Australian Bucket List Destinations

With a country as vast as Australia, there are countless destinations that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. But for those who are short of time, we’ve whittled the list down to 10 of the best to add to your bucket list. It includes everything from sun-drenched islands on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef to a wilderness area that’s only accessible on foot.

Whether you’re exploring the remote outback of the Northern Territory or road-tripping along the East Coast, you’ll find accommodation to suit your needs at Rentola Australia. It brings together a diverse range of listings across Australia, including city centre apartments, beachfront houses, and rural stays. With a simple search, you can easily find stays within easy access to all the following bucket list destinations.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

Considered the “spiritual heart of Australia”, Uluru is an immense sandstone monolith in the Red Centre and an undisputed icon of the country. But it’s just one of the highlights of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a stunning part of the outback that should be high on everyone’s bucket list. Lesser-known Kata Tjuta comprises 36 giant domes that are considered sacred by the local Anangu people, who have been the custodians of this land for more than 30,000 years. By day, you can explore the abundance of hiking trails that traverse the park before enjoying some of Australia’s best stargazing at night.

Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

Clustered just off the coast of Queensland, the Whitsundays offer a quintessential tropical island getaway on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a great place for sailing, snorkelling, and scuba diving, with abundant marine life found in the warm surrounding waters. Splurge on a helicopter flight above aptly named Heart Reef or stay at a luxury beachfront resort where you’ll be wined and dined by some of Australia’s top chefs. Not to miss is Whitehaven Beach, a fiercely protected stretch of sand that lies alongside the multi-hued waters of Hill Inlet.

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Encompassing around 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks and is just as much about its cultural heritage as its natural wonders. It’s home to dramatic sandstone escarpments, bird-filled billabongs, and Indigenous rock art, much of which dates back to prehistoric times. Embark on a safari with Kakadu’s traditional custodians to learn about its cultural significance while spotting saltwater crocodiles, flatback turtles and a huge diversity of migratory bird species. No visit is complete without a sunrise or sunset cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong.

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

One of the world’s oldest rainforests, the Daintree has been growing for hundreds of millions of years. It lies on the northeast coast of Queensland and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics region. Join an Indigenous-led walk to learn about the cultural heritage of the Kuku Yalanji people before visiting the spellbindingly beautiful Mossman Gorge. You can embark on a cruise to spot massive saltwater crocodiles or learn about the area’s flora and fauna at the Daintree Discovery Centre.

Karijini National Park, Western Australia

Forming part of the Hamersley Range, this breathtakingly beautiful wilderness area is home to ancient rock gorges, photogenic waterfalls, and tranquil swimming holes. In the late afternoon, the cliff walls glow a brilliant red, with some of the best views enjoyed from the Oxer Lookout. You can learn about the area’s native flora, fauna, and Indigenous culture at the Karijini Visitor Centre before setting out to explore one of the park’s hiking trails. Be sure to refresh with a swim in Fern Pool, which nestles just above Fortescue Falls.

K’gari, Queensland

Formerly known as Fraser Island, K’gari is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sand island. It’s a 4WD-er’s paradise, with exhilarating, off-road routes accessing its stunning lakes and pristine beaches. Be sure to swim in the tea tree-infused Lake McKenzie and enjoy a float down Eli Creek before getting up close to the rusting remains of the Maheno Shipwreck. Traversing the island is the 90-kilometre-long K’gari Great Walk, which takes in coastal heathlands, subtropical rainforests, and sand dunes. If you’re visiting between August and October, you may be lucky enough to spot humpback whales with their newborn calves.

Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria

Jutting into the waters of Bass Strait, Wilsons Promontory is renowned for its pink-tinged granite boulders, blindingly white sands, and turquoise waters. It’s the largest coastal wilderness area in Victoria and provides habitat for not only native wildlife but also spectacular wildflower displays. Hiking trails wind their way through the lushly forested valleys and across exposed mountaintops while accessing remote coves where there’s not another soul in sight. Boat cruises will see you come face-to-face with seal colonies and dolphins, as well as a diverse array of birdlife.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Nestled just off the coast of South Australia, this majestic island is home to deserted beaches, rolling farmland and a world-class food and wine scene. Much of the island is protected within nature reserves that provide a sanctuary for koalas, kangaroos, and penguins, with a highlight being Flinders Chase National Park. Marvel at the wind-sculpted rock formations before sandboarding down the dunes of the Little Sahara Desert. Not to miss are the boisterous sea lions of Seal Bay.

Southwest National Park, Tasmania

Covering around one-tenth of the state, this immense national park forms part of the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It encompasses rugged mountain ranges, ancient temperate rainforests and button grass moorlands that are largely inaccessible by road. The former tin-mining settlement of Melaleuca can only be reached by light plane or by a week of walking along the famous South Coast Track. Along the way, you’ll encounter spectacular beaches and remote landscapes and may even catch sight of the critically endangered, orange-bellied parrot.

Margaret River, Western Australia

Famed for its sun-drenched vineyards, craft breweries and pumping surf, Margaret River lies within easy reach of Perth on the southwest coast of Western Australia. You can meet the makers at one of the region’s 90+ cellar doors or venture underground to marvel at the majestic limestone formations of Margaret River’s caves. If you’re feeling energetic, why not tackle the long-distance Cape to Cape Track, which takes in the towering karri forests, blissful beaches, and historic lighthouses of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.