Australia is an expansive country with a wealth of natural, architectural, and cultural icons worth exploring.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a cultural explorer, or an adventure seeker, there is something for everyone on the world’s largest island: tropical beaches, marine reserves, Aboriginal culture, wild koalas and kangaroos, expansive wineries, and historical landmarks.
What many travellers don’t understand is the true size of Australia. It is almost the same size as the continental US, making it hard to see the best of the land down under all in one trip.
However, to help you make the most of your trip across the Pacific Ocean, we’ve selected six of Australia’s icons, guiding you from city-centre landmarks to remote sandy islands.
Sydney Opera House
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, but despite popular belief, it is not the capital (that’s Canberra). However, the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most iconic architectural masterpiece in Australia. With a unique shell-like design, The Opera House sits proudly on the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
For the best photo opportunities, take a free walking tour of Sydney that explores the foreshore location of the Opera Houses and the neighbouring Harbour Bridge. You can also enjoy a one-hour guided tour inside the iconic landmark, if the leisurely stroll and photo opportunities with breathtaking views aren’t enough.
Old Melbourne Goal
The Old Melbourne Gaol is a former jail in Melbourne city centre that once housed dangerous criminals (including Australia’s most notorious outlaw citizen, bushranger Ned Kelly), as well as petty criminals, the homeless, and the mentally ill. Today, visitors can visit the Old Melbourne Gaol and discover what life was like for those who lived and died there in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Before heading to the museum, consider taking a free walking tour of Melbourne that explores the gritty beginnings of the city, which began as an illegal settlement.
Don’t worry though, Melbourne isn’t all doom and gloom. In fact, it’s a hub for sport (it hosts the annual Australian Open and F1), art (it’s covered in eye-popping street art), and coffee (known to many as the coffee capital of the world).
Melbourne also has a thriving theatre scene. The East-End theatre district features a number of historic theatres, hosting shows such as MJ The Musical, Anastasia, and The Book of Mormon.
Uluru
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a huge sandstone monolith in the UNESCO-listed Kata Tjuta National Park. It is a place of spiritual and cultural significance for Indigenous Australians, particularly as it sits on the ancestral lands of the Anangu people.
You can cycle, walk, ride a camel, or take a helicopter around Uluru’s 6-mile circumference, and learn about its significance from guides. Many guided tours also include overnight camping at the base, often in a traditional swag.
Due to extreme summer weather in the Northern Territory, the best time to visit Uluru is generally between May and September when the days are dry and warm but not scorching.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, another one of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, is one of the world’s most interesting natural wonders. Thanks to its clear blue waters, visitors can observe vibrant coral formations and an array of active species, including tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles.
Snorkelling or diving is the best way to see the incredible biodiversity up close. The best day trips depart from Cairns, but beware of stinger season, which runs during the warmer months (from the beginning of November until the end of May).
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, located just off the coast of Adelaide in South Australia, is a haven for nature, food, and animal lovers. As Australia’s third-largest island, Kangaroo Island boasts native bushland, pristine beaches, an artisanal food scene, and impressive wildlife.
There is a range of native mammal species on Kangaroo Island, which visitors can see up close, including Western Grey Kangaroos, Short-beaked Echidnas, and Tammar Wallabies.
K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)
K’gari, the largest sand island in the world at 12.5 miles long, is the spot for adventure seekers. The UNESCO World Heritage site allows visitors to climb sand dunes, experience 4WD driving on the sandy beach, swim in crystalline lakes (including Lake Mackenzie, one of the world’s only perched lakes), and trek through tropical rainforests.
Day trips and overnight tours depart almost every day from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach, or Noosa. K’gari has warm weather all year-round, but spring (September to November) is the best time to avoid extreme heat, rain, and large crowds.
Ready To Experience Australia’s Icons?
Australia is a large and captivating country, where travellers could spend years exploring without having seen it all. However, if you want the best of Australia’s beaches, culture hotspots, and, of course, harbour views, we recommend adding these six icons to your bucket list. They offer the perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure.
Image: Sydney Opera House, Lighting of the Sails at VIVID (2025) – photo by Rohan Shearn