Scattered across Australia, whether it be in bustling cities or the middle of the rainforest, there are plenty of places to soak up the scenery from magnificent viewpoints.
We’ve scouted out some of the best views in Australia, so charge your cameras and leave your fear of heights at home.
Adelaide Oval Roof Climb, Adelaide, SA
In addition to housing some of Australia’s best cricket and football, Adelaide Oval allows visitors to climb its 50-metre-high rooftop. If you’re up for the challenge, undergoing the stadium’s two hour, 1.2-kilometre climb offers an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping experience. The top of the Oval also provides spectacular views of the stadium and across the rest of Adelaide, particularly at sunrise or sunset. With the Adelaide Hills to one side and beautiful coastline along the other, these views are tough to beat.
Harbour Bridge Climb, Sydney, NSW
One of Sydney’s most iconic attractions, the Harbour Bridge Climb is a must-do for fans of adventure and spectacular views. The Bridge Climb is considered a world-class travelling experience – it takes adventurers on a journey through Sydney’s history and culture. The three-hour climb takes you to one of the highest points in the city with 360 degrees views around Sydney Harbour, with the iconic Sydney Opera House in perfect sight for the entire climb. Feel the Sydney sea breeze whip through your hair as you ascend to the city’s premier lookout spot.
Centrepoint Tower, Sydney, NSW
If climbing isn’t your style, look into Sydney’s Centrepoint Tower. It’s the city’s tallest building and the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere, at a whopping 327 metres. The tower is home to several attractions. For amazing 360-degree views, head up to the Skywalk, an open-air glass-floor platform. Or, if standing outside at that height seems too daunting, enjoy similar views from the Sydney Tower Eye; an enclosed viewing platform. For dining and sightseeing, enjoy 360 Bar and Dining, a revolving restaurant on the tower’s first level. With so many different things to do, the Centrepoint Tower will certainly keep you busy.
Eureka Skydeck 88, Melbourne, VIC
At nearly 300 metres tall, Melbourne’s Eureka Tower is the second tallest building in Australia and the 15th tallest residential building in the world. The Eureka Skydeck, on the building’s 88th floor, is the highest public building vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. Featuring 30 viewfinders and free binoculars, the Eureka Skydeckoffers visitors the chance to see right out across Melbourne. If you’re feeling brave, step out onto The Edge; a glass cube projected three metres out of the building, suspended in the air. Levitation may be impossible, but The Edge offers the closest experience to it that you’ll find.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns, QLD
For a picturesque journey through Queensland’s Wet Tropics Rainforest – the world’s oldest tropical rainforest – take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The cableway features six-person gondolas that glide metres above the trees for 7.5 kilometres. The ride services two rainforest stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, which allow you to explore all the way down to the forest floor. Barron Falls also includes the Edge Lookout, 160 metres above Barron Gorge floor, with sublime panoramas across the Gorge and Barron Falls.
Kings Park, Perth, WA
One of the best viewpoints in Western Australia, Kings Park overlooks Perth Water and Perth’s central business district. In addition to its stunning views of the city, the park hosts a number of memorials including the State War Memorial dedicated to the Western Australians of the Boer War through the Vietnam War. Beyond that, Kings Park’s Botanic Garden is an 18-hectare area within the park hosting 2000 species of Western Australian flora. If you happen to be there during September, Kings Park holds a month-long festival with music, exhibitions and art surrounded by WA’s native wildflowers.
Forest Sky Pier, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Located at Sealy Lookout, Forest Sky Pier offers an opportunity to stroll down a pier in the sky. 310 metres above Coffs Harbour, projecting 21.6 metres beyond the lookout, you can enjoy magnificent coastal and forest views in all directions. The pier also has a picnic shelter next to it for those who want to pack a lunch and relax. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, check out the nearby TreeTops Adventure Park. Here, courageous visitors can navigate the treetops on swinging suspension bridges and high ropes. With 115 challenges, the Adventure Park is a great way to spend the entire day.
Hanging Rock, Melbourne, VIC
The location of eerie film Picnic at Hanging Rock, and an important Aboriginal site, Hanging Rock is perfect for hikers seeking their next challenge. Successfully ascending to the top of the rock yields awe-inspiring vistas of the Macedon Ranges. The Hanging Rock Recreation Reserve also hosts a horse racing track, picnic grounds and habitats for endemic flora and fauna. Hanging Rock is even occasionally used as an outdoor concert venue, hosting acts including the Rolling Stones and Ed Sheeran. There’s something for everyone at Hanging Rock.
SkyPoint Observation Deck, Gold Coast, QLD
SkyPoint is a fantastic lookout over the Gold Coast. The observation deck sits 230 metres off the ground in the Q1 building. Complete with a museum, weather station, and lounge bar, SkyPoint makes for a great day trip. It also happens to be Australia’s only beachside observation deck, making it a great place on this list for beach lovers. If you’re feeling adventurous, embark on the SkyPoint Climb and scale the outside of the building for a breathtaking and adrenaline-pumping experience.
Telstra Tower, Canberra, ACT
Canberra’s tallest landmark rises high above the summit of Black Mountain, just outside the city. The Telstra Tower offers incredible views right across the capital and even NSW in the distance. It’s more than just one of Canberra’s major tourist attractions – it’s an important communications facility. CentenaryTelstra Tower is one of the World Federation of Great Towers, in league with Toronto’s CN Tower and New York City’s Empire State Building. The tower is also architecturally significant, and a prominent structure of Canberra’s skyline. Keen hikers can join the Canberra Centenary Trailand take the challenging hike up to the top of Black Mountain. Luckily, the Telstra Tower has an elevator to give you legs a rest for that final ascent.
Glass House Mountains, Brisbane, QLD
This range of 13 mountains on the Sunshine Coast were formed by remnants of volcanic activity nearly 30 million years ago. An hour’s drive north of Brisbane, visitors will find plenty of walking trails to conquer. Try the Mount Ngungun summit trail for sweeping views over the nearby parks; or the Yul-yan-man track to show off your rock scrambling skills.
Blue Mountains, Sydney, NSW
Travellers can’t miss seeing the Three Sisters rock formation at Katoomba, with the hazy Blue Mountains stretching as far as the eye can see in the background. For those into hiking, there’s dozens of tracks nearby to suit all skill levels. While you’re there, head into Scenic World to ride the world’s steepest railway or take the cable car across a huge gorge.
Mount Bogong, Alpine National Park, VIC
Victoria’s highest mountain, Mount Bogong is a hugely popular backcountry skiing mountain during the winter months. It’s also part of the Great Dividing Range which stretches more than 3,500 kilometres from Cape York to the Grampians in western Victoria. Take on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and soak up spectacular views of lush river valleys and ridgelines.
Mount Kosciuszko, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Mainland Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko peaks at 2228 metres above sea level. It’s one of the best destinations for both avid hikers and skiers in Australia. It’s a tough but achievable day hike in the warmer months. And during snow season, the nearby ski resorts give you an excellent view of the mountain on a clear day.
Mount Ossa, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, TAS
The tallest peak of Tasmania, Mount Ossa spans the boundary between the Big River and Northern Tasmanian Aboriginal nations. It’s a popular bushwalking destination with a well-established route to the top.
We’ve only scratched the surface of the best views in Australia. For another must-do list, click here.
