18 of Australia’s most photographable places to visit

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Watch the likes roll in with the country’s most photo-ready sights.

Deconstructed breakfasts and over-styled selfies certainly work but nothing attracts instant Instagram gratification more than Australia’s most brilliant vistas. From iconic bucket list destinations to less-explored natural wonders, the country’s most picture-perfect attractions are guaranteed to set your feed alight.

1. BridgeClimb Sydney, NSW

You can capture the Sydney Harbour Bridge from countless angles but getting professionally snapped atop the coat hanger as the Sydney Opera House dangles in the distance is a coveted Instagram post on anyone’s wish list.

Sign on for BridgeClimb Sydney at dawn or dusk to experience both a carpet of twinkling lights and sensational sun shifts during the single journey.

people climbing up the BridgeClimb Sydney, NSW
BridgeClimb offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Luna Park, NSW

While you’re flooding your feed with Sydney standouts, head to Luna Park Sydney in Milsons Point for an astonishing Sydney Harbour Bridge vantage point.

a man giving his child a piggyback ride with the giant glowing Ferris wheel in the background at Luna Park Sydney
Strike an IG-worthy pose at Luna Park with the giant glowing Ferris wheel as your backdrop. (Image: Destination NSW)

Venture to the harbour’s edge towards the rear of the amusement park and you’ll capture the bridge, Opera House and the park’s rainbow-hued Ferris Wheel in the one frame. Visit early in the morning to beat crowds and limit scattered tourists littering your lens.

a family entering the Luna Park, NSW
Spend a fantastic day out with your family at Luna Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park, Western Australia

One of Western Australia’s most dramatic natural marvels, Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park consists of several enormous oval-shaped boulders, resembling a herd of elephants rising out of crystal-clear waters.

the Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park, Western Australia
William Bay National Park is renowned for its famed elephant-shaped rocks. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Get there early to score a spot in the William Bay Road carpark which is just a five-minute walk from the beachfront show. In terms of mapping out your trip, it’s about 14 kilometres southwest of Denmark in WA.

an aerial view of the Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park, Western Australia
Elephant Rocks WA is surrounded by huge granite boulders. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Bondi Icebergs Pool, NSW

No filters are required here. Even on the gloomiest days, Bondi Icebergs Pool is one of Australia’s most arresting eyefuls as ocean waves crash up against the 50-metre adult lap pool and slowly fizzle around the adjoining 25-metre section.

an aerial view of Bondi Icebergs Pool, NSW
Come by the coolest hotel swimming pool in Bondi Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s a spectacular collision of blue and white and every shade in between. You’ll score a killer aerial view up on Notts Avenue at the southern end of Bondi Beach even if it’s cluttered with sightseers and Bondi to Bronte coastal walkers. The pool is so huge down below, you can’t miss it.

a top view of Bondi Icebergs Club, Sydney
Bondi Icebergs Pool meets the sea. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA

Move over, Whitehaven. Australia’s whitest beach is Esperance’s Lucky Bay and better still, it’s home to resident kangaroos, making it the most loveable beach scene in the country.

an aerial view of Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA
Lucky Bay is one of Australia’s purest and whitest beaches. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The water itself is sparkling turquoise, throwing another level of spectacular into your selfie, but it’s all about the local roos at this stunning stretch of sand so time your visit to dusk or dawn. Although they can be spotted during the rest of the day, they’re mostly active at night so you’ll spy more if you’re strategic.

the stunning white sand beach at Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA
Off the coast of Esperance lies the stunning Lucky Bay. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, Coober Pedy, SA

Dishing out daily desert sunrises and sunsets to stir up your senses, the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park in Coober Pedy is picture-perfect from wherever you’re standing.

an aerial photo of a man walking along the rugged landscapes at Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park
The rugged landscapes at Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park are picturesque. (Image: Skye Reynolds)

Sprawling out over almost 15,000 hectares and flushed with canyons, mountains, domes and other extraordinary geological marvels, the wonder must be seen to be believed. To add further fascination, more than 60 unique flora species dot the park and our most iconic wildlife roam free.

the scenic desert landscape at Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, Coober Pedy, SA
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park boasts majestic arid scenery. (Image: Elise Cook)

7. Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Victoria

Showcasing street art at its mightiest, Hosier Lane in Melbourne’s CBD is a well-trodden pit-stop that should be thanked for its part in cementing Melbourne as Australia’s culture capital.

No matter where you point your lens, brilliant bursts of graffitied colour from local and international artists provide illuminating photos on every feed. Just brace yourself for should-to-shoulder crowds if you’re visiting on a weekend or during lunch hour.

vibrant graffitied colours at Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Victoria
You’ll see vibrant graffiti on Hosier Lane everywhere you look. (Image: Visit Victoria)

8. Crawley Edge Boatshed, Perth, WA

A haunting sight that could easily pass as art if framed on a wall, Crawley Edge Boatshed in Perth is a huge hit amongst Instagrammers.

the famous Crawley Edge Boatshed in Perth, WA
Take a scenic stroll along the timber boardwalk leading to the boatshed. (Image: Simon Burrows)

Better known as the Blue Boathouse, it’s a 1930s restored shack that juts out at the end of a jetty over the Swan River. Stand at the foot of the jetty on dry land to snap the ultimate shot, encompassing the river’s still waters and this eerie, beautiful old structure.

a family relaxing in front of The Crawley Edge Boatshed in Perth, WA
Capture Instagrammable photos in front of the blue boatshed. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

9. Brighton Beach Boxes, Vic

A sunny queue of 82 adorable pop colour bathing boxes adorns the sandy shores of Dendy Street Beach in Brighton, with one of the itty-bitty structures even sporting the colours of our nation’s flag.

a couple walking along the colourful huts at Brighton Beach, Vic
Stop by colourful huts along Brighton Beach. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Melbourne’s Brighton Beach Boxes, which were built more than 100 years ago, attract visitors all year round for their traditional timber frames, multi-coloured weatherboard facades and corrugated iron roofs. Your only difficulty will be picking your favourites to snap and post.

an aerial shot of colourful, Victorian bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Vic
Brighton Beach is lined with colourful, Victorian bathing boxes. (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Offering uninterrupted views of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake is a magical body of water surrounded by unspoilt wilderness.

views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake in Tasmania
Take in the craggy sights of the Cradle Mountain. (Image: Off the Path)

Spectacular walking tracks are on hand to help you explore the glacially carved lake and its surroundings in full but there’s utterly enchanting scenery everywhere, particularly at the old boat shed which serves as an other-worldly prop for Instagram fodder.

view of Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain from Mt Campbell
Fog envelops Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)

You can drive to Dove Lake but parking is limited so most people travel via the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre ’s regular shuttle buses.

the Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain under the night sky in Tasmania
Dove Lake shimmers majestically under the night sky. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)

11. Lake Hillier, Middle Island, WA

You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet when you first spy Lake Hiller on Middle Island, off the southern coast of WA, but the great news? The sensational fairy floss-hued lake is swimmable.

an aerial view of Lake Hillier, Middle Island, WA, instagrammable place in Australia
Lake Hillier is an incredibly pink lake set next to clear turquoise waters on Middle Island. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

You won’t find many wading because the salt concentration is ridiculously high but if you do get out to the remote Instagram hot spot, feel free to dip your toes in to secure a selfie of your dreams.

an aerial view of Lake Hillier, Middle Island, WA, instagrammable place in Australia
Set foot on the fairy-floss-hued Lake Hillier. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

12. Uluru, Red Centre, Northern Territory

Australia’s spiritual heartland is breathtaking and no photograph will ever do Uluru justice. However, Instagram likes to have a crack. The 3.6-kilometre-long natural structure looks terrific on social media, serving as one of the country’s most recognisable bucket list sightings.

sunset at Uluru, Red Centre, Northern Territory, instagrammable place in Australia
Uluru is a deeply spiritual and breathtaking place. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and Anson Smart Photography)

The bonus in being there? Uluru is tremendously moving. Travel up from the airport or Alice Springs and spend as much time as possible exploring the dusty rock and the neighbouring rock formations at Kata Tjuta.

Uluru at sunrise, instagrammable place in Australia
Uluru is most stunning at sunrise or sunset. (Image: Emily Murphy)

13. Bommie Deck, Hamilton Island, Queensland

For the ultimate holiday cocktail-in-hand bragging rights, head straight to Bommie Deck at sunset for an incredible shot against Hamilton Island’s glistening waters.

One of Hamilton Island’s best things to do, soaking up the luxe life at this spectacular outdoor bar located right near the marina provides instant high society vibes. Part of Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie Deck is the envy-inducing island backdrop you’ve always wanted. Get there before the sun starts to sink to secure a table.

the Bommie Deck & Restaurant perched on Hamilton Island, Queensland, instagrammable place in Australia
Bommie Deck is perched on the glistening waters of Hamilton Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

14. The Maheno shipwreck, K’gari, Qld

A captivating piece of history crumpling up on one of the country’s most pristine beaches, the Maheno shipwreck on K’gari is extraordinary. Decaying on the shore since the luxury vessel’s fateful demise during a cyclone in 1935, the Maheno’s vast shape and form can still be spied in sensational detail, creating a dramatic coastal scene that’s begging to join your Insta grid.

the Maheno shipwreck, K’gari, Qld, instagrammable place in Australia
Be in awe at the Maheno shipwreck on K’gari.

15. Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Vic

While we’re talking at-sea drama, don’t miss a chance to wind your way around Victoria’s Great Ocean Road for a glimpse of the Twelve Apostles.

a sunset view of Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Vic, instagrammable place in Australia
Carved from the sea are impressive limestone stacks known as Twelve Apostles. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Located a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne, the famous rock formations are said to be around 20 million years old but all seven of the remaining limestone stacks remain as bewitching as ever. For the grandest of vantage points, get to the viewing platform right before Castle Rock at the southern end of the masterpiece.

the Twelve Apostles at sunset, Great Ocean Road, Vic, instagrammable place in Australia
The sun casts a glowing shade upon the Twelve Apostles’ rock formations at dusk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

16. Burleigh Hill, Gold Coast, Qld

Capturing everything the Gold Coast is famous for, Burleigh Hill at Burleigh Heads provides a sweeping view of the coastline including Surfers Paradise’s signature skyscrapers, dramatic headlands and awesome surf action.

a family enjoying a picnic at Burleigh Hill, Gold Coast, Qld, instagrammable place in Australia
Enjoy a picnic on the grass with stunning coastal views at Burleigh Hill. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Take the coastal walk through Burleigh Head National Park from Tallebudgera Creek, one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful swimming spots, and arrive like a local before finding a spot on the grass to soak up the good life.

two people sitting on Burleigh Hill watching the surfers, instagrammable place in Australia
Spend your laid-back afternoons watching the waves roll in and out at Burleigh Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

17. Lake MacDonnell, Eyre Peninsula, SA

Visit on a clear day to spy one of the most incredible pools of water in the country. Lake MacDonnell in South Australia is yet another gob-smacking bubble gum-hued lake located 45 minutes from Ceduna Airport via car.

driving along pink salt Lake MacDonnell in South Australia
Lake MacDonnell turns into a pretty shade of pink. (Image: Jaxon Foale)

A magical result of high salt concentration and salt-hungry algae, the Instagram hot spot fluctuates its state of pink but no matter when you visit, you’re sure to spy something entirely out of the ordinary.

an aerial view of a car driving along Lake MacDonnell in South Australia
Embark on a dreamy road trip along Lake MacDonnell. (Image: David Jaske)

18. Wallaman Falls, Tropical North Queensland

We strongly urge you to chase waterfalls at Queensland’s Girringun National Park where you’ll find Wallaman Falls , Australia’s tallest single-drop cascade. Towering high at 268 metres, the majestic sight is about 170 kilometres north-west of Townsville and cars can access the waterfall through park roads. For a great vantage point, drive to the Wallaman Falls lookout after turning left on Blackbraes Road.

a rainbow spotted at Wallaman Falls, Tropical North Queensland, instagrammable place in Australia
Wallaman Falls is perfect for rainbow spotting. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Kyle Hunter)
Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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The road trips and trails you need to experience in Victoria now

Wind through fern tunnels, stop for a wine in a tram bar, or chase giant murals across the wheatbelt. These drives and rides prove Victoria’s best stories are found off the straight and narrow. 

There’s something unmistakably Australian about a road trip: car packed, playlist on, landscapes shifting. Travelling down the highway toward Healesville, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley , the mountains rise, flanking me on both sides. I feel its embrace, a silent invitation to explore what lies beyond.  

Moss-covered embankments rise on either side, and towering mountain ash trees form a green tunnel overhead. Road signs warn of wombats and cyclists but with giant ferns lining the roadside, the landscape feels prehistoric, as if a dinosaur might suddenly emerge. This, the Black Spur , is one of my favourite road trips. 

The Black Spur 

The Black Spur drive
Through the forested canopy of The Black Spur drive that winds from Healesville to Narbethong. (Image: Neisha Breen)

Location: Yarra Ranges
Duration: 30 kilometres / 30 minutes 

The Black Spur is short compared to other Victorian road trips, just 30 kilometres, stretching from Healesville to Narbethong. But what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in scenery. Just outside Healesville, Maroondah Dam offers bushwalks and scenic views. However, if pressed for time, Selover’s Lookout is an easy roadside stop offering uninterrupted views of the dam.  

In Narbethong, close to the Marysville’s snowfield, is the Black Spur Inn , a charming double-storey brick hotel that’s been welcoming travellers since 1863. Here, diners cosy up by the roaring fire or gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows, imagining horse-drawn coaches carrying hopeful gold seekers to the eastern goldfields.   

Victoria’s Silo Art Trail 

Silo Art Trail
The Silo Art Trail in the Wimmera Mallee region. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

Location: Various towns across the Wimmera Mallee region
Duration: More than 200 kilometres / 4–5 hours but best over a minimum of three days  

What began as a way to draw travellers back into town bypassed by highways – places such as Nullawil, Sea Lake and Patchewollock – has grown into a celebrated outdoor art movement. The Silo Art Trail now includes 23 silos, each transformed with large-scale mural portraits sharing local stories, celebrating community heroes, Indigenous history, farming life, or regional identity.  

The Nullawil silo, for example, is a portrait of a local farmer in a chequered flannelette shirt alongside his loyal kelpie, painted by artist Sam Bates (AKA Smug). And the silos at Albacutya in the Grampians, painted by artist Kitt Bennett, depict her joyful memories of growing up in the countryside. Many of the murals sit right in the heart of small towns, such as Rochester and St Arnaud , making them perfect spots to pause for a country pub meal or something sweet from a local bakery.   

Metung to Mallacoota  

Gippsland lakes
Gippsland Lakes. (Image: Visit Victoria/Josie Withers)

Location: Gippsland
Duration: Approximately 220 kilometres / 4 hours  

The Gippsland Lakes are a much-loved holiday spot in Victoria, but road-tripping further east reveals much more. Begin in Metung and time your visit with the monthly farmers’ market, or simply linger over lunch on the lawn of the Metung Hotel. Twenty minutes away is Lakes Entrance , where you can watch the fishing boats return with their catch. 

Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance. (Image: Visit Victoria/Iluminaire Pictures)

Continue to Marlo, where the Snowy River spills into the sea, and Cape Conran for its many beaches and walks. If needing to stretch your legs, Croajingolong National Park is home to the historic Point Hicks Lighthouse and the Wilderness Coast Walk. Birdwatching and rainforest trails near Bemm River are worth a pit stop before arriving in Mallacoota, where the forest meets the sea. 

Great Ocean Road 

12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road
The 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Location: South-west Victoria, from Torquay to Allansford
Duration: Approximately 250 kilometres / 4–5 hours but best over a minimum of three days  

Victoria’s most famous road trip delivers it all: world-class surf breaks, rainforest walks, clifftop lookouts and wildlife encounters. The journey begins in Torquay, the state’s surf capital, then hugs the coast past Anglesea and Lorne to Apollo Bay, before curving inland through the lush rainforest of the Otways. Stop at Cape Otway Lightstation or take to the treetops at Otway Fly.  

Between Cape Otway and Port Campbell lies the most photographed stretch – seven of the Twelve Apostles still standing, alongside the golden cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge. Further west, Warrnambool is a winter whale-watching hotspot, before the road winds to Port Fairy, a charming fishing village of whalers’ cottages, walking trails and offshore seal colonies further along the coast. 

Bellarine Taste Trail 

Terindah Estate
Terindah Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Location: Bellarine Peninsula
Duration: Approximately 80 kilometres / 2–3 hours  

The Bellarine Taste Trail is a feast for the senses, winding through coastal towns, past boutique wineries and artisan producers. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure style trail – simply grab a map and build your own delicious journey.  

You might wander historic, seafront Queenscliff, sip wine in a converted tram bar at Terindah Estate , sample a locally distilled whisky at The Whiskery in Drydale or pick up a jar of honey at Wattle Grove in Wallington. Seafood lovers can head to Portarlington, famous for its mussels. Eat them fresh at local restaurants or head out on the water with Portarlington Mussel Tours. 

O’Keefe Rail Trail – Bendigo to Heathcote 

Pink Cliffs Reserve
Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Location: Central Victoria
Duration: Approximately 50 kilometres / 4 hours cycling 

Travellers first journeyed between Heathcote and Bendigo in 1888, when the railway line was built to link the towns. Trains stopped running in 1956, but today the route has a new life as the O’Keefe Rail Trail . The path is mostly level for easy riding, and along the way you’ll cycle past bushland, waterways and reserves. There are plenty of places to picnic, birdwatch, and if you’re lucky, spot a platypus.  

The trail is well supported with water stations, bike repair points, shelters, and signage. Axedale makes a great halfway stop, with the pretty Campaspe River Reserve for a rest and local cafes for refuelling. Begin in Heathcote, known for its wineries and cafes, or in Bendigo, which is easily reached by train from Melbourne/Naarm. Shorter sections, such as Heathcote to Axedale, are also popular. 

Goldfields Track – Ballarat to Bendigo 

Location: Central Victoria
Duration: Approximately 210 kilometres / 2–3 days cycling  

The Goldfields Track traces a route once so rich in gold it made Melbourne one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Starting at Mt Buninyong, south of Ballarat, the trail leads mountain cyclists and walkers north through Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine before finishing in Bendigo. Along the way, you’ll encounter granite outcrops, eucalypt forests, rolling farmland and remnants of the region’s mining past.  

As it passes through the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung people, the track shares gold rush history and Indigenous stories brought to life by interpretive signs. Walk or ride the full trail or choose from one of its three distinct sections. With cosy stays, cafes and pubs, it’s easy to mix wilderness with comfort.