8 photogenic spots in Australia to visit

Keen to explore Australia’s beautiful scenery and make some unforgettable memories this summer? From Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory to Bruny Island in Tasmania, Australia is full of amazing photogenic spots to visit in the summer. Check out eight of them in our list below.

Located between the sunshine state’s north-eastern coast and the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands region is one of the most photogenic spots in the whole of Australia. A group of 74 islands known for their lush rainforests, crystal clear waters, and untouched ecosystem of native Australian flora and fauna, the Whitsunday Islands region is perfect for landscape photography and resort life.

There’s a range of accommodation options on Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach on the mainland to suit your budge. You can take amazing day trips from both locations to iconic locations like Whitehaven Beach with its heart-shaped reef. 

With world-class beaches, and pristine coral reefs, you’ll never run out of things to capture and frame on the Whitsunday Islands.

One of the biggest national parks in Australia, Kakadu National Park is home to over 2,000 unique plant species and wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, birds, and flatback turtles. Located about three hours east of Darwin, Kakadu is a very special place with ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie, where you can view galleries dating back thousands of years. But make sure to check before taking and sharing any photos of sensitive sites.

Expanding over 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu offers many beautiful, photo-worthy places to visit including the Jim Jim, Gunlom and Twin Falls. Check out the accommodation options at Jabiru or Cooinda.

One the great road trips in Australia if not the world, Great Ocean Road stretches along the south-eastern Victorian coast passing spectacular ocean views and iconic limestone stacks and cliffs known as the 12 Apostles. These vertical columns along the coast have been affected by erosion with only eight of the original apostles remaining but are still spectacular sight.

It’s an Australian National Heritage site that runs for over 240km and is dotted with incredible photogenic sites that’ll have you hopping out of the car every few minutes to snap a picture.

Depending on the season and time of day you drive through, you may even be able snap pictures of whales, penguins, and koalas.

There is a wide range of accommodation options to suit most travel styles, from camping to outright luxury in Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Fairy or Torquay.

A unique system of nine large but shallow lakes, Menindee Lakes is located on the Darling River, in south-west New South Wales. A photo-worthy natural wonder, the Menindee Lakes is an access point to the Outback and remains an important water source to rural Australians. It’s also used for water conservation, where water can be shared to meet downstream needs in Victoria and South Australia.

Menindee Lake is best viewed from an aerial angle, as then you can see all nine lakes as they branch from the Darling River. Otherwise, you can also enjoy photographing the lake on land and capture the slow, large pulses unique to the Darling River’s water flow.

Victoria's highest alpine resort, Mount Hotham is a sight to behold in any season. In winter it’s covered in snow between July and August, and is one of the most photogenic places in Australia during this time.  

In summer (December to March), Hotham becomes a more peaceful mountain retreat with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C, perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

There are heaps of accommodation options to choose from for your visit to the Great Dividing Range.

Australia is home to several rare pink-coloured lakes, that are turned pink as a result of the high salinity and algae in the water. Situated west of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, about 860m from Adelaide, Lake MacDonnell is one of Australia’s largest and most vibrant pink lakes. A miracle in nature, Lake MacDonnell, the bubblegum pink lake is a photogenic place that’s best experienced after fresh rain, whether the water is blue, white, or pink.

Lake MacDonnell has three lakes over a causeway – one Pink Lake, Green Lake on the other side of the causeway, and Blue Lake further down towards Point Sinclair. You can cross the lake by driving through a well paved dirt road, and the divide between the multi-coloured lakes makes for beautiful photo opportunities.

Stay at Ceduna so you to explore other parts of the scenic Eyre Peninsula like Cactus Beach.

Check road conditions before driving out on the dirt road to Lake MacDonnell. And always be prepared with plenty of water, fuel and supplies as the service are limited in this remote part of Australia.

So much of Tasmania is beautiful, but if you’re a fan of wildlife photography, Bruny Island will be a paradise for you. Located off the southeastern coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island is home to a large number of native wildlife such as penguins and wallabies.

Not only is Bruny Island the perfect setting for wildlife photography, but it also has many natural wonders to see, including ancient rock formations, Jurassic capes, and stunning sea views. The island spans 362 square kilometres and is quick to explore. It's also known for its quality produce including fresh oysters, cheese and wine.

Accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Kettering and an easy day trip from Hobart means you can either stay in town or on the island. (Just keep in mind the ferry can be busy during peak periods.)

One of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, Cable Beach in Broome is 22km long and filled with untouched, white, soft sand on the edge of Western Australia. Famous for its Indian Ocean sunsets, and camel rides, Cable Beach is a great place to take seaside photos and pictures of the ocean horizon.

You can get accommodation in the Cable Beach Road area, ranging from the super luxurious to caravan parks.

Take care when swimming - always check local conditions and swim between the flags as tides can be extreme with some of the largest tidal movements in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ready to visit a few of these photogenic spots in Australia but don’t have a professional camera? Rest assured, you can still take great photos with your smartphone camera. Consider pairing your smartphone with some protective accessories to keep it safe while you’re exploring the great outdoors.

Time for a new phone? Get a new mobile phone from Optus. You can buy a new phone outright (select phones and channels only) or pair it with one of our SIM plans to pay it off over 12, 24, or 36 months while you remain on an eligible plan. T&Cs & eligibility criteria apply.