Australia’s top-rated landmarks revealed
TripAdvisor has announced the favourite icons – both in Australia and around the world – as voted for in the 2017 Travellers’ Choice awards for Landmarks.
And wouldn’t you know it, our beloved Sydney Opera House took out top spot for Landmarks in Australia – sorry Melbourne!
Coming in second was the Sydney Harbour Bridge, followed by the Australian War Memorial in third. Globally, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat clinched the title of top landmark in the world. And anyone who’s been there will vouch for that one.
Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for landmarks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. The awards honour 706 landmarks in 82 countries.
TripAdvisor’s winning list of landmarks includes historically, architecturally or culturally significant attractions that are typically owned or run by a governmental or non-profit organisations. Registered national historic landmarks and UNESCO sites have also been included.
Suss out which of your faves made the cut, and which places you’re just going to have to take time off to visit, in the name of research, of course!
Top 10 Landmarks in Australia:
1. Sydney Opera House – Sydney
With 8.2 million visitors a year, the iconic landmark has been home to many world-class artists and sees over 2,000 performances organised in its concert halls, theatres and studios annually.
Discover this landmark with a behind-the-scenes tour of the performance centre and access to off-limits parts of the house. Tours start from $371 per person.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge – Sydney
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge, with its highest point at 134 metres above the harbour. Affectionately known by locals as the ‘coat hanger’ due to its arch-based design, the bridge plays an integral part in the city’s transport infrastructure, connecting over 200,000 cars daily from the northern suburbs of Sydney to the city centre.
Discover this landmark by conquering the bridge with a climb, with tours starting from $158 per person.
3. Australian War Memorial – Australian Capital Territory
The Australian War Memorial is a national memorial dedicated to citizens who have participated or sacrificed their lives in wars involving the Commonwealth of Australia. The memorial brings together a museum, a shrine and an extensive archive, intended to commemorate, interpret and understand the experience of war and its lasting impact on Australian society.
Discover this historic landmark as part of a guided day trip from Sydney, with tours starting from $179 per person.
4. Shrine of Remembrance – Melbourne
Opened in 1934, the Shrine is Australia’s memorial of citizens who served in global conflicts throughout the nation’s history. The landmark’s classical architecture was designed and built by veterans of the First World War and pays a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers.
Discover this historic landmark with an in-depth look at its history. Half-day tours start from $66 per person.
5. Queen Victoria Building (QVB) – Sydney
The Queen Victoria Building, better known by locals as QVB, has over 180 fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, cafes and restaurants. Around since 1898, Sydney’s most prominent shopping centre occupies an entire block on George Street and features a central dome, stained glass windows and an original 19th-century staircase.
Discover this historic landmark as part of a half-day tour of Sydney city, starting from $125 per person.
6. Block Arcade – Melbourne
Conveniently located at the central business district of Melbourne, The Block is one of the city’s most recognised heritage shopping arcade. Inspired by Milan’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, The Block boasts intricate mosaic-tile flooring, a glass canopied ceilings and carved stone pillars, transporting any visitor back to the 19th-century.
Discover this historic landmark as part of a three-hour sightseeing coach tour of Melbourne, starting from $182 per person.
7. Port Arthur Historic Site – Port Arthur
Once a major penal colony used to house Britain’s worst offenders, Port Arthur Historic Site has since been restored and features more than 30 buildings, ruins and period homes set amongst in 40 hectares of landscaped Victorian gardens.
Visitors are encouraged to set aside at least four to six hours in order to immerse themselves in the rich history of the site.
Discover this historic landmark with day-tours detailing its storied past starting from $125 per person.
8. Fremantle Prison – Fremantle
Built by its very first convicts, Fremantle Prison is a six-hectare site that includes cellblocks, gatehouse, cottages and underground tunnels. The UNESCO World Heritage has recognised the landmark for being the last and most preserved of the British colonial prisons in Australia.
Discover this historic landmark with a self-guided audio tour. Tours start from $27 per person.
9. Australian Parliament House – Canberra
A visit to the Australian Parliament House not only offers travellers a glimpse of local democracy in action but also a display of Australia’s finest historical treasures and contemporary art. Visitors can climb up to the roof terrace for a sweeping view of Canberra.
Discover this historic landmark with a comprehensive day tour of Canberra. Tours start from $179 per person.
10. Cape Byron Lighthouse – Byron Bay
The Cape Byron Lighthouse is the country’s brightest lighthouse, standing tall at 23 metres on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. From the top, travellers can enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean and hinterland on the entire coast, including common sightings of dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.
Discover this historic landmark with a day trip from Gold Coast, with tours starting from $110 per person.
Top 10 Landmarks in the World:
- Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba – Cordoba, Spain
- St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City, Italy
- Taj Mahal – Agra, India
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood – St. Petersburg, Russia
- Great Wall at Mutianyu – Beijing, China
- Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu, Peru
- Plaza de Espana – Seville, Spain
- Duomo di Milano – Milan, Italy
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
angkor wat cambodia melbourne sydney sydney opera house tripadvisorLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!