Over 120,000 people rated these as Australia's best attractions

These iconic spots have captured the hearts (and search histories) of locals and tourists alike.

For two decades, Google Maps has been helping Aussies navigate the country, discover hidden gems and leave their mark through reviews. Now, as the platform celebrates its 20th anniversary, it has revealed the most-reviewed visitor attractions in Australia – and some of the results might surprise you.

1. Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW

Darling Harbour drone shot — Darling Harbour never fails to impress. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sydney’s Darling Harbour takes the top spot as Australia’s most-reviewed attraction with over 58,000 reviews and a 4.64-star rating, and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant waterfront precinct is packed with world-class dining, family-friendly activities and some of the city’s best views. Whether you’re exploring the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, staying at one of the luxury hotels or enjoying a drink with a harbourside sunset, this Sydney staple never fails to impress.

2. Scenic World, Katoomba, NSW

Scenic World railway in lush greenery — Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway. (Image: Scenic World)

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Mountains, Scenic World is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. With more than 20,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this iconic attraction is home to the world’s steepest railway and has lush bushwalks nearby.

3. Elizabeth Quay, Perth, WA

Elizabeth Quay drone shot — Elizabeth Quay is a vibrant hub in the heart of Perth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

A jewel on Perth’s waterfront, Elizabeth Quay has become a favourite among locals and visitors, amassing over 19,000 reviews with a 4.52-star rating. This lively precinct blends modern architecture with scenic river views, offering everything from public art installations and dining hotspots to ferry rides along the Swan River. Catch the sunset, stroll along the promenade or hop on a river cruise; Elizabeth Quay is a vibrant hub of activity in the heart of the city.

4. Busselton Jetty, Busselton, WA

Busselton Jetty at sunrise — The longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere is a great spot for a nature show. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Stretching an impressive 1.8 kilometres over Geographe Bay, Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere – and one of the most beloved. Boasting over 13,000 reviews and a 4.61-star rating, this historic attraction invites visitors to take a leisurely train ride to the end, where an underwater observatory reveals the vibrant marine life beneath the waves.

5. Brighton Bathing Boxes, Brighton, Vic

Family playing beach cricket on Brighton Beach in front of Brighton Bathing Boxes — Brighton Bathing Boxes have been drawing crowds for over a century. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With their rainbow-coloured facades and postcard-perfect setting, the Brighton Bathing Boxes on Brighton Beach are one of Melbourne’s most photographed landmarks. With over 10,000 reviews and a 4.41-star rating, these 82 heritage-listed beach huts have been drawing crowds for over a century. A visit here isn’t just about snapping the perfect Insta pic – it’s also a chance to soak in stunning bay views, take a dip in the cool waters and experience a piece of Melbourne’s coastal history.

Other most-reviewed spots that Aussies love

While visitor attractions dominate the rankings, Google Maps’ data also revealed the most-reviewed spots in other categories.

Park: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, WA

Museum: Melbourne Museum, Melbourne, Vic

Restaurant: Dosa Hut Indian Restaurant, Harris Park, NSW

Cafe: Andonis Cafe & Bar, Yeerongpilly, Qld

Fish and chips shop: Charis Seafoods, Labrador, Qld

Ice cream shop: Cow & The Moon, Enmore, NSW

Vintage clothing store: Retropolis, Preston, Vic

Did your favourite make the list?

From the Kimberley to Cape York, explore Australia’s epic and varied landscapes on curated and all-inclusive, intimate adventures via custom-built all-terrain coaches with Outback Spirit.

From the tip of the Northern Territory to the rugged coast of the country’s southernmost point, Australia is a continent ripe with diverse and distinct adventures that are captivating and inspiring in equal measure. Luckily, so many of them are accessible by car with epic road trips that showcase the journey as much as the destination. With Outback Spirit, the award-winning and eco-certified tour operator from leading experiential tourism group Journey Beyond, the road less travelled – accessible in custom-built all-terrain coaches chaperoned by expert local guides – is the only way to go.

From the dramatic jewels of the Kimberley in Western Australia to the remote stretches of Savannah Way in the country’s far north, Outback Spirit does all the hard work on all-inclusive, small-group tours that pause at an exclusive network of lodges and safari camps – so you can just enjoy the ride.

1. The Kimberley

With an otherworldly ambience that must be experienced to be understood, the Kimberley is a cornucopia of breathtaking cliffs, stunning gorges and exceptional waterways. A highlight of the 13-day Jewels of the Kimberley adventure is the spectacular 18-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles. You’ll encounter a bounty of new perspectives elsewhere, too, between the astounding cruise through the Attenborough-approved Buccaneer Archipelago, humbling walks beneath ancient rock drawings, and evenings spent in the comfort of Outback Spirit’s exclusive-use, well-appointed Ngauwudu Safari Camp Safari Suites.

Relax in Ngauwudu Safari Camp Safari Suites.

2. Arnhem Land

The Traditional Lands of the Yolngu People reach into your heart and stay there. Outback Spirit’s 13-day Arnhem Land Wetlands & Wildlife tour was conceived in extensive consultation with Traditional Owners to guarantee a true immersion in Country. Explore the world’s largest outdoor rock art gallery; try your luck catching a metre-long barramundi; and discover pristine ecosystems from freshwater swamps to rocky escarpments. Relax each night in comfortable lodges exclusive to Outback Spirit, including the iconic Seven Spirit Bay Resort. Here, sophisticated luxury villas are perched on the bay’s edge overlooking clear, turquoise waters of Coral Bay.

Seven Spirit Bay in arnhem land — Enjoy the views at Seven Spirit Bay Resort.

3. Cape York

Travelling from Cairns to Cape York and back over 13 days, the small-group Cape York Wilderness Adventure tour runs from May to September, with unparalleled access to stunning sacred destinations and vibrant experiences on Thursday, Horn and Friday islands in the Torres Strait. The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest is a star of the expedition, with the exclusive guided Dreamtime Gorge Walk with a Kuku Yulanji elder taking place beneath lush ferns, with the commanding rumble of Mossman Gorge in the distance.

tour guide at Mossman Gorge — Join the Dreamtime Gorge Walk. (Image: TEQ)

4. Margaret River

The nine-day Margaret River & Rottnest Discovery highlights fine wine, great food, art, music and local produce at Leeuwin Estate on the vineyard-packed banks of the Margaret River, pausing to explore the ancient underground caves and towering Karri timber forests. Start the journey with a ride on the iconic Indian Pacific and pop to Rottnest Island on the tail-end of the trip, with 10,000 quokkas to befriend and 63 gorgeous beaches to explore before lunch. With bubbles included, of course.

food and wine at Leeuwin Estate — Treat your tastebuds at Leeuwin Estate. (Image: Tourism WA)

5. Savannah Way

On this 15-day Leichhardt’s Savannah Expedition , Outback Spirit’s custom all-terrain Mercedes-Benz coaches cross two states from Cairns to Darwin. After visiting the most northerly camp of the Burke and Wills Expedition of 1860/61 and visiting the see-it-to-believe-it Millaa Millaa Falls (refreshing swim optional!), you’ll indulge in three nights at the million-acre Lorella Springs Station, a sunset dinner cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria and a dip in warmed thermal pools in the middle of the wilderness.

aerial of Millaa Millaa Falls — Dive into Millaa Millaa Falls. (Image: TEQ)

6. Central Australia

The captivating splendour of Uluru is the central focus of the eight-day Red Centre Explorer tour, which includes Alice Springs and Kings Canyon among its stops. Hosted on the sacred lands of the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Anangu, this itinerary is grounded in the landscape, with visits to the critically acclaimed Field of Light installation, a multi-course dinner under the stars at Ayers Rock Resort, and a didgeridoo performance to accompany bush-tucker-packed snacks all within the shadow of the sacred geological site. Awaken early for a sunrise over the pindan plateau, the image of which will remain in your memory for a lifetime to come.

two people in front of the field of light — Marvel at the Field of Light installation (Image: Tourism NT/ Lola and Jira/ Uluru Kata-Tjuta NP)

7. Flinders Ranges

The remote South Australian landscape is your playground on the 11-day Outback South Australia tour, which takes in the sights (including Wilpena Pound and beloved Lake Eyre), sounds and flavours of the ‘festival’ state. At Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, cosmos chasers will enjoy a tour of the stars at the accredited onsite astronomical observatory as endangered yellow-footed rock wallabies bounce in the dark. The next day, guests will take to open-air 4WDs with expert guides for the Ridgetop Tour to explore the breathtaking, unique 1600-million-year-old landscape within the Flinders Ranges.

mist around Wilpena Pound in flinders ranges — See the impressive Wilpena Pound. (Image: Emile Ristevski)

8. Tasmania

Take in stunning views from Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park (or, afterwards, from the comfort of Cradle Mountain Lodge) on the 12-day curated Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer itinerary. Taste the incredible food on Bruny Island and wander Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park. Traverse the glacial-formed Dove Lake on a 5.7-kilometre hike; soak up sombre history at Port Arthur; and pose with penguins in Penguin before settling in for the night at Outback Spirit’s suite of exclusive partner lodges.

Wineglass Bay in tasmania — See the spectacular Wineglass Bay. (Image: Chad Dewson)

Find your Outback Spirit with the 2026 season. Book now to receive Earlybird savings up to $2200 per person at outbackspirittours.com.au .

Over 120,000 people rated these as Australia’s best attractions