Best places to visit in Australia: 15 destinations worth the flight
Australia is huge, and that changes how you plan. The best trips aren’t about seeing “everything.” They’re about choosing a few regions that actually fit together, then spending enough time in each to feel it. This list focuses on places that deliver the Australia you came for: iconic cities, wild coastlines, red deserts, and reef-blue water.
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How to choose places · 15 best places · Sample itineraries · Stay connected (eSIM) · FAQ
How to choose the best places in Australia (without wasting days)
The smartest Australia itineraries are built around flight lines and regional clusters. Don’t try to drive the whole country unless you’re doing a dedicated road trip. For most travelers, a great rule is: two bases for 10–14 days, or three bases for 2–3 weeks.
- First-time classic: Sydney + Melbourne + one iconic day trip.
- Nature-first: Reef region + one city base.
- Iconic Outback: Uluru segment + a city base.
- Beaches + coastline: Queensland coast or a Great Ocean Road focus.
Australia travel feels expensive when you improvise. It feels like a great deal when you plan: flights, regional blocks, and a few “must book” days.
15 best places to visit in Australia
1) Sydney (New South Wales)
Sydney is the iconic start: harbor views, the Opera House, beach culture, and coastal walks that feel like the city’s “real” attraction. It’s also one of the easiest bases for day trips.
- Best for: city + beaches, first-time visitors
- Plan like this: 4–6 nights, add a day trip
2) Blue Mountains (day trip from Sydney)
A perfect contrast to Sydney’s coastline—cooler air, viewpoints, and hiking options. It’s one of the highest-value day trips you can do in Australia.
3) Melbourne (Victoria)
Melbourne is culture, coffee, laneways, sports energy, and neighborhoods you’ll want to revisit. If you like “city texture,” you’ll love it.
4) Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
One of Australia’s most famous road trips. Whether you self-drive or join a tour, it’s worth it for the coastline and dramatic rock formations.
Pro move: start early. The Great Ocean Road is popular for a reason, and mornings feel calmer and more photogenic.
5) Brisbane (Queensland)
Brisbane is a practical base if you want Queensland without committing to constant transfers. It’s also a useful launching point for coastal escapes.
6) Gold Coast (Queensland)
Beach-forward and easy: long shoreline, high-rise views, and plenty of day-trip options. It’s a straightforward choice when you want sun and convenience.
7) Sunshine Coast (Queensland)
A calmer coastal alternative with a more relaxed vibe. Great for travelers who want beach days without “big destination” intensity.
8) Cairns (Queensland)
Cairns is a gateway city for reef and rainforest travel. You come here for the experiences outside the city—water trips, nature, and day tours.
9) Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)
One of the most famous natural attractions in the world. Plan it as a dedicated segment and allow for weather flexibility—your best day on the water often isn’t predictable.
10) Daintree Rainforest (Queensland)
If you’re already in the reef region, pairing ocean and rainforest in the same trip is one of Australia’s best one-two combinations.
11) Uluru / Ayers Rock (Northern Territory)
Uluru is an iconic Outback experience. It’s not “on the way” to anything—build a specific segment around it and treat it as a highlight.
- Best for: once-in-a-lifetime landscapes
- Plan like this: 2–4 nights
12) Perth (Western Australia)
Perth is sunny, coastal, and laid-back. It’s also far from the east coast, so it works best as part of a Western Australia-focused trip.
13) Adelaide (South Australia)
A comfortable city base that suits travelers who want a slower pace, great food, and easy access to regional experiences.
14) Tasmania
Tasmania is a different side of Australia: cooler climate, wild landscapes, and a more rugged feel. If you like hiking, road trips, or dramatic coastlines, it’s worth the detour.
15) Byron Bay (New South Wales)
Byron Bay is beach culture with a relaxed, stylish edge. It’s popular, yes—but it’s popular because it’s easy to enjoy.
Sample itineraries (so these places actually fit together)
10 days: Sydney + Melbourne (first-timer classic)
- Days 1–5: Sydney + Blue Mountains day trip
- Days 6–10: Melbourne + Great Ocean Road day trip
12–14 days: Sydney + Reef region
- Days 1–6: Sydney + flexible day trip
- Days 7–14: Cairns base + Great Barrier Reef + rainforest day
12–14 days: Sydney + Uluru
- Days 1–8: Sydney + coastal days + one day trip
- Days 9–14: Uluru segment + return travel
Australia’s best itineraries leave room for weather. Reef days, coastline drives, and Outback sunsets all benefit from flexibility.
Stay connected while exploring Australia with a Zetsim eSIM
Australia is easy to travel, but you’ll still rely on your phone constantly: booking confirmations, navigation, day-tour messaging, and finding essentials quickly. If you’re driving, data becomes even more valuable—routes, fuel stops, and updates in real time.
Why a travel eSIM makes sense
- No physical SIM swap.
- Install before you fly on Wi‑Fi.
- Use data soon after landing for maps, transport, and communication.
Quick setup checklist
- Confirm your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked.
- Install your Zetsim eSIM before departure.
- Set the eSIM as your Mobile Data line when you arrive.
eSIM reference: GSMA eSIM overview.
FAQ: Best places to visit in Australia
What are the best places to visit in Australia for first-time travelers?
How many days do I need to visit Australia?
Is the Great Barrier Reef worth visiting?
Should I choose Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef?
How do I stay connected while traveling in Australia?
Pick fewer places, see more Australia
Australia is one of those destinations where “less” gives you more: fewer bases, better day trips, and time to enjoy the coast, the food, and the scenery. Keep your trip moving smoothly with mobile data from a Zetsim eSIM, and focus on the parts you came for.
