From the vast wilderness of the outback to lush forests teeming with wildlife, stunning coastal towns lined with turquoise bays and ever-loved hotspots like Sydney and Byron Bay, there’s a lot to see, do — and love — in Australia. The land down under offers a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural landmarks and outdoor adventures that are alluring all year round. Here are some of the most picturesque destinations around Australia to add to your 2025 itinerary including underrated hidden gems and iconic locales you’ll keep coming back to.
1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
The Red Centre in the Northern Territory is the very heart of Australia and nothing captures its true spirit more than Uluru in the iconic Kata Tjuta National Park. This vast, arid region defined by its red deserts, serves as a gateway to the Australian outback. No matter the season or time, Uluru is sensational and one of the best places to visit in Australia in 2025. The area also boasts stunning geological formations, rare wildlife and dramatic landscapes that are arguably second to none. Do note that while visitors can explore its base, climbing Uluru is strictly prohibited.
2. Lord Howe Island, NSW
If a luxurious getaway is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with Lord Howe Island, ranked one of Australia’s best-hidden gems by a recent study. Just a 2-hour flight from Sydney, this paradisiacal destination has long attracted the attention of travellers from around the globe. Here, you will be treated to pristine beaches, world-class walking trails with impeccable views, luxury accomodation and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It’s also home to unique natural wonders such as the world’s tallest sea stack and the world’s southernmost coral reef. Find a detailed itinerary to Lord Howe Island here.
3. Kakadu National Park, NT
Australia’s largest national park is a sight to behold and a unique off-the-beaten-path adventure. Untamed wilderness, lush rainforests and rock art galleries dating back up to 20,000 years old can be found in this mammoth park. Aboriginal experiences, local wildlife, magnificent waterfalls and waterholes are some highlights of the Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. It’s also home to around 2,000 plant and animal species. At least 10,000 crocodiles are said to reside in all of Kakadu and you can catch a glimpse from the Cahills Crossing viewing area or Yellow Water which has a boardwalk and platform for easy and safe viewing. Find accomodation options and more information here.
4. Rottnest Island, WA
If you want to swap adventure for leisure, Rottnest Island has it all — sapphire blue bays, beautiful beaches, champagne-worthy views and the world’s happiest animals — the quokkas! With 63 beaches and 20 bays, this brilliant blue nature reserve, located 19km off the coast of Perth promises an idyllical getaway any time of the year. There is plenty to see and do, from diving and snorkelling in clear blue waters, snapping selfies with friendly quokkas, whale watching, underwater adventures and glamping experiences. Plan your perfect 2025 holiday here.
5. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
Australia is home to the oldest surviving rainforest in the world and it’s a veritable paradise for nature lovers. Tucked away on the northeastern coast of Queensland, about a two-hour drive north of Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest offers a remarkable ecosystem that has survived for millions of years. Home to unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world and shrouded in incredible green scenery, visitors can explore hiking trails, wooden boardwalks, secluded swimming holes, luxury spas, coastal scenery and so much more. Plan an unforgettable trip to the Daintree Rainforest here.
6. Barossa Valley, South Australia
From the Hunter Valley to Mornington Peninsula, Australia offers some truly fabulous wine regions but debatably some of the finest can be found in South Australia. Home to some of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in the world, this is the place for wine connoisseurs and those looking for a scenic getaway away from the crowds in 2025. The Barossa Valley is renowned for its bold, full-bodied shiraz, a true standout of the region and you can also go on guided tours and cellar door tastings, discover old buildings from the 19th century and soak in the sunbathed views over the vineyards.
7. Daylesford, Victoria
If you love exploring small towns, add Daylesford in Victoria to your travel bucket list in 2025. The spa town nestled in a serene lakeside setting is steadily gaining the attention it deserves. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Victoria and one of the friendliest in all of Australia, it’s the place to go if you need to unplug and recalibrate with a number of renowned spas, mountain scenery, gardens, charming cafes and lakes around town. Find lodging options and start planning your trip to Daylesford here.
8. The Whitsundays, Queensland
In stark contrast to the wild and wonderful landscapes of the other destinations on this list, The Whitsundays offers laidback coastal charm with silica-white sand, mesmerising blue waters and luxury island resorts — perfect for an unforgettable coastal holiday in 2025. Located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this collection of 74 magnificent islands boasts some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. The gorgeous Whitehaven Beach with powder white sands is a must-see as is the postcard-perfect town of Airlie Beach which acts as an ideal base to explore the reef.
If you can’t make it to the Whitsundays, consider this affordable alternative perfect for residents in NSW and ACT.
9. Blue Mountains, NSW
Right on Sydney’s doorstep lies the Blue Mountains region, a beloved day trip destination for locals. This sprawling world heritage site packs a punch with the brilliant Blue Mountains National Park, waterfall-clad hiking trails, quaint towns such as Katoomba, Blackheath and Leura that offer cosy eateries and picturesque gardens, hidden gems such as a charming bookshop trail and popular sandstone rock formations like the Three Sisters making it one of the best places to visit in Australia in 2025. It’s also a family-friendly destination with attractions like the steepest railway in the world and illuminated late-night walks.