Australia's Best Scenic Splendours

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Australia, the land Down Under, with its vast deserts, tropical rainforests, and glittering coasts, this country offers a wealth of scenic splendours that are second to none. Navigating through this varied terrain in a campervan hire, you'll have the best access to some of the most breathtaking Australia sights to see. To help ensure you don’t miss any of these gems, in this article, we will delve into some of the best Australia tourist attractions and sightseeing spots that you'll undoubtedly want to include in your Australia road trip itinerary

Oysters Family at the beach Salad

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The Best Scenic Spots in Victoria

Ah, Victoria— from lush vineyards to iconic coastal landmarks, Victoria offers some of the best of Australia sightseeing places. If you are planning a campervan road trip through Victoria, here are a few scenic Australia tourist attractions that are worth adding to your travel itinerary:

 

The Twelve Apostles

One of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks, and without a doubt, one of Australia’s best tourist spots, is the Twelve Apostles. Situated along the picturesque Great Ocean Road, these magnificent limestone pillars are just a day's trip away from Melbourne. Contrary to the name, the Twelve Apostles actually consist of eight stunning limestone rock formations that loom 45 meters above the turbulent Southern Ocean. Two decades of relentless erosion by wind and waves have morphed these cliffs into what we see today—a perfect subject for your travel photos and certainly one of the essential Australia places to see. If you want to get the best vantage point, take a brief walk from the visitor centre to the lookout, where you can soak in the views of the Twelve Apostles. And for those looking to capture the perfect photo, sunrise and sunset provide the best light settings to capture these natural wonders on your Australia road trip.

Where to stay: Camp Cooriemungle.

Image: Visit Victoria

 

The Pinnacle

Nestled in the heart of the Grampians National Park, the Pinnacle deserves a place on every Australian travel itinerary. This natural lookout offers sweeping views of Halls Gap and the Grampians Peaks, making it one of the top Australia tourist spots for nature enthusiasts and hikers. 

Adventure seekers can tackle multiple walking tracks to reach the summit – just be sure to arm yourself with sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and snacks. Visiting the Pinnacle at sunrise or sunset offers the most dramatic lighting, but just be cautious of the time it will take to walk back to the car park.  

Where to stay: Grampians Paradise

 

The Best Scenic Spots in Tasmania

If Victoria's charm lies in its coastal splendour, Tasmania's allure is in its rugged and untamed landscapes. Tasmania offers an array of Australia travel places that will satisfy even the most avid wanderer. If you are planning a travel itinerary to explore Tasmania, be sure to dive deeper into our dedicated Tasmania travel guide. Want to know the best Australia tourist attractions to check out? Let’s dive in. 

 

Cradle Mountain

Situated in Lake St Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain is a jagged, towering wonder standing at an impressive 1,545 meters. As one of Australia's most prized scenic splendours, the area around Cradle Mountain is a smorgasbord of natural beauty—ancient rainforests, river gorges, mountain peaks, and glacial lakes, to name a few. Cradle Mountain is, by far, best explored on foot through the numerous hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels. Though the six-day Overland Track may be too strenuous for some, the shores of Dove Lake offer a classic mountain view. The Dove Lake Circuit Walk, which takes roughly two hours, will give you an even more expansive perspective of the park.

Cradle Mountain is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique charm—snow-covered peaks in winter or young wildlife frolicking in the spring. Once you arrive, you can easily park your camper at the visitor centre and take advantage of the shuttle bus to delve deeper into the park.

Where to stay: Discovery Park in Cradle Mountain.

Image: Jake Ward

 

The Best Scenic Spots in New South Wales

New South Wales is a playground for adventurers and explorers, brimming with breathtaking landscapes that demand to be witnessed firsthand on a campervan hire road trip. From rugged Outbacks to lush mountain ranges, every corner of this region is a feast for the senses. For a detailed guide on what to see and do, check out our New South Wales campervan travel guide.  If you're seeking an ultimate Australian road trip through the best NSW, Australia sights to see, here are two of our must-see road trip stops:

 

Walls of China

Situated in Mungo National Park, the scenery of the Walls of China is unlike any other. Characterised by a series of 'lunettes'— these enormous crescent-shaped dunes have been sculpted over time by relentless westerly winds into intricate ridges and ziggurat forms. A perfect activity to indulge in on a campervan travel itinerary through this region is the 70km self-drive Mungo Loop Track, which offers the perfect opportunity to admire these remarkable formations from various perspectives throughout the park in good weather.

The ideal times to visit the Walls of China are sunrise and sunset, particularly in the spring and autumn, when temperatures are more forgiving. Be prepared for unsealed roads and bring along your own picnic supplies or even a bike to ride on the tracks. And keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife like kangaroos and various bird species – there is plenty to see!

Where to stay: Waterview Caravan Park

 

Govetts Leap Lookout

If you find yourself in the Blue Mountains National Park during your Australia road trip, stopping at Govetts Leap Lookout is an absolute must. This viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the Grose Valley, accompanied by a dramatic waterfall that cascades 180 meters down a rugged sandstone cliff. From this spot, you can enjoy a series of walks tailored for all levels, including the challenging cliff-top walk to Pulpit Rock. At any time and in all weather conditions, the lookout is easily one of the best Australia tourist spots — lush mountain blue gums, the fluttering king parrot, and the elusive yellow-tailed black cockatoo add colour and life to the landscape. 

Where to stay: Blackheath Glen Tourist Park.

 

The Best Scenic Spots in South Australia

South Australia, often referred to as the 'festival state,' is a hub of activity and natural beauty. Its landscapes vary from rugged coastlines to arid Outbacks, offering a medley of stunning vistas. For a comprehensive guide to the most breathtaking locations to visit in South Australia, check out our guide to exploring South Australia in a campervan. Here are a few of our favourites to add to your Australia road trip travel itinerary:

 

Wilpena Pound

Nestled within the expansive Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound offers a glimpse into Australia's ancient geological history. Contrary to its appearance, this 800-million-year-old, 17-kilometre-long wonder isn't a volcanic crater but a sunken, elliptical valley. This enigmatic landform captivates with its jagged ridges, as well as the scrub and trees enveloping rocky hills. You can unravel its mysteries via scenic flights, 4WD tours, or, for the more adventurous, a variety of walking tracks.

The Wangara Lookout provides panoramic views of the Pound and is one of the 13 different walks you can choose from. Some other notable treks include the Hill's Homestead Walk and the more challenging St. Mary Peak. Visiting during autumn and spring in your campervan is advised, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor exploring.  

Where to stay: Wilpena Pound Resort.

 

The Best Scenic Spots in Queensland

From sprawling beaches to lush rainforests, Queensland offers an unparalleled palette of natural wonders. Enjoy the ultimate freedom to explore these vibrant landscapes with a campervan hire. Navigate through Australia’s revered Sunshine State and let us guide you to some of the most jaw-dropping sights in Queensland. Dive deeper into these adventures with our guide to exploring Queensland in a campervan.

 

Carnarvon Gorge

Located in Queensland's central highlands within Carnarvon National Park, Carnarvon Gorge is an astounding formation of towering sandstone cliffs and dense, green bushland. This natural sanctuary offers a labyrinth of hidden chambers, moss gardens, Aboriginal engravings, and other scenic surprises. For a sweeping, bird's eye view of this landscape, hikers can enjoy the steep track from Carnarvon Campsite to Boolimba Bluff or enjoy one of the other walking tracks, such as the Mickey Creek Gorge and Rock Pool Walk. 

Visiting in autumn and spring is ideal, as summer temperatures can soar and winter nights may drop below freezing (for more tips on winter travel, be sure to check out our guide to winter campervan holidays.) Moreover, it's prudent to check the weather forecast for potential flash floods. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the opportunity for birdwatching and spotting local species like the platypus and bush stone-curlews. 

Where to stay: Big4 Breeze Holiday Park

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Wallaman Falls

Within the Girringun National Park lies Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest single-drop waterfall, boasting a staggering 268-meter plunge. What makes it even more remarkable is its location, enveloped by one of the world's most ancient rainforests. Several vantage points let you appreciate its majesty from afar, but if you're up for the challenge, a one-hour hike rewards you with an up-close encounter at the falls' base. The falls are at their roaring best from November to April during the wet season, though they are a sight to behold year-round. This is easily one of the most underrated Australia tourist spots and well worth a spot on your campervan travel itinerary. 

Where to stay: Ingham Tourist Park.

 

The Best Scenic Spots in Western Australia

Setting out on an Australia road trip to explore Western Australia's scenic spots is like flipping through a book of Earth's most stunning natural wonders. In your campervan, you'll encounter everything from ethereal coastlines to ancient geological marvels. Don't just take our word for it—experience the magic yourself. For those yearning for adventure in their campervan, Western Australia offers a plethora of unforgettable road trip spots and top Australia tourist attractions. Here are a few of our favourites: 

 

Bungle Bungles

If you're seeking an adventure that melds history, science, and awe-inducing landscapes, then Kimberley's Bungle Bungle in Purnululu National Park is where you need to point your campervan. These unique land formations have an origin story dating back about 350 million years. They were initially an ancient riverbed that, over time, was elevated and transformed into remarkable striped domes and winding canyons. 

For the most expansive views, take a scenic flight from Kununurra, or if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, embark on one of the park's enriching walks. The short climb to Piccaninny Creek Lookout provides an unforgettable experience, with formations rising as high as 300 meters and contrasting vividly against the surrounding grass plains. The best times to visit are between April and November. 

Where to stay: Halls Creek Caravan Park.

 

The Best Scenic Spots in the Northern Territory

Exploring the Northern Territory in a campervan offers you a front-row seat to some of Australia’s most mesmerising landscapes and Australia tourist spots. From the red desert to the lush green gorges, this state is home to some of the best Outback scenery in Australia. Curious about what the Northern Territory has to offer during your campervan hire? Continue reading to unveil the wonders of the Top End. For more inspiration, check out the full guide to exploring the Northern Territory in a campervan.

 

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

When you set your sights on Uluru, near Alice Springs, you're looking at one of Australia's most recognised landmarks. The immense red sandstone formation isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a cornerstone of the Anangu aboriginal culture. Engaging in a cultural tour with the local Anangu people is the perfect chance to learn about why Uluru is a sacred place.

Featuring rock art paintings, a variety of bird species, and vibrant wildflowers that add a touch of colour to the monolithic scenery, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular Australia tourist attractions. Make it a point to visit during sunrise or sunset when Uluru transforms, shifting from orange hues to deep ochre red that must be seen to be believed. While there are dedicated ‘sunrise’ and ‘sunset’ car parks, you can enjoy the view from any one of the five distinct viewing areas.

To maximise your visit, come between May and September when the temperatures are milder. For a treat of blooming wildflowers like the revered Desert Flower, plan your road trip for August to September.

Where to stay: Ayers Rock Resort.

Image: Lachlan Gardiner

 

Take in the Views on Your Next Campervan Holiday with maui

From the rich cultural history of Uluru to the breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain, there are plenty of stunning Australia sights to see when setting out on a campervan Australia road trip. To start your adventure, book your maui motorhome online, and then you can conveniently pick up your campervan from any maui branch and hit the road towards these iconic Australia sightseeing places.