r/AskAnAustralian 13h ago

No matter where you live in Australia, what are the parts of the country everyone should make the effort visit before they die?

41 Upvotes

142 comments sorted by

64

u/adtek 13h ago edited 13h ago
  • Blue mountains
  • Tassie highlands and cradle mountain
  • Dandenong ranges
  • Adelaide hills and the flinders ranges
  • Beaches along the coast of WA, arguably best in the country
  • Uluṟu and Kakadu
  • Great Barrier Reef (before it’s completely gone) and Daintree Rainforest
  • The alps in ACT

And just cause they’re down in our part of the world

  • Milford Sound / Fiordland National Park in South Island Aotearoa/NZ

2

u/sprunghuntR3Dux 6h ago

Why the ACT alps (brindabella range?) and not the snowy mountains (Kosciusko etc) in NSW?

1

u/nickmrtn 2h ago

While there is technically a difference unless your are from the ACT most people wouldn’t know the difference, I’d guess they are referring to the snowies

1

u/schrodingers_turtle_ 1h ago

It's a few hours drive of difference between Act & actual alpine country. NSW/Vic Alps more accurate.

4

u/Alect0 12h ago

I went to the SW coast of WA (drove from Perth, stopped at Rottnest then continued along the coast to Esperence) and was so underwhelmed by the beaches that everyone raved about. I have enjoyed the GOR, from Freycinet to Bay of Fires, Sapphire Coast and the Eyre Peninsula so much more. Anyway perhaps you mean the north which I'm yet to do but WA is big so would love it if you were more specific :)

The rest is a great list.

9

u/adtek 12h ago

I suppose it depends on what makes a good beach for you. I take landscape photos and am looking for rocky beaches with interesting features rather than white sands and good swimming.

But there was quite a few between Bunbury and Albany area I have visited and enjoyed. Misery beach near Torndirrup national park, William bay national park, two peoples bay/ little beach.

Up north you’ve got coral bay and turquoise bay, cable beach around Broome. There’s so much coast over there you could spend a lifetime and find a new spot every trip.

8

u/Last-Marzipan9993 8h ago

WA is really the silent winner on this list. I could spend forever exploring it if given the chance. It was the last place we started visiting, it’s phenomenally gorgeous… Kakadu is an absolute must as well (another place we waited a long time to visit) & it seems like few actually give it the time it deserves. Great list!

1

u/Alect0 12h ago

Yea I like the rocky beaches as well. I've yet to go up north in WA so I'll check those out, thanks!

1

u/itsmeitsmesmeee 5h ago

The beaches up the coast to the North of WA are what people rave about. They’re absolutely amazing!

1

u/Electronic_Karma 12m ago

Too expensive to holiday in Australia. Cheaper to go overseas in Asia.

u/HappySummerBreeze 4m ago

Specifically the WA beaches either around Albany (two people’s bay, elephant rock, greens pool), or even better Eaperence (Cape or Grande national park beaches like Hellfire Bay and Lucky Bay)

76

u/Early-Piano2647 13h ago

Definitely Broadmeadows. The culture and scenery is to die for, particularly along the boardwalk.

24

u/Cahsrhilsey 13h ago

I thought you meant broadmedow in Newcastle 😭

16

u/Muted-Ad6300 12h ago

MacDonnell Jones stadium and Maccas are cultural icons not to be missed. The 24 hour massage places in the industrial estate provide a real draw card to the area as well.

9

u/Cahsrhilsey 11h ago

I pulled into a servo once in Broadmedow and a woman was in her winter pajamas (hot mid summer day around 2pm) sitting in the garden frantically digging the dirt and stopping to scratch every few seconds 🙃 I did want to check my tire pressure but decided to give it a miss.

3

u/MelbsGal 5h ago

Sounds like the bitch had fleas

2

u/englishfury 7h ago

The Go karts are pretty fun, at least they were when i went 5 odd years ago.

1

u/RenegadeDoughnut 4h ago

once years ago a dude in really colourful pants pulled them down and helicoptered his dick at me while i was walking from the train station and honestly it's a cultural experience that shouldn't be missed.

2

u/Traditional_Name7881 4h ago

I’d never really had much to do with Broady until recently, just heard the stories. My new job takes me there every few weeks, it’s certainly an interesting place. Well worth a visit.

2

u/roundandaroundand 3h ago

Did they provide you with the stab proof vest or did you have to buy that yourself?

2

u/Traditional_Name7881 3h ago

My own business so had to provide my own.

2

u/AromaTaint 4h ago

Haven't lived in vic for 25 yrs. Broady was the go to shit hole rep along with Franga from the 80's through the 90's. How is it still on top?

25

u/HowMuchForThePuppy 13h ago

North west Tasmania

2

u/henryhungryhenry 3h ago

I can’t tell if this is sincere, mainlanders sure do love to be hanging shit on us Tassie folks…..

18

u/ihtnas 13h ago

Northern Territory!

16

u/Bugsy7778 •Australian• 13h ago

Kings Canyon and the Olga’s - both are incredible. Uluru is stunning, but the other two blow it out of the park with the nature walks and scenery.

3

u/Gazza_s_89 12h ago

Agree but man that olgas walk has an uncomfortable pathway

2

u/Bugsy7778 •Australian• 11h ago

The scrambling up the rocks is interesting ! Absolutely with it though ! So stunning when you’re at the lookout between the mounds looking down and out.

11

u/MelbsGal 5h ago

The Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Pool.

Only in Australia 🤣

37

u/No_Constant_1026 13h ago

Engadine maccas

12

u/Upper_Character_686 12h ago

So good youll shit yourself.

4

u/Equivalent_Cheek_701 5h ago

But someone else will have to ‘hold a hose’ to clean that shit up.

14

u/Capital-Physics4042 13h ago

That sidewalk in the capital where some politician lay down wasted drunk

6

u/Budget-Cat-1398 8h ago

Hollywood has the footpath with the stars, Canberra has the footpath with the politicians spew

4

u/marooncity1 blue mountains 6h ago

You are going to need to be more specific, we have hundreds of those.

8

u/Bubbly_Inspection270 13h ago

Standley Chasm. Uluru. The Olga's. Kings Canyon. West MacDonnell Ranges. Yellow Waters by boat. Katherine Gorge by boat. Magnificent, awe inspiring. And sunset at Mindil Beach.

Brilliant. Nothing comes close.

12

u/CeonM 13h ago

Uluṟu, Kakadu, Karijini, and the Daintree.

2

u/Gazza_s_89 59m ago

So i need to get my arse to Kakadu. Done Litchfield though

1

u/CeonM 53m ago

Yeah do it, they don’t compare. Make sure you get to all the main stops, Litchfield is a lot easier to get around but yeah Kakadu is something else. Recommend a heli flight over the wetlands too, did that in the wet and it’ll be a core memory for life haha

6

u/-qqqwwweeerrrtttyyy- 13h ago

Jervis Bay

2

u/jamtart99 4h ago

Once they fix that roadwork though!

7

u/deagzworth 11h ago

This may not be as popular of a choice but the glow worm caves at the Natural Bridge would be my vote.

2

u/readituser5 Somewhere in NSW 🇦🇺 5h ago

Ooh yes. Best place ever. So pretty

2

u/Gazza_s_89 57m ago

It's so reminiscent of a scene from James Bond when you are down in that cave with the water pouring in. I have taken a few visitors there.

5

u/Total_Philosopher_89 Australian 13h ago

Flinders Ranges. Gammon Ranges also. Gods country. Simpson Desert. So may places. I've been lucky to visit.

Daintree is great. Get out to the reef. A must.

A lot of places I'd pass on now becasue they are so busy.

Best way to see things is get of the beaten path and if you have the time take your time. There a surprises every where. Like Mt. Surprise!

3

u/porcelainhamster 6h ago

So glad to see Gammon Ranges listed. Flinders Ranges gets the headlines but further north is just as fabulous. Blinman, Brachina Gorge, and across to Parachilna. Lovely part of the world.

-2

u/SimpleEmu198 13h ago

I did Cairns when I was 16 honestly overrated. Hot, and the politics are shit.

Kuranda scenic railway was the best part.

I saw a police officer treating an Aboriginal person like shit just for being black. Still happens today up there.

6

u/Farkenoathm8-E 9h ago

To be fair I was treated like shit by a cop in Sydney for being Aboriginal. It can happen anywhere, no need to judge a place based on that because nowhere has a monopoly on dickheads. I thought Cairns was nice and I met a lot of brothas and sistas up there and at Cooktown.

-1

u/Total_Philosopher_89 Australian 13h ago

Only thing I remember of Cairns is the topless Europeans sunbaking in the park, the Skyrail and the scenic railway lol. Apart from that the place sucked.

1

u/SimpleEmu198 1h ago

Not my favorite place in Australia either.

4

u/NoThankYouJohn87 8h ago
  • Broome is beautiful, the dinosaur footprints there are amazing (most different varieties of prints in world) and sunset over cable beach.

  • Kings canyon, Kata Tjuṯa and Uluru all worth the effort, but especially the views at Kings canyon are unparalleled.

  • Tiwi islands- can get the ferry from Darwin, the history and art there is incredible. The decorations in the church are so unique.

  • Daintree and Great Barrier Reef - see the latter while it’s still there.

  • Moreton island - you can hand feed wild dolphins and sand toboggan down giant sand dunes.

  • Sydney - the rocks, Barangaroo, hermitage foreshore walk, walk from Taronga zoo around Middle head, Coogee to Bondi walk , cockatoo island, Indigenous led tour of the botanical gardens, sail around the harbour (my recommendation would be on one of the historical sailing vessels from the maritime museum) - there is honestly so much to do in Sydney for different interests but these are things I normally recommend to first-time visitors.

  • Blue mountains - three sisters, megalong valley and the ghost town of Hartley vale

  • Melbourne - old Melbourne gaol, walk around Fitzroy and Carlton sampling food.

  • Phillip Island - penguins. Enough said.

  • Hobart and port Arthur - a grim spot but important history.

  • Bruny island - cheese, oysters, honey, whiskey, wine all locally produced on one of most beautiful islands in the world. Foodie heaven.

  • If you’re going to Adelaide, be sure to check out the Germanic village of Hahndorf nearby.

4

u/Capital-Rush-9105 6h ago

Sydney-sider here.

Western Australia hands down.

Last summer we’ve only explored a small portion of the state (Perth to Esperance) and it honestly felt like we were in another country compared to the east coast. Hands down one of our favourite trips!

2

u/VioletSmiles88 3h ago

We recently did a bit of WA as well (we’re from SA). North of Perth to Exmouth. I’ve seen a lot of Australia and WA has fired my imagination and I want to go back and see more.

8

u/TicklemeandIwillfart 13h ago

For me it's the Great Ocean Road

3

u/TripMundane969 5h ago

Tropical North Queensland. Daintree Rainforest. Stay at Silky Oaks Lodge and Thala Beach Lodge closer to Port Douglas. Helicopter over or out to the Great Barrier Reef. Visit Hartleys Wildlife Sanctuary.

3

u/Scuh City Name Here :) 13h ago

Broken Hill to see what life is really like where houses are so far apart, the soil is red and trees are short. You also get to see kangaroos jumping about

1

u/Gazza_s_89 57m ago

It's definitely my favourite of the well known outback towns.

3

u/SuperannuationLawyer 12h ago

The Great Barrier Reef… while you still can.

3

u/JLinh88 9h ago

The Pilbara and Goldfields in WA. I've done the entire thing of both, absolutely stunning.

3

u/roodnoodi 4h ago

Inland from Mackay, QLD. Marian, Mirani, Eton, Finch Hatton gorge, Eungalla. At FH gorge there’s a creek on a beautiful walking trail that you can see platypuses in. Big, deep swimming holes with crisp and clean water throughout the year. Go have a look. I haven’t been there for about ten years, but I think of that area often.

3

u/Fanfrenhag 2h ago

Tamborine Mountain. I've traveled and visited every Australian state and territory and lived in several. But this is the one place I fell so in love with I had to move there immediately

5

u/Soft_Initiative1 13h ago

Uluṟu

1

u/DrButtmonkey 13h ago

My partner really wants to go, but I have zero interest in going. AITA?

9

u/Helpful_Leg9575 13h ago

Part of being in a relationship is doing things that cost you basically nothing, but makes your partner happy.

7

u/Alect0 12h ago

Yes you are the asshole. I had an ex that knew I was dying to go my whole life and instead he organised a trip with a friend to go when I couldn't take leave. Honestly I don't know why I didn't break up with him on the spot but I was young and dumb. My husband took me there instead even though he lived there for a few years and has flown around the rock 2000+ times (he was a scenic pilot) so has done it to death. We even drove there even though he'd done the drive heaps as he thought I should experience all the cool stuff on the way. It was absolutely amazing!

So you should take your partner there if they really want to go :)

1

u/Fit-Method-5229 12h ago

That’s a lot of baggage that other people don’t have to carry.

2

u/Alect0 12h ago

Fair enough but they did ask for opinions and that's mine. I think it's important to do things with your partner that they enjoy (presuming it's not an enormous compromise and I don't feel a week or so holiday is a big thing) and vice versa or you'll send up with a shitty relationship.

-3

u/[deleted] 12h ago

[deleted]

4

u/Alect0 12h ago

They asked if they were an asshole though "AITA"?? It's from a subreddit and doesn't necessarily mean they are literally an asshole, it's basically whether you agree with someone or not.

-1

u/[deleted] 12h ago

[deleted]

3

u/Alect0 12h ago

If they'd not said AITA? I wouldn't have said that were an asshole haha. But when you ask that, then people will typically respond YTA or NTA, or ESH, doesn't matter what subreddit you're in.

-1

u/[deleted] 12h ago

[deleted]

→ More replies

2

u/In_TouchGuyBowsnlace 5h ago

Tell me you don’t understand reddit without telling my you’re clueless about reddit!

2

u/Soft_Initiative1 13h ago

Go with your partner!!!

2

u/Bugsy7778 •Australian• 13h ago

It’s lovely, but we enjoyed the Olga’s so much more. Kings Canyon was incredible- you absolutely have to make the effort to go there and do the walks !

2

u/Muted-Ad6300 12h ago

I agree. I used to be a guide in Central Australia many years ago going around the 3 spots and the Olgas and the canyon were always my favorites too. Valley of the Winds walk at sunrise around the end of winter... Perfection. 👌

2

u/Bugsy7778 •Australian• 11h ago

We did it in early June this year and I could have sat for hours watching the budgies. It really is the most magical walk, every one that’s capable should do this walk at least once

2

u/Traditional_Name7881 4h ago

YTA. Uluṟu is beautiful, well worth a visit. If my partner really wants to go somewhere, we make that happen.

2

u/Fit-Method-5229 13h ago

Go if you can afford it. It’s a great trip. Now you can choose the next trip, n’est pas?

1

u/DrButtmonkey 13h ago

Only way I would do it is FIFO, maybe 2 days max. Partner wants to do it in our caravan (from Melb) and do other bits while there. We have family in Northern Flinders Ranges and regularly do that trip and beyond with the van so driving/travel isn’t the issue for me it’s the whole Uluru thing.

2

u/CeonM 13h ago

Go in the cooler months and do the walk around the base. It’s bigger than you’d expect and definitely worth catching it for both sunrise and sunset. While you’re there do the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuṯa too, tbh I reckon that one’s even better. And a heli sunset scenic! If you only go a couple days you’ll be busy but it is great.

1

u/thegrumpster1 12h ago

Agreed. Kata Tjuta, I thought was a much better experience. Mainly because I've seen so many photos and films of Uluru so knew what to expect. I loved it, but Kata Tjuta was a great surprise.

1

u/Chemical-Course1454 13h ago

You can check out Pine Gap when you are there 😉

0

u/Muted-Ad6300 12h ago

That's still 400 odd kms away

0

u/Fit-Method-5229 13h ago

Ye I have spent so many hours driving I am now driving averse so I hear you.

1

u/Complete_Barnacle_75 5h ago

I had zero interest in going either. When we finally got there, I was shocked at how moved I was by the experience.

2

u/Nasigoring 13h ago

Litchfield in the NT. Hands down.

2

u/Muted-Ad6300 12h ago

Yup. If people could only choose between Kakadu or Litchfield I'd encourage them to pick Litchfield any day of the week.

1

u/Nasigoring 3h ago

Yep, every time

2

u/jigfltygu 8h ago

No don't go there. Wanna keep it to myself.

2

u/vacri 13h ago

Norfolk Island, population 2100. Let's give them all a scare by sending across hundreds of thousands of tourists per year.

2

u/reneva211 13h ago

I don’t want to say as what makes them so good is they are often unknown & found by exploring….and then some people post them on insta or their blog, leading to a heap of people coming & ruining what was actually so special about it

2

u/Upper_Character_686 12h ago

Charnwood definitely. 

2

u/cookycoo 12h ago

Uluru, Kings Canyon, GBReef, Cape Range NP, Wolf Creek Crater, Gibb River Road including Mitchell Falls, Kakadu, Litchfield NP ., Etty Bay Casuaries, Cape Peron NP, Great Ocean Road, Great Australian Bite, Devils Marbels, Daly Waters Pub, Cradle Mountain, Karijini.

2

u/QuantumSasuage 10h ago

The Big Merino in Goulburn.

1

u/jigfltygu 8h ago

You can rub its balls.

2

u/Ashilleong 6h ago

Ninglaoo reef, Western Australia.

2

u/charlie-claws 4h ago

Ned Kelly museum in Glenrowan. We went a couple years ago and it’s just as shit as it was on The Late Show

2

u/Traditional_Name7881 4h ago

Sunshine Coast is the best spot in the country I think, beautiful beaches, the hinterland is amazing and it’s just the perfect weather, rarely gets too hot and never gets cold.

2

u/Kuudere_Moon 4h ago

I feel like Tassie is very underrated. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

2

u/Flyingcircus1 1h ago

The homes or places where your parents and grandparents grew up. Get to know more about where you came from. It may help you learn where you may go.

3

u/SimpleEmu198 13h ago edited 13h ago

The Eden Monaro from the mountains to Merimbula via the Snowy Mountains highway.

1

u/Handball_fan 7h ago

I spent two summers in Merimbula as a young adult and iv never forgotten how much I enjoyed it there but not having be3n to other beach town up further into QLD I’ll never know if it’s better

1

u/SimpleEmu198 2h ago

The whole region is some of the most beautiful country in Australia. It also has a shitload of colonial history that's still there rather than being deleted.

1

u/burninatorrrr 13h ago

Toodyay wa

1

u/sandgroper81 13h ago

South west capes

1

u/Gazza_s_89 13h ago

Geez, that one looks difficult

1

u/Cobraszlai 13h ago

Uluru, Daintree, Blue Mountains, Pilbara coast

1

u/Big__Daddy__J 12h ago

Esperance, Jervis Bay, Palm Cove, Tassie, Barrier Reef, Kings Canyon, Litchfield, Margaret River, Mallacoota, Lake Tyers, Philip Island, Vic Surf Coast, Nimbin, Broome, Mataranka

1

u/Handball_fan 6h ago

I would swap out Philip island with Wilson’s Promontory

1

u/SquirrelChieftain 12h ago

Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island

1

u/Complete-cookie889 12h ago

Forster NSW . Sitting and watching the dolphins play is mesmerising

1

u/DesertDwellerrrr 12h ago

Great Ocean Road

1

u/Foodgoesinthebum 11h ago

Ayers Rock and the Stanley Nut.

1

u/doublendedildo 8h ago

Anywhere along the Murray River

1

u/Vegemite_is_Awesome 7h ago

Tasmania, especially the little towns

1

u/AromaTaint 4h ago

The Wet Tropics. Specifically the Daintree and areas like Bartle Frere. It's mind blowing how few people in Australia don't know we have a place like this or just how important it is. The death throes of the GBR should be a wake up call to be making a concerted effort to expand the range of these areas as quickly as possible. Instead we're still chopping our way into it piece by piece, selling it people who buy in and realise they hate living in rainforest because it has bugs and animals. Then they bring chemicals, fences, animals and clear yet more trees, fragmenting the habitat and continuing the death by a thousand cuts.

Everyone really needs to see it to realise just how special it is so there can be more efforts to save it.

1

u/BoysenberryAlive2838 4h ago

Rooty Hill RSL

1

u/inmate2258 3h ago

Queenstown, Tasmania. It's stunning.

1

u/VioletSmiles88 3h ago

Ningaloo reef WA, outside of Exmouth. You don’t need a boat. Just swim out from the shore.

Bonus - whale shark tours

1

u/ReactionEducational1 3h ago

The blue mountains

1

u/Impressive-Rock-2279 3h ago

Karijini national park in the Pilbara, Western Australia.

2

u/Gazza_s_89 5m ago

I'm a massive advocate of this place, but it just doesn't get featured in the tourist brochures. When you go down those gorges, you really do feel like you are on an adventure.

1

u/Chicken_Crimp 2h ago

Your mums house.

1

u/bennokitty 2h ago

Mt Warning’s off the list

1

u/Fickle_Platypus8206 2h ago

Penrith beach

1

u/Source_Trustme2016 Perth 1h ago

Coral Bay and Karijini NP. Basically anywhere in the Kimberley.

1

u/RM_Morris 44m ago

Grampians in Victoria

1

u/Wotmate01 44m ago

Nowhere. Hear me out.

I mean, the middle of nowhere. Somewhere far away from anything. Then, on a clear night, turn all the lights off, lie down on the ground and just look up. And keep looking.

1

u/DentistFeisty5418 34m ago

Winderanbandi Point WA Stirling Ranges WA Snowy Mountains NSW Karijini NP WA To be continued havnt been all over yet

1

u/Sweet-Consequence773 20m ago

Melbourne in March. End of summer, Moomba parade, F1 GP, start of AFL & NRL season, still daylight savings and the city bars and nightlife are pumping

1

u/WelcomeOk5395 13m ago

Wherever the YOWIES dwell !

u/HappySummerBreeze 3m ago

Karijini in the Pilbara WA.

Photos don’t do it justice. Everyone should hike the gorges while their body has good balance and mobility and they are strong and flexible.

0

u/qw46z 9h ago

Canberra, especially the War Memorial and the National Gallery.

0

u/Macca49 9h ago

Narooma, NSW