Over 120,000 people rated these as Australia's best attractions

These iconic spots have captured the hearts (and search histories) of locals and tourists alike.

For two decades, Google Maps has been helping Aussies navigate the country, discover hidden gems and leave their mark through reviews. Now, as the platform celebrates its 20th anniversary, it has revealed the most-reviewed visitor attractions in Australia – and some of the results might surprise you.

1. Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW

Darling Harbour drone shot — Darling Harbour never fails to impress. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sydney’s Darling Harbour takes the top spot as Australia’s most-reviewed attraction with over 58,000 reviews and a 4.64-star rating, and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant waterfront precinct is packed with world-class dining, family-friendly activities and some of the city’s best views. Whether you’re exploring the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, staying at one of the luxury hotels or enjoying a drink with a harbourside sunset, this Sydney staple never fails to impress.

2. Scenic World, Katoomba, NSW

Scenic World railway in lush greenery — Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway. (Image: Scenic World)

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Mountains, Scenic World is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. With more than 20,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this iconic attraction is home to the world’s steepest railway and has lush bushwalks nearby.

3. Elizabeth Quay, Perth, WA

Elizabeth Quay drone shot — Elizabeth Quay is a vibrant hub in the heart of Perth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

A jewel on Perth’s waterfront, Elizabeth Quay has become a favourite among locals and visitors, amassing over 19,000 reviews with a 4.52-star rating. This lively precinct blends modern architecture with scenic river views, offering everything from public art installations and dining hotspots to ferry rides along the Swan River. Catch the sunset, stroll along the promenade or hop on a river cruise; Elizabeth Quay is a vibrant hub of activity in the heart of the city.

4. Busselton Jetty, Busselton, WA

Busselton Jetty at sunrise — The longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere is a great spot for a nature show. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Stretching an impressive 1.8 kilometres over Geographe Bay, Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere – and one of the most beloved. Boasting over 13,000 reviews and a 4.61-star rating, this historic attraction invites visitors to take a leisurely train ride to the end, where an underwater observatory reveals the vibrant marine life beneath the waves.

5. Brighton Bathing Boxes, Brighton, Vic

Family playing beach cricket on Brighton Beach in front of Brighton Bathing Boxes — Brighton Bathing Boxes have been drawing crowds for over a century. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With their rainbow-coloured facades and postcard-perfect setting, the Brighton Bathing Boxes on Brighton Beach are one of Melbourne’s most photographed landmarks. With over 10,000 reviews and a 4.41-star rating, these 82 heritage-listed beach huts have been drawing crowds for over a century. A visit here isn’t just about snapping the perfect Insta pic – it’s also a chance to soak in stunning bay views, take a dip in the cool waters and experience a piece of Melbourne’s coastal history.

Other most-reviewed spots that Aussies love

While visitor attractions dominate the rankings, Google Maps’ data also revealed the most-reviewed spots in other categories.

Park: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, WA

Museum: Melbourne Museum, Melbourne, Vic

Restaurant: Dosa Hut Indian Restaurant, Harris Park, NSW

Cafe: Andonis Cafe & Bar, Yeerongpilly, Qld

Fish and chips shop: Charis Seafoods, Labrador, Qld

Ice cream shop: Cow & The Moon, Enmore, NSW

Vintage clothing store: Retropolis, Preston, Vic

Did your favourite make the list?

Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.

Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford , the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.

1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.

2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

Macedon Ranges Walking Trail camel's hump lookout — Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)

The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.

3. Mount Alexander Traverse

Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.

4. Murmuring Walk

Murmuring Walk daylesford hikes — Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.

Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.

5. La Gerche Forest Walk

Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.

6. Sailors Falls Loop

Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk

Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk

An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.

The trails of Victoria’s Heartland offer a chance to reconnect with the landscape, local history and yourself. Start planning your next adventure at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.

Over 120,000 people rated these as Australia’s best attractions