When you think of Australia many famous Australian landmarks come to mind. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Uluru are instantly recognised as Australian icons but there are a host of manmade and natural landmarks in Australia that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit Down Under.
Here is our list of the top 15 famous Australian landmarks, destinations that showcase Australia’s natural beauty, history and pride as a modern nation.
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New South Wales Landmarks
We begin with one of the most photographed famous Australian landmarks, Sydney Harbour. Nestled within this picturesque harbour and competing for top landmark in Sydney are the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Nothing is more spectacular than viewing these Sydney landmarks from a boat, ferry or ship on Sydney Harbour. That is when you realise why Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
1. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge or “The Coat Hanger” as it is fondly known, was completed in 1932 and spans Sydney Harbour from Milsons Point on the North Shore to Dawes Point at The Rocks, one of Sydney’s most historic areas.
The bridge is the focal point for Australia’s New Year’s Eve celebrations when it lights up to a magnificent firework display which can be viewed from the waters and shorelines of Sydney Harbour.
One of the best ways to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge is to take a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. Here you will see breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, learn the history of the bridge and get a glimpse into what it’s like to be a Sydney Harbour Bridge maintenance worker.
2. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House takes centre stage at Sydney’s Bennelong Point between Sydney Cove and Farm Cove and is an attractive addition to the Sydney Harbour landscape.
This futuristic architectural masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.
The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s leading cultural centre and features a variety of performing arts. The sails of the opera house become a dazzling array of themed artworks during celebrations and the annual Vivid Festival.
The area around the Sydney Opera House is bordered by the ferry ports of Circular Quay and has a vibrant restaurant scene with views overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
3. The Three Sisters
With Sydney a little over an hour away it’s easy to visit one of the most famous landmarks in Australia, the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.
Aboriginal legend tells the story of three beautiful sisters, ‘Gunnedoo’, ‘Wimlah’ and ‘Meehni’, who were forbidden to marry brothers from a neighbouring tribe. This made the brothers angry, and a war broke out between the tribes. Wanting to protect the sisters from being harmed the tribe’s witchdoctor turned them to stone. Unfortunately, the witchdoctor was killed during the battle leaving the girls forever encased in rock.
When you see The Three Sisters it isn’t hard to imagine the sisters waiting to be returned to human form. For the best views of the Three Sisters visit the Echo Point lookout which is perched on a plateau and looks out over the Blue Mountains.
Northern Territory Landmarks
When it comes to the natural landmarks in Australia, the Northern Territory certainly delivers, with Australia’s most recognisable icon, Uluru which is formerly known as Ayers Rock.
Add the wild beauty and unique animal life of the Kakadu National Park and you have two of the most famous landmarks in Australia.
4. Uluru – The Top Australia Landmark
Uluru sits in the red heart of Australia and while most people have seen photos of Uluru, nothing compares to seeing it up close. Uluru towers over an otherwise flat terrain within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As you approach, the sight of Uluru will excite and overwhelm you with its grandeur.
Uluru is as old as time and hidden within this ancient landscape are rock paintings that tell the story of the local Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the land. Here you can learn about Dreamtime legends and the life skills needed to survive in this harsh but beautiful environment.
Walking around its base you will begin to understand why the Anangu people believe that Uluru is sacred as you watch its rugged surface magically change colour throughout the day.
5. Kakadu National Park
To see Australian wildlife in its natural habitat, there is no better place to visit than the Kakadu National Park.
This UNESCO World Heritage listed park covers a massive 20,000 square kilometres and is home to a diverse environment which includes picturesque wetlands and waterfalls, craggy gorges and escarpment.
Here you will find crocodiles quietly hiding within peaceful billabongs, see a multitude of birdlife, discover the ancient culture of the traditional owners of the land and marvel at the rusty panoramas of this unspoilt natural wonder.
Australian Capital Territory Landmarks
The national landmarks of Australia can be found in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Canberra is Australia’s seat of Government and scattered throughout the city are the major buildings of federal government, museums, national monuments and foreign embassies from around the world.
6. Parliament House Canberra
On the top of the list of famous Australian landmarks is Parliament House. This striking modern building is set within thirty three hectares of landscaped gardens and dominated by a massive eighty-one metre flagpole, a sight that can be seen across the city.
Parliament House was designed by Romaldo Giurgola and opened by Queens Elizabeth the II on the 9th of May 1988.
The entry into Parliament House forecourt is decorated with a colourful mosaic which pays tribute to Australia’s ancient Indigenous heritage and was designed by Aboriginal artist Kumantye Jagamara.
There is a choice of things to do at Parliament House Canberra, watch Parliament in session with a visit to the House of Representatives and Senate Chambers, learn about the history of Australian Federation or attend one of the art exhibits and events held at Parliament house throughout the year.
7. Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial was officially opened on the 11th of November 1941 and honours those who fought and sacrificed their lives in wars involving Australia and its allies.
This imposing building houses an assortment of halls and galleries that tell the story of past conflicts and the people who fought in them.
Inside you can visit the First World War and Second World War galleries, the Hall of Valour, the Aircraft Hall and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Victoria Landmarks
One of the most spectacular road trips is The Great Ocean Road in Victoria. This 238 kilometre journey begins in Torquay and finishes near the town of Allansford.
The Great Ocean Road hugs one of the most dangerous coastlines in Australia, known for its shipwrecks and breathtaking natural beauty. Along the way you can explore the Cape Otway Lighthouse and Split Point Lighthouse, see picturesque beaches and visit the legendary Twelve Apostles.
8. Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are a majestic collection of limestone stacks that are located on the Shipwreck Coast section of the Great Ocean Road between Cape Otway and Port Fairy.
Contrary to popular belief there were only eight limestone formations which have now been reduced to seven after one collapsed in 2005.
To get the best views of the Twelve Apostles take the pathways to the viewing platform, from here you will see six of the formations with the seventh around the corner of the viewing area.
Queensland Landmarks
Queensland is home to three famous Australian landmarks, the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Fraser Island. All are UNESCO World Heritage Listed, and all have their own fascinating evolutionary and ecological history.
9. Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef stretches 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coastline. Surprisingly, this gigantic reef system is the world’s largest structure of living organisms and is visible from outer space.
Not only does the Great Barrier Reef support an abundance of marine life but it is also framed by stunning tropical beaches and home to some of Australia’s much loved holiday destinations.
There are many places along the Queensland coastline that are the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, popular choices are Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays and Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.
10. Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is located north of Cairns and is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, existing on the planet for a colossal 120 million years.
The rainforest is part of the Daintree National Park and supports a diverse range of ancient plant life, animals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
This timeless landscape meets the ocean at Cape Tribulation and the park is crisscrossed with walking tracks for exploring the rainforest, river and gorges of this unique natural wonder.
11. K’gari – Fraser Island
K’gari or Fraser Island as it is also known is the world’s largest sand island covering a staggering 1,840 square kilometres. The island is located off the coast of Hervey Bay and is easily accessible by ferry.
K’gari is the islands traditional Butchulla Aboriginal name, and they believed that the island was a paradise and when you visit you will understand why. The island is a place of abundance covered in thick rainforest, sparkling crystal clear freshwater lakes and creeks.
The island’s rugged interior attracts 4 wheel drive enthusiasts who enjoy travelling on the deep sandy roads and the vast stretch of 75 Mile Beach.
If you don’t own a 4WD or just want to get the best out of K’gari it’s advisable to take a tour, here you can learn the creation stories of the Butchulla people, discover the miracle of the islands formation and see the beauty and bounty of this fascinating land.
Tasmania Landmarks
Tasmania is Australia’s island state, a place filled with history and natural beauty. The island was once known as Van Diemen’s Land which was infamous for its penal colonies. In 1853 convict transportation ceased and in 1855 the state was renamed Tasmania to rid the island of its convict stain.
Today, Tasmania contains some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture that date to the early days of British colonisation.
12. Port Arthur
Port Arthur was Van Diemen’s Lands most notorious penal colony and was reserved for hardened criminals and repeat offenders. Men, women and children as young as nine years old were sent to Port Arthur and a visit will have you learning about the harsh reality of convict life.
Looming large against the horizon are the stark walls of the Penitentiary, an ominous presence waiting to give up its secrets. Scattered around the grounds are a collection of buildings and churches which were home and workplace of both convicts and free settlers needed to run the colony.
When you visit Port Arthur you will be surprised by the beauty of the area. The historic site overlooks the picturesque waters of Carnarvon Bay and is surrounded by dense bushland. If fact it was both these features that made escaping from Port Arthur almost impossible.
Port Arthur is one of the most intriguing Australian landmarks and should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in Australia.
Western Australian Landmarks
Western Australia is our largest state and a land of contrasts. Here you will find the wide open spaces of the outback, limitless coastline and the lush forests of the south.
Add the energetic city vibe of Perth, wine region of Margaret River and a choice of character filled country towns and you may just find yourself falling in love with Western Australia.
13. Ningaloo Reef
The Ningaloo Reef is located 1,200 kilometres north of Perth and is UNESCO World Heritage Listed. Here you will discover the remoteness of Australia when a rusty red outback meets the striking blue waters of a seemingly endless coastline.
The Ningaloo Marine Park covers a massive 705,015 hectare and is famous for the whale sharks that visit the region between April and July. The Ningaloo Reef is also home to a wide variety of marine life including dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales which visit from August to October.
The town of Exmouth is a steppingstone to the Ningaloo Reef, on its doorstep are the spectacular beaches of Turquoise Bay and Coral Bay, the stunning coastal vistas from the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and the rugged terrain of Cape Range National Park.
14. Hutt Lagoon – The Pink Lake
One of the most remarkable Australian landmarks would have to be Hutt Lagoon which is outside the town of Port Gregory and 517 kilometres north of the city of Perth.
Hutt Lagoon or the Pink Lake as it is commonly known, is a bubble gum pink hue, a truly unforgettable sight to see. The lake gets its colour from the dunaliella salina algae which is a rich source of beta carotene.
South Australian Landmarks
When thinking of South Australian landmarks, the golden cliffs of the Murray River, the peaceful vineyards of the Barossa Valley and the underground dwellings of Coober Pedy instantly come to mind.
Of course, if you are looking for outstanding natural beauty you can’t go past the dramatic coastline of the Great Australian Bight.
15. Great Australian Bight
Crossing the Nullarbor Plain on the Eyre Highway is one of Australia’s most epic journeys. This 1,200 km drive takes you from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia and is one of the most isolated roads in Australia.
Though sometimes tedious driving across the Nullarbor Plain has its rewards with spectacular views of the Great Australian Bight. Beginning with the Head of Bight you will find four lookouts where you will see towering cliffs that mark a dramatic end to the Australian coastline.
The Great Australian Bight is the place to be if you are interested in whale watching as you can spot whales migrating and breeding from June to October. Between May and October one of the best places to see whales and their calves is from the Head of the Bight Visitor Centre viewing platforms.
Last Words on 15 Famous Australian Landmarks
If you are visiting Australia or heading out on an Australian road trip, we hope you get to visit at least some of these 15 famous Australian landmarks.
Of course, we have only scratched the surface, there are many more and if you have a favourite Australian landmark, we would love to know about it.
How many of these 15 famous Australian landmarks have you visited? We would love to hear from you so feel free to leave a comment.
