Mount Kosciuszko, located in Kosciuszko National Park, South Wales, is the highest mountain peak in Mainland Australia. The mountain sits at the height of 2,228 meters above sea level.
The best way to enjoy the mountain is by hiking during the winter December-March when the mountain is fully bloomed with wildflowers. There are two ways for visitors to reach the mountain, the first is the Charlotte Pass, and the other is the Thredbo trail.
6. Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is another one among fascinating Australian landmarks situated in the Northern Territory. It is a biodiverse nature reserve comprising of wetlands, rivers & sandstone escarpments.
This is the country’s largest National Park covering an area of 20,000 sq km. This national park offers the best chance at exploring nature & Australia’s ancient cultures.
Kakadu National Park is known for the richness of its Aboriginal sites, as there are over 5,000 Aboriginal rock arts.
7. Bondi Beach, Sydney
The white-sand Bondi Beach is Australia’s most iconic beaches and one of the tourists’ all-time favorite Australian landmarks.
The beach is about 7 kilometers from Sydney’s city center and is stretched for about 1 kilometer. The curling waves of Bondi Beach are what sets it apart from other beaches. It has the ideal waves for the best surfing experiences.
The beach is even the best destination for sunbathing and coastal walks. Visitors can also have a good time watching whales & dolphins. And if that doesn’t do much, there are cafes and golf courses to make things better.
8. Bungle Bungles
The Bungle Bungle range nestled in the Kimberley region of Australia within the Purnululu National Park is one of the fascinating geological Australian landmarks.
The Bungle Bungles are karst sandstone domes that take the formation of “bee-hives,” or that’s how they look from above the sky. The domes are at a rise of 250 meters above the grasslands.
9. The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains, known for their rugged scenery, are a range of mountains in Australia’s South Wales. The mountainous region comprises 1 million hectares of tall forests, cliffs, canyon & beautiful waterfalls, making it another one of the most visited Australian landmarks.
The region is at about 2 hours drive from Sydney, and visitors can reach there via car, coach tour, or train. And the mountain has plenty of walking & hiking trails, taking the visitors through caves and gorges.
Visitors are often enchanted by the natural beauty this region possesses, with a never-ending stretch of eucalyptus trees. You can even take a guided tour to get the most of the area.
10. The Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung is among those Australian landmarks which are a must-visit. The Pinnacles are limestone formations formed 25,000-30,000 years ago.
The park covers roughly 17,000 hectares of area and is home to a large number of native birds & animals. The Pinnacles are not all of the same heights, some stand as high as 5 meters.
11. Kings Canyon
The Kings Canyon is a canyon within the Watarrka National Park, located in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Visitors mostly go to Kings Canyon to catch the sunrise from the top or have dinner under the stars at the on-site resort. There’s the Ayers Rock Resort offering thousands of experiences & adventures daily on their menu.
Or try hiking the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which is a challenging 6 km track.
12. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House in South Wales is a performing arts theatre. The building is one of the most iconic Australian landmarks.
The Opera House was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2007. It hosts over 40 shows a week and comprises many performing venues.
For visitors, there are regular guided tours which can also be booked in advance. From music to plays and food, there’s everything in here. The building itself is worth more, and it is one of the 20th century’s most famous buildings.
13. Kangaroo Island
The Kangaroo Island, located southwest of Adelaide, is the third-largest island of mainland Australia.
It is one of those Australian landmarks that you absolutely cannot miss. The experience visitors have at Kangaroo Island is otherworldly. The island is most popular for its wildlife and wine tours.
Visitors can enjoy sunsets, pristine beaches or spend time with the wildlife. You can even get a glimpse of endangered sea lions in their natural habitats.
Australia is a country full of wonders & experiences, and that is why it gets millions of visitors every year. In this article, we have listed 13 of those Australian landmarks which are the most popular worldwide and have the maximum number of visitors.
However, the list doesn’t end here; there are far more landmarks to visit in Australia. Such as Shark Bay, Tiwi Islands, Kimberley Coastland, Horizontal Falls, Parliament House, and many more.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article on Australian landmarks. And hope it will be of help to you while you visit Australia. If any other landmarks should have been mentioned in this list, please let us know your views.
Last Updated on by Saket Kumar