Magnetic Island

Queensland is the ideal place to explore if you enjoy warm temperatures, have tropical islands on your bucket list, and want to spot plenty of wildlife. It is also the only state where you can see the Cassowary, one of the most dangerous birds in the world. If you ask me about the most beautiful places in Queensland, I would immediately mention Daintree National Park and the Whitsunday Islands. These spots in Queensland have made the most significant impression on me.

• Best Time to Visit: January to December
• Climate: Tropical to subtropical
• Capital: Brisbane

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New South Wales

Situated just south in Australia is New South Wales. When you think of New South Wales, you immediately think of Sydney. This beautiful city with its world-famous iconic buildings cannot be overlooked. However, New South Wales is much more than just Sydney. The lovely Nelson Bay in Port Stephens is a definite highlight, along with other beautiful spots like Wollongong, Batemans Bay, and Eden, further down the coast.

Sydney

Compared to other states, New South Wales has the largest population in Australia, which is evident in Sydney. However, the state also has many smaller towns where peace and nature are never far away. A road trip through New South Wales comes highly recommended. You will encounter many delightful places along the way, and the coastline is truly impressive. You may know the Sea Cliff Bridge, one of the most beautiful roads in New South Wales, known for its photogenic views.

• Best Time to Visit: January to May
• Climate: Maritime climate
• Capital: Sydney

Tasmania

Tasmania is often overlooked as people opt for a road trip through New South Wales or Queensland instead. However, if you ask me, that’s a shame. Tasmania is truly a paradise for those who love hiking and beautiful nature. You can reasonably affordably fly to Tasmania from Sydney and Melbourne, making a combination of these states very feasible. Alternatively, you can take a ferry. The diverse nature makes Tasmania remarkably special, as well as being the only place in Australia where the Tasmanian devil lives.

Cradle Mountain

Make sure to visit the charming city of Hobart and embark on a multi-day hike to get a good feel for Tasmania. The only thing you need to keep in mind when visiting Tasmania is the weather. Temperatures can be significantly lower than in other Australian states, and rain is always a possibility.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Climate: Temperate maritime climate
• Capital: Hobart

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Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The Australian Capital Territory is the smallest state in Australia and is primarily known for Canberra, the capital of Australia. This city has a temperate maritime climate and is mainly visited by people interested in Australian history, as many places in the city feature memorials related to past wars.

Australian War Memorial

Canberra is also at the center of Australian politics, as the Parliament of Australia is located here. Canberra is a spacious city surrounded by national parks and nature. Combining a city visit with a lovely hike is easily done. I found it enjoyable to see the city at least once and recommend visiting it for a day if you are nearby. However, if I compare ACT with the offerings in other states, I believe it rightfully holds the eighth spot.

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Victoria

Victoria offers a combination of city culture and natural beauty. The most beautiful parts of Australia here include the Great Ocean Road, famous for its dramatic cliffs and coastal views. Victoria’s charming national parks, including the Grampians and Yarra Ranges, are the perfect places to experience the natural wonders that make it one of the most beautiful parts of Australia.

Phillip Island

Many people only visit Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road before leaving the state. What a pity! Victoria has numerous beautiful nature parks like Yarra Ranges National Park, Grampians National Park, and Little Desert National Park, where you can enjoy stunning hikes.

• Best Time to Visit: January to April and October to December
• Climate: Temperate maritime climate
• Capital: Melbourne

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South Australia

I visited South Australia during our road trip from Melbourne to Darwin and on a city trip to Adelaide. First off, I must confess that I find Adelaide a very enjoyable city. Although it may not have the size of cities like Brisbane or Sydney, it has plenty of charm and all the trappings for a successful city break.

Adelaide

In and around Adelaide, you will find beautiful nature spots, such as Mount Lofty, not to mention stunning coastlines. I personally visited the lovely town of Brighton, located just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s center. But South Australia is more than just this city; it also boasts many beautiful nature parks and is renowned for the unique town of Coober Pedy, which is mostly located underground and known for opal mining. One of the places high on my list in South Australia is Kangaroo Island, which is highly recommended by many Australia enthusiasts!

• Best Time to Visit: September to April
• Climate: Mediterranean climate
• Capital: Adelaide

Western Australia

Western Australia is perhaps the odd one out—but in a positive way. Due to its immense size and relatively low population, this state has many extraordinary natural areas where you won’t encounter too many people. The coastline of Western Australia may just be the most beautiful in the whole of Australia. The azure waters left me speechless. And I haven’t even visited the northern part of Western Australia yet.

Rottnest Island

I recommend Western Australia if you have previously been to Australia and want to discover the lesser-known parts of the country. Perth is a very nice city and is a bit quieter than places like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.

• Best Time to Visit: If you’re visiting the northern part, it’s better to travel from May to September. For the southern region, I recommend October to May, with January and February being the hottest months.
• Climate: Western Australia has a desert climate. The area around Broome, in the far north, has a steppe climate.
• Capital: Perth

Northern Territory

Before I emigrated to Australia, I had never been to the northern part of the country. It was exciting to see where we ended up and what I would think of the Northern Territory. This state has pleasantly surprised me over the last 3.5 years, especially regarding nature and wildlife. National parks like Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park have truly amazed me. When I look at all the national parks I have visited in recent years, these are at the top of my favorite list. The purity and ruggedness of the nature present an entirely different side of Australia, making the Northern Territory one of the most beautiful parts of Australia. And since it’s relatively calm compared to overly touristy areas, you feel as though you’re visiting genuine hidden gems that are truly some of the most beautiful parts of Australia.

Ubirr, Kakadu National Park

Darwin is also a lovely and beautiful place to visit, with an impressive coastline and plenty of excitement nearby. With numerous local markets, fun events, and an ultimate tropical lifestyle, there is always something enjoyable to do during the dry season.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Climate: Tropical savanna climate
• Capital: Darwin

Which of the Most Beautiful Parts of Australia Should You Visit First?

And now for the all-important question: which Australian state (which part of Australia) is the most beautiful? I will rank the states according to my personal preferences and explain why I feel this way.

• Queensland
• Western Australia
• Northern Territory
• New South Wales
• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Victoria
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Queensland still holds the top spot for me. My love for this state has deepened, especially after our Far North Queensland trip. The places you discover here are incredibly stunning. Perhaps it’s the combination of warm weather and idyllic tropical spots that makes Queensland so delightful for me. Hence, Queensland is one of the most beautiful parts of Australia.

Western Australia ranks second for me. The stunning coastline captured my heart, and I found Perth to be a fantastic city. If you can let go of the “I must visit the most famous places in Australia” mentality, I would recommend a road trip through Western Australia, one of the most beautiful parts of Australia.

Northern Territory comes in third place, the state where I currently reside. The NT features some of the best national parks in Australia, and the vastness of the area makes it unique. If you appreciate raw, rugged, and natural beauty, Northern Territory is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Australia to visit.

Fourth place goes to New South Wales, a state I love to visit. The vicinity of Sydney alone is worth a trip. New South Wales is home to so many charming towns, breathtaking coastlines, and nature parks, all making it one of the most beautiful parts of Australia, offering surprises at every turn.

Fifth is Tasmania, an island I have now visited twice. Although not known for its favorable weather, the nature is truly overwhelming. As a hiking enthusiast, this is one of the most beautiful parts of Australia to be. I would love to return and tackle even more hikes. Tasmania makes you want more.

South Australia is in sixth place and Victoria is last on my list. But that’s purely because I’ve seen the least of these states compared to others. During my visit, I was mostly traveling through rather than staying for a long time, except in Melbourne and Adelaide. Perhaps once I’ve explored more of South Australia and Victoria, these states will rise in my rankings as some of the most beautiful parts of Australia.

If you have any questions about the places I visited, feel free to reach out to me. Also, I would love for you to share your favorite spots in the most beautiful parts of Australia through our social channels!

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