All 100 Aussie Wonders

Discover all the top 100 Aussie Wonders.

Wild coastlines, cultural institutions, gourmet delights, epic road trips… Australia is full of wonders, from icons to the lesser-known. Here, we’ve curated 100 Aussie Wonders to discover across the nation. Get ready to explore all the things that make Australia the extraordinary place it is (like the epic shot above taken by Salty Wings of Roebuck Bay in Broome, WA).

Here is the complete list to inspire your own travels this year and beyond.

Iconic wonders

See Australia’s iconic wonders here.

1. Uluru, Northern Territory

2. Murray River, New South Wales and Victoria

3. Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

4. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

5. Hunter Valley, New South Wales

6. Quokkas of Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), Western Australia

7. Australia’s Big Things, across Australia

8. Parliament House, Australian Capital Territory

9. Luxury Lodges of Australia, across Australia

10. Aussie pubs, across Australia

Natural wonders

See Australia’s natural wonders here.

11. Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Tasmania

12. Aurora australis, Tasmania

13. Gorgeous gorges across Australia, across Australia

14. Kiama Blowhole, New South Wales

15. Australia’s wonderous waterfalls, across Australia

16. Remarkable rocks, across Australia

17. Cassowaries of Mission Beach, Queensland

18. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

19. Christmas Island

20. Ningaloo/Nyinggulu, Western Australia

Outback wonders

See Australia’s outback wonders here.

21. Flinders Ranges, South Australia

22. Lake Argyle, Western Australia

23. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

24. Mungo National Park, New South Wales

25. Undara lava tubes, Queensland

26. Outback wildflowers of Western Australia

27. Qantas Founders Museum, Queensland

28. The Ghan, multi-state journey

29. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, South Australia

30. Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

Cultural wonders

See Australia’s cultural wonders here.

31. Tiwi Islands art, Northern Territory

32. Garma Festival, Northern Territory

33. Tamworth Country Music Festival, New South Wales

34. Australian Music Vault, Victoria

35. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Northern Territory

36. Mad Max 2 Museum, New South Wales

37. Indigenous art fairs, across Australia

38. Australian Open, Victoria

39. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, Victoria

40. Norfolk Island

Urban wonders

See Australia’s urban wonders here.

41. WA Museum Boola Bardip, Western Australia

42. Bendigo’s art scene, Victoria

43. Adelaide Oval, South Australia

44. Flinders Street Photo Booth, Victoria

45. Melbourne’s laneways, Victoria

46. The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, New South Wales

47. Newcastle’s food scene, New South Wales

48. Balumbul/Umpherston Sinkhole, Mt Gambier, South Australia

49. Mona, Tasmania

50. National Arboretum, Australian Capital Territory

Foodie wonders

See Australia’s foodie wonders here.

51. Aboriginal Bush Traders cafe, Northern Territory

52. Aussie oysters, across Australia

53. Tokyo Lamington, New South Wales

54. Australian coffee culture, across Australia

55. Bilpin cider, New South Wales

56. The Agrarian Kitchen, Tasmania

57. LANGTONS Classification of Australian Wine

58. The Aussie sausage sizzle

59. Aussie spirits

60. Sydney Fish Market, New South Wales

Coastal wonders

See Australia’s coastal wonders here.

61. Kimberley Coast, Western Australia

62. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, New South Wales

63. Australia’s waves

64. Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

65. Ocean pools of New South Wales

66. Cod Hole Dive Site, Queensland

67. Cable Beach, Western Australia

68. Esperance from the air, Western Australia

69. Orcas of Bremer Bay, Western Australia

70. wukalina Walk, Tasmania

Island wonders

See Australia’s island wonders here.

71. Climbing Lord Howe Island’s Mt Gower, New South Wales

72. Torres Strait in a day

73. Little penguins of Phillip Island, Victoria

74. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

75. Cocos (Keeling) Islands

76. Brisbane’s islands, Queensland

77. Kangaroo Island’s Ligurian honey bees, South Australia

78. K’gari, Queensland

79. Lizard Island, Queensland

80. Maria Island, Tasmania

Hidden wonders

See Australia’s hidden wonders here.

81. Rowley Shoals, Western Australia

82. Hawkesbury River, New South Wales

83. Swan River Trails, Western Australia

84. Litchfield’s swimming holes, Northern Territory

85. Australia’s hot springs, across Australia

86. Bundanon, New South Wales

87. Noosa Everglades, Queensland

88. Bungle Bungle Range, Western Australia

89. Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade, Victoria

90. Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

Road trip wonders

See Australia’s road trip wonders here.

91. Adelaide to Birdsville (and beyond)

92. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

93. Waterfall Way, New South Wales

94. Silo Art Trail, Victoria

95. Great Beach Drive, Queensland

96. Prosecco Road, Victoria

97. Cairns to Cape York, Queensland

98. Tassie’s Tasting Trail, Tasmania

99. Savannah Way, multi-state journey

100. Gibb River Road, Western Australia

In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.

This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.

The events

Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.

This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.

Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.

While you’re there

Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.

Where to eat

Vibrant Latin American dishes at Pancho, adding flavour to Events in Ballarat. — Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)

For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.

At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .

In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).

Where to drink

Food and wine tastings at Blue Pyrenees Estate, a refined experience beyond Events in Ballarat. — Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.

Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, including Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.

You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.

What to see

A koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Ballarat Wildlife Park. — Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.

Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.

Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.

Where to stay

An elegant suite at Hotel Vera, offering boutique comfort. — Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.

For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.

If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.

Getting there

aerial of hop lane in ballarat — Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)

One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.

Start planning your stay at visitballarat.com.au.