30 Australian Landmarks That Will Blow Your Mind!

Ask most people to name the top landmarks in Australia and the answer is likely to include the Sydney Opera House, Uluru and Great Barrier Reef. But there are so many more Aussie landmarks that will have you awe struck. Australia is a land of unique and distinctive natural Australian landmarks that are as spectacular as the continent itself when viewed from space. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a landmark is “a building or place that is easily recognised, especially one that you can use to judge where you are”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary takes a broader approach to defining the meaning of “landmark” and describes a landmark as “an object (such as a stone or tree) that marks the boundary of land”.

Well, Australia has plenty of really impressive stones and lots of trees! So, choosing 20 landmarks wasn’t an easy task and the criteria I’ve used to compile this Australian landmarks list:

• A distinctive feature of a landscape easily seen and recognised from a distance, especially if it helps identify the location.
• A recognisable natural or human-made feature used for navigation
• Some landmarks may not necessarily be classified as famous Australian landmarks or be on the UNESCO world heritage but may qualify as a landmark on the points above.

Landmarks in Australia

Famous Landmarks In Australia

1- Sydney Opera House

One of the most iconic Australian landmarks in Australia would have to be the Sydney Opera House. 

As soon as you see it you know exactly where you are.

Not only is the famous opera house one of the most architecturally stunning Australian landmarks in a city, but it’s also one of the most well-known buildings in the world.

Experts recognise the iconic Sydney Opera House as one of the great architectural works of the 20th century.

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this Australian landmark is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its creativity, innovation and structural design.

Visiting Sydney soon? Put aside at least an entire day to thoroughly explore the Sydney Opera House by taking a backstage tour, seeing a show and having a drink at the Opera House bar. 

Stay at: Capella Sydney

2- Uluru

The craggy sweeping mountain ranges and sweeping plains around Uluru hides a treasure trove of spectacular gorges, canyons, craters and waterholes.

Although Central Australia’s hidden gems are a lost world of amazing natural treasures, the one that stands out as an iconic Australian landmark as Uluru.

As soon as you set eyes on Uluru, you’ll understand why it’s often referred to as the heart of Australia.

Previously known as Ayers Rock, this World Heritage site rises 348m from the desert floor and is an impressive Australian landmark that dominates the landscape.

Uluru is more than 550 million years old and is a sacred site to the Anangu people.

For its location in the centre of Australia, Uluru is often called the heart of Australia. 

Even though the nearest town, Alice Springs, is 450 km away, thousands of tourists visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year.

Visiting Australia soon? Take your time to explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the nearest town Alice Springs.

Top Tour: Uluru Sunset with Outback Barbecue Dinner and Star Tour.

Stay at: Sails in the Desert

3- Great Barrier Reef

Anyone can tell you that the term Great Barrier Reef identifies with Australia, but the most apparent indication you’re looking at the Australian Great Barrier Reef is that eye-catching heart-shaped reef.

If you’re looking for one of those Australian landmarks to help with navigation (or a romantic spot to propose), Heart Reef stands out as the spot.

The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef stretches 2300 km along the Queensland coast and has a remarkable assortment of diverse marine life.

From whales, dugongs, dolphins and sharks to millions of fish, coral and turtles, call this national treasure home.

Top Tour: Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns.

Stay at: Agnes Water Stays over18’s

Historic Australian Landmarks

4- Port Arthur

Between 1788 and 1868, around 164,000 convicts were shipped to the Australian colonies on board 806 ships.

It was an episode in history that steered the direction of two nations – Australia and Great Britain.

In 2010, the Australian Convict Sites became Australia’s 18th World Heritage-listed property.

Eleven places scattered around the country made this list, including Cockatoo Island, Norfolk Island and Hyde Park Barracks, but the historic penal settlement that stands out from the rest is Port Arthur in Tasmania.

From a small timber station in 1830, Port Arthur has emerged as the most famous convict site and one of the historic Australian landmarks of note.

Buy the Port Arthur Historic Site 2-Day Pass.

Stay at: Ruby’s Cottage Farm Stay

5- Australian War Memorial

A blend of shrine and museum, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra pays homage to the sacrifice of Australians who died at war.

Voted as the number one Australian landmark on TripAdvisor, the Byzantine architecture of the monument has a grandeur that puts it high on the list of the world’s great national monuments.

Exhibitions at the Australian War Memorial are impressive and you could easily spend an entire day in the museum.  

Top tour: Canberra Day Trip from Sydney.

Stay at: Birch Apartments in the City

6- Captain Cook Statue 

Anyone who has visited Cooktown only needs to see the statue of Captain James Cook to know that it marks a spot on the Esplanade in Bicentennial Park in Cooktown.

Although Cooktown was named after the British explorer who charted Australia’s east coast while sailing aboard HMB Endeavour, Cooktown was not where he first set foot on land (it was where he got stranded). 

You can travel to Cooktown by land and the trip from Cairns to Cooktown is quite an adventure. 

Lt (he wasn’t a captain back then) Cook landed in Botany Bay in Sydney on April 29 1770, paving the way for colonisation.

There’s a modest Captain Cook statue in Sydney’s Hyde Park, a monument on Norfolk Island and a substantial Captain Cook monument to commemorate the 250th anniversary of this historic landing is expected to be built by 2020.

Meanwhile, the little-known statue in Cooktown does dominate the small town with its presence, making it our pick of Australian landmarks to remember this period in Australia’s history. 

Read this post for more things to do in Cairns. 

Top tour: 3-Day Small-Group Tour of North Queensland with Pick Up.

Stay at: One Global Resorts Green Square

Australian Landmarks In A City

7- Melbourne Cricket Ground

The home of Australian football since 1859 was the birthplace of Test cricket in 1877 and one-day international cricket in 1971.

However, the MCG is more than just a sports venue – it’s the sporting heart of Melbourne.

Prebook your tickets for the tour of the MCG here.

Stay at: The StandardX, Melbourne

8- Eureka Skydeck

Towering above the Melbourne city landscape, 285 metres above ground, the Eureka Skydeck is a Melbourne landmark you can’t miss.

As far as Australian landmarks go, it epitomises the character of a fast-growing city, and has one of the best 360-degree views of Melbourne through floor-to-ceiling glass.

It’s not just a landmark, viewing platform, or a place to face your fear of heights but an entertainment and dining hub.

Visiting Eureka Skydeck is one of the most amazing things to do in Melbourne at night.

Skip the line and reserve your tickets here. 

Stay at: Boutique Abode 316

9- Queen Victoria Building

Any Sydneysider dropped in front of the Queen Victoria statue at the Queen Victoria Building (or QVB) will instantly know where they are.

If you’re wondering why a shopping centre is on our list of Australian landmarks, it’s because the QVB’s elaborate Romanesque architecture was planned so that the Government could employ out-of-work stonemasons, plasterers and stained window artists to construct a building that would stand the test of time.

Designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, the QVB has been a concert hall, city library and offices for the Sydney City Council in the past.

Fun fact: A letter from Queen Elizabeth II to the Citizens of Sydney is sealed in a time capsule to be opened and read by the Lord Mayor of Sydney in 2085.

How old will you be when it’s opened?

Stay at: SKYE Suites Sydney

10- Q1

Look at a photo of the Gold Coast and you’ll see that the Q1 building soars above the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Although the Gold Coast has some of Australia’s best surf beaches, Q1 is an Australian landmark that identifies Surfers Paradise from the numerous other beach communities along this stretch of Queensland paradise.

What to do? Head to the SkyPoint Deck for twinkling views or sign up for the SkyPoint Climb 270 m high and Australia’s highest external building climb.

Stay at: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

11- Bondi Beach

How do you distinguish Bondi Beach from the plethora of amazing Australian beaches across the country? Is it the bronze bodies tanning in the sun? Or is it the wave of surfer dudes riding the crests?

Perhaps it’s the Bondi Icebergs swimming pool on the ocean’s edge?

All of these things could describe any of Australia’s beautiful beaches, but the one thing that separates Bondi Beach from the others and places it on the list of one of the prominent Australian landmarks is its name.

Bondi Beach.

Yes, it’s famous.

Top tour: Discover Bondi Guided Beach And Coastal Walking Tour.

Stay at: Hotel Bondi

12- Story Bridge

Most people outside of Brisbane have probably never heard of the Story Bridge, but if you kidnap a Brisbanite, blindfold them and dump them within view of the Story Bridge, they’ll instantly know where they are.

Yes, you can climb the Story Bridge!

The Story Bridge was conceived in 1925 but wasn’t completed until 1940.

Top experience: Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

Stay at: Pethers Rainforest Retreat

13- Sydney Harbour Bridge

The engineer who built the Story Bridge also constructed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is featured every New Year’s Eve in a fireworks display that gets more spectacular each year.

Opened in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Australia, not just because it’s positioned across Australia’s most stunning harbour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge is a popular tourist attraction for its bridge climbs and a spot to take souvenir photographs of Sydney.

Here’s where to stay in Sydney around the city and harbour. 

Top tour: 30-Minute Sydney Harbour and Olympic Park Helicopter Tour.

Stay at: The Darling at The Star

14- Sydney Tower Eye

Ask any Australian where to find the tallest tower in the country, and the answer is most likely to be Sydney Tower.

A contemporary Australian landmark that attracts visitors from around the globe, the Sydney Tower Eye (often referred to by Sydneysiders as Sydney Tower, Centrepoint Tower, AMP Tower, Westfield Centrepoint Tower or Sydney Skytower) is one of those iconic Australian landmarks that has been part of the Sydney skyline for 30 years.

Skip the line and pre-book your tickets here. 

Stay at: Ace Hotel Sydney

15- Australian Parliament House

The Australian Parliament House, located in Canberra, is an iconic national landmark and the seat of Australia’s federal government.

Opened in 1988, its unique architectural design, with a sweeping grass-covered roof and the towering flagpole with the Australian flag, symbolises Australia’s democracy and connection to the land.

Visitors can explore its impressive chambers, art collections and stunning views from its roof. As a working parliament, it hosts debates, legislation, and official events, blending political purpose with cultural significance.

Surrounded by landscaped gardens and set on Capital Hill, the building stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s political heritage and architectural innovation.

Stay at: Birch Apartments in the City

Natural Australian Landmarks 

16- 12 Apostles

As it’s one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road most certainly deserves its place on everyone’s top Australian landmarks list.

The road hugs the Victorian coastline and is a stunning drive past coastal villages, beaches, waterfalls and rainforests.

The drive’s highlight is the aptly named Twelve Apostles, which are limestone monuments that jut out from the Southern Ocean. As soon as you see them, you’ll know why they’re called the Twelve Apostles.

These incredible rock formations are 15 to 20 million years old.

Top tour: Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour.

Stay at: Eastern Reef Cottages

17- The Three Sisters

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is one of the natural wonders in Australia, with 1.03 million ha of amazing sandstone plateaux, plunging gorges and temperate eucalypt forest.

It’s not surprising this breathtakingly beautiful World Heritage area attracts droves of day-trippers from Sydney.

The rugged 50-million-year-old range is home to one of the most famous landmarks in Australia, the Three Sisters.

Top tour: All Inclusive Small-Group Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney with Scenic World.

Stay at: Winston Cottage at Three Sisters

18- Bungle Bungles

From the sky, the Bungle Bungle Range is a truly unique and eye-catching landmark in Australia, with distinctive “beehive” formations considered the most outstanding example of cone karst in sandstone anywhere in the world.

The “beehives” are striking orange and black striped karst sandstone domes resembling giant beehives from the sky. One of the best ways to see it is to take a scenic flight.

They form a jaw-dropping landscape of sculptured rocks that rise 250 metres (820 feet) above savanna grasslands.

Although its Aboriginal custodians have revered the Bungle Bungles for over 40,000 years, it was only known to the rest of the world in 1983.

Besides its stunning natural assets, it has a rich Aboriginal history you can explore through ancient rock paintings that form a collection of incredible rock art.

Stay at: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

19- The Burke and Wills Dig Tree

It may not be a UNESCO World Heritage site but it’s fitting that one of Australia’s landmarks represents the pioneering spirit of the Australian Outback.

Burke and Wills were explorers who led a Royal Society of Victoria expedition to cross Australia from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1860.

The Burke and Wills Dig Tree remains as Burke and Wills would have seen it in the 19th century beside Cooper Creek.

The Burke and Wills Dig Tree is a Coolibah (Eucalyptus microtha) tree managed by Nappa Merrie Station for the Royal Historical Society of Queensland.

Stay at: Wompoo Eco Retreat

20- Lake Hillier

Although there are a few pink lakes spread about the country, including pink lakes in Victoria’s Murray-Sunset National Park, the most well-known is Lake Hillier in Western Australia.

Lake Hillier is on Middle Island, the largest island on the Recherche Archipelago.

Although the vibrant pink colour may not look natural, it’s caused by algae in the water.

Stay at: Alexander Drive B & B

21- Wilpena Pound

One of Australia’s natural landmarks is 429km to the north of Adelaide in South Australia. 

Wilpena Pound is enormous: the 8000-ha natural amphitheatre in the Flinders Ranges is eight times the size of Uluru. 

According to the Yura Muda Aboriginal people, Wilpena Pound was formed by the bodies of two giant serpents that could not move after eating the people who had gathered at that spot for a ceremony. 

It’s a popular destination for bushwalking, with several walks of varying difficulty.

A hike to St Mary’s Peak, the highest peak (almost 1200 metres) offers the most rewarding views of Wilpena Pound. 

Stay at: Flinders Ranges Bed and Breakfast

22- Ubirr in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is home to several iconic features.

One of the most notable landmarks within Kakadu National Park is Ubirr, which is known for its ancient Aboriginal rock art, some dating back over 20,000 years.

Another significant landmark is Jim Jim Falls, a spectacular waterfall surrounded by towering cliffs, accessible during the dry season.

Yellow Water Billabong, with its abundant wildlife, is another famous site in the park. These landmarks highlight Kakadu’s cultural, natural, and ecological significance, making it one of Australia’s most treasured destinations.

Stay at: Cooinda Lodge Kakadu

23- Ningaloo Reef

Off the northwest coast of Western Australia lies the world’s largest fringing reef, Ningaloo Reef.

Stretching for about 300 km (186 miles) along the coastline, this reef is one of Australia’s famous landmarks renowned for its biodiversity and accessibility, as it lies remarkably close to the shore in some areas.

The reef is home to over 500 species of fish, 300 species of coral and marine creatures such as whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles.

Unlike barrier reefs, which are separated from the shore by lagoons, fringing reefs like Ningaloo directly border the coast, making them uniquely easy to explore.

Stay at: Peoples Park

24- Remarkable Rocks

Kangaroo Island in South Australia is home to several major landmarks, with the Remarkable Rocks being one of the most iconic.

These giant granite boulders, perched atop a rugged cliff within Flinders Chase National Park, have been sculpted into unique shapes over millions of years by wind and sea erosion.

Another notable landmark is Admirals Arch, a dramatic natural rock arch formed by coastal erosion, offering a breathtaking view and a chance to observe New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat.

These landmarks, along with pristine beaches and diverse wildlife, make Kangaroo Island a must-visit destination.

Stay at: Discovery Parks – Kangaroo Island

25- Mossman Gorge

The most iconic landmark in the Daintree rainforest in Queensland is Mossman Gorge.

This stunning area features crystal-clear waters flowing over granite boulders, surrounded by the lush and ancient Daintree rainforest.

It’s a gateway for visitors keen to explore the Daintree rainforest and experience its unparalleled biodiversity.

The gorge is not only a natural wonder but also a place of cultural significance to the Kuku Yalanji people, the Indigenous custodians of the area.

Guided tours often highlight the gorge’s ecological importance and deep cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable landmark within the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.

Stay at: NOMAD – Luxe apartment

Manmade Landmarks in Australia – Big Things

Several towns around Australia have giant sculptures representing each town’s main industry. Originally built to attract people on road trips, these big things are manmade landmarks in Australia entrenched in their local landscapes. 

26- The Big Merino 

This big Merino sheep is an Australian landmark on the Hume Highway in Goulburn worthy of a selfie.

It’s an icon of Australia’s wool industry and a reminder that the region was a major centre for wool. 

As Goulburn is a hub for the wool industry, it’s worth stopping to look at the Australian Wool Innovations exhibition that provides a rundown of the last 200 years of rich history of the Australian wool industry.  

Inside the Big Merino is an Information Centre with cafes and public toilets available too. 

Stay at: Quest Goulburn

27- The Big Banana

Set in the grounds of a banana plantation, the Big Banana is a landmark in Australia in sunny Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales coast. 

The 13m attraction designed in the shape of a banana was built in 1964 and is an eye-catching thing you can’t miss as you drive through Coffs Harbour.

It’s a fun place to stop to find out all you need to know about bananas and has a downhill toboggan ride, ice skating rink and water park too.

Stay at: Diggers Beach Cottage

28- The Big Pineapple

Visiting the Big Pineapple used to be a popular Sunshine Coast landmark for families to visit. Located in Nambour, which was once a hub for the region’s pineapple farms.

The Big Pineapple Train chugs through the rainforest and Wildlife HQ is home to 200 species of animals, including a sun bear.

A TreeTop Challenge course is being constructed with ropes and zip lines. 

Stay at: Bli Bli House Riverside Retreat

29- The Big Prawn

Standing 9m high, The Big Prawn is another mammoth manmade landmark in Australia.

The coastal town of Ballina has some of the freshest prawns in the state and is a popular place to go fishing and prawning. 

Stay at: Ballina Manor Boutique Hotel

30- The Big Golden Guitar

It’s fitting that Tamworth, the home of country music, is home to another iconic Australian landmark, the Big Golden Guitar.

The Big Golden Guitar has been standing by the side of the New England Highway since 1988 and was designed to resemble Australia’s Annual Country Music Awards golden guitar.

Tamworth’s country music festival is a major event that attracts country music lovers from around the world.  

Stay at: Goonoo Goonoo Station

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