Sights of Australia and its cities. The main attractions of Australia: photos and descriptions What attraction is located in Australia


Mysterious pink lake Hillier on Middle Island

Wondering what to visit in Australia , be sure to include a landmark such as Lake Hillier , into your travel plan. The picturesque lake, whose waters have an unusual pink color, is located on Middle Island, covered with dense eucalyptus forests. If you look at this island from a bird's eye view, then against the backdrop of the rich greenery of the eucalyptus forests there will be a small bright spot, this is the pink Lake Hiller. The spectacular frame of sand and salt that is located along its shores gives the lake even more expressiveness.

Lake Hillier gained the status of an Australian landmark precisely because of its originality. Travelers from all over the world come to the shores of this unique lake to see for themselves that the water is truly pink. What is the secret of this shade of water? Despite numerous studies, there is still no exact answer to this question.

  • According to one version, the pink color is formed due to a pigment secreted by certain microorganisms living in the reservoir.
  • Another statement says that the pink tint is formed due to a combination of salts contained in the waters of the lake and specific microorganisms.
  • Research conducted in the 50s of the 20th century refuted all previously made assumptions.

Thus, the mystery of Lake Hiller remains unsolved to this day.

3. Blue Mountains (New South Wales)


The Blue Mountains are one of the most picturesque places in the world

Lovers of contemplating natural landscapes untouched by civilization will definitely find something to see in Australia , because on its territory there is a unique miracle of nature - the Blue Mountains National Park. This area got its name for a reason. A huge number of eucalyptus forests growing on the mountain range constantly release essential oil vapors into the air. The rays of the sun, refracted in billions of tiny droplets of oil, form a bluish haze, creating an atmosphere of mysterious fairytale.

In the common understanding, the Blue Mountains are not mountains. In fact, it is a set of mountain plateaus and cliffs, above which Mount Victoria rises majestically at a height of about 1300 m above sea level.

Sandy plateaus, dissected by gorges and canyons, are interspersed with many crystal clear mountain rivers and streams, creating an amazingly beautiful landscape. It's no surprise that the national park has become one of Australia's most popular attractions.

4. Mount Uluru (Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park)


Unique rock formation Mount Uluru

If you are planning a trip, you will have no doubt what to visit in Australia, because these lands are fraught with real wonders. The eighth wonder of the world, the Sacred Place, the Red Mountain - all these honors were awarded to Mount Uluru, also called Ayers Rock. This is one of the most recognizable natural attractions of Australia, one of the main symbols of the continent. During the day, its red-orange rock can change color: at dawn the mountain has the lightest shade, with the sun rising at its zenith it turns purple-red, then pink and, finally, golden, and darkens in the evening.

How was Uluru formed? Millions of years ago the mountain range was more like an island. Gradually, the rocks along the edges were destroyed and settled, forming a rock. Now in the desert where Uluru is located, winds rush and heavy rains fall, creating deep cracks on the surface of the mountain.

The fantastic red rock, reminiscent of a huge elephant, is not only unique in appearance, the age of the natural monument is also noteworthy - the history of its existence is about 6 million years. This is confirmed by rock paintings that testify to the life of ancient people.

5. Yarra River Valley (Melbourne)


Australia's Yarra River Valley wine region

South Australia is famous for its wine industry. And perhaps one of the most spectacular wine regions here is the Yarra River Valley, where many varieties of grapes grow. The first grapevine was planted here in 1838; since then, more than 40 wineries have been formed on these lands, which today harvest excellent harvests here.

Thousands of wine connoisseurs visit these fertile lands to taste a luxurious bouquet of local wines. In addition, travelers can see many other interesting things here.

  • For example, you can visit one of the many nature reserves that exist here, admire the breathtaking views of wildlife, and see representatives of the local fauna, such as kangaroos, wombats, emus and some species of birds of prey.
  • Everyone will find a memento for themselves in the markets of the local small towns located in the expanses of the valley.
  • You can even take part in group multi-day itineraries to get a sense of the local flavor and learn as much as possible about the mysterious valley.

And to see the valley from a new perspective, it’s worth taking to the sky in a hot air balloon, taking in the expanses from a bird’s eye view and landing in one of the many vineyards to have a breakfast of fresh produce, washed down with sparkling wine.

Feel the atmosphere of Australia in this beautiful video!

6. Opera House (Sydney)


Symbol of Sydney Opera House

The attractiveness of the Green Continent lies not only in the extraordinary nature of the continent. An important role is also played by cities that have become centers of business and cultural life, where the oldest sights of Australia coexist with modern skyscrapers, green parks with busy avenues, historical museums with huge supermarkets.

For example, the landscape of Sydney is uniquely recognizable among thousands of other cities thanks to its world-famous landmark - the building of the Opera House, one of the most famous in world architecture. This unique building was designed by a Danish architect named Jorn Utzon. Having designed the original shape of the theater's roof, the Dane gave Sydney a symbol of the city, by which almost every inhabitant of the planet now recognizes this city.

Many years after the construction of the famous building, the architect admitted that he was inspired to create the unique roof of the theater by... the peel of an orange, removed from the fruit in triangular segments. The only difference is the scale. The sloping roof vaults are covered with countless tiles, which, reflecting the sun's rays, create an unusual color scheme. The Opera House has always attracted the attention of tourists with the originality of its forms, and therefore this architectural creation has become an almost integral element of any excursions in Sydney.

7. Kangaroo Island (Gulf St. Vincent)


Kangaroo Island Park and Beach

Perhaps everyone knows that since ancient times the kangaroo has been the true symbol of Australia. But not everyone knows that there is a whole island here dedicated to these amazing animals, it’s called Kangaroo Island. On its territory there is a huge park inhabited by rare species of ancient animals and relict plants. The island was inhabited by aborigines several thousand years ago, after which they left this region, and all this time the land remained completely isolated from the outside world, giving local animals the opportunity to live in complete peace and security. And only in 1802 did the European Flinders set foot on Kangaroo Island, who gave this land its name.

In addition to animals, visitors to the park are attracted by interesting geological formations - the so-called Remarkable Rocks, huge boulders of the most unusual and bizarre shapes, located at a low altitude above sea level.

Not far from Remarkable Rock there is another attraction of Australia - Admiral's Arch. This creation of nature is a cave inside a huge boulder, from the depths of which it is so interesting to contemplate the beauty of the sea tides.

8. Lake Gippsland (Victoria)


Lake Gippsland

Australia is rich in amazing places that attract the attention of tourists from all over the world. Among them is Lake Gippsland, which is sometimes also called “Fire from the Underworld.” During daylight hours, this lake is no different from any other body of water, but with the onset of darkness, real miracles begin to happen here. A mesmerizing bluish glow emanates from the watery depths of the lake. This phenomenon has a very real scientific explanation, and has acquired the term “bioluminescence”. The fact is that the waters of the lake are inhabited by plants and organisms endowed with bioluminescent abilities. It is this property that allows all living things in a reservoir to emit a kind of light that we see in the dark. In general, such light is constantly emitted, but only with the onset of darkness, when the sun completely disappears behind the horizon, can we observe a real extravaganza of bluish lights along the shores of the lake.

In addition to the amazing views that open up to your eyes at night, during the day you can also enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the landscape - the lake is surrounded along its entire perimeter by cliffs and fern forests.

9. King's Canyon (Watarrka National Park)


View of the Royal Canyon

Located in the Red Center of Australia, King's Canyon was once sacred land to local Aboriginal people. Today it has acquired the status of an Australian landmark due to its unique appearance and peculiar natural beauty. Formed from sandstone, the sheer walls of the canyon, reaching 200 meters in height, were formed over millions of years, acquiring unusual shapes under the influence of wind erosion. Inside the canyon, dense thickets of ferns and cycads, palm forests grow, hundreds of species of animals find shelter - all this thanks to the canyon walls, which for the local flora and fauna play the role of protection from the desert drought that reigns outside the canyon.

There are several rocky climbs to the edges of the canyon, from where travelers have an amazing view.

  • The most popular is the 6-kilometer route, which will take about 3-4 hours. This is the optimal route in terms of complexity, which allows you to enjoy the incredible panoramic landscapes of the canyon, examine the unusual rock formations of the Lost City, and, having descended into the canyon itself, admire the beauty of the Garden of Eden, the name given to the reservoir in the rock, surrounded by lush vegetation.
  • The easiest and shortest route runs right along the bottom of the Royal Canyon, where views of numerous boulders and giant eucalyptus trees open up, and this route ends at an observation deck at the top of the gorge, which offers views of the sheer cliffs.
  • Finally, the most difficult route, 22 kilometers long, connecting the Royal Canyon and the city of Kathleen Springs, can be conquered by the most avid travelers.

10. Tasmania Island (Tasmania state, 240 km south of the mainland)


Coastal part of the island of Tasmania

To the south of the mainland is another unique attraction of Australia - the island of Tasmania, famous throughout the world for its uniquely beautiful tropical forests.

The nature of the origin of the island is amazing - the continent of Gondwana, which existed on earth several hundred million years ago, united the lands of the future Australia, Africa, South America and Antarctica. As a result of the movement of the earth's plates, a single continent gradually broke up into many parts, forming several separate continents that have preserved this appearance to this day.

Lovers of tropical beauty will definitely find something to see in Australia, because the island of Tasmania is a real gift of nature, full of lush vegetation. Just imagine: majestic giant trees, mainly eucalyptus and ancient beech, have grown so densely that it is impossible to get between them. Everything around is overgrown with thick greenery, the undergrowth is complemented by a dense carpet of ferns and thick mosses, and vines hang between the trees. These areas are home to a variety of fauna - the famous Tasmanian devil, red wallaby, marsupial wolf and Tasmanian bettong.

The entire valley abounds with lakes, streams and mountain rivers - such a striking and breathtaking sight will undoubtedly be appreciated by a true traveler.

Sights of Australia: what else to visit while in Australia

It’s worth thinking about which places to visit during your vacation long before you board a plane. Don’t think that they will tell you about all the local attractions, because their number is in the hundreds. Fortunately, you have our list at your disposal, with which you will not be lost even to the ends of the earth!

11. Fraser Island (east coast of Australia)


Large sandy Fraser Island

The world of the Green Continent is rich and diverse, and Fraser Island, another interesting attraction of Australia, is a bright spot on the map of the mainland. The world's largest sand island consists entirely of sand, which has been deposited by sea currents and blown by winds for thousands of years, forming another amazing creation of nature - sand dunes. These are real mountains of snow-white sand, reaching a height of 240-250 meters.

An amazing feature of the sandy island is that on its lands, washed on all sides by the salty waters of the ocean, there are more than a hundred freshwater lakes. How can there be so many fresh water lakes on an island that is not fed by rivers or glaciers? It's all about precipitation and groundwater, which constantly replenish reservoirs, preventing them from drying out. The panoramas of these lakes are extremely beautiful - the purest waters are framed by a border of snow-white sand, and all this is surrounded by wild forests. Among the most picturesque bodies of water is Lake Mackenzie, located at an altitude of 100 meters above the sea, and the largest of them is Lake Boemingham, whose area reaches 200 hectares. In general, the climate of Fraser Island is milder than that of the rest of the mainland, due to the large amount of moisture in the air and soil.

12. Large pineapple in Queensland (Woombye)

Large pineapple statue

There will undoubtedly be something to see in Australia , and lovers of creative architecture. In the state of Queensland, in the town of Woombye, a large pineapple statue has been pleasing tourists with its brightness and positivity for many decades. The constant stream of curious travelers eager to see this creation does not dry out year after year. The large 16-meter fiberglass structure was erected here in 1971, when the Taylors decided to attract the attention of visitors after building a small farm and recreational park. It is worth admitting that they succeeded perfectly, because the huge and bright statue in the shape of a pineapple attracts the eye from afar.

The farm, by the way, still exists today; it is home to both domestic animals - donkeys, pigs, and exotic ones - for example, alpaca, whose valuable wool is used to make various woolen products.

Here in the neighborhood you can also visit a small zoo where kangaroos, deer, koalas and other representatives of the local fauna live.

Visitors also have the opportunity to observe how pineapples and the Australian macadamia nut are grown on local plantations.

13. Stone Wave Rock (Western Australia)


Stone sculpture of a wave

An amazingly beautiful landmark of Australia in the form of an unusually shaped rock formation is located in the west of the continent. This is the “Stone Wave” rock, the name of which comes from its shape - outwardly, this miracle of nature looks as if a huge sea wave had broken up right in the middle of the land. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to see this stone sculpture every year. The visible part of the “wave” rising above the ground is about 15 meters in height and more than a hundred meters in length.

For many centuries, this creation of nature played a big role in the culture of the local population. It was once believed that it was in the place where this “wave” was formed that the forces of spirits and nature accumulated and intertwined. Australians treat this statue with special reverence to this day, making considerable efforts to preserve the beauty of the natural monument. For this purpose, back in the 50s of the last century, a reinforcing dam was built to protect the “Stone Wave” from natural erosion.

14. Twelve Apostles Rocks (Victoria, Port Campbell National Park)


Limestone giant rocks “The Twelve Apostles”

One of Australia's most famous and recognizable landmarks is the Twelve Apostles group of rocks, which have become a symbol of the Great Ocean Road, stretching at a breathtaking height above the coast. It is the “12 Apostles” that are often depicted on numerous tourist brochures, and every year hundreds of thousands of interested tourists visit these places to observe the peculiar beauty of the rocks and their ability to change their color throughout the day. The most picturesque panorama opens up in the morning and evening, when muted sunlight gives the landscape mystery and rich colors.

These rock formations are tens of millions of years old: year after year, waves and wind destroyed the soft limestone, forming cavities in the cliffs, and the resulting arches collapsed over time, forming cliffs up to 45 meters high.

Some interesting facts are associated with the 12 Apostles rocks.

  • In fact, having visited these places, you will find that there are not 12 rocks, but only 8. Initially there were 9, but one of them collapsed in 2005.
  • Previously, the complex of rock formations was called “Pig and Pigs,” but in order to make the name more harmonious, this creation of nature was renamed “12 Apostles.”

15. Kuranda (Queensland)


At the Kuranda Zoo

In which corner of Australia can you most fully learn about the life of the indigenous people of the Green Continent? What to visit in Australia to get acquainted with their culture, lifestyle, and characteristic features of their mentality? Perhaps the best place for this is the small hilly town of Kuranda in northern Queensland. It is so small that you can get around it on foot in a matter of minutes - from edge to edge of the town the distance is only 1 kilometer, but there is definitely something to see there.

  • For example, at local markets you can not only buy ordinary souvenirs, but also become more fully acquainted with the peculiarities of the crafts and folk art of the indigenous people.
  • Under a large mesh canopy is the Birdworld, where you can calmly stroll among soaring birds, including parrots, quails, pigeons, and cassowaries.
  • Koala Gardens is the name given to the continent's small wildlife zoo. In addition to koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, lizards and snakes live here.
  • The Aboriginal Studies Center is a village inhabited by the true indigenous inhabitants of the mainland. Here you can study the culture and life of the aborigines as fully as possible, watch their traditional dance, watch a boomerang or spear throw, and listen to the didgeridoo playing the ancient African instrument.

16. Queen Victoria House (Sydney)


Late 19th century Queen Victoria Building in Sydney's CBD

When exploring the interesting places of Sydney, you can start with the most emblematic monuments - such as Queen Victoria's house, rising in the middle of the city's business district. The majestic building was born in 1898 in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Queen's reign, on the site of the former city market, which existed here since the beginning of the 19th century. Today, this place is an impressive shopping center housing various fashion boutiques, cafeterias, jewelry stores, and more. Recognizable elements of the building are exquisite stained glass windows, a mosaic floor, a characteristic staircase, one of the ten most beautiful staircases in the world, as well as an interior made in the traditional Gothic style. Right in front of the entrance to the house stands a majestic monument dedicated to the Queen, and a special reason for admiration is the Great Australian Clock, demonstrating the history of the country in pictures.

17. Harbor Bridge (Sydney)


Steel arched Harbor Bridge over Port Jackson Bay in Sydney

Perhaps the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the largest arch bridge in the world, built of steel, deserves to be included in the top 5 attractions of Australia. Locals often call it a “hanger” due to the similarity of the design with this item. The grand opening of the bridge took place in 1932, although construction was planned in the mid-19th century. All previous 25 bridge designs were rejected, and only the design of the London architect Ralph Freeman won, and construction began in 1926. The Harbor Bridge spans Port Jackson Bay, connecting the North Shore and downtown. The bridge can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists, as well as cars - there are special roads for everyone. The bridge is 1150 meters long and 134 meters high, and anyone can climb to its highest point to explore the beautiful city panoramas.

18. Sydney Tower (Sydney)


Sydney Tower in the area of ​​skyscrapers and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in Sydney

Among other things, Australia is famous for its high-rise buildings, one of which is the Sydney Tower - the tallest building in Sydney, the second tallest in the Southern Hemisphere of the planet. The tower project was developed in 1970, 5 years later active construction work began, and 6 years later the building was opened to public visits. The building consists of three main sections with observation platforms, and you can climb to any of them using one of three high-speed elevators. The first section is a closed viewing platform at an altitude of 250 meters with a 360° viewing angle, the second section is a platform 18 meters higher than the first, the main advantage of which is a transparent glass floor. A visit to the second site turns into a thrilling attraction, with an overview of the huge city, skyscrapers, bay and picturesque Blue Mountains from a dizzying height. The third section is a restaurant with a capacity of up to 220 people.

19. St Paul's Cathedral (Melbourne)


Facade of St Paul's Cathedral in the center of Melbourne Adam.J.W.C.
Interior of St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne

Choosing historical and cultural attractions of Australia , You can't do without one of the country's religious symbols - St. Paul's Cathedral, located in the historical district of Melbourne. This is the largest Anglican church in the Gothic Revival style, which at the time of its construction was the tallest building in Melbourne. One of the main values ​​of the cathedral is the largest organ from Great Britain, created by the English master T. Lewis and including more than 6.5 thousand pipes. The cathedral itself looks very majestic, and in the evening and at night with illumination it is simply fantastic; its hall with a mosaic floor impresses with its enormous size. The height of the structure, together with the spire, allows it to be called the tallest Anglican cathedral in the world. Previously, there was a stone parish church here, and in 1891 it was replaced by a grandiose sandstone building, and only in the 20th century its spire and tower were completed.

20. Kakadu National Park (northern Australia)


Huge termite mound in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu Park will certainly appeal to those who love ecotourism and natural attractions , is interested in archeology and history. This is a picturesque place on the continent where you can see wildlife in all its beauty and diversity. It is a plateau surrounded by rocks, where there are rain forests, savannas, rivers, and waterfalls. Each of these objects is saturated with abundant vegetation - the flora is represented by 1600 plant species. The fauna of the park is no less rich - here you can find traditional marsupials, more than a hundred species of reptiles, about 3 hundred species of birds, which is a third of all birds inhabiting Australia. The park pays special attention to river tourism, water safaris are organized, and trips to some waterfalls are carried out. The reserve is managed by the Aboriginal community - they conduct educational excursions here demonstrating local customs and some original products.

21. Bondi Beach (Sydney)


Bondi Beach is Sydney's most popular city beach

Sometimes it’s enough to download a photo of an Australian landmark to appreciate its beauty and aesthetic appeal. The 6-kilometre Bondi Beach, just outside Sydney's city centre, is a stretch of white sand, clear turquoise water and incredible surfing waves. There is also a string of fashionable cafes and bars, shops and cozy hotels, as well as numerous festivals, competitions and holidays. For example, on the beach it has long been a tradition to celebrate Christmas accompanied by grandiose fireworks. However, this place is free from pretentiousness and worldly glamour, here you can simply laze on the sand, admiring the magnificent scenery, views of the cliffs, waves and the coast with its walking path connecting Bondi to several other beaches.

22. Australia Zoo (Beerwah)


Entrance to the Australian Zoo in Beerwah Kaus

To decide what to see in Australia in 2 weeks , It is worth considering that such a period of time allows you to go beyond the standard route around Sydney. Adding variety to your trip, you can go to Queensland to visit the interesting zoo, which is named after Steve Irving. This outstanding nature lover has shown great interest in Australian wildlife since childhood - for example, he demonstrated miracles of courage and dexterity, and caught crocodiles for the reptile park created by his parents. The park is located on an area of ​​40 hectares and is inhabited by a huge number of different animals - there are about 30 species of reptiles, the same number of species of mammals, about 40 species of birds. You can not only see some of the park’s inhabitants, but also feed them by hand and even pet them. Visitors are deeply impressed by the spectacular crocodile show.

23. Penguin Parade (Phillip Island)


Phillip Island's famous sunset penguin parade

Upon arrival in Australia, it is worth purchasing a tourist brochure - Australia is presented there in the form of the main attractions, descriptions and ways to get to them. But if this is enough for a novice tourist, then a sophisticated traveler will not stop at the standard list of objects - he will look for something new and exotic. For example, he will go to Phillip Island, famous for its penguin parade - a huge colony of these birds is registered here. Every day at sunset, penguins, returning from sea hunting, walk together and waddle towards their burrows, and this action takes on a large-scale and very spectacular appearance. And in order to make it convenient to watch this fascinating parade without disturbing the birds, special platforms and stands are equipped for visitors.

24. Great Ocean Road (Victoria)


The Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometers long along the ocean coast in Victoria

If Western Australia, with its dry and sunny climate, is famous for its wine regions, bizarre rock formations, sand dunes and ancient eucalyptus trees, then the Great Ocean Road can rightly be called the most important attraction of southern Australia. It stretches across the entire state of Victoria for hundreds of kilometers along the coast of the Indian Ocean, and connects Melbourne and Adelaide. But the main feature of this path is the excellent views of the coast, its nature, flora and fauna, which open from a wide variety of angles along the winding ribbon of the road. Basically, the road leads along the ocean, but sometimes it dives deep into the mainland, passing through vineyards and fantastic rain forests, flashing along the steep foothills of cliffs, allowing you to admire grottoes, caves, and limestone columns. This amazing path was built in 1932 with the aim of developing tourism.

25. Cape Byron (New South Wales)


Snow-white lighthouse on Cape Byron on the east coast of Australia in the state of New South Wales

In order to comprehend all the beauty and diversity of Australian nature, you can go around the Australian islands to the east of the mainland and explore the sights of Oceania , see coral reefs, fantastically shaped rocks, colored lakes and mountains with eucalyptus forests. Or you can, without leaving land, go to Cape Byron - the easternmost tip of the mainland. This is a unique place, which, despite the developed infrastructure, retains its wild and pristine appearance and amazes with its grandeur, picturesque and diverse nature. The cape is named after the poet John Byron, a famous adventurer who loved to embark on various adventures. One of the prominent attractions of the cape is the snow-white lighthouse of 1901, where an observation deck is equipped. And the town of Byron Bay, comfortably located in this region, is a popular tourist resort with excellent opportunities for water sports.

No matter where you find yourself on the Green Continent, you will undoubtedly receive a warm welcome from the local population, and the nature of Australia will open the gates to the wonderful world of tropical forests, crystal clear lakes, untouched lands, far from our usual everyday life and the bustle of modern civilizations.

What do we know about Australia? Of course, the first associations with this country are numerous kangaroos jumping across incredible expanses, crocodiles, surfing, the Sydney Opera House, the endless ocean, heat and aborigines.

In fact, when deciding to visit Australia, we must not forget that this is the only state on our “Blue Planet” that occupies an entire continent! Of course, the continent is smaller than Eurasia, but still! So trying to see the whole of Australia in a week is naive, to say the least. Walking around Sydney alone will take several days, but the Great Barrier Reef can be explored for months and never cease to be amazed.

First of all, we advise you to decide what interests you more - modern Australian cities or the nature of the Green Continent? In the first case, you will find Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and in the second - remote corners, islands, reefs, mountains, rivers and lakes.

Let us remind you that in the Southern Hemisphere everything is the other way around and the Australian New Year is a very hot holiday that locals prefer to spend on the beaches. In any case, whenever you come to Australia, we advise you to take a ride along the Great Ocean Road with its “12 Apostles”, visit one of the country’s many national parks, see the continent’s most beautiful bridge, the Harbor Bridge, and also visit Fraser Island.

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What to see in Australia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

Australia's largest attraction. There is something for everyone here. Want to watch sharks? To the Great Barrier Reef! Just lie on the cleanest beach? Great, there's enough room for everyone! Rent an expensive hotel room right on the shore? There are also such offers! Have you always wanted to learn diving? There is simply no better place for this. The Great Barrier Reef is amazingly diverse, attracting both tourists and scientists.

This is a real calling card of the country. Even those who have never heard anything about Australian attractions have certainly seen this building against the backdrop of Sydney Bay on postcards and travel brochures. A shell building, a structure that fits perfectly into the landscape, a masterpiece of architectural thought - no matter how the Sydney Opera House is called.

This picturesque group of limestone cliffs is the most frequently visited attraction located on the famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria. A tourist center was even built around the Twelve Apostles. Helicopter rides over the cliffs are popular among travelers. By the way, there are not 12 “apostles”, but eight - the ninth rock collapsed in 2005, unable to withstand the onslaught of waves.

This is a sacred place for the Australian Aborigines, the rock, towering above the rest of the area, is brick red in color. Uluru is famous for its ancient rock art and caves. Conveniently, the resort town of Yulara and the airport are located nearby, so getting to this amazing attraction is convenient and easy.

These rocks are not actually blue - this effect is given by the bluish fumes from the eucalyptus forests covering them. Part of this area, stretching west from the Sydney city limits, is recognized as a UNESCO site and a National Park. Tourists are advised to start exploring the Blue Mountains from the town of Katoomba, near which there are waterfalls, caves and other interesting places.

This is Sydney's largest bridge and one of the largest steel arch bridges on the planet. A local landmark, a decoration of the city landscape and a place of attraction for thousands of tourists. Particularly popular are walks along the side arch to the top of the bridge, from where an amazing view of the metropolis opens. To climb, you will need the help of an instructor and a special suit with insurance.

The tallest building in the city cannot fail to attract attention. Sydney Tower has nothing to do with TV broadcasts. There are shops, restaurants and other entertainment facilities here. The most thrilling experience will come from visiting the retractable observation platform, which rises above Sydney to a height of 268 meters.

In fact, this national park was named not after the birds, but in honor of the Aboriginal tribe. Kakadu Park attracts tourists with its amazing landscapes and the opportunity to see rare animals, birds and reptiles. Archaeologists are especially interested in two caves where rock paintings dating back about 18 thousand years were found.

Visiting Australia and not driving along the most picturesque road in the world is a big miss! This is 243 kilometers that stretch along the ocean coast in Victoria. There is also a hiking trail along the road. In addition to the Twelve Apostles, there are many interesting things to see along the Great Ocean Road, such as the Lock Ard Ridge and Grotto.

The easternmost point of the Green Continent, a cape with stunning views of the ocean. Cape Byron, so named by the famous traveler James Cook, is decorated with a snow-white lighthouse that saved many sailors from shipwreck. The area is very beautiful and therefore attracts many tourists.

This beach is located just 10 kilometers from the center of Sydney and attracts tens of thousands of people every year. People jog here, interesting competitions and races are held, they simply sunbathe, swim and surf. A wide strip of white sand and clear ocean waves make Bondi Beach one of the most beautiful on the planet.

Few people now remember that at one time numerous convicts were exiled to Australia. One of the most terrible places of detention was the Port Arthur prison, located in Tasmania. The building has been perfectly preserved, along with the church and chapel, so that it has become a real museum, perfectly demonstrating the conditions in which convicts lived.

Today, of course, the British Queen does not live in this Gothic building, but the truly royal chic is perfectly preserved. The house is located in the business district of Sydney and is a popular, quite modern shopping center. You can visit the Queen Victoria House for two reasons - admire its rich decoration and go shopping.

This is Melbourne's largest Anglican Cathedral, a majestic building where you can come not only to pray, but also to admire the unique decoration and beautiful architecture. One of the most prominent buildings in the city, it is famous for its organ, which is considered the largest of all those built in the 19th century.

A unique natural wonder located in the northwestern part of Australia. Horizontal waterfalls occur only during sufficiently long tidal currents, when powerful water flows pass through narrow settlements between picturesque rocks. The spectacle is amazing and bewitching, created due to the difference in the levels of water flows.

At least 140 thousand tourists come every year to take a look at this natural miracle. Looking at this rock, it really seems that a wave from the ocean somehow ended up in the middle of the land and froze forever. Scientists consider the Stone Wave to be a unique rock formation created by nature from granite, just think about it - 60 million years ago!

Have you watched TV shows about animals with the host Stephen Irwin, the famous crocodile hunter? We're sure you watched it! The Australian Zoo in Queensland is associated with his name and is now run by Irvine's widow. The zoo has created surprisingly comfortable conditions not only for rare animals, but also for visitors who have something to be surprised and happy about during their visit.

This is probably the most unusual and picturesque state of Australia, located on the island of the same name, in the very south of our planet. Then there is only Antarctica and the ocean. Among tourists, Tasmania is famous for the annual regatta from Sydney to Hobart, Tasmania's main city, as well as races that attract spectators from all over the world. The nature of the island is also unique.

The Aborigines, several thousand of whom lived on this island before the colonization of Australia, simply called it “Paradise”. And this is not surprising. It is incredibly beautiful here, nature has remained virtually untouched and the island, located off the eastern coast of the continent, continues to attract tourists. True, it was not possible to preserve untouched the amazing “hanging” freshwater lakes for which Fraser is famous - there are too many people who want to see such exotic things.

This is a sight that millions of tourists cannot pass by. In fact, thousands of little penguins marching en masse into the ocean waves and returning at sunset, almost at the same time every day - what could be more interesting! Usually special tours are organized to Phillip Island, during which they also offer to visit a penguin show and the Koala Sanctuary.

Australia is a continent in the southern hemisphere, and the country with its capital in Canberra is located on the mainland itself and a group of nearby islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Australia is unique in that it is the only country that occupies the entire continent

The standard of living in the country is quite high; according to the consolidated ranking of the best countries in the world, it ranks 4th. If we look at history, Australia was inhabited 42 thousand years ago. In 1606, the British declared the eastern part of the mainland as the territory of the British Empire, and several hundred years later they founded a colony called New South Wales. Over the next centuries, 5 more British colonies were founded here. In January 1901, all colonies formed a single Australian Union, which continues to function successfully to this day. The country's population is more than 21 million, 60 percent of whom live in the country's largest cities - Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. The rest of the mainland consists of deserts, mountain ranges and national parks of Australia, which are one of the main attractions of the country


Australia has the richest natural reserves, leading in the number of deposits of bauxite, zirconium, and uranium. Large reserves of coal, manganese, gold, diamonds and the availability of oil and gas make the country resource independent, thereby determining its wealth and high standard of living for Australians. Australia's main natural attractions are the Great Dividing Range, east coast rainforests, tropical Queensland, many national parks, and the Great Barrier Reef. Sydney also attracts tourists with its unusual architecture, such as the Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. You can read in detail about all the natural and architectural beauties of the country in the “Materials” section, but we will move on to interesting facts about Australia


Many people think that the capital of Australia is Sydney, but this is not true. This is actually Canberra, and for good reason. For a long time there were debates about which city to make the capital, Sydney or Melbourne, but no one came to a final choice, so it was decided to build a new city and make it the capital. It was built on the site of the Canberry settlement, hence the name of the capital. The most common animal on the mainland is the kangaroo; for many it is also a symbol of Australia. However, its meat is successfully eaten. The Australian dollar is the world's first currency made from plastic, and all citizens of the country are required to vote.

Several decades ago, a rabbit was brought to the continent for the purpose of breeding. The population of these animals has grown so much that it has become a real natural disaster for Australia; rabbits were exterminated by a special virus, and their breeding is currently prohibited. For the purpose of environmental safety, it is prohibited to transport any food, wooden products, and even soil on the soles of shoes into the country. Such measures are taken to preserve the flora and fauna of the continent, as well as to avoid environmental problems

There are many articles and reviews of interesting and amazing places in Australia available on LifeGlobe; materials are constantly updated, users add their photos, stories about travel and sights of the country. All places are marked on the map, which will undoubtedly help you when planning a trip to this amazing country

Australia– a unique and inimitable country that can surprise any traveler with many contrasts and an abundance of unusual attractions. There is a wide variety of tourist routes, natural attractions and architectural monuments that are worth visiting immediately once you are in the country.

The main attractions of Australia with photos, names and descriptions

When planning a trip to Australia, the most difficult process will be making a list of attractions that you want to visit first, since this country has many interesting and amazing places everywhere that arouse genuine interest. What is the first thing you should see in Australia?

Sights of Sydney

Although Australia is famous for its luxurious nature, the first place worth visiting is the largest city in the country - Sydney. It is considered the most populous city in Australia and one of the best places to live on the planet. Until the 18th century, its territory was inhabited by Aborigines until the ship of James Cook and botanist Joseph Banks arrived in the bay. They were so fascinated by this place that they immediately founded a settlement here.

Sydney Harbor has become the hallmark of the whole of Australia. The snow-white opera house located on the water looks especially beautiful. Thanks to the talented architect who designed this building, it resembles the sail of a ship fluttering on the azure waves. In clear weather this spectacle is most impressive.

Sydney has several notable architectural monuments. The bridge is definitely worth a visit Harbor Bridge– one of the largest arched bridges on Earth, as well as a television tower Tower Eye- the tallest building in Australia. At the top of the TV tower there is an observation deck, from where in clear weather a magnificent view of the city and the picturesque bay opens.

Among interesting places in Sydney it is worth noting:

  • Chinese Garden of Friendship - a cozy garden that conveys the flavor of Chinese vegetation;
  • Sydney Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums on the planet;
  • Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of animals, some of which are considered endangered species;
  • Sydney Observatory - repository of the oldest telescope and new models;
  • Sydney Hyde Park is an excellent green area for walking and relaxing;
  • The Australian Museum is a repository of the country's history and culture.

The most popular place in Sydney among tourists is the embankment Circular Quay– a walking area with beautiful views of the harbor and its attractions, including the bridge, port and theater.

Melbourne sights

Melbourne is one of the most vibrant and bustling cities in Australia. Being in it, you get the impression that the holiday atmosphere never leaves this place. The country's second largest metropolis was once just a small village. Nowadays, the main reason why tourists tend to visit this place is the architecture of the city.

You should start your walk around Melbourne with Federation Square– the main city square connecting the center, the Yarra River embankment and parks. Various events are constantly held in this place, and life here does not cease for a minute, even at night. But what is most impressive is the contrasting architecture of this place - a row of unusual buildings of the strangest shapes.


Federation Square contains important cultural and historical sites:

  • National Gallery of Victoria;
  • Cinematography Center;
  • Ian Potter Centre.

Among other attractions Also worth noting in Melbourne are Captain James Cook's Cottage, Bolt Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Eureka Tower, Rialto Towers and the Victorian Parliament Buildings.

Natural attractions of Australia

When searching for interesting attractions in Australia, it is worth including the unique nature of the country. Here you will find some of the most beautiful bays and coves, nature reserves, cliffs, islands, caves and deserts - most of these places can turn into a worthy decoration for any photo.

Australia's most famous natural landmark is Great Barrier Reef- the most extensive coral system, stretching over 2600 kilometers. The network of tiny organisms is so large that it can be seen from space. It is a colony of billions of polyps forming 2,900 reefs and thousands of coral islands stretching from Australia to.


If you dive to the bottom, in addition to a colony of polyps, you can see unique species of fish and rare marine life. It is for this reason that it is especially popular among divers, especially during the Australian summer - from November to March.

The bright colors of Australia's nature are the most unusual things the country has to offer. To see this, just visit the red rock Ayers Rock- the largest solid stone in the world, 348 meters high. This rock formation is considered a sacred place among the Aboriginal people, and many legends are associated with its mysterious color and origin.


Another amazing place - pink lake hillier- a body of water that changes colors depending on the time of year. The unusual color of the lake is of natural origin, and according to one version, local microbes are considered to be the culprits of this color. In winter, this lake takes on a bright pink hue.


A very popular place among tourists - Great Ocean Road- a large stretch of the Australian coastline, along which several attractions are located. Among them it is worth noting “ 12 apostles" - rock formations that grow out of the water off the coast of Australia. In fact, there are only eight rocks, and “twelve” were chosen to make this place seem even more romantic than it actually is.

The list of desirable attractions should include:

  • Barossa Valley - endless fields with growing grapes;
  • Kakadu National Park - an area illustrating Aboriginal culture;
  • Phillip Island is one of the untouched corners of nature with clean beaches;
  • Cape Byron - a place with fabulous views of the ocean and whales;
  • Lake Eyre is the oldest lake on the mainland;
  • The Kimberley is a nature reserve that preserves landscapes a million years old.

Not far from the capital of Australia Canberra is located Pinnacle Desert– one of the most popular tourist destinations. Its unusual landscapes and three-meter limestone pillars of the most bizarre shapes attract tourists from all over the world.

What else to see in Australia

Traveling around Australia is impossible without visiting the sights Canberra. In this city, museums are of particular interest, illustrating in detail the culture and history of the country.

Worth visiting in Canberra National Portrait Gallery– a large repository of paintings by Australian and European artists. The collection includes about 70 thousand exhibits, including works by Thomas Clarke, John Weber and Eva Collins.


This is also where National Museum of Australia– an exhibition with a variety of objects that reveal the thousand-year history and culture of the Aboriginal people living in the country. The museum displays ancient drawings on the bark of trees, weapons of labor and even a prototype of the first car developed in Australia.

Discover unexplored and exotic corners of the globe. After traveling to Australia, head to the colorful

Australia seems to us a mysterious and distant country. Thinking about it, kangaroos, the ocean, crocodiles and “antipodes” walking upside down from Kipling’s fairy tale “Alice in Wonderland” come to mind. What other attractions of Australia can you see?

When deciding what to see in Australia, remember that it is simply impossible to explore the entire country in a couple of days, because it is too huge and diverse. In order to see and fall in love with Australia, you need to travel through its vast expanses for at least a month.

We bring to your attention only the most famous attractions of Australia with names, photos and brief descriptions. You will certainly be interested in this amazing country and will encourage you to go on an amazing journey to the other side of the world.

Perhaps the most interesting natural place in Australia, known to every schoolchild, is. Indeed, this is the world's largest living coral reef, located in the northeast, near the coast of this continent. Interestingly, it is included in the famous UNESCO list as a world heritage site. This gigantic natural reef is visible from space and is considered a true wonder of the world.

Aboriginal Australians have been using the coral islands that make up the Great Barrier Reef for tens of thousands of years. The infamous Captain James Cook arrived here at the end of the 18th century. The reef has been explored and studied by biologists from all over the world for the third century. Today this is the most favorite place for divers and lovers of sea walks. Here you can see the underwater and surface sea world in all its glory. This unique reef is designated by the government as a large marine park.

This is one of the most famous musical theaters in the world. The opera building has become a symbol and calling card of the city of Sydney, the main cultural attraction of Australia. The theater stands on Sydney Harbor, where there was once a fort in its place. Its building looks like a sailboat sailing on the surface of the sea. The architecture of the theater is classified by experts as new expressionism. It was opened in 1973, and today is included in the UNESCO list.

This is an architectural wonder of the world, which even today delights specialists and ordinary people with its structure, external beauty and magnificent interior decoration. The best classical and modern opera singers perform here, and world-famous opera directors work here. This is one of the centers of world opera art. If you visit this city, be sure to go to its opera house, you will truly enjoy its opera and architectural personality. This building is also called the Opera House.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

This unique natural attraction of Australia is a beautiful oval orange rock that arose many hundreds of millions of years ago. The nearby airport is named in her honor. At the base of Uluru there are many caves, the walls of which are covered with ancient rock paintings and carvings. For the aborigines, this is a sacred place; they still conduct their rituals near the rock.

This rock in the middle of the desert was discovered for Europeans in the second half of the 19th century, and was first named after a local statesman. Only a hundred years later the name given by the aborigines was returned to her. Uluru is made of red sandstone. He is able to change colors within 24 hours: black, lilac, purple, red, pink, gold. These changes look simply fantastic. Today this entire area is a national park and has been visited by about half a million tourists.

This cape was discovered for Europe in the second half of the 18th century by the famous James Cook. He gave it the name of the famous British navigator - John Cook, ancestor of the poet Lord George Byron. This attraction on the map occupies the easternmost point of Australia. Cape Byron is very popular among tourists who like to walk along the path to it to be the first to watch the sunrise in the country.

From Cape Byron you can admire the life of humpback whales, sharks, turtles, and dolphins living in unusually clear and clean sea water. Here you can see the volcano located nearby in the national park, extinct many millennia ago, and the magnificent Minyan Waterfall. Separately, we can say about the lighthouse at Cape Byron; it is considered one of the most beautiful in Australia. The lighthouse was built at the beginning of the last century, and since then, from its observation deck you can see all the splendor of the Pacific Ocean.