Australia is known to many as a land of adventure. Here, you can spend days exploring wildlife parks, witnessing the teeming marine life in the Great Barrier Reef, and experiencing other natural wonders. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, there are also plenty of gorgeous beaches and beautiful cityscapes across the country.
But there’s more to Australia than just adventure. It’s also home to plenty of architectural sites, such as the Sydney Opera House’s iconic sail-shaped roof, Canberra’s Parliament House and its grass-covered rooftop, the torch-shaped Queensland Number One, and more. Read on below for our list of 7 must-visit landmarks to see the best architecture in Australia:
1. Sydney Opera House
Marvel at the Sydney Opera House’s famous sail-shaped roof.
No trip to Sydney would be complete without a visit tot he Sydney Opera House, one of the most famous buildings in Australia. Its iconic roof structure of white, sail-shaped shells and glass walls make it easy to spot from afar, but it becomes even more impressive the closer you get.
Klook tip: While the exterior is a beauty in itself, you should also take the time to explore the building’s interior through a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, where you can learn more about its history, get access backstage, and maybe even catch an ongoing dress rehearsal!
2. Sydney Harbour
Take in the spectacular sight of the Sydney Harbour and its crystal clear waters.
Your next stop after the Sydney Opera House? Port Jackson, commonly known as Sydney Harbour, located right outside. Offering gorgeous views of crystal clear waters and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s definitely a must-visit, especially at sunset! For a unique experience, try sightseeing cruises along the Sydney Harbour, which gives you access to the best photo spots.
3. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Explore historical and contemporary art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Home to a diverse collection of historical and contemporary art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is an essential stop if you want to see some of the best architecture in Australia. Its new wing is built over two existing oil tanks from World War 2 and contains seven different glass-walled pavilions, each facing a different direction that offer unbeatable views of Sydney.
Klook Tip: Try to visit on Wednesday afternoons if possible. Not only will you see the beautiful sunset over the Sydney Harbour at a less-crowded spot, you’ll also get an opportunity to join the weekly "Art After Hours" program that extends the museum’s opening hours until 10:00 PM!
4. Royal Exhibition Building
Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building uses a distinctive mix of four architectural styles (Credit: Dylan Lu)
The first World Heritage-listed building in the country, Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building is one of the most popular choices if you’re looking for the best architecture in Australia. It features different styles like Byzantine, Romanesque, Lombardic, and Italian Renaissance with the grand dome inspired by Florence Cathedral, it’s definitely a must-see when you’re in Melbourne!
5. Federation Square
No trip to Melbourne would be complete without a stop at Federation Square! (Credit: John Torcasio)
A popular venue for arts, culture, and public events in the center of Melbourne CBD, Federation Square is the perfect spot if you’re interested in experiencing what it feels like to be a local. And while there’s plenty to do here, the main draw is its unique architecture: different materials like sandstone, zinc, and glass are used to form triangular grids that create a distinctive look.
Klook tip: See more of the best architecture in Australia with this half day tour of Melbourne, which takes you to popular local landmarks such as Federation Square, St Patrick's Cathedral, the Royal Exhibition Building, and more! Round trip transfers included for convenience.
6. Parliament House
Make sure to visit the grass-covered rooftop of Canberra’s Parliament House!
Featuring two massive curved walls divided into four quadrants, the Parliament House in Canberra represents the center of Australian democracy. It’s open to the public most days of the year, with access to galleries, guided tours of the Parliament House, Senate proceedings, and the grass-covered rooftop, which symbolizes that the people are always above the government.
7. Queensland Number One
Get the best views of the Gold Coast from the top of Queensland Number One.
As the tallest building in Australia at 322.5 metres tall, Queensland Number One on the Gold Coast is definitely hard to miss! Inspired by the modern Olympic torch, the building’s twisting design and the large spire at the top gives off the impression of flames flickering in the wind. It’s also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck on the 77th floor, which offers the best views in the city.
Klook tip: On Fridays and Saturdays, entry to the Skypoint is restricted to ages 18+ after 8:00 p.m. and a smart casual dress code is also enforced. This makes it one of the best times to visit, especially if you’re planning a classy evening or even a romantic night out with a date.
See More of the Best Architecture in Australia with Klook!
Now that your itinerary’s set, all that’s left to do is to pack your bags and check out any travel essentials you’ll need for a hassle-free trip, such as your Australia eSIM and your accommodations at each city. Happy travels!
FAQs
What is Australia's most famous architecture?
The Sydney Opera House is the most famous architecture in Australia, and you’ve most likely seen plenty of photos of its distinctive sail-like shell roof and floor to ceiling glass walls on certain floors. Other famous architecture in Australia include the Sydney Harbour Bridge just outside the Sydney Opera House and Queensland Number One, the tallest building in Australia.
What are the famous places in Australia?
The most famous places in Australia include Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, and Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
What is the best city in Australia for architects?
The best cities in Australia for architects are:
• Sydney for the Opera House and the local design scene
• Melbourne for a mix of Victorian-era buildings, contemporary landmarks, and skyscrapers.
What are iconic Australian historical sites?
Some of the most iconic Australian historical sites include Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, World Heritage Sites like Uluru, and art galleries such as Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria.
What are three famous landmarks in Australia?
The Sydney Opera House and its unique sail-like shell roof is definitely Australia’s most popular landmark. Other famous landmarks in Australia include the Royal Exhibition Building and its iconic dome inspired by Florence Cathedral, as well as Queensland Number One and its torch-shaped spire that’s almost 100 meters tall.
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