10 most Instagrammed places in Australia

Every wondered where the most Instagrammed places in Australia are? We did, so we asked those in the know at Instagram to find the most-tagged travelled-to destinations in this wide brown land.

1. Sydney Opera House

No surprise here. The Opera House is the centrepiece of the most populous city in the country with a benchmark New Year’s Eve celebration of global significance – just like number one on our sister titles’ ‘10 Most Instagrammed Places in the World ’ list.

Other events like the million-people-drawing Vivid light festival will see the sails long illuminated in this list.

2. Darling Harbour, Sydney

On the other side of Sydney’s CBD, Darling Harbour is still first or second stop on many international tourists’ itineraries for a spot of harbourside dining and shopping, even if local visitors have plateaued recently.

Watch this space when the current redevelopment – which includes the demolishment of Entertainment Centre – is complete, particularly given its proximity to entertainment and foodie hubs like Chinatown.

3. Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast

Let’s just say that Surfers Paradise has never topped our best beach in Australia list, yet, but the Gold Coast’s beach-de-résistance certainly attracts its share of digital natives.

Family holidays and the Instagram (and Snapchat) frenzy of Schoolies will help keep Surfers near the top of this Instagram wave.

4. Bondi Beach, Sydney

Sydney’s most famous beach destination for a generation was destined to pop up its head here.

Of course, backpackers and ever-changing trendy restaurants, cafes and bars beef up Bondi’s Instagram credential, but it’s the beach and blue sky that still feature in most Grams. The classic shot across the Bondi Icebergs is one of our faves.

5. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

A winter full of AFL and perhaps the most famous cricket game in the world, the Boxing Day test, during summer bring ‘The G’ into Instagram focus.

Consequently the MCG feed is more for sport worshippers than travel dreamers, with a slew of at-the-game selfies and ‘duallies’ of punters in their battle dress of choice.

6. Sydney Harbour

Even when you’re not facing the other two harbour icons on this list, the Opera House or the bridge, there are a million places and spaces that will forever see Sydney Harbour in this top 10 in Australia, if not the world.

7. Sydney Harbour Bridge

How many angles can you Gram the Coathanger from? On top on a bridge climb, from the air in a seaplane, directly underneath from an old ferry or from innumerable spaces from afar, from Taronga Zoo to The Rocks.

Not surprisingly one of our demographics’ more popular vantage points is from directly opposite in the Opera Bar, wine in hand.

8. St Kilda Beach, Melbourne

Without doubt, St Kilda attracts the artiest variety of images in this list, thanks to its bo-ho by the beach vibe.

Expect lots of tattoo shots, foodie Grams among the beach shots and Insta-images of Luna Park’s unhinged-looking clown (see: The St Kilda You Always Wanted to Meet).

9. The Grounds of Alexandria, Sydney

The fact that Sydney’s busiest (if not trendiest) coffee precinct in the barely post-industrial inner-city suburb of Alexandria makes the list may surprise some.

To understand, stand outside the Grounds of Alexandria on a Saturday morning and marvel at the hive of people and traffic buzzing around this coffee-driven collective of utterly Instagrammable spaces.

10. South Bank, Brisbane

South Bank is still Brisbane’s river-side meeting place of choice (see Hip Hood: South Bank).

It has evolved over the past few years, moving on from just a sometimes-rowdy outdoor space to a multi-faceted and personalitied part of Brisbane’s persona with growing cultural cred.

That’s why it’s Brisbane’s favourite Instagram subject.

MORE… The 10 Most Instagrammed Places in the World

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Those dreaming of a river escape that’s less rush and more rest will discover the perfect getaway in Echuca Moama.

Best known for summer river holidays, Echuca Moama dishes up extraordinary options for those craving good food, experiences and culture. Discover how best to spend your getaway in this gorgeous river town.

1. Find unique stays in Echuca Moama

Goolwa River Retreat villas — Bathe under the stars at Goolwa River Retreat.

An adventure here starts with the perfect place to stay. Echuca Moama is famous for its luxury houseboats. Be spoilt for choice with amenities like spas, chef’s kitchens and en-suites onboard Murray River Houseboats and Echuca Luxury Houseboats .

For those who prefer to stay on dry land to sleep, there’s no shortage of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The villas at Goolwa River Retreat offer spectacular views of the Murray Riverfront, cosy evenings by the fire pit. And, a truly unique and luxurious experience: bathing under the stars in an outdoor bathtub.

Families travelling with young kids will appreciate the fully self-contained cabins, which sleep up to six, at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park . Complete with BBQ facilities and a kids’ playground, Echuca Holiday Park is the perfect base for families exploring the Echuca Moama region.

More adventurous guests can experience off-grid serenity at Carriages Water Front Retreat , where they can slumber among the redgums in a lovingly converted vintage train carriage.

If you prefer a more central place to stay, the Mercure Port of Echuca is located just five minutes from the Port of Echuca on foot and offers comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to all the region has to offer.

2. Explore the Murray River

PaddlesteamerS on the Murray River — Jump aboard one of Echuca Moama’s famous paddlesteamers.

A trip to Echuca Moama isn’t complete without seeing the Murray River. Take in views from the water, with Murray River Paddlesteamers and Echuca Paddlesteamers . Or combine sightseeing with lunch at a local winery or brewery on a Wharf to Winery or Port to Plate cruise .

Those who prefer an active holiday can hire a stand-up paddleboard with Echuca SUP to explore the river. Duck under the historic Echuca Moama Bridge and listen out for local wildlife. At the end of your paddleboarding trip, you’ll find a shuttle service to return you to the car park.

Kayaking is another great option if you like to combine seeing the sights with a full-body workout. Hire a kayak from River Country Adventours , or join a river safari for a guided experience.

3. Go hiking and biking in Echuca Moama

two bikers riding on the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail — Peddle along the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail.

On foot or by bike, there are plenty of trails to explore the region. Embark on a guided e-bike tour with Green Pedal (or hire an e-bike and go it alone) to explore the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail . Traverse through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Bakeries and picnic areas in the historic town of Rushworth provide the perfect place for refreshments.

Day trip to the lookout at Whroo Forest, near the now-abandoned Whroo township, located on historic Balaclava Hill. The Hill was once the site of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine and home to a thriving town. Today, the area offers picturesque walking tracks and picnic sites.

4. Taste Echuca Moama’s best dining options

lobster dish on the table at opa in echuca moama — Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you like a candlelit dinner or a coffee in the sunshine, Echuca Moama is ready to delight your taste buds.

Pop into Opa for authentic Greek fare with views of the town from its upstairs balcony. Enjoy seasonal produce at The Mill , offering everything from global street food and share plates to classic dinner and dessert options inside a historic building.

Discover a local secret at Monkee and Co , a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant serving up classics like Banh Mi and dumplings.

Start the day with excellent coffee and waterfront views at the family-run Watson St Pavilion .

5. Drink at Echuca Moama’s best bars

two people drinking cockatails at paradise bar in echuca moama — Cheers to neon at Paradise Bar.

Top-notch tipples can be found at Paradise Bar , a new cocktail bar serving up handcrafted cocktails to delight the taste buds in the heart of Echuca. The menu features classics like mojitos, margs, and spritzers. As well as Paradise’s own creations featuring funky ingredients like bubble gum syrup and an Old Fashioned with truffle oil.

Bar Lee at the Echuca Distillery is the place to go to watch the sun go down at the rooftop bar, taste Echuca’s locally made spirits and nibble your way through an exceptional selection of share plates.

For river views, excellent service and a more than extensive wine menu, head to Social Wine Bar . You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere in the riverfront beer garden that sprawls out under an ancient pine tree and a cosy interior perfect for hiding away on a cool evening.

6. Follow local art trails

Jump in the car and follow the Silo Art Trail.

The region’s silos have been transformed into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad. Follow the Silo Art Trail by car, which takes between three and four hours.

Rochester Mural Park is home to an annual lineup of changing murals, while the Rochester Mural Festival showcases established and emerging artists.

7. Dive into local history

Echuca Port Museum and Penny Tourism — See the historic Port of Echuca.

The Echuca Moama region is bursting with history. Among its historical treasures is the Port of Echuca . Interactive displays showcase the port’s importance to historical trade along the river, industrial sites like the Evans Brothers Sawmill and the Port of Echuca railway station with its very own heritage steam train.

The displays pay homage to the site’s significance to the local Yorta Yorta People and their ancestral connection to the land where the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers meet.

Explore the port independently or join a guided tour to learn from Echuca’s history buffs.

Learn more and start planning the perfect holiday to Echuca Moama at visitechucamoama.com.au.

The 10 most Instagrammed places in Australia