The most popular skylines in Australia have just been revealed with some surprising results.
Whether it’s a sunset over a beach or a cityscape at dawn, Australians are constantly chasing the perfect skyline. But where are the most sought-after spots to chase the horizon? A new study by Frameshop combined Instagram hashtag counts, Google search trends and a weighted popularity index to determine the country’s most loved, photographed, and searched skyline views. Queensland took the crown as the Australian state with the most coveted skylines, with seven out of the top 10 positions.
Port Douglas boasts the country’s most popular skyline. (Image: Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree)
Leading the list? Port Douglas, with 577,000 Instagram posts and 480 monthly searches. Lush rainforest meets the shimmering Coral Sea in this North Tropical Queensland haven which offers brilliant sunset viewing opportunities. Rex Smeal Park showcases breathtaking views over Four Mile Beach and is one of the best sunset locations in the area. Or for the perfect sunrise, summit the FlagHill Trail and be rewarded with 180-degree views of the Coral Sea and surrounding islands.
Kangaroo Point was the second most popular spot. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Richard Greenwood)
Next on the list is Kangaroo Point in Brisbane with 105,000 tagged Instagram posts and the highest monthly search volume on the list at 760. Head to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park to get a picture-perfect view of the city skyline, Story Bridge and the surrounding river. Glass House Mountains took out the third spot with Mount Ngungun Summit Track and Jack Ferris Lookout offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and countryside.
The spectacular Sydney Harbour view from Milsons Point. (Image: Steve Back/Destination NSW)
Which skyline spots are making the biggest impression? Here are the top 10 locations Aussies are snapping, searching and admiring.
Australia’s most loved skylines
Port Douglas
Kangaroo Point
Glass House Mountains
Tamborine Mountain
Snapper Rocks
Cottesloe Beach
Warners Bay
Lake Burley Griffin
Fitzroy Island
Wellington Point
In addition to ranking the top 10 skylines across Australia, the report also evaluated the leading spots in each city.
The most loved local skyline view in your city
Port Douglas, Cairns
Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
Kangaroo Point, Brisbane
Kangaroo Island, Adelaide
Mindil Beach, Darwin
Warners Bay, Newcastle
Milsons Point, Sydney
St. Kilda Pier, Melbourne
Cradle Mountain, Launceston
Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
Kingston Beach, Hobart
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Get around the natural beauty and bounty of regional Victoria on a guided tour that reveals extraordinary moments from coast to country.
Walk the Great Ocean Road
Swap your car for walking shoes on the Great Ocean Road.
The Australian Walking Co’s immersive three-day, lodge-based walk is absolute bucket-list fodder. The easy-going, guided coastal hike is marked by epic scenery and end-of-day luxury. You’ll have no need for heavy packs or tents, instead expect fresh-caught crayfish, post-walk canapés and local wines. Each day explores the drama of this ocean-facing landscape with an approachable three-hour-ish walk, leaving plenty of time to unwind at the lodge.
Swim with seals and dolphins at Port Phillip Heads
Swim with dolphins in Port Phillip Head Marine Park.
Dive into Popes Eye, within Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, for this wild swimming experience with mankind’s BFFs of the sea. On the See All Dolphin Swims 3.5-hour experience, departing from Queenscliff, you’ll begin in shallow, calm waters before venturing off to Chinaman’s Hat and beyond to meet seals and dolphins in their own habitat. All gear is provided and all ages are welcome.
Get your ghost on in the Grampians
For those with a penchant for the paranormal, get ready for goosebumps when you embark on the Lantern Tours J Ward Paranormal Investigation excursion that takes place under the moonlight in the west wing of Aradale Lunatic Asylum. As you keep a lookout for supernatural activity, you’ll enjoy tales of the criminally insane inmates that will make the hairs on your neck stand to attention.
Paddle along the mighty Murray
Glide along the scenic Murray on a stand-up paddleboard.
Swoosh softly through the silky waters of the mighty Murray on a stand-up paddle board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle . This gentle downstream sojourn meanders for one-and-a-half hours covering 4.5 kilometres of the river, taking in the beauty on the banks and the vibrant birdlife. From Echuca Moama slip under the Moama Bridge and glide beside its iconic paddlesteamers and the historic port.
Sip and cycle in the Yarra Valley
Cycle around Yarra Valley wine country.
Wine and wheels make a great pairing on the Tour De Vines six-hour Yarra Valley tour that weaves through vine-threaded roads. It’s a relaxed pace along 20 kilometres of the Warburton Rail Trail as you spot native birds and stop in at local vineyards and produce stores. You’ll pull in at a local winery for a tasting and enjoy lunch before hitting up a couple of cellar doors. Depending on your pedal power, there may be time to sneak in a visit to a chocolate or cheese factory.
Dig for gold in Bendigo
Think you have what it takes to unearth a gilded treasure? Try your hand at prospecting and learn the art of gold-digging (in the geological sense) on the two-hour Gold Nugget Hunter tour in the Loddon Valley. On the tour, mine the wisdom of locals Shane and Jackie – who have honed their hobby of gold-detecting into an art – to learn how to read the land and use a gold detector. You may even go home with a nugget of your own.
Cruise around Wilsons Promontory
Cruise around Skull Rock in Wilsons Prom. (Image: Connor Vaughan)
It’s a thrill to drive directly from the sand into the waves aboard the Wanderer Adventures ’ bright-yellow amphibious boat. On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll skip along the water to take in Wilsons Prom’s top highlights, such as the imposing Skull Rock, The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. Spot seals, penguins and seabirds as you absorb the tranquillity of this stunning environment.
Walk with llamas in the Macedon Ranges
Make friends with a llama in the Macedon Ranges.
If you’ve always felt an affinity for long-lashed camelids, then bonding with a llama on a leisurely walk might just be the thing for you. Opt for either a three-hour, five-kilometre hike or a longer 12-kilometre trek along the Domino Rail Trail paired with a gentle, hooved friend. Things kick off with a llama orientation, where you’ll learn how to lead and look out for your new mate before you hit the track. It’s a lovely way to explore the beauty of the region with a sensitive and curious companion by your side.
Go underground in the Grampians
Take a subterranean tour of Seppelt Wines. (Image: Ben Savage/We Are Explorers)
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Discover island life in the Mornington Peninsula
Discover the Mornington Peninsula’s flora and fauna on a guided tour of French Island.
Eject from the mainland on a catamaran bound for the wildlife haven of French Island with Naturaliste Tours . Once you disembark from the boat, you’ll hop into a 4WD to explore the pristine flora and fauna, from salt marshes to vast Fairhaven Beach. Look out for echidnas and koalas and enjoy short walks and historic sites on this half-day tour.
The southernmost tip is a haven for wildlife. (Image: CMcConville)
