A vast continent like Australia means constantly changing scenery as you roam around the country. From vibrant cities to panoramic coasts overlooking the ocean, unusually-shaped mountains and rocks, it's not enough to see all of them in just one Australian trip ?
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New South Wales
New South Wales truly offers some of the best road trip experiences you can find that can bring you from smooth scenic coastal roads and expansive unspoilt beaches to inland towns, mountain ranges and rainforests ?
1. Sydney
Head to Sydney and enjoy the spectacular views at Sydney Harbour flanked by the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge! With the boats gently cruising in the harbor and the sight of people frolicking in the grass, an afternoon out basking in the harbor is surely a great way to spend an afternoon. Sydney is also known for its cafes and coffee culture so do grab a cuppa while you enjoy the views the city has to offer ☕️
Sydney is also home to a beautiful stretch of beaches! Go for a relaxing coastal walk between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach which will bring you through cliffs and rock pools ?
2. Blue Mountains National Park
It is not a Sydney trip if you don’t take a tour to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. After driving 90 minutes from Sydney to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, your first stop should be to marvel at the Three Sisters rock formation from Echo Point and catch the dramatic rocky cliffs over Jamison Valley.
Continue your exploration at Scenic World, a short drive from Echo Point. Take in awe-inspiring views of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls from the Scenic Skyway before descending into the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Cableway or Railway for a cooling walk amidst the rainforest ?
Additionally, the best things to do for families with kids in the Blue Mountains include nature walks and having a picnic. Check out Wentworth Falls and Leura Cascades picnic areas for amazing views and plenty of photo opportunities ?
3. Byron Bay
Heading to the Land Down Under during summer? Why not go kayaking with the dolphins at Byron Bay? This coastal town is known for its stunning beaches, surfing and scuba diving sites ?
Don't forget to check out Byron Bay's iconic lighthouse - Cape Byron Lighthouse. It sits at mainland Australia’s most easterly point, making for some epic views. One of the best ways to see the lighthouse is along the Cape Byron Lighthouse Track. This walking loop is magical at sunrise and sunset ?
P.S. Looking for some itineraries and guides for your next Sydney trip? We got you covered!
- Explore Sydney’s Sights & Sounds With This 6D5N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary
- 9 Halal Eateries In Sydney You Have To Try On Your Next Visit (Nearby Things To Do!)
- 8 Must-Know Tips For Your Sydney-New South Wales Road Trip
Victoria
It may be one of the smallest states, but it’s an absolute treasure trove for travel thanks to its incredible views, from vibrant pink lakes to postcard-worthy mountain backdrops - It has something for everyone, all year-round! ?
4. Melbourne
We can't miss out the most popular destination ever - Melbourne! It's packed with attractions, ranging from laid-back laneways and lush parks to iconic landmarks and easy-going cafes. We have tons of itineraries and guides to help you plan out your Melbourne trip!
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This amazing city in the south of Australia is home to famous attractions such as the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, the TikTok-famous Puffing Billy steam train, where you can dangle your legs outside of the train, shopping at Queen Victoria Market, as well as some hidden gems scattered amongst its laneways and arcades - there's too much to cover here! ?
5. Great Ocean Road
There are normal roads… and then there’s the Great Ocean road.
Picture this, driving with the windows down, breathing in the fresh ocean breeze, viewing the ocean on your left, and great rock formations on your right ? And top it off, singing along to your favourite tunes in the car! Voted to be one of the world’s scenic road drives, the Great Ocean Road is definitely a place you wouldn’t want to miss. Located in Melbourne, this road stretches over 243 kilometres!
One of the main attractions at the Great Ocean Road is to view the different sides of the ocean at different lookouts. Each of them will blow you away with their mesmerising views ? They are located at different areas of the road and some of them have beautiful huge rock formations that you will wonder how they were formed in the first place! ?
We did up a Muslim-friendly guide to conquer one of the best drives you'll ever try right here!
6. Brighton Bathing Boxes
Just 30-mins drive away from Melbourne CBD, you can find another popular icon of Melbourne - the Brighton Bathing Boxes ? While these colourful sheds are now photo-worthy spots, they were once used by local women in the Victorian era so that they could change to their swimwear in private.
Did you know that there are 82 of them? Each box has a distinctive painting and you can definitely spot Brighton Beach from afar thanks to these boxes! The boxes now act as shelters and are used to store fishing gear and deck chairs.
But the bathing boxes aren’t all that Brighton Beach has to offer. You can spend a day soaking in the sea, admiring the view of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne skyline! ?
Queensland
Queensland, "the Sunshine State," is Australia's most popular vacation destination! Golden beaches, idyllic tropical islands, fantastic surf breaks, World Heritage-listed rainforests, rivers, reefs, and waterfalls are just some of the state's natural jewels ?
P.S. Did you know you can only cuddle a koala in two states – Queensland and South Australia?
7. Gold Coast
Gold Coast is another great destination to head to with its sandy beaches, surf tides and nature treks! Its average daytime temperatures ranging from 19 to 27 degree Celsius also ensure a comfortable stay. Home to many of Australia’s theme parks such as Dreamworld, Wet N Wild and Sea World, Gold Coast is also a family-friendly destination with something for everybody! ?
If you’re a nature-lover, head to Lamington National Park for a trek where you’ll find mountain ridges, valleys, waterfalls, and rainforest terrain. Lamington is also a World Heritage Site, attributed to its wide variety of flora and fauna ?
Check out the golden beaches of Gold Coast too, especially Surfer’s Paradise! Known for its high-rise skyline and surf-worthy waves, you can almost feel the stress melt away as you spend a day lounging by the Gold Coast sea-side ? There's also pop-up markets at Surfer’s Paradise a few evenings each week for you to shop around!
P.S. Visiting Gold Coast and in need of some itineraries and guides? We got you covered with these articles!
- 8 Things You Have To Do In Gold Coast This Winter 2022 (With Halal Food Nearby!)
- 9 Best Places In Gold Coast For A Fun-Filled Family Holiday
- 8 Essential (And Muslim-Friendly!) Tips To Conquer Gold Coast With Your Family
8. Brisbane
Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city and the capital of Queensland has caught our attention with its sweeping transformation across the city ? Vibrant city life, music venues and trendy restaurants meet pretty riverside gardens - this is 1 Australia city that is on our next to-visit list! ?
The list of things to do in Brisbane just seems never ending - endless shopping at Brisbane's shopper' paradise, Queen St Mall, relaxing at South Bank (which is home to the world's only city beach, Streets Beach!), abseiling down the Story Bridge, and more! We rounded up some of the best activities to check out in Brisbane right here ?
P.S. Gold Coast and Brisbane are usually two destinations that many visit together - check out this article for your next trip planning: Brisbane & Gold Coast In 6D5N: The Muslim-Friendly Itinerary You’ve Been Looking For
9. Cairns
Where the rainforest meets the reef… it's truly the apt description of this city. From the famous Great Barrier Reef to the beautiful rainforests, Cairns has it all!
Of course, the most iconic part of your Cairns adventure will have to be visiting the Great Barrier Reef! It’s no wonder that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. There were corals in the prettiest pink, pastel purple and various other colours in the clear blue water ?
From Anemone Fish (Nemo!) to the colourful Parrotfish, you could stay underwater all day marvelling at life under the sea. Did you know the Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1500 fish species? You can check out our Muslim-friendly itinerary to Cairns right here.
There are also other activities you shouldn't miss - such as boarding the Kuranda Scenic Railway, watching live feeding sessions of crocodiles and more! ?
10. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday
A mesmerising swirl of whites, blues and greens, Whitehaven Beach’s shifting tides and sands create a kaleidoscope effect that is best viewed from above. But that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy this beach with your feet firmly on the ground! Ranked as one of the world’s best beaches, the pristine waters and white sand will leave you feeling like you are in paradise ?
South Australia
South Australia is arguably one of the underrated regions - there's a variety of hidden gems waiting to be explored! Be it getting up-close to iconic Australian wildlife only minutes away from Adelaide’s CBD or being in awe over ancient mountain ranges, spectacular gorges and sheltered creeks in Flinders Ranges & Outback, it's a region you definitely not want to miss! ?
11. Adelaide
Though it may not receive international publicity like Sydney or Melbourne, this beautiful capital city of the state of South Australia has so much to offer. If you are looking for an easy-going, fun and adventurous trip, this city is for you! ?
Some attractions that you shouldn't miss are the Adelaide Central Market, one of the oldest undercover markets in the world (140 years old!), climbing up the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb at night (yes, you can climb up one of Australia's most iconic stadiums!), catching sunsets at Adelaide's favourite city beach, Glenelg, and visit Adelaide Central Mosque, the first and oldest permanent mosque in Australia! ?
P.S. Check out our Muslim-friendly Adelaide itinerary here!
12. Kangaroo Island
Home to 150 native Australian wildlife including koalas and wombats, there’s no better place to see all of your favourite Australian wildlife than on Kangaroo Island ?
Perfect for animal lovers, there are a few ways to get up close to these amazing wildlife. When you visit the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, you can feed a penguin, carry a wombat, and say hello to a koala! Otherwise, head over to Stokes Bay where you can see the Western Grey kangaroos in various animal sanctuaries such as Hanson Bay and Paul’s Place. The kangaroos roam freely amid the scenic landscape, hence Kangaroo Island is sometimes called Australia's zoo without the fences ?
13. Flinders Range
Western Australia
Sweeping white sands, lush forests, technicolour corals and crystal clear seawater, Western Australia is truly a breathtaking sight ? And we know it's one of the top destinations for Muslim travellers as well - but there's still other spots that you still check out!
14. The Pinnacles
The first thought that comes to mind is that you’ve landed on the moon! One of the most visited sites in Perth, the Pinnacles is an almost eerie-looking desert dotted with countless limestone pillars jutting out of the yellow sand ?
The best times to visit are the hours leading to sunset, where the lunar landscape is bathed in rays of fiery light. Have fun uncovering all the stacks, domes and distorted shapes while wondering how seashells from eons ago came to form them over time!
15. Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay
Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool are the oldest and largest living fossils on earth. Over 3.5 billion years old, biologists and geologists think they are indicative to how the earth’s landscape looked like then! ?
Since that time, the cyanobacteria that form stromatolites have been taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. There is a purpose built jetty overlooking the marine reserve where you can see these living organisms up close without damaging them ?
16. Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is regarded as one of the last great ocean paradises on Earth, and you can access this watery wonderland by simply stepping off the beach and swimming a few metres to one of the world’s largest fringing reefs. You can even experience the ultimate wildlife encounter: swimming among gentle giants such as sharks, humpback whales, giant manta rays, and more! ?
17. Wave Rock
Perfectly resembling ocean waves about to crash, Wave Rock is found in Wheat Belt of Western Australia.
Over the centuries, dissolving minerals formed the unusual streaks after heavy rains eroded the rock surface. About14 metres high and stretching a little more than 100 metres long, it’s worth stopping by to marvel at this natural wonder ?
18. Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park of Western Australia Golden Outback, is Australia's whitest beach and is so relaxing even the kangaroos sunbathe on the sand ?
Where else can you get really up close to kangaroos while you're suntanning on the beach? ?
P.S. There's still so many places to check out, so why not check out these guides and itineraries before heading to Western Australia?
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- 8 New Attractions, Halal Eateries And Experiences To Look Forward To In Western Australia
Tasmania
Once a state for convict transportation, there’s now little trace of Tasmania being the tragic tale it once was. On the contrary, with its stunning natural beauty and rich culture, it’s a place on many bucket lists! ?
19. Cradle Mountain
Magnificent and stunning, Cradle Mountain peers at its reflection in the glacially-formed Dove Lake, as if aware that it’s one of Tasmania’s most precious natural treasures ? Although a favourite with tourists, Cradle Mountain remains tranquil - and its abundance in vegetation could make other mountains green with envy!
You can even check out the Tasmanian Devils at the Devils @ Cradle, located in Cradle Mountain National Park! These critters may look harmless and cuter than the Warner Brothers cartoon character, but their bark (or screech ?) is just as bad as their bite! In fact, convicts exiled to the island once thought these tiny screaming creatures were tortured souls!
20. Wineglass Bay
Located in Freycinet National Park is Wineglass Bay, which resembles the shape of a goblet. Known as one of the best beaches in the world, Wineglass Bay’s beauty is anything but watered down, and you’ll be staring out at the turquoise Tasman Sea with dilated eyes ?
Featuring a scenic background of pink granite peaks from the Hazard mountains and water as blue as the sky, you’ll certainly feel like your glass is always half full when you’re here! ?
21. Franklin River
Get your heart racing against the picturesque backdrop of the idyllic Franklin River! Rescued from destruction due to protests in 1984, there can’t be a better way to get to know the untouched Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park than to raft through its limestone cliffs, pools and unreachable rainforests! Franklin River is the only major wild river in Tasmania, and you’ll have a splash of a time getting through grade 3 to 6 rapids! ?
Just in case you aren’t wild for rapids, but your heart beats rapidly for the wild-erness, the Franklin River Nature Trail makes for a very casual walk. Strolling past ethereal trees and the Franklin River and Surprise River will take you just 30 minutes!
Northern Territory
A land of stark beauty, sacred Aboriginal sites, and sweeping wilderness, the Northern Territory has always stood apart from the rest of Australia. If you're an adventure junkie, or love the wilderness not many cities have, the Northern Territory should be on the top of your must-visit destination list!
22. Uluru Rock
Located in a remote area of the Northern Territory called the Red Centre, Ayers Rock or Uluru is a sandstone monolith that is believed to have been formed over 500 million years ago.
Its height stands at 348 m, which is actually taller than the Eiffel Tower! How is that for scale? ? Uluru is sacred to the indigenous Australians, and you can find ancient cave paintings on some of the inner surfaces and caves of this gargantuan monument ?
23. Tiwi Island
Continue your exploration of Darwin’s Aboriginal culture with a day trip to the Tiwi Islands. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from Aboriginal residents, and you can learn more about traditional fabric-making and Aboriginal art ?
Beside Aboriginal cultural and art tours, you can even check out fishing trips based out of either Melville Island Lodge, Clearwater Island Lodge, or Johnson River Camp. Barramundi, giant trevally, golden snapper, and jewfish are some of the species found in the rivers and coral reefs.
24. Kakadu National Park
For nature-lovers who want to experience the beauty of the outdoors without getting too much adrenaline pumping, visit Australia’s biggest national park at Kakadu National Park to admire its stunning landscapes!
Here's a fun fact: Famed Australian film series Crocodile Dundee was actually shot here! ?
Australia Capital Territory
Another underrated region would be The Australian Capital Territory. Home to Australia’s capital city of Canberra, it's the perfect destination for foodies, culture vultures and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the Australian Capital Territory is sure to challenge all your expectations!
P.S. Canberra sits within the borders of New South Wales and is located about halfway between Sydney and Melbourne!
25. Canberra
See the Australian capital in a whole new light with a trip to Canberra. This city has a mix of museums, green spaces, and farm experiences that are as fun as they are educational and enriching ?
Start your vacation at the National Gallery of Australia, which has the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Credit: Tourism Australia
No family vacation to Australia would be complete without getting up close with nature, and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one park where you can do just that. Look out for native birdlife, platypuses, bandicoots, and wallabies at the Sanctuary - you might even spot a koala or two ?
26. Jervis Bay
A 3-hour drive away from Canberra, Jervis Bay isn’t just famous for its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. The marine park is also home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins that reside in the bay year round. If you’re lucky, they’ll even swim alongside your boat! ?
If you're travelling between the period of mid-May to November, you're in luck: humpback whales migrate along the New South Wales coast and Jervis Bay is a prime spot for whale-watching! ?
There's also other water activities to try such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, and also the Booderee National Park, home to over 200 different bird species and around 30 mammal species, if you're an animal lover!
It's no wonder Australia is a destination that you can visit multiple times - because there's just too many places to explore! ?