australia weird tourist attractions

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An ode to australia’s weird and wacky tourist attractions.

Jessica Bahr

Jess is a writer, content producer and -when the pandemic allows- avid traveller. From hiking and swimming, to exploring new cities and chasing down wonders of the world, she is always planning her next adventure. When she’s at home, Jess enjoys cooking, reading, and patting as many dogs as possible.

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We all know our country punches above its weight when it comes to iconic landscapes and tourism attractions, but what you might not know is that Australia’s also home to some truly bizarre experiences.

An alien capital, giant inanimate objects, and people living underground – yes, you can find all of these wacky tourist attractions, and more, in Australia. Some are a little spooky, some are just strange, and some are actually pretty cool in their own weird way. In fact, I’ve ranked them on my own strangeness scale.

Strangeness Scale:

• Yeah that’s normal
• A little quirky
• Definitely kooky
• Totally cooked

So if you’re planning a trip around Australia anytime soon and are looking for some inspiration to make your trip that little bit unique, consider stopping in at one of these wacky attractions

1. Cane Toad World

Location: Gordonvale, QLD Rating: WTF

Please excuse me while I vomit in my mouth a little. OK, so ‘cane toad world’ is really just a playground and some cane toad themed artwork, but the name and concept alone are pretty much the stuff of nightmares. I can’t quite rank it as ‘totally cooked’ since it has the potential to be a LOT worse (I was picturing cane toad themed rides, food, and people running around in giant toad outfits), but it definitely gets a ‘WTF’.

Photo by Fiona Henderson

2. Monte Cristo Homestead

Location: Junee, NSW Rating: Absolutely cooked

An isolated house with reported ~paranormal activities~ and tragic violent history? What could be more fun?! At first glance, a visit to the (allegedly) haunted Monte Cristo Homestead might sound like a bit of harmless fun, but the more you read about it the more morbid it gets. 

A brief list of some of the gnarly events at the house include the death of the original owner, his wife becoming a recluse, a maid plummeting to her death from a balcony, a stable boy burning to death, the disabled son of a caretaker being chained up for years, and a caretaker being shot. 

Visitors often report feeling sick or dizzy, hearing strange noises and even seeing people standing at the foot of their bed at night. It gets a strong NO THANKS from me, but if that sounds like fun to you, you can opt for a self-guided tour, an immersive ghost tour with dinner, or even an overnight stay. Seems like a horror movie waiting to happen if you ask me.

Photo by Denis Bin

3. Coober Pedy’s Underground Houses

Location: Coober Pedy, SA Rating: A little quirky

Dusty? Hot? Remote? Check, check, check. Don’t let the Hollywood-style sign fool you, this small town a long way away from bright lights and big city (although a couple of movies have been filmed there). In fact, Coober Pedy ‘s pretty much smack-bang in the middle of nowhere, with a large portion of accommodation located underground due to intense heat. 

There’s an underground campsite and underground hotel, and while you’re there you can entertain yourself with a variety of unusual activities including joining the local postie run, checking out the world’s longest fence, night-time golf, and learning about the town’s rich opal history. It’s known as the opal capital of Australia, which is pretty cool!

@amy.eloise

4. Windorah Yabby Races

Location: Windorah, QLD Rating: Definitely kooky

Held in the leadup to the iconic Birdsville Country Races, the Windorah Yabby Races must be seen to be believed. People come from far and wide to watch a bunch of crustaceans dash around a ring, with the action even broadcast onto a projector screen.

It’s so bizarre and quintessentially Australian, yet also kind of heart-warming as they raise money for charity. With that in mind I can’t rank it ‘totally cooked’, but it very much gets a nod in the ‘definitely kooky’ category.

Curious what yabby racing looks like? Here’s a sneak peek:

5. Crocosaurus Cove

Location: Darwin , NT Rating: WTF

When you think of Darwin, one of the first things that comes to mind is the crocodiles, and this attraction has well and truly embraced that.

Crocosaurus Cove celebrates and offers insight into our toothy friends, which sounds all fine and dandy until you realise the main attraction is literally called the CAGE OF DEATH and involves a face-to-face encounter IN THE WATER with a Saltwater crocodile for 15 minutes, which sounds exactly 15 minutes too long to me.

It’s a controlled environment, and I’m sure it’s done safely and with the utmost care, but it still gets a strong WTF ranking.

Photo by Gary Bembridge

6. Museum of Old and New Art

Location: Hobart , TAS Rating: A little quirky

Look, art isn’t everybody’s thing, but trust me when I say that this is not your typical gallery. Rather than traditional sculptures and paintings, MONA has been described as a ‘subversive adult Disneyland’, and prominently features themes of sex and death. Some of its most notable exhibits include the famous vagina wall and poo machine – delightful!

If you really want to make the most of it, I suggest visiting during the winter festival Dark Mofo , which is when they really take things to the next level.

7. ALL the big things

Locations: Various Rating: Definitely kooky

You can’t have an Australian tourism listicle without mentioning the bizarre and iconic ‘big things’ scattered around the country. Australia LOVES an obscure big structure: the banana in Coffs Harbour, the prawn in Ballina, the merino in Goulburn, the (terrifying) giant koala at Dadswell Bridge… the list goes on and on. 

They’re a well-loved quintessential aspect of tourism around the country, but it’s not entirely clear just why we have so many of them – another one of those things that gets weirder the more I think about it!

8. Questa Casa Brothel

Location: Kalgoorlie, WA Rating: A little quirky

What’s a wholesome country holiday without a trip to the brothel, right? The famous ‘pink house’ (the outside actually looks more like a shed) was built in the 1890s and is the final operating brothel from Kalgoorlie’s ‘red light district’. 

You can take a tour through the premises, hear stories about its heyday, and get some insight into a unique piece of history. It’s worth mentioning that the tour is strictly 18+ as it’s still an operating brothel (just in case you were thinking of bringing the kids). You’ve got to admire their entrepreneurial spirit!

9. UFO Capital of Australia

Location: Wycliffe Well, NT Rating: A little quirky

The dusty red centre might not seem like an obvious hub for extra-terrestrial activity, but apparently, that’s exactly what it is. This tiny roadhouse community is the self-proclaimed ‘ UFO capital of Australia ’ and people have come from far and wide for the chance of an alien encounter. 

As soon as you drive up you’re met with a space mural, UFO info, and even some alien statues – so even if you don’t happen to spot a UFO, the roadhouse itself is worth checking out. Located 130km south of Tennant Creek and 380km north of Alice Springs, it’s a little out of the way, but then again, the alien visitors probably travel a lot further to get there…

10. Beechworth Asylum

Location: Beechworth, VIC Rating: Definitely kooky

Another supposedly haunted attraction with a gory history – why are these so popular?! The Beechworth Asylum is, as the name suggests, a former psychiatric hospital which was once one of the largest in Australia. A lot of patients and even some staff died horrible deaths there, and if you believe the tales of mysterious sights and sounds, have never left. 

The building itself has some strong spooky vibes, and pretty much looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a horror movie. Similarly to Monte Cristo Homestead, visitors can choose from a historic tour, ghost tour, overnight stay (no thanks), and even an asylum-themed escape room. While it’s an interesting insight into history, it’s not something I’m going to be lining up for!

Honorary Mention

The Puffing Billy in Victoria. This heritage railway in the Dandenong isn’t particularly wacky (it’s really just a standard old railway), but I couldn’t go past it completely as the name always gives me a giggle.

Feature photo thanks to Travelution360

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13 of the Most Unusual Places to Visit in Australia

Looking for ideas of weird places in Australia and unique things to do during your trip before you arrive in Australia ? Be sure to add a few of the weird and unique places in Australia to your list! Australia has a wealth of interesting and unusual places to visit. From the natural illusion of Wave Rock, the brilliant pink waters of the Pink Lakes to the gravity-defying display of Horizontal Falls. These unique attractions are bound to wow even the most serious of adventurers.

Whether you are a backpacker looking to travel Australia in a campervan or travelling as a family, we have put together a list of 13 of the best “unusual” places to visit that you will want to include in your road trip itinerary!

What makes a place unusual to visit?

So what exactly makes a place odd or unusual to visit? Many things may classify a spot as odd or unusual, including odd shapes, structures, interesting history in Australia , weird names, interesting people and so on. In our opinion, it’s often the strange and odd attractions that are the most memorable. Plus, they often make for a fantastic photo opportunity! Let’s dive into the top 13 most unusual places to visit in Australia on your upcoming campervan trip:

1. Wave Rock, WA

Wave Rock is an iconic Western Australia destination, and one of Australia’s most recognisable landforms. Perfectly described by its name - it really is a wave rock! Standing 15 metres from the ground, and over 100 metres long, this giant rock looks like a giant multi-coloured granite arching wave about to crash over you. Standing at its base, this rock gives the illusion that you are surfing a wave and provides a unique backdrop for some entertaining photos. Just three hours inland of Mighty branch in Perth , this is a great addition to a WA road trip.

2. Coober Pedy, SA

Coober Pedy is an outback town best known as Australia’s opal capital. So what is so quirky about this town, you may wonder? Well, the opal mines aren’t the only things that are underground in this town. Here you can descend beneath the cool rock to discover a labyrinth of underground shops, hotels and houses. Here you can choose to stay at the local caravan park or treat yourself to a night beneath the earth’s surface in one of these unusual living quarters. Located seven hours from the Mighty Alice Springs branch , this is the perfect addition to a Red Centre adventure.

3. Wycliffe Well, NT

Talk about weird places in Australia; Wycliffe Well may just take the cake. This unassuming petrol station in the middle of the Northern Territory outback may just appear to be like any other gas station…that is, until you notice the green aliens and spaceships decorating every corner of the place. Head inside to see the hundreds of newspaper clippings documenting the UFO sightings in the area dating back to well before World War II. Located four hours from the Mighty Alice Springs branch , this is the perfect extraterrestrial addition to a Red Centre road trip.

4. The Pinnacles, WA

Imagine life on another planet with a visit to the Pinnacles . The Pinnacles are unique limestone structures that formed over 25,000 years ago. Formed by the receding tides and coastal winds, what remains is a stunning landscape filled with pillars jutting out of the desert sand. Located in Nambung National Park, just two hours north of the Mighty branch in Perth , this is the perfect addition to a Western Australia road trip itinerary.

Top tip: Looking to stretch your travel budget ? There are plenty of great campsites close by that you can stay for the night for little to no cost! Be sure to check out the best free camping spots in WA for ideas.

5. Pink Lakes, SA

Pink Lakes are a sight to behold and a bucket list experience when travelling around Australia. These lakes are really as they sound - a vivid pink caused by the growth of microscopic algae.

Two of the must-visit lakes in South Australia include Lake Hart and Lake Macdonnell. Lake Hart is located on the way to Lake Eyre and is the perfect addition to a South Australia and Northern Territory outback adventure. Alternatively, if you find yourself on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, be sure to check out Lake Macdonell. This lake in particular, is known for its contrasting pink lake on one side and the blue-green lake on the other. Truly one of the most unique places in Australia. Both are easily accessible from the Mighty Adelaide branch in South Australia.

6. Nimbin, NSW

Nimbin is the alternative lifestyle capital of Australia. Whether it’s sitting down for breakfast at a local cafe or parking up at the edge of the rainforest with mountain views - this is the ultimate hippie escape. Just two hours south of Brisbane Mighty branch , this is a great addition to an east coast Australia road trip.

7. The Devil’s Marbles, NT

Devil’s Marbles are often ranked highly among the best things to do in Australia, and for good reason. These precariously balanced boulders look to have appeared from thin air, amongst the otherwise flat desert landscape. To see these in their full glory, be sure to stick around for sunset. Watch as these otherwise dull granite boulders light up in a red-ochre glow with the disappearing sun. There is even a local campground that you can park up at for the night to truly experience the magic of one of the top weird places in Australia.

8. Totem Pole, TAS

The Totem Pole in Tasmania is a natural rock formation in the shape of a narrow pole. Whether you are an avid rock climber looking to take on this challenging climb, or simply want to marvel at this unique structure, this is a must-do when in Tasmania. Just under two hours from Hobart Mighty branch , it's easy to squeeze into a weekend adventure or a longer Tasmanian road trip.

9. Horizontal Falls, WA

Located just a short flight from Broome, is the Horizontal Falls . This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual natural wonders in Australia. The falls are formed by a shift in tides rushing through the McLarty Range, and give the appearance of a horizontal waterfall. Best of all, you can join a tour and ride the waterfall for yourself!

10. Undara Lava Tubes, QLD

Named from the aboriginal word meaning ‘long way’, Undara Lava Tubes are, in fact just that - the longest lava tube cave system in the world! What was once home to a steady flow of lava, is now a home for evergreen vine thickets and local wildlife. Joining a tour to explore these caves is a must when hiring a campervan in Cairns, as it’s just a short three-hour drive inland from the Cairns Mighty branch .

11. Wolfe Creek Crater, WA

Marvel at the zone of destruction at the famed Wolfe Creek Crater . This crater is the second largest crater in the world, measuring 880 metres wide and 60 metres deep. Whether you’re a hiker looking to walk along the crater rim or just want to see this in person it’s a must-do when picking up a campervan hire from Darwin Mighty branch and traversing west through the Kimberly region.

12. Squeaky Beach, VIC

Do you love the satisfying crunch and squeak of dry sand beneath your toes? Well then, you will not want to miss a chance to walk along Squeaky Beach . Located in Wilsons Promontory, the sand on this unique beach is made up of rounded grains of quartz, making a satisfying squeak as you walk along the beach and take in the rugged beauty of this iconic granite coast landscape. Just three hours from the Melbourne Mighty branch , it’s a no-brainer for a stop on your trip around Victoria.

13. Umpherston Sinkhole, SA

Umpherston Sinkhole , also known as the ‘sunken garden’, is a magical oasis located in South Australia. What was once a cave has, over time, sunk through the limestone to form this strange and unique sunken garden. Located just five hours from the Adelaide Mighty branch , this is the perfect addition to a South Australia road trip.

Keen to take the path less travelled?

There are plenty of weird places in Australia that are well worth a visit. Be it pretending to surf on a rocky wave or marvelling at the precariously balanced Devil’s Marbles, at least a few of these unique places in Australia deserve a place on your upcoming campervan trip.

Ready to take the path less travelled and rent a travel van to explore these unexpected places in Australia for yourself? Book your Mighty campervan online today and pick it up from your nearest branch for the adventure of a lifetime. For more ideas on where to stay across Australia , free camping in Australia , and how to travel Australia cheap check out the Mighty blog .

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15 Unique Places to visit in Australia

15 of the most unique places to visit in australia.

Australia is full of unique and unusual places to visit. Get the most out of your next holiday in Australia and transform a ‘nice’ holiday into an amazing holiday!

Australia is a huge island with many extraordinary places to visit.  While many of our best features are close to our beautiful beaches, you may be surprised to learn there is so much to see ‘off the beaten track’.

15 unique and unusual places to visit in Australia

The twelve apostles.

A rock formation which was once twelve, but now eight Apostles!  Unusual in that they appear to rise out of the ocean along the southern edge of Australia.

These 12 Apostles are natural limestone pillars which were once connected to the mainland. Over millions of years, waves and wind have eroded them away into caves, then arches, and eventually carved them into the 45 metre tall stacks you see today.

Tips from a Local: Best viewing is at sunset when you will see penguins coming up the beach to their burrows!

A 3 hour scenic drive from Melbourne city will take you along the Great Ocean Road where you will enjoy some of the most spectacular coastline in Australia.

Nearby is the Otway Treetops Walk – another ‘must do’ and unique experience to include on your ‘great southern land’ Aussie adventure.

The Blue Lake  is another of Australia’s most interesting ‘unusual’ places to see.  A large volcanic crater, the Blue Lake is near Mt Gambier in South Australia.

The ‘unusual’ part is that the Blue Lake changes colour.  It’s is a vibrant cobalt blue during December to March and from April to November, the lake turns a darker steel grey colour.

There are a number of theories behind the mysterious colour changes of the water, but it generally accepted that it has something to do with the water temperature of the Lake.

Tip from the Locals: Bring your walking shoes!

The Blue Lake features some exceptionally beautiful walking trails around the lake. The volcano discovery trail is one of the most popular trails.

The Nullarbor Plain

The Eyre Highway is famously noted as the longest stretch of straight road in the world and travels across the Nullarbor Plain .   Approximately 1,675 kilometres long, it takes approximately two days to drive from one side to the other.

Tip from the Locals: Take the 3 day Indian Pacific Train across the Nullarbor.

The name Nullarbor originated from the Latin terminology nullus arbor meaning ‘no trees’.

The Nullarbor experiences very harsh weather conditions but despite this it is one of Australia’s epic road trips.

If you’re travelling around August to September you may see Southern Right Whales from the Head of the Bight.  Visitors have reported seeing groups of up to sixty mothers and their calves surfacing as close as 20 metres from the shore.

Crossing the Nullarbor is a once in a lifetime experience recommended to roadtrip enthusiasts worldwide.  Home to kangaroos, emu’s, wombats, camels and other unique Australian wildlife, the Nullarbor is one of the most ‘unusual’ roads in Australia.

Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy is one of the most ‘unusual’ places you will ever visit.

Approximately 7 hours drive north of Port Augusta along the Stuart Highway.  Expect a great expanse of nothingness dotted with a couple of roadhouses along the way.

Driving into Coober Pedy you will see a unique moonscape.  Thousands of white pyramid shaped cones glimmer in the fading sun.

Literally in the middle of the Australian outback, Coober Pedy is one of the world’s biggest opal mines in the world.   Blisteringly hot summers and winters often below freezing point – the hallmarks of true desert country.

Most people in Coober Pedy live underground where houses are dug into the hills so that the natural rock acts as an insulator making it easier regulate the temperatures.

Unusual things to do in Coober Pedy

• Play golf.   This unusual golf course has NO grass and can only be played at night.
• Go ‘noodling’ (fossicking for opals) – you may just get lucky!
• Stay at one of the underground motels to experience the full ‘unusual’ deal.  I guarantee you will sleep like a baby!

Famous for it’s wild dolphins, Monkey Mia is about 900 kilometres north of Perth and one of Australia’s most unique and unusual places to visit.

Surrounded by rusty red sand dunes, white sandy beaches and an abundance of wildlife, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have visited the shallows at Monkey Mia for over 50 years.  Park rangers closely monitor the interaction and provide fish for visitors to hand-feed to the dolphins.  You may also see dugongs, sharks, stingrays, turtles and a variety of fish.

Tip from the Locals: The birds are most active just after sunrise or late in the afternoon.

While at Monkey Mia, be sure to enjoy the natural and cultural history along the Wulyibidi Yaninyina trail, a 1.5 km loop walk over dunes and along the beach.

Monkey Mia is truly one of the world’s unique wildlife experiences.  One of those nice warm fuzzy moments of life.

Daly Waters

Daly Waters is ‘in the middle of whoop-whoop’.  Translated that means approximately 600 kms south of Darwin or approximately 900 kms north of Alice Springs.

Built in the 1930’s, Daly Waters has a colourful history of murders, shoot outs in the main street, cattle stampeding through town and the odd drunken brawl.  Those days are long gone, and nowadays you will enjoy a warm and friendly stay, albeit a little ‘unusual’.

The pub is the centre of all the town’s activity.  To book a (clean but not posh) motel room, fuel up your car, visit the museum or arrange to stay at the caravan park – see the bloke at the pub!

Tip from the Locals: Daly Waters Pub has  the best steaks ever!

People seem to come out of the woodwork around dinner time and it’s usually wise to make a reservation.  Who would have thought, in such a remote location!

Daly Waters is an unusually interesting little town with a little  ‘unusual’ everywhere in Daly Waters.

• Across the road from the pub is a helicopter perched on top of the museum.
• The bar is decorated with shirts, underwear and international currency and other paraphernalia that visitors have left behind.
• Kangaroos & wallabies really DO hop down the main street.

Daly Waters is certainly one of the more interesting towns to visit in Australia.

Uluru & Kata Tjuta

Once you visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta , you will see why these amazing Australian icons have been included in our ‘unusual’ places list.

Rising out of the surrounding Central Australian desert, Uluru and Kata Tjuta dominate the stark landscape. The spectacular red rocks and domes are millions of years old.

The ‘Anangu’ Aboriginal people are deeply connected to the land.  Be sure to take one of the aboriginal cultural tours to get a greater understanding of the country, the wildlife and the plants.  Understand the importance they play in Aboriginal culture.  It’s inspirational.

Tip from the Locals: It’s particularly beautiful at sunset and sunrise.

If you are lucky enough to be there when it rains you will see the usually rich red colours of Uluru change to a striking purple colour and waterfalls will appear from nowhere.   It is simply spectacular.

Once known as Ayers Rock, Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a are about 450 kilometres, or a four and a half hour drive from Alice Springs, the nearest major town and will not disappoint.

Wave Rock is one of the most unusual rock formations you will ever see.  Shaped as a breaking wave, this magnificent prehistoric rock formation has been eroded by the weather over millions and millions of years.

Tip from a Local: Spectacular views of the orchids and wildflowers in spring.

This is the oldest plateau on earth and once a part of ancient Gondwana.

Sun, wind and rain for more than a thousand million years has eroded down into the soils of the valleys, the chains of lakes and to form the granite outcrops like Wave Rock .

A short 4 hour road-trip from Perth, this is Australia at its finest.

Whitehaven Beach on Hamilton Island

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands is one of the world’s most unspoiled and beautiful beaches.

Tip from a Local: Voted the world’s top eco-friendly beach – this beach is a ‘must see’.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this famous beach stretches for seven kilometres and displays swirls of turquoise, blue and green water as a stark contrast to the striking white sands.

The sand is 98% pure white silica which gives it a brilliant luminescent whiteness.

Whitehaven Beach is truly is one of the most ‘unique’ beach experiences in the world.

Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree is one of the most rare and unusual parts of Australia.  It’s where the rainforest meets the sea.

The Daintree Rainforest is a tropical rainforest located on the north eastern coastline of Queensland Australia.  Coastal scenery that combines tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches and the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef so close to the shore is very unusual.

The Daintree Rainforest contains many rare species of frogs, reptiles and marsupials as well as a wide range of tropical birds and butterflies.

This unique place is a once in a lifetime experience.   You simple must visit!

Devil’s Marbles

The Devils Marbles are a field of huge granite boulders, just 100 kilometres south of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.

Tips from a Local: Best photo moment is at sunrise and sunset as the boulders glow and change colour.

Formed by erosion over millions of years, the Devils Marbles vary in size from 50 centimetres up to six metres across.

Many of the giant stones seem to be precariously balanced on top of one another often appearing to defy gravity. They continue to crack and erode today creating an ever-changing landscape.

When travelling between Darwin and Alice Springs you can see them from the road. S top !

The Great Barrier Reef

The largest area of coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef stretches along the Queensland coastline.  Over 2,600 kilometres long the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the world.

The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 3,000 individual reef systems, gorgeous tropical islands, coral cays and picturesque golden beaches.

Did you know: The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth and is visible from outer space.

The corals are tiny animals called polyps that connect to each other and live together providing a habitat for smaller fish, sponges and molluscs to feed and shelter.

If you do nothing else in Australia – visit the Great Barrier Reef and swim amongst the beautiful corals for a surreal and truly unique experience!

A few hours south of Perth near the town of Esperance in Western Australia you will see the stunning  Pink Lakes .  The Pink Lakes display an unusual pink hue created by presence of algae which is a source of a food-colouring agent and vitamin A.

Tip from a Local: Mid-morning or sundown is the best time for photographs.

Depending on the time of day, the season and the amount of cloud cover, the lakes change through the spectrum of red to bubble-gum pink to a lilac purple colours.  How is that for ‘unusual’?

This part of the world is ‘unusually’ beautiful.  Be sure to add it to your list.

The Pinnacles

The lunar-like Pinnacles are without a doubt one of Australia’s most unique natural landscapes.

Just a few hours north of Perth in Western Australia, thousands of weathered limestone spires rise out of the yellow desert sand dunes of Nambung National Park.

Tips from a Local: An unusual and eerie experience best seen at sunset.

Natural forces of water and wind have eroded and shaped The Pinnacles  from seashells over millions of years.

Aboriginal owners of the land claim that the spires represent the vast number of locals that historically died in the desert’s quick-sand.

The shadows cast at sunset provide spectacular photo opportunities that will undoubtedly become unique memories!

MONA – Museum of Old and New Art

The Museum of Old and New Art  is a funky architecturally designed museum just a short catamaran ride from Hobart which is full of dark rooms and strange objects and unusual twists and turns.

MONA contains an assortment of art.  Some of these installations you will ‘love’, some will have you turning your head sideways and some pieces will simply freak you out but, most will make you think!  Isn’t that what art is all about?

As the largest privately owned gallery in Australia it’s worth doing a tour to see what all the hype and excitement is about.  Do yourself a favour – go visit MONA.  It’s a very ‘unusual’ and unique art space so be sure to go with an open mind.

For the most unique places to visit in Australia … Pin this for later.

To read more: 

• Devils Marbles – the Eggs of the mythical Rainbow Serpent .
• Discover the Daintree Rainforest
• Top 10 things to do in Airlie Beach
• Uluru – Australia’s most famous Rock .
• Drive from Darwin to Adelaide – the best Aussie road trip .

Enjoy our list of 15 of the most unique and unusual places to visit in Australia.  Have you been somewhere that you think should be in on this list?  I’d love to know your thoughts.

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7 unusual places to visit in Australia

Recently updated on July 12th, 2023 at 08:52 am

Look beyond the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Sydney Harbour Bridge and you’ll find dozens of unusual places to visit in Australia. From the totally unique to the weird and wonderful, we’ve scoured the island continent from north to south and east to west to unveil Australia’s hidden gems and most peculiar tourist attractions. 

From unusual things to do like visit giant roadside fruit statues to horizontal waterfalls, there are plenty of memorable experiences to have while down under. The experiences you least expected often leave the longest lasting memories. With that in mind enjoy these odd travel moments and unusual places to visit in Australia.

Queensland’s “Big Things” trail

One of the more unusual things to do in Australia, touring the East Coast from Brisbane to Cairns will bring you face-to-face with a fibreglass fruit basket. From the Big Mango or the Big Pineapple, to a mega-sized Van Gogh painting and giant Golden Gumboot, there’s an epic-sized road trip in the state of Queensland that will take you past a dozen “Big Things”. 

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MONA in Tasmania

Whether you love art galleries or hate them, The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart will be the weirdest and wackiest gallery you ever enter. One of the most unusual places to visit in Australia, once you step inside the giant architectural oddity you’ll either love or hate the bizarre and eclectic art that adorns the walls. One of the weirdest pieces? Tim, a real live man from Zurich whose back was tattooed by a Belgian artist. MONA bought the piece and now Tim sits in the gallery for six hours a day for three seasons each year.

GET INSPIRED BY: Perfect Tasmania

Beer Can Regatta in Darwin

A long time before Darwin, Australia’s most northern city, had recycling, its residents found a fun use for empty beer cans. Now every winter since 1974 Darwin’s Beer Can Regatta brings colourful madness to a local beach with this beer-fuelled race now a family-friendly affair. It’s now one of the most unusual things to do and events to attend in Australia. 

Western Australia’s pink lakes

Western Australia is home to bright pink lakes. We’re not talking a slight pink hue, no these three lakes are a vibrant bubble-gum pink. Venture out on a sunny day with clear-blue skies to see Pink Lake (or Spencer Lake) near Esperance, Lake Hillier on Middle Island, and Hutt Lagoon north of Geraldton. Australia’s pink lakes take their rosy pink pigment from a chemical bacterium.

Coober Pedy in South Australia

With a big Hollywood style sign, Coober Pedy couldn’t be any more different to the bright lights of LA. Unsuspectingly tucked away in the dusty plains between Adelaide and Alice Springs, this is one of Australia’s most bizarre hidden gems. The residents of this opal-rich land live in one of the least habitable towns possible. It’s so hot, dusty and dry that half the residents live in underground dugouts and abandoned mine shafts. You can tour old mine shafts, view local residents’ homes and play golf on the town’s grassless 18-hole course.

GET INSPIRED BY: Outback Adventure

Undara Lava Tubes in Queensland

What’s a lava tube? Imagine this. A volcano erupts, shooting seemingly endless streams of molten hot lava everywhere. That lava flows hits a valley. Then, as the top of the red-hot basalt flow starts to cool it turns solid, the molten middle keeps moving, creating a hollow tube. Around 190,000 years ago a mammoth 23 cubic kilometres of lava hit a riverbed in Queensland. It travelled 160km and formed the world’s longest lava flow. These days it’s one of the most unusual things to do in Australia. You can explore the huge caverns (some 21m wide) with a guide.

GET INSPIRED BY: Australian Highlights

Horizontal Falls in Western Australia

Vertical waterfalls – also known as waterfalls – are great, sure. But have you seen a horizontal waterfall? Situated in the remote Kimberley region, Talbot Bay’s Horizontal Falls flow horizontally in both directions, depending on the tidal currents. Seawater flows between two very narrow coastal gorges, causing the natural phenomenon. You can view the falls from the air or with a high-speed boat adventure.

Have you explored any of these unusual places to visit or things to do in Australia? Share your Australian hidden gems with us in the comments….

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Australia’s strangest tourist attractions

Australia isn’t all just gorgeous beaches and wild bushland, sure, there’s plenty of that to enjoy – but there’s also some very unusual attractions for you to discover.

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Across Australia, there’s so many wacky and wonderful places to explore. Despite being a relatively young country, we’ve got our fair share of haunted houses, museums and asylums to visit (if you’re brave enough). Then there’s our never-ending list of ‘big things’, with giant spiders, sheep and lobsters scattered throughout our regional towns. Simply put, we’ve got it all. Read on to discover what weird attractions you need to visit.

NSW UNUSUAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

MONTE CRISTO HOMESTEAD

If you ever find yourself near the town of Junee, pop into Australia’s most haunted house – the Monte Cristo Homestead. Built in 1884, throughout the years there have been reported sightings of a woman in Victorian era dress walking along the veranda to bloodstained steps, which just so happens to be where a former maid of the household once fell.

Nothing makes a road trip more fun than spotting something giant alongside the road – fortunately NSW has plenty of big things to check out! In Urana you’ll spot the Big Spider on an old grain silo. Goulburn is home to the Big Merino; Coffs Harbour boasts the famous Big Banana; and just outside of Newcastle is the Big Kookaburra.

QLD UNUSUAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

CANE TOAD WORLD

There’s nothing more unusual than a tourist attraction dedicated to a national pest. Cane Toad World in Cairns is located in the small town of Gordonvale, and is an ode to the pesky invasive species. Here, you will find a cane toad-themed playground and a mural.

SA UNUSUAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE

Mount Gambier’s Umpherston sinkhole was once a cave that collapsed in the 1800s. Today, it is a lush, green oasis beneath the earth’s surface. Walk around and in the hole, and admire the beautiful gardens, hanging vines, and mysterious ‘Garden of Eden’ vibe this natural wonder gives off.

COOBER PEDY’S UNDERGROUND HOUSES

As you drive north of Adelaide towards Alice Springs, you’ll notice a stretch of desert – home to an underground mining town and 80 per cent of Australia’s opals. Coober Pedy was built soon after WWII by returning Australian soldiers looking for a chance to make it big, but escape the heat. Hostels, hotels, restaurants, the local church and more are all located below ground.

WA UNUSUAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

NAMBUNG DESERT

Just an hour north of Perth is the Western Australian Nambung Desert – home to the bizarre Pinnacles. These large, eerie limestone rock formations look like you’ve stepped onto Mars, but there’s a lot more to these natural wonders than meets the eye. The indigenous owners of the land claim that the rocks represent the large number of locals that died in the desert’s quick sand. The rock formations now serve as a warning to locals to steer clear of the desert. You can walk around them, but perhaps keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

FREEMANTLE ARTS CENTRE

If you ever find yourself at the Fremantle Arts Centre and hear the sound of laughter and crying, or perhaps find misty figures appearing in your photographs – you’re not the only one. Formerly an asylum for the criminally insane, it’s said this art gallery is indeed haunted. A paranormal investigator who once visited the building claimed he was overpowered by the stench of flesh burning in an area that was used to administer electric shock treatment to patients. It’s spooky stuff.

VIC UNUSUAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

BEECHWORTH ASYLUM

As far as haunted destinations go, Australia’s got plenty. It’s estimated that over 9000 patients died during their stay at Beechworth asylum in Victoria. Several years ago, a 10-year old boy on a ghost tour with his parents was seen talking to himself. When his parents asked who he was talking to, he said he was talking to a boy called James. After doing some research, they soon made the creepy discovery there was a child by the same name who died at the asylum.

TARRAWARRA MUSEUM OF ART

If you want a left-of-centre museum experience, head to Tarrawarra museum of Art. Located in the beautiful Yarra Valley wine region, the museum covers a diverse range of stimulating and innovative Australian and international art.

TAS UNUSUAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

PORT ARTHUR

Dubbed ‘hell on earth’ by its convict prisoners, Port Arthur is believed to be one of the most active haunted locations in the southern hemisphere. During its 47 years as a convict settlement, over 1000 inmates perished, and it’s said their souls still linger. In the last 20 years, around 2000 paranormal incidents and counting have been recorded. The museum even has an unusual occurrence form to fill out if it happens to you. At twilight, embark on a 90-minute lantern-lit ghost tours.

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Busselton Jetty, WA © Tourism Western Australia and @ospreycreative

Australia’s most unique destinations

The Great Ocean Road, Sydney Opera House and The Great Barrier Reef aren’t the only destinations in Australia that need to be on your bucket list.

By Bonnie Jackson

Australia is well-known for our unique wildlife. But did you know that our landscapes, history and natural attractions are just as special? Delve into our history when you connect with the world’s oldest living culture or discover adventure when you 4WD on the beaches of the biggest sand island in the world. 

It's time to shake up that bucket list. So pack your wide-brimmed hat and your sense of adventure and add these unique destinations to your next Australian holiday.

Eli Creek, K’gari, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

The world’s largest sand island, K’gari  (formerly Fraser Island) is prime for adventure-seekers of all ages. It’s equal parts wild and luxe, offering experiences and accommodation that will bring you closer to nature. You can run wild on the 4WD driving tracks, hike the famous K'gari Great Walk and spot Australian wildlife in their natural habitat (K’gari is known for its wild dingo population and migrating whales). Or take things slow with a float down Eli Creek, a relaxing swim in a natural spa or on a scenic helicopter ride.

Great for: Whale watching and 4WD adventures.

Read more about   Fraser Island

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Take a deep breath in, and slowly exhale. That feeling of calm is what you’ll find in the  Mornington Peninsula . Located only an hour south of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is home to luxurious spas, world-class wineries, luxurious accommodation and spectacular landscapes. Here, the art of self-indulgence is celebrated.

This unique destination will have you soaking up the sunshine next to a seal, diving with the dolphins and gliding from the natural thermal pools into a world-renowned restaurant in a matter of moments. All within easy reach of the city. There’s really no place quite like it.

Great for: World class wineries and food, hot springs and snorkelling.

Read more about the Mornington Peninsula

Mt Borradaile, Arnhemland, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

Located just beyond your wildest dreams (a three-hour drive from Darwin) you will discover one of the most unique destinations in the world; Kakadu National Park . Here you won’t just hike rugged escarpments or fly over waterfalls, you will also have the rare opportunity to learn about the world’s oldest living culture directly from Traditional Owners of the land, the Bininj/Mungguy people. Kakadu is an incredible experience all year round. In the wet season (November to March), it is a tropical wonderland teeming with wildlife, and in the dryer seasons (April to October) you will experience clear skies perfect for hiking.

Great for: Learning about Aboriginal culture and wildlife spotting.

Read more about Kakadu

Broome and Gantheaume Point

Gantheaume Point, Broome, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Broome is home to the world’s most sought-after pearls, cultivated right in the Kimberley. Learning how they are made (and buying a stunning keepsake) is an incredibly unique experience. The nearby Gantheaume Point is an ideal holiday spot if you are looking for a harmonious mix of exploration and relaxation in one destination. Stroll along the white sand beaches, perch on top of the red rock cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and discover the preserved 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints. Leading to Gantheaume Point, you will take in the breathtaking 22km (13mi) Cable Beach, which is largely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Australia. No trip to Broome is complete without the iconic experience of riding a camel along Cable Beach, so be sure to add this to your list!

Great for: Walking along the untouched landscape and exploring the ancient history of Australia.

Read more about Broome

Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park you will discover the awe-inspiring Wilpena Pound. A natural amphitheatre carved into an area that is eight times the size of Ulu r u, this landscape is more than 600 million years old, and it is waiting patiently for you to meet its rugged weathered peaks and rocky gorges. The scenic roads, prolific wildlife and challenging walking trails will have you on the most remarkable adventure of your life. Do it in style with a stay at one of the luxurious glamping accommodations, on a guided multi-day hike or with a scenic flight over the Pound. You can’t leave this magical place without understanding its history as told through the eyes of a local Aboriginal guide, so be sure to book a tour to hear first-hand how two serpents are responsible for forming this natural wonder.

Great for: Hiking adventures and stargazing nights.

Read more about the   Flinders Ranges

Castle Rock, Margaret River, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Not one day is the same in this picture-perfect pocket of Western Australia. Well-known as one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions, Margaret River is also an incredible destination for epic surfing, outdoor adventures, tranquil beaches, decadent food and indulgent spa retreats. Perch yourself upon the verdant green hills and sip the locally made wine as you absorb the unfathomable landscape that makes up the region. Or head closer to the shore for kayaking, abseiling, and the epic Cape to Cape Walk.

Great for: World-renowned food and wine, wellness retreats and natural surroundings.

Read more about Margaret River

Norfolk Island

Coastline, Norfolk Island © Tourism Australia

Rarely spotted on a world map,  Norfolk Island is a hidden gem with a lot to offer. Some of its incredible features include towering pine trees, quiet beaches just steps from a fringing coral reef, a thriving paddock-to-plate food scene and a fascinating history that dates all the way back to the 13th century. You’ll feel at home right away on this small island, where locals wave to passing cars and cows have right of way on the streets. From birdwatching to stargazing, Norfolk Island delights visitors from sunrise to after dark.

Great for: History buffs and nature-lovers looking for a quiet escape.

Read more about   Norfolk Island

Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, Tasmania © Stu Gibson

Discover epic nature, intriguing history and beautiful regional dining as you travel through Tasmania's north. Launceston is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding wine region, colourful lavender fields and the bright orange rocks of the Bay of Fires. In town, spot wallabies and birdlife as you wander the trails of Cataract Gorge before discovering the range of incredible dining options at hand. Spend a day in the Tamar Valley stopping in at wineries, strawberry farms and orchards before treating yourself to a lavender ice-cream at Bridestowe Lavender Estate.

If adventure is what you’re looking for, explore the 50km (31mi) sweep of bush-fringed shore that makes up the Bay of Fires. Take one of the walking trails that skirt the water’s edge to jump, climb and explore this colourful natural playground. You may even come across a wallaby, echidna, wombat, Tasmanian devil or a wedge-tailed eagle (they’re not hard to find).

Great for: Exploring the natural landscapes, mountain biking and sipping wine at world-renowned vineyards.

Read more about   Launceston and Surrounds

Whitsundays

Hill Inlet, Whitsundays, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Slow down the pace and unwind in one of Australia’s most spectacular destinations. The Whitsundays offers adventure and luxury on the Great Barrier Reef, so you can island hop in the footsteps of some of the world’s biggest celebrities, or head out to explore the underwater wonders of the Earth’s largest living thing. The pure white sands and swirling blue waters of Whitehaven Beach are mesmerising no matter how many times you’ve seen them, but don’t forget to try something new during your visit. Sail around the 74 islands, snorkel or scuba dive the outer reef or even spend the night above the coral.

Great for: Walking barefoot along one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and sailing the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Read more about   Whitsundays

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10 Strange Places You Need To Visit In Australia

Written by: Katie Tobias

It's a known fact that Australia is a large country and its diverse landscape continues to attract visitors year on year - beaches, islands, deserts, unique animals, reefs, rainforests and bustling cities. Australia, along with its down to earth locals - is like no where else on this planet! Don't believe us? Read on... here's a list of some mysterious places in Australia, our Top 10 Strange and Spooky places that are well worth a visit!

1. The Pinnacles

One hour north of Perth lies the Western Australian Nambung Desert. The desert is home to The Pinnacles - one of the many reasons why you should visit Western Australia. As you walk across the yellow sand, you will soon spot the kilometre wide collection of large, eerie limestone rock formations – resembling what can often be described as, ‘Life on Mars.’

The aboriginal owners of the land claim that the rocks represent the vast number of locals that historically died in the desert’s quick sand. The formations now serve as a warning to locals to steer clear of the creepy desert! If brave enough, you can walk throughout the Pinnacles Desert – not only do the limestone rocks provide a sight that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, the shadows cast by these rocks at sunset provide some pretty spectacular photo opportunities!

By Ruth Ellison from Canberra, Australia (Flickr) [ CC BY 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

2. Umpherston Sinkhole

The Umpherston sinkhole is located in Mt Gambier, South Australia. It was once a cave, which collapsed in the 1800s. Today, it is a lush green garden hidden beneath the earth’s surface.

By Thom Devereux (Own work) [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

3. Pink Lake

A few hours north of Perth on the Western Australian coastal drive, you will come across the strange pink waters of the Port Gregory Pink Lake. The lake’s algae and salt concentration causes the waters to turn a bright pink! TIP: There is actually a Pink Lake in Melbourne that has recently developed. The lake sits underneath the Western Gate Bridge and the best way to get there is by car or bike from Melbourne CBD. 

By Jebayventures (Own work) [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

4. The Devils Marbles

This eerie outback destination is said to be the oldest religious site in the world! The Devil’s Marbles are strange, circular, stacked rocks that can be found in the desert halfway between Alice Springs and Darwin. Known as Karlu Karlu by the lands traditional Aboriginal owners, the large, round granite rocks are scattered across a large valley; many of them ‘balancing’ upon one another.

5. The underground town of Coober Pedy

As you drive north of Adelaide towards Alice Springs, you will come across a strange stretch of red desert – home to an underground mining town and 80% of Australia’s opals.

Coober Pedy was established following WWI by returning Australian soldiers looking for the chance to make it big in the midst of the mining revolution. Whilst working in extreme heat, the soldiers soon realised that living underground would ward off most of the heat. Hostels, hotels, the local church, museum and restaurants are located underground!

By Thomas Schoch [ CC BY-SA 2.5 ], via Wikimedia Commons

6. Wolfe Creek Crater

We’ve all seen the movie and we’ve all struggled to sleep! Wolfe Creek is one of the most ‘obvious’ or ‘distinct’ crater holes in the world. Located in the Western Australian outback, the crater was created by a meteorite and discovered from space in the 1940s.

Photo by Stephan Ridgway - license

7. Daly Waters Pub

Want to experience the real outback? A beer with the Daly Water’s locals is a must do! To really experience the ‘vastness’ of the Australian landscape – a visit to an outback pub is essential.

Daly Waters Pub is decorated in travelling memorandum – urging all visitors to leave a little something behind – ID cards are stuck to the walls, international flags hang from the ceiling, bras and underwear dangle from the roof, a colourful Flip Flop Tree serves as the outdoor centrepiece and international coins and notes line the bar. Keen for a few beers? Spend the night in one of the pub’s tin cabins!

By Lakeyboy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

One of Australia’s first hippie communities can be found in the rainforest hinterland just west of Byron Bay. During the 1960s counter culture movement, a music and arts festival brought students, hippies & artists to Nimbin. The festival came to an end, but many of those that had attended agreed to stay on in Nimbin and form communes and a self sufficient community. The town today is home to a quirky population, rainbow flags, colourful arts and crafts stores and its very own hemp museum. Whip out the pen and add that to your  Byron Bay Bucket List !

By Mombas2 Peter Terry (Own work) [ CC BY-SA 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

9. Wycliffe Well

This tiny town claims to be the UFO Capital of Australia. As you arrive into Wycliffe Well, you will be welcomed by two large alien statues. This town is located in the middle of nowhere - adding to the strange atmosphere! The locals will tell you that UFO sightings have been a regular occurrence since the town’s establishment following WWII.

Pavel Špindler [ CC BY 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

10. Port Arthur Ghost Town

Port Arthur, a historical convict settlement located near Hobart, Tasmania, is spooky by day, let alone by night. In 1833, the town became a prison to Britain’s hardest criminals. Today, Port Arthur is a World Heritage Listed site that claims to be the most haunted destination in Australia. Torture cells, prison buildings, an onsite hospital, asylum and town centre line the river and offer tales of suicide, mistreatment and horror stories. Ghost Tours are offered at sunset!

Photo by Andrew Braithwaite - license

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Top 10 Weird And Unusual Tourist Attractions In Australia

Deep down (or down under), I knew Australia was going to feature some of the weirdest tourist attractions in the world . But not even my own imagination could have come up with just how crazy and unusual this lot are…

10 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

This unique garden is set over 160 acres and is considered one of the most mystical attractions in Australia. Looking at this sculpture, I would agree with that.

9 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

These weird looking grass trees are very much a part of the Australian landscape. But a strange and unusual part that is for sure.

8 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

Even today scientists are not sure why this lake is pink and no tour of Australia’s weirdness would be the same without paying a visit to it.

7 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

This weird looking topographic feature is clearly visible and it is believed that it is the eroded remnant of a very ancient meteorite impact crater!

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6 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

It will come as little surprise to learn that Homebush Bay was once used as a ship-breaking yard. But what is amazing is the ships that remain are now wildlife sanctuaries!

5 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

While the sinking library is one of the better ones there are lots of sinking things statues located outside the State Library. Apparently, they are all campus lore stories about failed architectural design.

4 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

Located in not just one place, but over 150 of them, the big things of Australia are large structures that began as tourist traps, but they are now a cult phenomenon with thousands of people touring them each and every year.

3 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

The tessellated pavement at Eaglehawk Neck is a beautiful and rugged terrain that might look man-made, but it is 100% natural.

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2 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

The Horizontal Falls is the name given to a natural phenomenon on the coast of the Kimberley region. You can even take a boat ride UP the waterfall!!!

1 – Original Source: >> Discover More <<

Located 240 kilometres east of Darwin in Australia’s tropical north is the Kakadu National Park with some very colourful sections that draw thousands of tourists each and every year.

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Jul 22, 2023

Australia is a land of dreams. According to Aboriginal legend, in the Dreamtime, the great spirits created its thriving coral reefs, luxuriant rainforests, and red-earthed deserts. Today, these spectacular ecosystems host some of the quirkiest wildlife on the planet and lure nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the globe.

Australia is also a land of staggering contrasts and spectacular beauty. Along the coast, you can explore vibrant cities, vast sand islands, and one of the planet's most awe-inspiring natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef. In the Outback, rugged national parks and remote deserts offer the ultimate travel adventures rich with Indigenous history.

Top it all off with a laid-back feel and friendly people, and it's no wonder Australia scores top billing on bucket lists around the world. Bring your travel dreams to life and plan the best places to visit with this list of the top attractions in Australia.

1. Sydney Opera House, New South Wales

2. great barrier reef marine park, queensland, 3. uluru-kata tjuta national park, northern territory, 4. sydney harbour bridge, new south wales, 5. blue mountains national park, new south wales, 6. melbourne's culture, victoria, 7. bondi beach, new south wales, 8. daintree national park, queensland, 9. k'gari (fraser island), queensland, 10. kakadu national park, northern territory, 11. great ocean road, victoria, 12. broome, western australia, 13. kangaroo island, south australia, 14. cradle mountain-lake st. clair national park, tasmania, 15. horizontal falls & the kimberley region, 16. train trips across the outback.

Mention "Sydney, Australia" and most people think of the Opera House. Shaped like huge shells or billowing sails, this famous building on Sydney's Bennelong Point graces the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the world's great architectural icons.

The location is stunning. Water surrounds the structure on three sides, and the Royal Botanic Gardens border it to the south.

Danish architect, Jørn Utzon won an international competition for its design but withdrew from the project after technical and financing problems. Construction was finally completed in 1973 at a cost of 10 times the original budget. By this time, Utzon had left the country, never returning to see his magnificent creation.

Today, you can enjoy a performance here, dine at one of the restaurants, or see the highlights of the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour. The structure encompasses theaters, studios, a concert hall, exhibition rooms, and a cinema.

Touring the interior of the Sydney Opera House is rewarding, but its striking architecture is perhaps best appreciated from a distance. One of the best sites to photograph this top Sydney tourist attraction is Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Better still, hop aboard a harbor cruise or ferry and capture a photo from the water as you glide past.

In 2023, the Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a packed calendar of special events. During your visit, be sure to check out the newly renovated Concert Hall, part of an almost $300-million "Decade of Renewal."

Author's Tips: If you're visiting Sydney in late May/early June, you can see the white sails of the opera house light up after dark at the Vivid Sydney festival each year.

You can't leave Australia without seeing the Great Barrier Reef. This World Heritage-listed natural wonder is one of the largest living structures on the planet . It's so vast, you can see it from outer space. For divers, snorkelers, island aficionados, and nature lovers, it's a bucket list destination .

In 1975, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established to protect its fragile ecosystems. These include more than 3,000 coral reefs; 600 continental islands, including the beautiful Whitsunday group ; 300 coral cays; and inshore mangrove islands.

One of the seven wonders of the natural world , the park stretches for 2,300 kilometers along the state of Queensland, on Australia's east coast (that's about the distance between Mexico and Vancouver).

Not surprisingly, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places to visit in Australia for diving and snorkeling. The astounding array of marine life includes soft and hard corals, more than 1,600 species of tropical fish, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays, and giant clams. Prefer to stay dry? You can see the reef from underwater viewing stations and glass bottom boats.

Travelers have many options for visiting the Great Barrier Reef . You can cruise around the islands, hop aboard a sightseeing flight, take day trips to the islands, or snorkel and dive the reefs. On the mainland, the main launching points for tours are Cairns , Port Douglas , and Airlie Beach .

Deep in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Uluru ( formerly Ayers Rock ), is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the country. The striking red monolith forms the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , a World Heritage Site jointly managed by Parks Australia and the traditional landowners, the Aṉangu people.

Uluru, meaning "shadowy place" in the local Aboriginal dialect, rises to a height of 348 meters from the surrounding plain. Most of its bulk is hidden beneath the Earth's surface.

Also in the park, about a 30-minute drive from Uluru, are the red dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (formerly called the Olgas). Equally impressive as their more famous neighbor, and often less crowded, they should not be missed while you are in the park. You can admire their beauty on the 2.6-kilometer-return trek to Walpa Gorge or the 7.4-kilometer Valley of the Winds circuit.

Prime time for photographing these striking landforms is at sunset, when visitors gather to watch the colors of Uluru and Kata Tjuta transform in the shifting light.

Note: In 2019, the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park board outlawed climbing Uluru out of respect for the Anangu people, the traditional owners. The best way to appreciate these sacred sites is on walks led by Aboriginal guides and rangers.

Along with the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's top architectural icons. Affectionately called "the Coathanger," this impressive feat of construction is the largest steel arch bridge in the world . It was completed in 1932, 40 years before the Sydney Opera House.

Rising 134 meters above the harbor, the bridge spans 500 meters, connecting Sydney's North Shore to the central business district. In addition to the pedestrian path, two railway lines extend over the bridge, as well as eight lanes for road traffic, and the direction of each lane can be switched to accommodate traffic flow.

One of the top things to do in Sydney is a guided ascent to the top of the bridge. Standing on its summit, connected only by a carabiner, you can breathe in spectacular 360-degree views of the harbor and city. It's a great way to truly appreciate the layout of the city as you gaze out over the fingers of water that snake their way into beautiful blue bays.

For an overview of the bridge's history and construction, visit the museum on the southeastern pier.

Fun fact: Paul Hogan, of Crocodile Dundee fame, worked as a painter on the bridge before rocketing to international stardom.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sydney

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , beautiful Blue Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise and a popular day trip from Sydney . It lies an easy 81-kilometer drive west of the city.

Named for the blue haze emanating from the many eucalyptus trees, this stunning park protects more than 664,000 acres of wilderness. On a visit here, you can explore dramatic gorges, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock paintings, and 140 kilometers of hiking trails.

The most famous attractions in Blue Mountains National Park are the towering sandstone rock formations called the Three Sisters . Other highlights include the Katoomba Scenic Railway , the world's steepest, which whisks passengers down the Jamison Valley through a cliff-side tunnel into an ancient rainforest; and the Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway, which all offer elevated views of the dense forests.

Hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in the park.

Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, is a popular stop on many Australian itineraries — especially for culture vultures. Galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops, and its distinctly European feel are the main draws of this sophisticated city on the Yarra River.

It's also a green city, with parks, gardens, and open spaces occupying almost a third of its total area.

The cultural highlights of Melbourne are many. Gape at the masterpieces at the National Gallery of Victoria , watch a performance at Arts Centre Melbourne , or head to Federation Square . Here, you can browse Australian artworks at the Ian Potter Gallery and learn about the nation's screen culture at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) .

Feel like getting back to nature? Follow the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens . And if sports culture is top of your agenda, catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground . In summer, cricket is the sport of choice; in winter, it's Australian Rules football.

Melbourne is also rich in history. You can see it in the Grand Victorian buildings funded by the Gold Rush, and you can feel it as you shop in the elegant arcades and Queen Victoria Market , which has been selling goods to Melburnians for over a century.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

Bronzed bodies, blond sand, backpackers, and surf — throw it all together and you get one of the world's most famous beaches. Only 15 minutes by car from Sydney's city center, Bondi Beach is a great spot for a taste of Sydney's beach culture. Bask on the golden sands, surf the breaks, or take a cool dip on a hot summer's day (but stay between the flags).

Few cities in the world lay claim to such an enticing slice of sand and sea so close to the city. No wonder it's one of Sydney's best beaches . And you'll find some history here, too: Bondi hosts one of the oldest Surf Life Saving Clubs in the world .

Away from the shore, you'll find plenty of things to do in Bondi. Take a stroll along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. It begins at the southern end of the beach and follows the coastline for six scenic kilometers along sandstone cliffs. You can also hunt for bargains at the Sunday markets or swim some laps in the ocean pool. And if you work up an appetite, you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.

One of the best places for a meal with a view at Bondi Beach is the famous Icebergs dining room. The menu spotlights modern Italian cuisine, and you can enjoy a meal of fresh-cooked fish watching the waves wash over the ocean pool.

Bondi also has a wild side. Crowds of tourists and locals gather here to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. It's a favorite spot for travelers.

A word to the wise: If you're taking a dip at Bondi, make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags. Strong rip tides often sweep unsuspecting swimmers out to sea, especially at the southern end of this kilometer-long strand. There's a reason the Aussies made a reality TV show called Bondi Rescue .

A Wet Tropics World Heritage Area , Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland is among the most ancient ecosystems on Earth. The area belongs to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, and many of its natural features hold great spiritual significance.

The park encompasses two main sections: Mossman Gorge, where crystal-clear waters gush over granite boulders, and Cape Tribulation, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia. Here, rainforest meets reef along the white sandy beaches of the Coral Sea. This stunning stretch of coast is one of the few places in the world where two of the planet's richest ecosystems converge.

The park's astounding biodiversity includes more than 18,000 plant species and a vast array of animal species, including the cassowary, crocodile, giant blue Ulysses butterfly, and the secretive Bennett's tree kangaroo.

The resort town of Port Douglas just south of the park, is a great base to arrange wilderness safaris into the park.

World Heritage-listed K'Gari (Fraser Island) is one of the most unique places to visit in Australia. Sitting between Bundaberg and Brisbane off Australia's east coast, this is the largest sand island in the world . Here, you'll find seemingly endless stretches of sand and sea, turquoise lakes, emerald rainforests, rippling dunes, and fascinating wildlife.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? A 4WD trip along its surf-thrashed shores is one of Australia's top outdoor adventures . Along windswept Seventy Five Mile Beach , you can see the rusted hulls of shipwrecks, the colored sandstone cliffs of The Cathedrals , and the bubbling fish-filled rock pools called Champagne Pools .

Thirty years ago, you could drive for miles and not see another soul. Today the beach can feel like a sandy highway, with a steady stream of 4WD vehicles and tourist buses plying the sands.

Venturing inland on the rugged tracks is a good way to escape the beach traffic during the peak summer months. Highlights include crystal-clear freshwater creeks and lakes, some fed by springs, others perched amid towering sand dunes; and ancient rainforests filled with an amazing diversity of plants and animals.

Sharks, dolphins, and whales swim these waters, and on land, you can see dingoes, bats, sugar gliders, and more than 300 species of birds.

Nature lovers will find plenty of other things to do on K'Gari Fraser Island . Hop aboard a whale watching trip, take a sunset cruise, hike the rainforest trails at Central Station , float down Eli Creek, or soar over the striking landscapes on a scenic flight.

Access to Fraser Island is by ferry from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay , the two main gateway towns. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential, as the island has no sealed roads.

When it comes to wilderness areas, Kakadu National Park showcases the best of Australia. Covering more than 19,840 square kilometers in the Northern Territory, it's the second-largest national park in the world .

Within its borders, you can explore monsoon rainforests, mangrove swamps, rivers, gorges, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and waterfalls.

Kakadu is also home to an astounding diversity of wildlife. In addition to the many mammals, reptiles, and fish, more than 300 different species of birds make their home here, and both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles lurk in the wetlands.

To explore the park's diverse ecosystems, hop aboard a cruise along the waterways, or hike the vast network of trails. You can also take a scenic flight.

Visiting Kakadu National Park from Darwin is easy during the dry season. It's about a three-hour drive from the Northern Territory capital. In the wet season (Nov-April), many roads and attractions close due to heavy flooding, but the waterfalls and wetlands can be at their best.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia's Northern Territory

Great Ocean Road is one of the world's top scenic drives. Built to provide employment during the Depression, the road stretches for 300 kilometers along Australia's rugged southeast coast, winding along plunging sea cliffs. It stretches from the surfing town of Torquay to the town of Allansford , near Warrnambool .

One of the top attractions of Great Ocean Road is Port Campbell National Park . This is where you can see the wind- and wave-sculpted rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles , London Bridge , the Arch , and Loch Ard Gorge . From the air, these rock formations look like giant puzzle pieces adrift along the coast, lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean.

You'll find plenty of rewarding things to do along Great Ocean Road. Stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum at Torquay, surf the famous swells at Bells Beach, linger in the seaside resort of Lorne, or go whale watching in Warrnambool .

Nature lovers will also enjoy exploring the eucalyptus forests, fern-filled rainforests, hiking trails, and waterfalls in Otway National Park .

Author's Tip: If you're short on time, my favorite way to experience Great Ocean Road is on a helicopter ride along the coast. Gazing down at the giant rock formations carved from the coast by wind and water is a humbling experience. Lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean, the rock formations look like giant puzzle pieces adrift on a turbulent sea.

Broome, in Western Australia's north, was once the pearl capital of the world. Today, it's a booming tourist town and the gateway to the spectacular Kimberley region.

Broome's star tourist attraction is Cable Beach. This seemingly endless stretch of white sand and turquoise water is one of Australia's best beaches , and riding camels at sunset is one of the most popular things to do here.

Tourists also flock to Town Beach to witness the Staircase to the Moon. This phenomenon occurs during certain conditions between March and October, where the moonlight creates an optical illusion of steps leading to the moon.

Other Broome highlights include the red cliffs of Gantheaume Point, and the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, where you can get up close to crocs, cassowaries, and kangaroos. If you're looking for things to do in town, you can brush up on some local history at the Broome Historical Museum or catch a movie in a deck chair under a star-studded sky at Sun Pictures.

Pearl farm tours, whale watching trips, and Kimberley adventures are also high on the things-to-do list in Broome.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Western Australia

Nature takes center stage at Kangaroo Island. On this unspoiled island off South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, kangaroos hop along the powdery shores, sea lions and penguins frolic in the crystal-clear waters, and koalas cling to the fragrant eucalyptus trees.

Diving is also excellent. You can spot sea dragons in the temperate waters, and dive shipwrecks off the island's coast.

Kangaroo Island's top attractions are made by Mother Nature. See the striking, wind-sculpted rock formations, known as the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park . Explore vast cave systems. Surf towering dunes and look for wildlife on scenic hiking trails along soaring sea cliffs and through pristine forests.

Foodies, too, will be in heaven. Creamy cheeses, Ligurian honey, and fresh seafood grace the plates in local restaurants.

To get here, you can fly direct to the island from Adelaide, or catch a ferry from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Kangaroo Island is recovering well from the 2020 bushfires. In fact, several new eco-friendly lodges are slated to open here in 2023.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Australia

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is one of Tasmania's tourism treasures and a nirvana for nature lovers. Sparkling lakes, serrated dolerite peaks, alpine heathland, and dense forests characterize the raw, glacier-carved wilderness here. One of the park's most distinctive features is the 1,616-meter Mount Ossa , the highest point in Tasmania.

As you might expect, hiking here is fantastic. Favorite trails include the Weindorfer Walk , a six-kilometer loop through dense forests, and Lake Dove Walk , with breathtaking vistas of Cradle Mountain (1,545 meters). Stand on the summit of Cradle Mountain, and you can soak up stunning views of the central highlands. Experienced hikers can also tackle the famous 80-kilometer Overland Track , which runs south from Cradle Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair , Australia's deepest lake.

While you're exploring the park, keep an eye out for Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, pademelons, and platypus among the many species of weird and wonderful wildlife.

Adventures abound in the Kimberley. Covering Australia's northwest corner, this remote and rugged region of red rocks, gaping gorges, scorched deserts, and cliff-fringed coast is ripe for exploring.

One of the top adventures in the Kimberley is the Horizontal Falls. Powerful tides of up to 11 meters gush through two narrow gorges, creating this jaw-dropping phenomenon. Hop aboard a jet boat and zoom across the sea through the seething falls.

Broome is the gateway. From here, you can soar along scarlet sea cliffs and gaze down upon the 800-plus islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Fly farther north to the wild beaches of Cape Leveque, and visit remote pearl farms and Aboriginal communities. Take a 4WD safari along the Gibb River Road , one of Australia's most famous 4WD tracks.

The Kimberley is also home to the spectacular Mitchell Falls and UNESCO-listed Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park . These spectacular beehive-shaped rock formations were only discovered in 1983. Hike the trails, visit sacred Aboriginal ceremonial sites and rock paintings, or soar over the park on a scenic flight and visit the Argyle Diamond mine.

Driving through the Outback can be tough logistically — the distances are vast across this sun-scorched desert region, and you can drive for days without seeing another soul. But gliding through on a luxury train makes exploring Australia's red-hot heart a breeze. It's also a great way to see multiple Aussie attractions in one trip.

You have several train trips to choose from depending on where you want to go. One of the best is the Indian Pacific , Australia's longest train journey. This four-day luxury train trip travels between Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, whisking you across three states in four days.

Highlights include the Blue Mountains, Broken Hill's art galleries, South Australia's pink lakes, the seemingly neverending Nullabor Plain, and a series of mouthwatering foodie experiences. You can also upgrade your experience with a post-trip tour of vibrant Perth.

Hop aboard The Ghan for another iconic Aussie train trip. From the comfort of a luxury cabin, you can gaze out on the elemental beauty of the desert, while you traverse some of the most remote areas in Australia, including the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy and the Flinders Ranges. Choose between three different routes : Adelaide to Darwin (three days and two nights), Adelaide to Alice Springs (two days and one night), or Darwin to Alice Springs (two days and one night). All these trips can also be taken in reverse.

And if a shorter trip is more your style, opt for the Spirit of the Outback . This 26-hour journey travels from Brisbane to Longreach , in Outback Queensland, where you can delve into some Aussie nostalgia at heritage mining towns like Blackwater and Emerald and visit the Stockmen's Hall of Fame in Longreach.

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52 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Darwin, Australia

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Australia’s northernmost city perched in the warm tropical climate of the Northern Territory, Darwin has a rich history — being the traditional home of the Larrakia indigenous Australians, as well as the site of Australia’s largest military attack.

A trip to the city will give you an opportunity to learn about the aboriginal Australians, try their traditional food and see ancient cave paintings. There is also a rich military history with many sites and artifacts from the 1942 air raids during World War II.

Named after Charles Darwin, the famous British naturalist, animal lovers will enjoy close encounters with crocodiles, wallabies, and dingos, whether it’s in the mountain hikes through Kakadu or Litchfield National Parks, or from the abundant natural escapes within the city.

There’s no shortage of natural wonders to discover in Darwin, such as feeding crocodiles and swimming in pristine waterfalls which are some of the things you can enjoy while in town.

Read on to find all the best things to do in Darwin when you take a trip to the capital of the Northern Territory of Australia!

1 – Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove

See the country’s largest saltwater crocodiles, as well as plenty of other marine life at the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, Crocosaurus Cove right in the heart of the city in Darwin.

One of the most popular attractions here is the Cage of Death , which is the only crocodile dive in Australia, where you swim alongside these reptiles from the safety of a glass cage.

If swimming with crocodiles is a bit too hardcore for you, consider the other thrilling experience of feeding crocodiles , and even getting a selfie with a baby croc afterward!

• Crocosaurus Cove tickets

2 – See the city on a hop on hop off bus

This sightseeing double-decker bus stops at key landmarks around the city, with tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours — a great way to see a lot of the city in a short period of time.

These hop-on-hop-off buses give you access to two different routes, stopping at all the important places around town such as the waterfront precinct and the Darwin Military Museum.

• bus tours in Darwin

3 – Spot the animals at Crocodylus Park

Visiting this premier wildlife conservation center is one of the exciting things to do in Darwin.

Founded by world-renowned Biologist Professor Grahame Webb, Crocodylus Park is home to several species of crocodile, as well as a huge amount of other native Australian animals (and a few from afar as well).

Hop on the thrilling boat cruise, where you can experience a live crocodile feed as they leap right out of the water for their food!

4 – Unwind on a Litchfield National Park day tour

A popular day trip from Darwin, Litchfield National Park, also known as the Lost City, is full of waterfalls, rock pools and rivers.

You can hop on an early morning tour to avoid the crowds and be taken on a cruise down the Adelaide River that passes through the national park, stopping at Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls and Florence Falls along the way.

• Litchfield National Park tours

5 – Grab some finger food at Parap Village Markets

In the heart of Parap Village , just moments from Darwin’s center, you can find a market that runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a feast of food and drinks with tropical flavors and local produce.

There is also live ambient music and many stalls that sell locally made crafts, making this an ideal place to pick up a souvenir.

6 – Wander through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Located 2 kilometers north of the city, this 42-hectare botanical garden houses mostly native Northern Australian tropical plants.

There’s a free self-guided walking tour that teaches you all about the various tree species, as well as the traditional uses of native plants by the indigenous people.

In addition, you’ll also witness local wildlife in the garden, from the Rufous owl to bush chooks, possums, and much more!

7 – Leap into a jumping crocodile cruise

On an hour tour from Darwin along the Adelaide River, you’ll be able to find the local jumping crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Transport to and from the city is included in the tour package, and you’ll get to see the crocodiles leap out of the water as they are fed!

Traveling with kids? Take them to meet some of the wild residents, from meerkats, monkeys, and dingos.

• jumping crocodile cruises in Darwin

8 – Cruise over to Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls

For those wanting to get closer to nature, heading out to Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls on a day trip is one of the best things to do in Darwin. You can take a tour to cruise through Katherine Gorge, where you’ll find freshwater crocodiles, and visit the crystal clear waters of Edith Falls where you can go for an afternoon swim.

You’ll also get the opportunity to explore the 292,000 hectares of Nitmiluk National Park to observe indigenous rock paintings.

• Katherine Gorge tours

9 – Spot some crocodiles at Corroboree Billabong

Bring your camera to this wild ride! Corroboree Billabong is known to be the largest saltwater river which yields a large variety of exotic wildlife, including the largest group of saltwater crocodiles.

Located in the Mary River Wetlands , make sure to book a boat experience, and glide safely through the wetlands with the guidance and knowledge of a tour guide!

If you choose accordingly, some tours will include lunch on board!

• Corroboree Billabong tours

10 – Relax in the shade of Berry Springs Nature Park

A huge reserve filled with native flowers and birds, Berry Springs has a large number of military artifacts from when there were 100,000 armed soldiers based there during the Second World War.

Make sure to bring your swimwear to jump into the pool, taken straight out of a movie, surrounded by natural wildlife.

March to April is one of the best times to visit when all the flowers and plants come into bloom!

11 – Explore the Darwin Military Museum

At the Darwin Military Museum , you’ll be able to learn all about the city’s involvement in the Second World War.

The highlight of a visit to the museum is the interactive “Defence of Darwin” where you can see what happened on the day 188 Japanese air bombers attacked the city.

Open 7 days a week, tickets start at $20 AUD for adults and $10 AUD for children.

12 – Head out on a Kakadu National Park & Nourlangie day tour

In Kakadu National Park, which is full of indigenous cultural sites and landmarks, you can learn all about the native people of Australia.

As you cruise down the Yellow Billabong through the national park, the key stops include the ancient aboriginal art at Nourlangie , also known as the cave museum.

Considering that full-day excursions are available from Darwin, a scenic lunch is provided on the tour, in the middle of nature.

• Kakadu National Park tours

13 – Stroll down Stokes Hill Wharf

Strolling along the Stokes Hill Wharf, which was built in the 1950s, will give you an insight into the city’s history and throughout its progress since the war.

This functioning wharf welcomes everyone to walk the seaside platforms and watch cruise ships and yachts come and go. You can also do recreational fishing, shopping, dining and drinking while enjoying live music.

Directions in Google Maps

14 – Learn about the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS Darwin)

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a renowned medical service that deploys doctors around remote parts of Australia where patients can’t reach hospitals.

At the RFDS tourist facility, you can get a backstage pass to see how this unique service works, and also get a virtual reality experience that shows you the life of a flying doctor!

Tickets start at $12.50 AUD for adults and for children ages 5-12 it’s $6 AUD, or check out the tour packages for convenience and extra bonuses.

• Royal Flying Doctor Service tours

15 – Get some waves at Darwin Waterfront Precinct

The Darwin Waterfront Precinct sits right alongside the city and is home to Recreation Lagoon , Darwin’s only man-made lagoon — with lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It still contains marine life, but it is built to keep stingers and sharks out, keeping you safe!

There’s also the Wave Lagoon , which covers 4,000 square meters of land and conducts regular wave programs for those who enjoy a light surf.

16 – Catch a barramundi at Mary River National Park

A natural sanctuary for wildlife, Mary River National Park is full of bushwalks and four-wheel driving tracks. One of the highlights of this park is the fishing spot Shady Camp, known for its great barramundi fishing.

For those interested in history, there’s also a 6 kilometers walk in Point Stuart Coastal Reserve that heads out to Stuart’s Memorial Cairn.

17 – Learn about indigenous culture on a Tiwi Islands day tour

You can find the indigenous community of the Wurramiyanga people on the Tiwi Islands which can be reached on a ferry from Darwin.

A tour will take you to and from the islands, showing you a traditional smoking ceremony, as well as the beauty of the area led by a local Tiwi guide.

As tours typically last the whole day, a communal lunch cooked over the fire is provided.

• Tiwi Islands tours

18 – Be guided around Arnhem Land on a day trip

Arnhem Land is a vast wilderness 500 kilometers north of Darwin, right at the top of Australia. Day trips to the area are fully guided by indigenous people, giving you a true insight into the culture of the native people of Australia.

Working with the indigenous population of Darwin and Arnhem Land, it is the only tour to allow you access to the highly protected Injalak Hill, which contains ancient aboriginal paintings.

• Arnhem Land tours

19 – Indulge on a food tour

Darwin has a large variety of places to eat and cuisines to try, so a food tour makes it easy to sample them all.

Each tour is different, but you’ll always be taken to three of the best places around the city to try anything from fresh seafood to traditional bush tucker. You’ll get a sample plate at each destination, so you can be sure you’ve tasted the best food on offer in Darwin.

• food tours in Darwin

20 – Navigate to the Magnetic Termite Mounds

In Litchfield National Park, 120 kilometers south of Darwin, you can find enormous, 2-meter high termite mounds that serve as giant magnetic compasses. Their walls point north and south, and provide a perfect environment for the termite populations.

There are also 4-meter high mounds known as cathedrals found nearby, built by another species of termite.

To get the best views, walk through the elevated boardwalk, and don’t forget to bring your camera!

21 – Get your adrenaline pumping on a jet ski

A jet ski tour with a knowledgeable guide is one of the best things to do in Darwin for thrill-seekers.

Your guide not only can race around the shoreline of the city at great speeds, but also point out the passing marine life as you zip around. Everything from sunscreen to refreshment is covered on this tour, making it great for those short on time!

If you want to get involved in water sports in the Northern Territory of Australia, Darwin Ski Club is one of the best-known places to go.

At the club, you can hop on a wakeboard, go scuba diving or even paddle a canoe. There’s also a waterside restaurant and bar for refreshments after a day on the water.

• jet ski in Darwin

22 – Head over to Mindil Beach

People flock to this shoreline in the Darwin suburb of The Gardens for a perfect sunset view in the central business district.

It also hosts the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets during the dry season between May and October. With over 200 stalls of local craft and produce, as well as live entertainment, the markets are open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays.

23 – Unwind at Darwin Trailer Boat Club

Darwin’s oldest seaside club that began in 1958, the Darwin Trailer Boat Club faces west, which makes it a perfect place to watch the sun go down after a day of fishing or sailing around the shoreline.

The food on offer is all inspired by local produce and fresh fish, making it a great spot for dinner or lunch.

24 – Fly above Kakadu on an airplane tour

The landscape of Kakadu National Park is so expansive that sometimes it is best experienced from the air.

Hop on an airplane tour that soars over the millions of years old terrain, and spots the flowing waters of Jim Jim Falls and the rocky cliffs of Arnhem Land.

For as low as $170 AUD, feel like a bird, while listening to the knowledge that your pilot shares with you. Private and non-private tours are available.

• airplane tours in Darwin

25 – Meet the local animals at Territory Wildlife Park

Regarded as the most comprehensive collection of local wildlife in the Northern Territory, this park has habitats that are open to the public.

You can walk through the aviary and wander through the lagoon, watching the animals move past you.

From native fish, the Australian Pelican, and the Darwin Carpet Python, to learning about nocturnal animals, everyone from children to adults will enjoy the fascinating animals living at the Territory Wildlife Park.

26 – Find some local art at the Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery

If you want to know more about the indigenous people of Australia, check out their visual art housed at the Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery .

The aboriginal people have been producing art for over 40,000 years, so you’ll find a rich artistic history if you pay this gallery a visit. You can also purchase any of the pieces as a traditional souvenir.

27 – Stop by Saint Mary’s Cathedral

Built in honor of Australian soldiers in World War II in 1958, Saint Mary’s Cathedral is one of the centers of Christianity in Darwin, as well as a war memorial to allied soldiers during the wars.

If you love history and architecture, stopping by and seeing the huge collection of stained glass windows is one of the best things to do in Darwin.

• city tours in Darwin

28 – Have High Tea in the garden at Eva’s Botanical Garden’s Cafe

Offering a myriad of delectable pastries, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and more, surrounded by the bountiful botany of the gardens, a meal at Eva’s Botanical Garden’s Cafe is anything but average.

After your meal, explore the space amply to find an amphitheater and the visitor center with exhibits showcasing native flora and fauna of the Northern Territory.

The cafe can be found inside George Brown Botanic Gardens.

29 – Walk around Bicentennial Park

For those looking to work up a sweat, Bicentennial Park has plenty of public exercise equipment, as well as great walking and cycling trails. Children can enjoy the

Be sure to stop by the USS Peary Memorial which pays tribute to the sunken USS Peary ship destroyed in 1942. The memorial consists of a plaque as well as one of the guns recovered from the shipwreck.

30 – Take a dip at Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs

Located in the northern part of the  Tijuwaliyn Hot Springs provides relaxing warm bathing experiences to tourists, with wildlife found along the Douglas River. If you want to experience this nature preserve more, camping is available on site. You can truly escape the chaos of the city and unwind in the Australian outback.

The traditional owners of the area — the Wagiman people — still perform ceremonies around here, so you might be able to learn about the native culture as well!

31 – Discover the outback on a camping safari

If you hop on a three-day 4WD tour around Darwin, you’ll be taken to Litchfield, Kakadu and Yellow Water Billabong.

You’ll cover a lot of ground and immerse in the beauty of the Northern Territory, as you camp, swim in waterfalls and see indigenous art.

3-4 day safari excursions are available to venture onto the rugged nature of the Northern Territory, for your own choosing.

• jeep tours in Darwin

32 – See Darwin from the sky and water on an airboat

Riding an aircraft that can also travel on the water can be a great way to see Darwin from all angles. On an airboat tour , you can fly over the rocky terrain before plunging down and traveling alongside the crocodiles on the water. The trip lasts an hour and heads out from the convenient location of Stokes Hill Wharf.

Many airboat experiences include a BBQ buffet and drinks to enjoy onboard.

33 – Make a splash at Palmerston Water Park

A public water play facility with free admission, Palmerston Water Park has a 14-meter high racing water slide, a paddling pool for the young ones and plenty of barbecues and picnic areas for lunch.

It’s only an express six-minute train ride out of Darwin, making it an easy stop to make.

The Australian heat is no joke, so make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses!

34 – Jump on a World War II walking tour

In 1942, Darwin was struck by Japanese air raids in the heart of World War II. A walking tour or a boat tour takes you across all the key sites of the raid, as well as teaching you all about Darwin’s role in the war.

Also on a boat tour , you’ll see East Point Military Precinct, which is Australia’s only wartime battleground, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels and other important military sites.

• walking tours in Darwin

35 – Eat at the best restaurants

Situated in the East Point Nature Reserve, Pee Wee’s at the Point offers extraordinary nature views with incredible dining options.

Down for some wood-fired food? Head to Wharf One Food & Wine . Charlie’s of Darwin is the perfect place for a fancier dinner event, whether you’re there for a hearty dinner, or to drink a crafted cocktail in the lounge.

Hanuman Darwin takes the palette through Indian and Thai flavors, bringing to Darwin an incredible symphony of flavors to every plate.

Try the award-winning Char Restaurant , featuring quality at a variety of price points, and nothing short of scrumptious local foods.

36 – Feed the fish at Aquascene Sanctuary

Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary located on the shoreline of Darwin attracts over 70,000 visitors annually.

Feed the local species of fish, which have grown used to human interaction and are more than happy to come right up to you — and eat right out of the palm of your hand.

To view a fish feeding, make sure to book your tickets in advance on their website, starting at $15 AUD per adult.

37 – Discover the history of flight at Darwin Aviation Museum

Darwin Aviation Museum documents the history of flight and the development of airborne travel in Australia, with displays of planes and historical exhibits.

Learn all about the great air race from 1919 where the Australian Prime Minister offered 10,000 pounds to whoever could manage to make the trip from England to Australia in under 30 days.

Only 8 kilometers from downtown, tickets start at $16 AUD for adults, and for children under 12, $8 AUD.

38 – Fly above Darwin on a helicopter tour

This is the kind of experience where the designated driver is a pilot, who safely flies you across different incredible pubs throughout Darwin, for the ultimate, unique experience!

Helicopter pub crawls have reinvented the traditional pub crawl, by taking you to some of the most remote pubs in the outback, allowing you a glimpse into the rugged nature, while drinking up at the most fascinating pubs, ever.

Snap your photos with the ultimate background, for extra bragging rights.

• helicopter tours in Darwin

39 – Play a round of golf

With a lot of open space and countryside, Darwin has plenty of golf courses for players to try out when they are staying in the area.

Palmerston Golf Course has a professional-grade, 18 hole course and pro shop for picking up some golfing gear. Garden Parks Golf Links is famous for its mini-golf course, making it a great family-friendly location. Darwin Golf Club not only has a full 18 hole course but also on-site dining options, providing a full day out.

40 – Explore Charles Darwin National Park

Charles Darwin National Park contains a diverse range of local flora and fauna, as well as Aboriginal and World War II history.

This large nature reserve is home to 36 different species of mangrove trees across the Port Darwin Headland — one of Australia’s most important wetlands. There are also great trails for cycling or walking where you can find many historical sites along the way.

41 – Crack open some champagne on a sunset cruise

This three-hour sunset cruise takes you out from Darwin just as the sun heads down over the horizon.

Watch the sunset from the deck of the yacht or the comfort of the air-conditioned cabin on extra hot evenings. Sparkling wine and snacks are also provided, or you can also bring your own beverages onboard.

Due to its high popularity, make sure to book soon in order to save your spot securely.

• sunset cruise in Darwin

42 – Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Located in Bullocky Point in Darwin, the MAGNT is one of the best places to see the creations of local artists. It has a vast collection of cultural and scientific artifacts from the Northern Territory of Australia.

The gallery also has exhibitions that showcase the history of flora and fauna and other scientific discoveries in Darwin.

Check out their events calendar, with occasions where guests can participate in yoga at the beach and children can enjoy outdoor poetry readings.

43 – Let loose at Leanyer Recreation Park

If you want to relax and enjoy your time without spending money, this public park on Vanderlin Drive in the heart of the city can be your best option.

It has water slides, basketball courts and a skate park. There’s also an accessible playground and a walking trail, so everyone will have something to do if you head here!

44 – Catch some dinner on a fishing charter

Darwin has a lot of great fishing spots and getting a fishing charter can help get you there quickly and catch some fresh fish.

You can hop on a 21-foot aluminum boat and be taken to all the best spots around town, with all the equipment needed at your disposal.

Those who want to go all the way, look into booking a multi-day fishing safari from Darwin, for the ultimate fishing experience, available only Februrary-May and September-December.

• fishing in Darwin

45 – Drink up the sunset with a cocktail at Zen Rooftop Lounge Darwin

A perfect spot to catch golden hour, Zen Rooftop Lounge Darwin is a hot spot to grab drinks with friends, mingle with locals, and absorb the beauty of Darwin city center from above.

The also family-friendly venue offers a succulent, tropical rooftop garden on its panoramic balcony, with bonus views of Mindil Beach and Frances Bay.

If you’re visiting during Territory Day (July 1st) then you’re in for a treat, as this lounge has a perfect seat to enjoy the fireworks display!

46 – Catch an outdoor film at Deckchair Cinema

At Deckchair Cinema , Darwin’s premier outdoor cinema, you’ll be able to watch all the latest releases, all out in the open under the Australian night sky. The lawn in front of the screen is covered in comfortable deck chairs, making for a relaxing experience.

Be sure to check the program for when you’re in town.

Feel like a movie star and book tickets for the Darwin International Film Festival, taking place here in September 2023.

47 – Try your luck at Mindil Beach Casino

A popular destination for those seeking an exciting night out in Darwin, Mindil Beach Casino Resort has over 600 gaming machines, as well as a large number of table games to play.

The casino is open seven days from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. and offers accommodation, a spa and plenty of dining options for those wanting to stay at the beachside resort.

48 – Have dinner at Cullen Bay Marina

The Cullen Bay Marina , located just 2 kilometers from Darwin’s central business district, is where more than 250 vessels moor overnight.

Hosting some of the city’s best restaurants,  it’s a great place to take yourself out for dinner and watch the sunset over the boats on the water.

Better yet, grab your food to go and plop yourself in green spaces facing the water for a true pinch-me moment.

49 – Hop aboard a dinner cruise

A dinner cruise around Darwin combines the great scenery, picturesque sunset and fresh seafood all in one activity.

The dinner aboard the vessel is four courses, with everything from local Northern Territory banana prawns to freshly caught fish. You can also bring your own drinks with ice and glasses provided by the hosts!

Whether you purchase your drinks aboard or you BYO, find a cozy spot on the multi-level boat to catch your perfect view of golden hour.

• dinner cruises in Darwin

50 – Spend a night out at Mitchell Street bars and nightclubs

Mitchell Street is the center of nightlife in Darwin, with a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

This area hosts the best places to go to after the hot sun has set and you need to unwind, including The Precinct Tavern which has 44 beers on tap and Discovery Nightclub which has three levels of dance floors and DJ booths.

51 – Watch a production at Browns Mart Theatre

This traditional black-box style theater holds shows all year round, focusing on showcasing local Darwin artists and talent.

With its intimate capacity between 81 to 136 seats, Browns Mart Theatre has shown from traditional plays to indigenous storytelling.

The theater is deeply intentional in highlighting Aboriginal talent and stories, so make sure to check their events calendar to be in the know for an upcoming show that catches your eye.

52 – Soak up local culture at the Darwin Entertainment Centre

The Darwin Entertainment Centre has hosted a bulk of the theater and shows put on in the city. It also holds the Darwin Fringe Festival, as well as concerts from the Darwin Symphony Orchestra .

While you’re in the area, visit the neighboring Shenannigans Pub which serves traditional Irish food along with live music most nights of the week!

How to get to Darwin?

Not sure how to get to your hotel from Darwin International Airport? With a variety of options to choose from including shuttles, rideshares, and public transport – private airport transfers are a great option to choose above the rest.

Airport transfers offer privacy, ease of mind, and less stress when arriving at the busy arrivals gate. Once landing, you’re ride will be awaiting you.

Where to stay in Darwin?

Stay close to the best restaurants in Darwin and shops at Smith Street Mall when you stay at Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel . Featuring spacious, clean, and open hotel rooms, enjoy private balconies with panoramic views of the city, and the airport only a 10-minute drive away.

Perfect for families who may want access to a kitchen, a stay at Capitanos is a great option, especially considering its outstanding location in downtown Darwin. Work on your tan on the rooftop sun terrace, or walk over to Mindil Beach not too far away.

For budget travelers and lovers of a good deal, you cannot beat Argus Hotel Darwin , offering visitors a beautiful hotel space, with a large outdoor (covered) pool, bright, open hotel rooms, and a 24-hour front desk. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast served daily, before heading out on your adventures, starting with the Darwin Entertainment Center, a few blocks away.

• best hotels in Darwin

Where to go next?

After exploring Darwin and all it has to offer, be sure to check off some other Australian destinations by reading up on all the best places to visit in Australia .

Though a trip to Sydney and Melbourne are some of the most famous stops in Australia, there are a few other destinations not so commonly mentioned worth visiting.

Venture into one of the most important destinations when it comes to Aboriginal culture and history, Arnhem Land . Located northeast of Darwin, some 583 kilometers, this sacred land has ample opportunities to explore the remarkable wall paintings and local wildlife, including wallabies and dingoes.

The only way to visit Arnhem Land is via a certified tour experience, otherwise going on your own requires a few extra steps.

Don’t stop at Arnhem Land when thinking of other potential day trip options from Darwin, with many multi-day trips offered. Visit places like the Kakadu Outback or camping safaris throughout Darwin.

Final thoughts

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best things to do in Darwin, and most importantly, that you’ve got a few ideas to add to your Darwin itinerary.

From the incredible Kakadu National Park (not to mention the wildlife!) to the ever-present and fascinating Aboriginal culture throughout the city. Darwin is a must-visit destination that will leave you wanting more.

Happy travels!

A guide to 30 of Australia's iconic Big Things

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

15 November 2023

It wouldn’t be an Australian road trip without a sighting of a Big Thing and we’ve put together a guide of Australia’s most iconic Big Things.

“Go big or go home”, so the expression goes, and Australia certainly received the memo. Australia’s penchant for ‘Big Things’ dates back to the 1960s when Adelaide’s Big Scotsman and the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour were unveiled to oversized delight. Today there is said to be more than 150 Big Things across the country, with some sources reporting in excess of 300, although the figure depends strongly on one’s definition of ‘big’.

Although there are some bona fide medium-sized items on our list, checking them all off is one of many reasons to head out on the highway. The quirkier the better. Here, we highlight some of the most iconic larger-than-life attractions (ranked by state, not by order of appeal) as well as those that are lesser-known such as Larry the Lobster, located in Kingston, South Australia, which was recently crowned champion in a ‘Which Big Thing is the Best?’ poll conducted by ABC Rural’s Warwick Long.

Qld | SA | NSW | NT | Tas | Vic | WA

The Sunshine State loves a Big Thing, judging by the sheer number of them you will find scattered around the state. From fruit and a giant gumboot to a cane toad, kangaroo and a giant easel, there is seemingly no “thing” too small to be transformed into a larger than life attraction. Here are nine of the best in Queensland.

1. The Big Pineapple

The  Sunshine Coast’s  Big Pineapple, located in Woombye, was once so iconic it made the cut as part of Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s 1983 Royal tour. Opened in 1971 on the existing Sunshine Plantation, located between Noosa and Caloundra, the 16-metre fibreglass pineapple attracted more than 1 million visitors a year at the peak of its popularity, and plans to return the heritage-listed landmark to its former glory are in progress.

The 170-hectare site includes attractions such as a ginger beer brewery, Diablo Co ., a water park , education programs and accommodation. There is already a Wildlife HQ zoo, a Tree Top Challenge with high ropes and zipline course, and regular events including the annual Big Pineapple Music Festival.

Part of the property’s footprint also includes Sunshine & Sons , a small-batch distillery that launched its Pineapple Parfait Gin in August 2021 to showcase the tropical fruit grown on the pineapple plantation and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Big Pineapple.  There is also a push for the Big Pineapple to become the official mascot for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

There is a whole lot more to see at Woombye’s Big Pineapple location.

2. The Big Kangaroo

Matilda was the 13-metre tall kangaroo mascot from the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. The six-tonne Big Thing has since been upcycled and, ahem, roo-located several times from a water park on the Gold Coast to a truck stop in Kyborg, and today stands sentinel outside a petrol station in nearby Traveston, in the Gympie region of Queensland.

While the much-loved mascot used to be able to wiggle her ears, wink and blink, these days the icon simply manages to turn heads from her new position outside the new Chevron mega servo station on the Bruce Highway, which is even more accessible to road-trippers than her former Kyborg home.

The Big Kangaroo has had many homes over the years. (Image: Big Things Australia Facebook )

3. The Big Cane Toad

The locals have nicknamed the Big Cane Toad in Sarina ‘Buffy’ after the native tropical American tailless amphibian’s Latin name, Bufo marinus, and, love it or loathe it, it’s become a fibreglass fixture that celebrates the town’s cane farming history, warts and all. Big bold Buffy is located on the Bruce Highway, in the middle of the main road that slices through Sarina.

The cane toad was introduced to Australia as a pest control agent, but has become a pest itself. Originally crafted as the papier mache centrepiece to grace a float for a tropical sugar festival, the toad was cast in fibreglass in honour of the large, poisonous toad so prevalent in the region.

The Big Cane Toad can be spotted in Sarina. (Image: Mackay Region)

4. The Golden Gumboot

The township of Tully, located south of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, has an average rainfall that exceeds four metres and, in 2003, a monument to the town’s unofficial status as Australia’s wettest town was erected in the form of a Golden Gumboot. Climbing up the gumboot is a white-lipped green tree frog.

After Cyclone Yasi roared through the town in 2017, the 7.9-metre-tall gumboot was given a facelift and it is now looking resplendent with its boot painted a golden hue and the fibreglass frog a vibrant shade of green.

The township of Tully is home to the Golden Gumboot. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

5. The Big Bullock

Rockhampton is home to the Big Bullock, a set of seven large statues that nod to the town’s triennial Beef Australia Expo. Vandals have been known to castrate the bulls’ balls, which are considered a trophy by local pranksters. The quirky statutes in the Beef Capital of Australia include a Brahman Bull at a roundabout on the southern entrance to the city and the Droughtmaster, at the entrance to the airport.

Romagnola is one of the seven statues that make up the Big Bullock in Rockhampton. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

6. The Big Easel

A drop of Tuscany meets the Central Highlands in Queensland with this mega artwork of Van Gogh’s sunflower painting. Artist Cameron Cross built the 25-metre high easel using about 13.6 tonnes of steel as part of his vision to construct seven Sunflower sculptures in seven different countries.

The painting, which punches the sky above Morton Park, was finished in 1999 and remains the world’s biggest rendition of a Van Gogh sunflower painting. The artwork is also a nod to Emerald’s proud history as a major producer of sunflowers. Visit the Emerald Visitor Information Centre to learn more about the awesome easel and return over Easter for the town’s annual Sunflower Festival.

The Big Easel in Emerald is a mega version of Van Gogh’s sunflower painting. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

7. The Big Barramundi

The Big Barramundi in Normanton is one of Queensland’s most famous big things. Constructed in honour of the elusive, large freshwater fish of the same name that is the most common species found in the Norman River, this Big Thing also celebrates the town’s status as the Barramundi Capital of the North.   

Constructed in 1995, the six-metre-long sculpture is one of three dedicated to barramundi located around Australia. The small Shire of Carpentaria town is also home to an 8-metre-long fibreglass saltwater crocodile named Krys, the Savannah King, which is a replica of the largest recorded saltwater crocodile captured in the world.

8. The Big Cassowary

As anyone who has come face to casque with a cassowary will attest, these flightless birds are not to be trifled with. So instead of trying to snap a selfie with the real thing, you can head to Wongaling Beach Shopping Centre in Mission Beach to clock the big bird that gave the Cassowary Coast its name.

While the statue is five metres tall, the actual bird itself – known for their wondrous red and blue wattles – can reach up to 1.7 metres and weigh up to 76 kilograms. The rainforest-cloaked hills around Mission Beach provide the perfect habitat for the big birds, and there are several street signs that warn motorists to slow down in case of cassowaries crossing.

The Big Cassowary can be found outside Wongaling Beach Shopping Centre in Mission Beach. (Image: Big Things Facebook)

9. The Big Apple

You will have to clock up a couple of hundred klicks on the Cunningham Highway to get to The Big Apple, located in the town of Stanthorpe. Located just 2.5 hours southwest of Brisbane, The Big Apple is about as far from New York as it gets, situated as it is in a region that is defined by its apple orchards, which sum up the seedy sculpture’s raison d’être.  

The Big Apple is located in the Granite Belt, in apple country, in a region where the orchards are considered a core aspect of Queensland’s bounty. You will find apple pies and apple cider tastings across the road from the Big Apple in Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cidery and Café.

The Big Apple is located in the town of Stanthorpe. (Image: @australiasbigthings )

South Australia

Famed for its vineyards, beaches and festivals, South Australia hardly needs a Big Thing to convince us to visit. Yet it’s the Big Things that show up in the most unlikely of places (like the Big Galah perched at the halfway point across Australia) that make South Australia stand out in the Big Things stakes. Here are three of the best.

10. The Big Lobster

Foodies looking for a fix of fresh lobster know that   South Australia’s Limestone Coast is well worth the journey, which is why a 17-metre-tall version of the crustacean was built in Kingston in 1979. Known as Larry the Lobster, the steel-and-fibreglass structure was designed to attract people to the adjacent restaurant and visitor centre.

The Big Lobster known locally as Larry the Lobster is one of the biggest of Australia’s Big Things, and was recently ranked No. 1 ‘Best Big Thing’ in an ABC Rural poll. There is now an old-school takeaway located in the lobster’s tail luring road-trippers off the Princes Highway near the entrance to Kingston for fish and chips and a selfie near the pincers.

Visit the 17-metre-tall lobster on South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

11. The Big Rocking Horse

There’s something thrilling about seeing a soaring big thing when you’re a child. And the fact the Big Rocking Horse is actually the giant emblem for a wooden toy factory doubles this Big Thing’s appeal. Although the 18-metre-high horse doesn’t rock – it’s set into 80 tonnes of concrete – you can climb through the horse to look out from three vantage points, the rocker, saddle and horse’s head.

The world’s biggest rocking horse is located in Gumeracha, in the Adelaide Hills, and is a top spot to enjoy some retail therapy. Bring your own picnic and spread out in the shade at the adjoining wildlife park, where peacocks, wallabies, sheep, goats, kangaroos and alpacas roam.

The Big Rocking Horse is actually the giant emblem of a wooden toy factory. (Image: @thetoyfactory.com.au )

12. The Big Galah

There are a few Australian colloquialisms that sum up our feelings toward the native galah. If you make a galah of yourself, you’re appearing foolish. If you’re ‘mad as a gum tree full of galahs’ you’ve gone completely cray-cray. Kimba’s Big Galah is a monument to the small Australian cockatoo that is coloured grey and pink, like bands of ‘80s eye shadow.

The giant eight-metre-high bush bird is perched out the front of a servo in Kimba that marks the halfway point across Australia. Today, the Big Galah is shadowed by the soaring 30-metre-high grain silos, which have been painted with murals and are now a major attraction in SA. The Big Kissing Galahs can also be found roosting in a concrete nest in Watson on the northern outskirts of Canberra in the ACT.

The Big Galah in Kimba received a new paint job in 2021. (Image: @thebiggalah)

New South Wales

Home to arguably the most famous Big Thing of them all, the Big Banana, New South Wales punches above its weight in the Big Things arena. Here are five of the state’s best.

13. The Big Banana

Opened in 1964, the Big Banana was one of the first, and remains one of the most popular, Big Things in Australia. A ‘you-can’t-miss-it’ position on the Pacific Highway in Coffs Harbour has aided the ‘na-na’s fame, but it is more than just an oversized piece of fruit for road-trippers to gawk at.

Although it originally had the simple role of marking the site of a banana plantation, the space has evolved over the years and the 13-metre-long landmark is now accompanied by an award-winning fun park with laser tag, a giant slide, mini golf, ice skating, a toboggan ride and a water park among other attractions.

The Big Banana also looms large for road-trippers, with the promise of a chocolate-coated banana or banana split keeping children happy for longer on their quest to get to Coffs Harbour. While there are many more stories to be told in Coffs Harbour these days, with the Mid North Coast town recently declared NSW’s first ECO destination , the Big Banana will always hold sway.

Coffs Harbour is home to the iconic Big Banana.

14. The Big Merino

Built in 1985, The Big Merino is a monument to the Goulburn region’s fine wool industry. And ‘Rambo’ is a particularly big, big thing, weighing in at 100 tonnes and measuring 15.2 metres high and 18 metres long. Once a go-to pit-stop for those travelling through Goulburn, The Big Merino’s popularity initially suffered when the Hume Highway was re-routed to bypass the town in 1992.

But in 2007, Rambo was relocated 800 metres closer to the highway so he could once again enjoy the spotlight. Unlike most of Australia’s Big Things, Rambo is open for inspection and a go-to on a weekend getaway in Goulburn . His three-storey interior is home to a permanent exhibition on the 200-year history of wool in Australia as well as a gift shop and an observation area where visitors can experience the Rambo’s-eye view.

The Big Merino was built in 1985 to celebrate Goulburn’s fine wool industry.

15. The Big Prawn

Ballina’s 33-tonne Big Prawn was constructed (tail-less for reasons unknown) in 1989 as a nod to the local prawning industry where it took up residence atop a local service station. The structure eventually fell into disrepair and faced demolition when the service station closed in 2010, but another Aussie icon, Bunnings Warehouse, came to the rescue.

When the hardware group moved in, it spent $400,000 restoring the 35-tonne prawn, which included the addition of a 16-metre tail. The Big Prawn now cuts a striking figure next to its saviour. After adding a few snapshots to your Snapchat, order seafood to-go from one of the stores across the road. There is also a Big Prawn located in Exmouth, on Australia’s Coral Coast.

Ballina’s 33-tonne Big Prawn has been around since 1989.

16. The Big Potato

The rural idyll of Robertson in NSW’s Southern Highlands is home to The Big Potato , built in 1977 by local farmer Jim Mauger in order to celebrate the production of potatoes in the region, which is known for its rich, fertile soil and reliable rainfall.

Located off the Illawarra Highway, near the Robertson Supermarket, the gigantic tuber measures 10 metres by four metres and is also affectionately known as ‘the big poo-tato’ for its resemblance to oversized excreta. The Big Potato, modelled on the Sebago potato variety, sold to new owners in 2020.

The Big Potato in Robertson, NSW. (Image: Neil Tait/Destination NSW)

17. The Big Kookaburra

Pokolbin artist Chris Fussel created this king-sized kookaburra out of recycled steel, aluminium and copper and the giant bird is now an iconic sculpture and centrepiece of Kurri Kurri’s Col Brown Park. It’s one of Australia’s more low-key, lesser-known Big Things, but it’s worth getting in a flap about: it’s absolutely beautiful.

The 4.6-metre-high Big Kookaburra takes pride of place in Kurri Kurri where the bird is used as an emblem for several Kurri sporting and community organisations. The artist utilised old car bonnets to fashion the feathers and airstrip lights to create the kookaburra’s eyes. It’s one of Australia’s most considered Big Things.

The Big Kookaburra in Kurri Kurri, NSW. (Image: Bidgee )

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is undoubtedly home to the best “rock” in the country but it also has its share of Big Things to attract you to it. Here are the top three to add to your list.

18. Big Stubbie

You will clock up a lot of kilometres on the road between Darwin and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. You are also most likely to be lured off the road for a pot of beer at the Larrimah Hotel in the Northern Territory thanks to the placement of the Big Stubbie, which does what it says on the tin.

The Big Stubbie is artfully placed next to a Pink Panther reclining in a chair outside the character-filled outback pub in Larrimah, which has one of the largest Second World War dirt airstrips in the country.  

19. The Big Boxing Crocodile

Never smile at a crocodile. Unless it’s outside Humpty Doo, in the Northern Territory. There’s more than a grain of truth to the tale that the town was founded on a post-war folly: to transform the surrounding flood plains into rice paddies.

When that plan went belly up, the town designed to build a representation of life in Humpty Doo in the form of an eight-metre-high crocodile.

The Big Croc is made comical with the addition of a pair of boxing gloves just in case it needs more in its tool kit than its crushing jaws to defend its territory on the Arnhem Highway, some 40 kilometres from Darwin. The Northern Territory is also home to The Giant Jumping Crocodile in Wak Wak, and George the Big Crocodile in Darwin.

20. The Big Turtle

Artist Techy Masero, who is also behind the Big Barramundi (in Wanguri, not Normanton), created this mosaic masterpiece with help from local Indigenous artists. The four-metre-wide turtle is located in Garamanak Park near a community centre in the northern suburb of Lyons, in Darwin.

It’s one of the more obscure Big Things created by the Australian artist who was born in Chile and came to live in Darwin in 1985. Masero works mostly in cane and other natural materials, albeit on a monumental scale. You can learn more about Masero on a leaf mosaic path near the open-air cinema designed to celebrate Northern Territory women.

The Apple Isle gets our vote for the cutest Big Thing of them all in the form of a giant fairy penguin – one of two Big Things that made it into our pick of the most iconic in the state.

21. The Big Penguin

The aptly named town of Penguin in Tasmania comes into its own between the months of September and March, when a colony of fairy penguins descend on this corner of the island state’s north west. The birds are called fairy penguins because of their small size, and it’s wonderful to watch them parade past with their bluish plumage on show during breeding season.

The Big Penguin is made from fibreglass and cement and locals love to dress it up in military fatigues, to commemorate Anzac Day, and in a Santa suit during the festive season making the town one of the top spots to stop on a Tassie road trip . Penguin’s penguin theme also runs hot in the souvenir stores and in the penguin-shaped rubbish bins on the town’s foreshore.

The Big Penguin can be found in the Tasmanian town of Penguin. (Image: @TheBigPenguin)

22. The Big Tassie Devil

There’s nothing comedic about the giant Tassie devil guarding the entrance to Trowunna Wildlife Park Sanctuary. In fact, it stands as a poignant reminder of the breeding programs in place at this privately owned park which has been at the forefront of conservation and education in the State since it first started caring for Tasmania’s native animals in the late 70s.

Wildlife conservation is indeed, a Big Thing at the park, at the foot of Cradle Mountain which also offers great scenery, walking trails and outdoor activities.

The list of Big Things in Victoria is long, but they’ve one-upped the other states and built a “Giant” thing in the form of Australia’s most beloved marsupial, a koala. Here, find five to put on your bucket list.

23. Giant Murray Cod

Keen anglers already in the know don’t need a Giant Murray Cod to alert them to the presence of the 11-metre-long blue-and-green Australian freshwater fish in the waterways that snake around Swan Hill, located on a bend of the Murray River between Robinvale and Kerang.

The 11-metre-long replica, dubbed the Giant Murray Cod, is actually a former movie prop from the 1992 feature film, Eight Ball , and it’s located near the Burke & Wills Moreton Bay fig tree, one of nature’s Big Things that is believed to be the largest tree of its kind in Australia.

24. Giant Koala

The soaring marsupial known as Sam was constructed in honour of the koala that made headlines the world over when it was photographed drinking from a water bottle offered by a firefighter in burned bushland in 2009. Located in Wimmera, in western Victoria, the giant marsupial is made from 12 tonnes of fibreglass, steel and bronze.

The Big Koala is located in Dadswell Bridge, between Horsham and Stawell, and is a top spot to break up a road trip as there is a restaurant, ice creamery and wildlife park located on the property.

25. The Big Strawberry

This enormous ode to the sweet soft red fruit so revered around the world brightens the darkest of days in Koonoomoo thanks to its eternally rosy disposition. The Big Strawberry , which survived a tornado in 2013, stands six metres tall and five metres wide and was a sweet collaboration between Competition Kayaks, which supplied the fibreglass, and Barry Dickson Paint & Panel, which rendered the sculpture Monza red.

This Victorian Big Thing is a draw for families who want to take their children strawberry picking. Order scones with strawberry jam and cream at the café and stock up on strawberry-themed souvenirs at the gift shop.

26. Big Ned Kelly

History buffs will stop dead in their tracks outside the Glenrowan Tourist Centre when they catch sight of the giant monument of Ned Kelly that nods to the outlaw’s suit of heavy armour forged from old farm ploughs. The rugged high country around Glenrowan is rich in gold rush and bushranger heritage and the Big Ned Kelly marks the site of the Kelly Gang’s last stand.

Visit the monument to learn more about the shootout that resulted in the deaths of three police officers who were murdered in Mansfield by the Kelly Gang.

27. Big Wine Bottle

Let’s get real: the town of Rutherglen is a magnet for oenophiles who are drawn to the region for its history and vineyards, not its oversized wine bottle. Regardless, the Big Wine Bottle stands like a beacon on the landscape, signalling the fact there are a growing number of award-winning cellar doors scattered around Tower Hill on the fringes of town.

This giant roadside attraction has a disused water tank on its top, which was originally the community’s second water supply.  The Wine Bottle became a big thing in 1969 when a mesh top section was added to the wine bottle, which put it on the map as part of the town’s Winery Walkabout.

Western Australia

Australia’s largest state has its fair share of Big Things to brag about, but if you really want to get the kids excited to see a Big Thing on a road trip, then take them to the largest free-standing Big Lollipop in the world – and they can stock up on lollies while they’re there.

28. The Big Lollipop

“If you build it, they will come.” This quote is based on a line from Kevin Costner’s Field of Dreams but instead of building a baseball field, the owners of The Yummylicious Candy Shack, Belinda and Darrin Mcharge thought they’d suck it and see, self-funding The Big Lollipop in order to attract more tourists to this part of WA. Families are now suckers for Ravensthorpe, which has been home to the largest free-standing lollipop in the world since 2019.

29. The Big Orange

Fans of James and the Giant Peach by British author Roald Dahl will appreciate the fact the owners of Harvey Fresh went out on a limb in order to celebrate the citrus fruit grown in the surrounding orchards. Harvey now rests on a 10-metre-high tower at the Harvey River Estate and, for a small fee, you can climb up into the giant piece of fruit to discover information about the history of Harvey.

30. The Big Western Rock Lobster

Western rock lobsters are only found on the continental shelf off the Western Australia coastline. This is not a hands-off kind of sculpture. In fact, visitors often climb onboard the giant marine crustacean to get their photo taken. While the icon has become an attraction in its own right, don’t forget the real reason you’re in Dongara Port Denison: to scoff seafood.

Honourable Mentions

Of course, not all of Australia’s Big Things are well known. But we think there are some that simply cannot be ignored. Nyngan’s Big Bogan in NSW is the first to spring to mind. Complete with a mullet, stubbies and a Southern Cross tattoo, the five-metre-tall ‘Maaaaaate’ was unveiled in 2015. Nyngan, it is important to mention, is in the Bogan Shire.

In Tropical North Queensland, we’d like to give a shout-out to the Big Peanut, in Tolga, which looks like a Mr Potato Head on a kipfler. But it’s pretty big, so it counts.

The Big Dugong in Rockhampton also makes the cut because dugongs are quite possibly the most fantastically strange-looking animals in the Kingdom. And what could be better than a 22-by-12-metre version? The mammoth mammal is located at the Rockhampton Dreamtime Cultural Centre.

We’re also waiting, with much anticipation, to see The Big Chris, statue of Chris Helmsworth come to life in the township of Cowra, as part of a clever Cowra Tourism campaign to put the NSW town on the map. “Four stories tall with a beard like spun canola” is how tourism manager Glenn Daley described the proposed Big Thing. Sounds Chris-tastic.

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Comments (7)

Not many people are aware of the BIG WHEELBARROW in Port Hedland entrance into their Light Industrial Area of Wedgefield.

The big trout, Talbingo an oldie but a goodie.

Kate, Carla, you’ve outdone yourselves. This has to be my favourite “list of (insert whatever)” article on a travel website ever. I knew we had lots, but I didn’t know there were that many. That potato though…….if there wasn’t a sign in front saying it was “the big potato” …..it’s grey…….and shaped like a log…..

Wow loved the ones that are pictured

In Warrnambool, Victoria there is a Big Seal built for local legend Sammy the Seal.

Australia has great big idea and iconic statues. There are so many more to build. Tourism is a great way to bring people and money to country areas.

Fantastic details for many iconic sites to see and visit – even our Big Kiama Blowhole is an icon in itself – we hope to see you soon Carla!!

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• China Daily PDF
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Inbound tourism drive sparks optimistic outlook

Visitor-friendly policies, visa-free entry, easier payments boost appeal to travelers.

Last month, senior tour operator Iain Bell traveled from the United Kingdom to China at the invitation of Beijing tourism authorities to sample the capital city's cultural and historical charms.

The three-day trip was one of a large number of undertakings by central and local authorities to attract international visitors and promote the country's myriad attractions.

During his stay, Bell marveled at the grandeur of the Badaling section of the Great Wall, the Palace Museum's ancient complex and precious cultural relics, and the unique charm of the royal garden at the Summer Palace.

Bell said he was particularly impressed by his interactions with a tai chi master at the Temple of Heaven and the "magic" of the traditional Chinese martial art.

"It was so different from my understanding of the country," Bell said, adding that he found China vibrant and was impressed by the country's internal and external harmony.

The Brit also said he greatly admired Beijing's clean and orderly urban environment, adding that what touched him most was the warmth and friendliness of ordinary Chinese people he met in streets and alleys or at famous historical sites.

"It was a very rewarding trip, and I gained a new understanding and deep appreciation of Chinese culture," he said.

'Wonderful experiences'

Bell said he would take his "wonderful experiences and feelings" back home to the UK, and encourage more Britons to visit Beijing to experience the "authentic and endearing China".

He was one of a dozen travel agency representatives from the UK whom the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism invited to join the trip. The aim of the visits was to offer firsthand information, help develop inbound tourism products for Beijing, and build a solid bridge for exchanges and cooperation between the tourism industries of the two countries, according to the bureau.

In addition to traditional scenic spots, Bell and the other UK representatives also took a nighttime boat tour along the Liangma River, and a tricycle ride through the labyrinthine hutong lanes.

Following in the footsteps of the UK visitors, more than 100 travel agency representatives from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Singapore, Italy, Germany, and Spain arrived in the capital city to attend the Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference. The gathering commenced on May 24 with the primary objective of fostering a platform for interaction, and enhancing collaboration between Chinese and international travel agencies.

Sima Hong, vice-mayor of Beijing, delivered a keynote address at the conference, expressing Beijing's aspirations to leverage the event to establish strong dialogue with global tourism industry experts.

The city is aiming to bolster resource-sharing, foster reciprocal visitor exchanges with international travel agencies, enhance cooperation, and facilitate knowledge exchanges to develop premium tourism routes, she said.

Sima said these initiatives would help transform the tourism landscape, enable the industry to better cater to enriching experiences, drive economic growth, and foster a deeper understanding of diverse civilizations.

These efforts will create shared opportunities in the tourism market, and ultimately help advance tourism development.

At the Beijing conference, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism awarded global strategic partner certificates to 10 travel agencies from major markets including the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Under the partnership framework, both sides will actively promote the sale of Beijing tourism products overseas, acquire timely and accurate market feedback, and formulate more targeted overseas promotion plans, the authorities said.

Additionally, the Beijing bureau will facilitate greater cooperation between the overseas partners and high-quality tourism enterprises in China.

The meeting organizers said the event was an important measure to implement the central government's instructions on tourism work.