Australia presents many majestic beaches, outback adventures, national parks, cities and plenty more activities – just a couple of hours directly from Singapore. Wonderfully, airlines fly direct from Changi Airport to cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, and more. While both Scoot and Jetstar offer the cheapest fares from Singapore. Graciously, we’ve compiled a list of 18 bucket list places to experience the unique wonders of Australia.
1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
The mesmerizing red rock formations of Kata Tjuta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Enjoy the endless wandering, various park activities, and learn about the awe-inspiring Aboriginal people’s culture. Alice Springs is the nearest main airport which is a four-hour drive. This iconic park is perfect to add to your agenda if you’re planning on spending more than one or two weeks in Australia.
📍 Central Australia
2. The Great Barrier Reef
A bucket list for many across the world, the largest coral reef on earth is just off the coast of Queensland. Discover an array of marine life like dolphins, sea snakes and other magnificent creatures. Opt to dive or snorkel for an unbeatable experience. The main entry point is through Cairns. However, other towns such as Mission Beach, Cooktown, Townsville, and more destinations offer scenic boat trips. Indeed, it is one of the best places to visit in Australia.
📍 Queensland, Australia
3. Whitsunday Islands
Luckily, Whitsunday Islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef. So, you could arrange a tour from Airlie Beach and sail around its 74 islands for an iconic adventure. Explore the dense rainforest, hiking trails, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches like Whitehaven Beach – all the while taking in the stunning landscape.
📍Queensland, Australia
SEE MORE: The Best Islands To Explore In And Around Singapore
4. Bondi Beach
No trip to Sydney is complete without stopping in Bondi Beach. Surf, shop till you drop along Gould Street, hike on the Coogee coastal walk and much more. Be sure to snap a shot at the famous Bondi Iceberg Ocean Pools which has been a historical landmark for over 100 years.
📍 Sydney, Australia
Heading to Sydney? Get all the best tips from our sister website Secret Sydney.
5. Broome
Broome in the Kimberley region is like Mars on earth. Experience pristine beaches and a tropical climate where red dirt meets the Indian ocean. From exploring Chinatown to sunset camel rides, and dinosaur track adventures…Broome is rich in culture and heritage. Unless you fancy a long road trip, you can only get here by direct flights from Perth, Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
📍 Western Australia
6. Lake MacDonnell
There are many fascinating pink lakes around Australia. But this extraordinary hotspot has got to top it all. On one side of the causeway is a Pink Lake, then another side is a Green Lake while down at the bridge is a Blue Lake. Anyone with an appreciation for natural beauty and epic photography will fall in love with this place. It’s located 13 minutes from the small town of Penong. It’s also known as one of the most instagrammable places in Australia.
📍 Penong, South Australia
7. Brisbane
Brisbane is a bustling and friendly spot that is baked in sunshine year-around. As one of the greatest music capitals in the world, it offers the perfect place to let your hair down on holiday. With an incredible selection of resorts, beaches and restaurants…you won’t be bored. Plus, sports enthusiasts can take advantage of plenty of outdoor fun.
📍 Queensland, Australia
Heading to Brisbane? Get tips from our sister website Secret Brisbane.
8. Gold Coast
Gold Coast is known as Australia’s holiday capital and is home to the most popular surf beaches in Queensland. Inspired by lifestyle and immersed in arts and culture…you’ll be blown away. There’s plenty of attractions to entertain kids like Sea World Park, Waterparks, Warner Bros Movie World and SkyPoint Observation Deck. The beach is practically on the doorstep of the city, so what more could you want?
📍 Queensland, Australia
Heading to Gold Coast? Find the best things to do on our sister website Secret Gold Coast.
9. Hamelin Bay Stingrays
Those with an interest in wildlife will need to add a unique experience at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. Meet dozens of sociable stingrays, from eagle rays to black stingrays, moving close to the shore, down at the old jetty or boat ramp at Hamelin Bay. Mostly, they are spotted during the summer months, and the odd time during the winter. It is advised that you do not touch the stingrays. Perth is the closest airport and big city just three hours drive away.
10. Melbourne
Immerse yourself in a world of art, culture and music in a Melbourne city escape. Drink some of the world’s best coffee and indulge on hot jam doughnuts, meat pies and a world-famous brunch culture. Visit the iconic 580 m Princess Pier to watch a sunrise or sunset for photo-worthy moments.
📍 Victoria, Australia
Visiting Melbourne? Get tips from our sister website Secret Melbourne.
11. Cairns
Cairns is a stylish city with a great tropical climate and multiple impressive resorts. Learn about indigenous cultures by taking one of the tours like heading up to Kuranda by Train or Skyrail to explore the Kuranda village. As mentioned above Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef so you could fit many surrounding Queensland places into your holiday schedule.
📍 Queensland, Australia
12. Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island
Lose yourself in this instagrammable and secluded paradise. Vivonne Bay was proclaimed the best beach in the world in 2003. Snorkel in rock pools, go surfing or fishing in the exotic turquoise waters or else, adore wildlife from seals to koalas to kangaroos, and much more. Plus, you can camp or stay in a holiday home offering jaw-dropping views over the bay. Certainly, it is one of the best places to visit in Australia.
📍 South Australia
13. Sydney
Probably, the most famous on our list, because non-Aussies think it’s the capital. Certainly, a trip to Sydney is vital on an Australian vacation. There’s a whirling of cool attractions for all budgets and types of people. From the Botanic Gardens to wandering the Harbour and admiring Sydney Opera House…you won’t be short of things to do.
📍 New South Wales, Australia
14. Fraser Island
Take a trip from Queensland to the world’s largest sand island. Camp for a magical experience and explore viewpoints like the Indian Head and the Cathedrals. Enjoy freshwater lakes, picture-perfect beaches, old shipwrecks, and plenty more natural wonders. Don’t forget to visit Great Sandy National Park which is home to an array of tropical wildlife. Swimming at the beach is cautioned here because it is frequented with sharks found in the shallow waters. Nevertheless, it is still one of the best places to visit in Australia.
📍 Queensland, Australia
15. Hunter Valley Wine Region
For the wine lovers! Just two hours from Sydney, discover this breathtaking wine region. Splash some extra cash by taking a hot air balloon ride that offers a euphoric feeling on top of the world. There are dozens of hot air ballooning companies, but you can check out Hunter Valley Ballooning.
📍 New South Wales, Australia
16. Noosa
Just under two hours from Brisbane, Noosa boasts total California vibes. With beachside yoga, stylish boutiques, unique markets and delicious food…you won’t be short of things to do. Hike to the magical Fairy Pools in Noosa National Park to immerse yourself in tranquility and glorious ocean views. Equally, if you want a change of scenery, visit The Noosa Hinterland which is a marvellous countryside region.
📍 Queensland, Australia
17. Ellery Creek Big Hole
Travel the outback and fall in love with this tranquil gem. Located in West MacDonnell National Park, discover a famous majestic waterhole that infatuates tourists. People love to swim in the hole and hike among the rugged red cliffs and sandy creek. A striking sight at sunset just one hour from Alice Springs. As one of the best places to visit in Australia, you should spend a few days camping here for the most memorable experience.
📍 Namatjira, Australia
18. Blue Mountains
Credit: Unsplash
Just one hour and 25 minutes’ drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains in Katoomba is easily fitted into your Sydney holiday. Hike a range of walking trails, see the Three Sisters rock formation, descend into the ancient rainforest and hop on the world’s steepest passenger railway. There’s plenty for both kids and adults to enjoy making it one of the best places to visit in Australia.
📍 New South Wales, Australia
SEE MORE: The Best Places To Visit Across The World This Year