Australia’s top 10 tourist attractions, according to reviews
Australia is a sought-after destination thanks to iconic attractions which are familiar around the world.
As many as 10 million people are expected to visit this year.
And while the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are the most iconic sights, experts have put together an 'official' list of the top tourist attractions in Australia.
Researchers at Iglu Cruise analysed 40 of Australia’s top tourist attractions on TripAdvisor.
They calculated the percentage of five-star ‘excellent’ reviews to find the top 10.
Read on for the rundown.
Attribution: iStock
10. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne ///
Affectionately known as "The G", Melbourne Cricket Ground in Yarra Park, close to the city, is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere holding just over 100,000. Catch events such as The Ashes here.
Attribution: iStock
9. Sydney Opera House, Sydney /// Surprisingly, this familiar building only made it to number nine on the list. The landmark and multi-venue performing arts centre located is famed as a global architectural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a major symbol of Sydney.
Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973 it hosts over 2,000 events a year. Watch out for occasional light displays on the famous sails and concerts on the steps.
Attribution: iStock
8. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne /// This inner-city oasis stretches across 38 hectares near the CBD and Yarra River.
It houses more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world, including camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, roses, herbs, perennials, cycads, plants from China and rare and threatened species.
The main gardens are in the city and another branch is in Cranbourne in the city's south-east.
Attribution: iStock
7. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Queensland /// Strewth, Australia will forever be associated with crocodiles and if you want to live your inner Mick Dundee Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is the place to do it, according to visitors. It's 40 minutes north of Cairns. It offers the chance to spot wildlife on a lagoon boat cruise as well as shows including the Crocodile Attack Show. Also see cassowaries and other Aussie species.
Attribution: Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
6. Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth /// Perched on Mount Eliza, this is one of the largest city parks in the world. Two-thirds of the land is untamed, protected bushland, while the rest features manicured lawns, memorials, and the renowned Western Australian Botanic Garden.
The park offers free guided tours, or sign up to learn more about its significance to local indigenous people on special walks.
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5. Great Ocean Road, Victoria /// Possibly, the most famous road in Australia. The near 250-kilometre stretch on Victoria's Surf Coast runs between the surf towns of Torquay and Allansford. It takes in landmarks including the Twelve Apostles, freestanding limestone rocks rising majestically from the ocean.
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4. Uluru, Northern Territory /// The iconic and sacred landmark is a must-visit on any trip to Australia. The world’s largest sandstone monolith is famous for its magnificent red hue. At 348 metres, it is taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Uluru is within Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, one of the few places to hold a dual UNESCO World Heritage listing. Most visitors fly directly into Ayers Rock Airport.
Attribution: iStock
3. Bondi to Coogee Walk, Sydney /// As popular with locals as it is with visitors, this six-kilometre walk offers an ideal way to see some of the city's most famous beaches. Do the whole thing or a small section for spectacular views. It takes in Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, Gordon’s Bay and Coogee Beach.
Attribution: iStock
2. Sydney Harbour /// The familiar location was just pipped into second place. Known as one of the world's most impressive harbours, it's not hard to find a place to take in the view. Tourists also must hop on a boat tour or simply take a ferry to Manly or Watson's Bay to enjoy the special sights close up.
Attribution: istock
