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

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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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.

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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?

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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7 ways to switch off and reconnect with nature in Albury Wodonga

Credit: Destination NSW

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    Switch the hustle and bustle for a weekend of birdsong and greenery on the border.

    Straddling the Murray River where New South Wales meets Victoria, Albury Wodonga is just hours by car or train (or even a quick flight) from many major cities, but it feels a million miles away from the everyday.

    Here, you’ll find a blend of relaxed country lifestyle and modern city amenities, where a booming culinary scene and vibrant arts offerings meet a rich Indigenous history and stunning natural vistas. Spend time amongst river red gums, wildlife-filled wetlands and winding waterways.

    Ready to roll on the river? Here’s where to begin.

    1. Birdwatch in Wonga Wetlands

    The scenic Wonga Wetlands along the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, West Albury.
    Walk along Wonga Wetlands, looking for local birdlife. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    It might be close to Albury’s CBD, but Wonga Wetlands feels a watery world away. This former grazing land has been restored to 80 hectares of lagoons, billabongs and river red gums, and you can now wander three kilometres of walking trails as you spot cormorants, spoonbills, egrets and sacred kingfishers. More than 170 bird species call the wetlands home, thanks to the Murray’s cycle of flooding and drying, so pack a picnic, settle in at a bird hide, and pull out those binoculars.

    2. Explore the Murray River

    picnicers in Noreuil Park albury wodonga nature autumn
    Take a picnic to enjoy in Noreuil Park. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    The Murray River runs between Albury and Wodonga, where locals swap desks and deadlines for shaded riverbanks. Less than a kilometre from Albury’s CBD sits Noreuil Park, the city’s favourite stretch of riverfront. Cool off on the famous loop float, hire a kayak, launch a stand-up paddleboard or cast a line.

    Afterwards, chuck a rug on the lawn under a plane tree, fire up one of the free barbecues and watch the water as you munch on some Murray cod.

    3. Take a sculpture walk

    Albury Wodonga Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk
    See the art along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    Albury Wodonga’s three sculpture trails showcase the Murray through First Nations tales on foot or by bike. Along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, 15 contemporary Aboriginal artworks celebrate kinship and Country. The Crossing Place Trail passes the Wodonga Scar Tree, where local Indigenous people once harvested bark to craft canoes, and the Gateway Island trail tells you how the Murray sustained First Nations people for millennia.

    4. Get moving on local tracks and trails

    bike rider on albury wodonga nature trails
    Take your bike to Hunchback Mountain Bike Park.

    More than 100 kilometres of trails cross Albury Wodonga’s hills, reserves and riverbanks. Mountain bikers can tackle the championship-calibre descents of Nail Can Hill, weaving through eucalyptus forest where the rare crimson spider orchid blooms, or hone their skills at Hunchback Mountain Bike Park‘s 29 graded trails.

    Keen to explore on foot? Huon Hill makes the sore legs worth it, with lookouts across Lake Hume and the Kiewa Valley, while McFarlanes Hill meanders through stringybark woodland and rocky outcrops.

    For a slower pace, the 44-kilometre High Country Rail Trail hugs the shores of Lake Hume, crossing the red-pillared Sandy Creek Bridge before rolling into Tallangatta.

    5. Check into restorative stays

    Couple standing outside the retro inspired Astor Hotel Motel in Albury
    Check into one of Albury Wodonga’s over 60 accommodation options. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Some moments call for a boutique hotel. Others call for backing the caravan up beside the lake. Whether you’ve spent the day splashing in the Murray, furiously clocking kilometres on the bike trails or entertaining kids in playgrounds at the water’s edge, there’s somewhere to lay your head.

    From motels shaded by river red gums to lakeside holiday parks and boutique hotels, Albury Wodonga’s 60-plus accommodation options mean you’re never far from a morning walk along the Murray or dinner on Dean Street. But be warned: book ahead. You might not be the only one craving a weekend by the Murray, especially in the school holidays.

    6. Enjoy delicious dining options

    yardbird restaurant
    Enjoy incredible meals in Albury Wodonga.

    Every paddle, bushwalk and bike trail deserves a proper meal afterwards. Once you’ve swapped out your damp swimmers or your dusty trainers and start to sniff out a feed, you’ll quickly discover you’re surrounded by one of Australia’s richest agricultural regions.

    Unsurprisingly, Albury Wodonga’s dining scene is all about that Riverina produce. We’re talking Murray cod (of course) but also premium local beef from the valleys, olive oil from nearby groves, cool-climate wines and European-style cheeses.

    The restaurants, wine bars and breweries around Dean Street and Junction Square are all within easy reach, serving everything from modern Australian and Mediterranean to Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and classic wood-fired steakhouse fare. Looking for a riverside brunch? A comforting bowl of dumplings on a winter evening? Or up the ante with the vibrant flavours of Europe? Whatever the craving, there’s a table waiting.

    7. Get out on Lake Hume

    lake hume at sunset in albury wodonga nature
    Be sure to stay for a Lake Hume sunset.

    When you’re ready to dial up the solitude, trade the river for a veritable inland sea: Lake Hume. Just 15 minutes from Albury and Wodonga, it’s one of Australia’s largest water storage reservoirs. In other words, there’s plenty of space to swim, paddle and stake out a patch of shoreline all to yourself.

    Take the long way through Riverina farmland, stopping at the dam wall to appreciate just how enormous Lake Hume is. Cast a line for Murray cod, rainbow trout, golden perch or redfin and unpack a bag of bakery treats beneath the trees before launching a kayak into the vastness.

    Afterwards, stop by the Bonegilla Migrant Experience, where the remaining accommodation blocks tell the stories of more than 320,000 post-war migrants who passed through between 1947 and 1971. Give yourself time to walk through the preserved camp, stopping to digest the photographs, personal stories and artworks that reveal what it meant for residents to begin a new life at the edge of the world.

    Even if you’re exhausted, stay until twilight. The sunset is about to put on a hell of a leaving show for you.

    Start planning your escape into nature at visitalburywodonga.com.

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