Top 10 UNESCO Sites In Australia - Updated 2024

Melissa
Melissa 
Updated
| 5 min read

From nature and wildlife to food and wine, experience the signature Australian adventure when you travel to the “Land Down Under”. There’s plenty to do - you can either roam around the city, take a stroll in the walking trails, or even go diving - and these are just to name a few. But they say the best way to know this beautiful country is by exploring their UNESCO heritage sites. Take a look at these 10 UNESCO heritage sites that will be sure to take your breath away.

1. Greater Blue Mountains Area (from USD 115.17)

top 10 unesco sites in australia | greater blue mountains area

There’s nothing more relaxing than spending a day in this UNESCO heritage site, the Greater Blue Mountains Area. Leave the bustling city of Sydney and begin your sunny day adventure by exploring the Blue Mountains National Park. Book this Blue Mountain Sunset, Bushwalk & Wilderness Tour to experience everything there is in this region. This includes relaxing at the cooling Wentworth Falls or Paradise Pools, spotting native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas, walking amongst the bushwalks through lush rainforests and rugged scenic trails, and chasing the sunset at the Three Sisters! Get lost in the stunning display of natural beauty in this world-class wonder.

Tip from tour guide

Fabrizio

Fabrizio

Hanging Rock Lookout

While in the area, take the time to hike to Hanging Rock Lookout. The trek is more than worth it thanks to the striking views of the sky and mountains.

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Sydney: Blue Mountain Sunset, Bushwalk & Wilderness Tour

Duration: 1.0 day

174 reviews

2. Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (from USD 117.8)

top 10 unesco sites in australia | gondwana rainforests of australia

Experience the extraordinary landscape when you visit the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia! This UNESCO heritage site is just a short drive from Brisbane, but it will take you on one great adventure. For a full day, you’ll be exploring the pristine rainforests of Springbrook and Tamborine National Park, visiting the Gallery Walk Arts and Craft district, and taking a guided tour of the award-winning Cedar Creek Glow-Worm Caves. You’ll also be stopping for lunch in a nice winery restaurant overlooking the vineyard. Of course, participants need to have reasonable fitness and good mobility to keep up on this trip!

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Rainforests and Glow Worm Cave: Day Tour from Brisbane

Duration: 9.0 hour

156 reviews

3. Fraser Island (from USD 163.86)

top 10 unesco sites in australia | fraser island

Welcome to another UNESCO heritage site, Fraser Island. Here, you can get up close and personal by swimming with the majestic humpback whales. This is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds as you get to visit the remote and untouched side of the island. During this intimate tour, you’ll also find dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds, and dingoes as the amphibious watercraft travels to Fraser Island. Complete the experience by paddling a kayak in the crystal-clear waters of Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. With the variety of water activities, travelers are sure to experience the thrill of it all.

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Fraser Island (K'gari): Remote Island and Whale Experience

Duration: 9.0 hour

226 reviews

4. Great Barrier Reef (from USD 166.0)

If you’re thinking that the only way to see Australia is on a guided tour by land, you’re already missing out! Bring your sense of adventure, and well, snorkelers and visit the Great Barrier Reef by boat from Airlie Beach. Only then will you understand why the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most known UNESCO heritage sites not only in Australia but also in the whole world. This 8.5-hour trip is perfect for anyone who would love to see the reef but has limited time as the cruise is sure to bring you to two outer reef locations. Enjoy the boat ride, the snorkeling, the underwater observatory, and a sumptuous lunch.

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

2889 reviews

5. Sydney Opera House (from USD 29.61)

sydney opera house

The first stop on your Australian adventure should be the Sydney Opera House! As the tour guarantees, feel the magic of the Sydney Opera House as you discover the stories and history behind this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll get to go inside the theatres and admire the halls all while learning the history of one of the world’s most recognized buildings. With over 1,000 rooms and 300 corridors, hundreds of tales and secrets await you! Remember to wear comfortable working shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on this tour.

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Sydney: Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket

Duration: 1.0 hour

3595 reviews

6. Ningaloo Reef (from USD 217.21)

ningaloo reef

For the more adventurous travelers, go on a Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim Eco-Tour at the Ningaloo Coast of Australia. Explore this beautiful UNESCO world heritage site and go on a full-day tour from Exmouth! Get your sails and snorkels ready and swim with the wildlife that finds you on this trip, specifically whale sharks and humpback whales! Relax, as they’re friendly and it’s safe. Travelers will also enjoy a delicious lunch, afternoon tea and a glass of sparkling wine as it comes with the tour package.

Tip from Content Creator

Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Reef

At Ningaloo Reef, you can also try fishing. We caught mahi mahi, tuna & wahoo perfect for grilled fish, ceviche, fish tacos, seafood curry, seafood pizza & sashimi!

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Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim Eco-Tour

Duration: 1 day

2 reviews

7. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park (from USD 139.19)

uluṟu-kata tjuṯa national park

Of course, Australia isn’t all beaches. Uncover Australia’s secret Mutitjulu Waterhole while witnessing a magical sunrise over Uluru as you navigate your way through this UNESCO heritage site. Here at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, there’s plenty to do and learn. Take a ride using the Segway (training will be provided!) and explore the breathtaking sights and sounds of the wondrous park all while learning about Uluru’s history, significance, the culture of the local Anangu Aboriginal people, and much more! The best part is that Segways are actually environmentally friendly and participants can roam around with minimal noise and effort.

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Uluru: Sunrise Guided Base Tour on Segway with Breakfast

Duration: 5 hour

42 reviews

8. Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (from USD 38.0)

Those looking for a quick and educational tour around Australia should definitely go on this three-hour guided trip to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. Get to know Melbourne’s urban parks and gardens all while discovering their history and learning about the many native animals that live in the heart of Melbourne through this tour. Your local guide will take you through the seven inner-city parks incorporating several of Melbourne’s famous icons. Expect to be seeing a lot of city views so be sure to bring a camera! While there are plenty of facilities and water stops along the way, there will still be a lot of walking to be done - about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) - so participants should have a moderate level of fitness to really enjoy the trip.

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Explore the Garden State

Duration: 3 hours

9. Kakadu National Park (from USD 713.0)

kakadu national park
Source: www.viator.com

Discover the laidback charm of Kakadu National Park on a three-day heritage and nature tour from Darwin. Get even closer to nature as you encounter crocodiles and birdlife during the cruise down the Yellow Water Billabong and the East Alligator River through the monsoon forests and cascading waterfalls. Travel to the edge of Arnhem by walking among its remote yet pristine land with a local Aboriginal guide. You’ll also get to see ancient Aboriginal rock artwork and enjoy a delicious lunch which is included every day of the tour.

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3-Day Kakadu National Park and Waterfalls Tour from Darwin

Duration: 3 days

9 reviews

10. Purnululu National Park (from USD 521.0)

purnululu national park
Source: www.viator.com

Head to the east of Australia and into the Kimberley region to visit some of the natural wonders that this country has to offer. This 6.5-hour tour will take you to all the picturesque places you could ever imagine. Sightsee in the air and on the ground and get a view of Argyle Diamond Mine, famous for its pink diamonds. You’ll also be passing over the UNESCO heritage site, the Purnululu National Park. You’ll also be seeing Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungle Range just before landing near the Argyle diamond mine. This tour includes buffet lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

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Bungle Bungle Scenic Flight Including Argyle Diamond Mine Tour

Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

Get to know the land down under

With UNESCO heritage sites all over the country, there’s no better way to get to know the land down under than by visiting them. With the wide range of activities, there’s practically a heritage site for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re into nature, wildlife, or history, Australia is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Melissa is a 20-something-year-old storyteller from Manila. She's been to Europe and Asia but still dreams of going around her home, the Philippines. When she's not traveling, you can find her in...Read more

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