Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia

Australia, a land of vast beauty and rich cultural heritage, is home to 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that captivate the imagination and beckon exploration. From the iconic wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, each site tells a story of geological marvels, Indigenous traditions, and ecological diversity.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding universal value to humanity, whether natural, cultural or both. To be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a site must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one of ten selection criteria, so Australia's collection of sites are some of the most extraordinary natural and cultural treasures on the planet.

With 21 to choose from, we start with the full list by state, then take a closer look at six natural and cultural sites you can reach in a Star RV from our Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne branches.

How Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites Are in Australia?

Australia has 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 12 natural sites, five cultural sites and four mixed sites recognised for both their natural and cultural values. The first three, the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park and the Willandra Lakes Region, were listed together in 1981. The newest is the Murujuga Cultural Landscape on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, added to the World Heritage List in July 2025. Every site is listed below by state, with the Star RV branch it is closest to. Six of them sit within a few hours' drive of a branch, and those six are covered in detail further down the page.

Six World Heritage Sites to Explore by Motorhome

The six sites below sit within a comfortable drive of our Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne branches, which is why they make the shortlist. Each one rewards a few nights rather than a day trip, and a motorhome lets you stay close, wake up inside the landscape and move on when you are ready.

The Great Barrier Reef

Explorations start at our Cairns Branch with Australia’s most famous UNESCO site – the Great Barrier Reef. A visit to this natural wonder is a must when travelling Australia.

Stretching for 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system on the planet and showcases one of the most intricate ecosystems in the world. It is home to 3,000 coral reefs, 600 islands, 300 coral cays, and 150 mangrove islands, as well as a diverse array of marine life, including 1,625 fish species, 600 coral varieties, and over 30 species of whales and dolphins.

There are many ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef, from snorkelling and diving to sailing and flying. For those eager to dive, Green Island is a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns. Alternatively, opt for a full-day cruise or dive expedition for extended exploration of this mesmerising underwater realm home to a kaleidoscope of colourful fish and vibrant coral. You may even catch a glimpse of the marine turtles that reside in the reef.

Head south to the Whitsundays, which is home to the most beautiful stretch of the Great Barrier Reef. Begin your adventure amidst the laid-back atmosphere of Airlie Beach, where you can embark on an unforgettable reef cruise. For an indulgent experience, consider treating yourself to a magical seaplane ride offering breathtaking views of Heart Reef.

Getting there: pick up your motorhome at our Cairns branch and you are 45 minutes by boat from Green Island. For the Whitsundays, follow the Cairns to Mackay road trip south to Airlie Beach, around seven hours' drive.

The Wet Tropics

A natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wet Tropics is the rainforest found north of Cairns, which stretches 8,940 square kilometres from Townsville in the south to Cooktown in the north. It’s the incredible biodiversity found within the Wet Tropics that netted this recognition in 1988.

Within this 450-kilometre-long park, over 85 species are unique to the Queensland rainforest. Serving as a biodiversity hotspot, nearly one-third of Australia's mammal species inhabit this park, with 12 species exclusive to the Wet Tropics. Among these are green possums, melomys, rat kangaroos, and others.

The Daintree Rainforest falls under the jurisdiction of the Wet Tropics and is the oldest rainforest in the world. With over 6,000 species to explore, encountering diverse flora and fauna is a highlight. Observe them on a hike, horseback ride, cruise, zip-line adventure, or even a night walk.

Additionally, we highly recommend exploring the cooler climes of the fertile Atherton Tablelands. Notably known for its rich dairy farming history spanning over a century, it has become a hub for cheese enthusiasts. Enjoy kayaking on Lake Barrine, hiking the scenic trails of the Misty Mountains, and delving into the wonders of the Crystal Caves.

Consider making a stop at Mission Beach, a two-hour drive south of Cairns. Still part of the Wet Tropics region, the main attraction here is the opportunity to encounter the Southern Cassowary in its natural habitat. Frequently spotted roaming through fields, paddocks, gardens, and resorts of Mission Beach, this endangered bird holds the title of Australia's largest land animal. The heaviest recorded being 94.5kg and standing nearly 2 metres tall.

Getting there: the Daintree is around two hours north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway, the Atherton Tablelands about an hour and a half inland, and Mission Beach two hours south. All three are easy day trips from a Cairns holiday park, or link them into one loop.

K’gari (Fraser Island)

Pick up your motorhome from our Brisbane branch and head north to Hervey Bay, here board a one-hour ferry to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), an island made entirely of sand.

K'gari has a remarkable ability to cultivate plant life, due to fungi nourishing flora that thrives in the sandy terrain. With shifting sand dunes, untouched rainforests, and pristine freshwater lakes, the landscape is truly one-of-a-kind, and it's been around for a staggering 750,000 years.

Spanning 123km, there are a variety of activities for you to do on the island including ranger-led off-road adventure, a leisurely float down Eli Creek, a refreshing swim at Champagne Pools, or simply encountering the abundant wildlife.

You can spot swamp wallabies, echidnas, sugar gliders, and over 350 bird species, as well as dingoes. These wild canines, considered the purest in Eastern Australia, may appear friendly, but they're feral and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Feeding or interacting with them is strictly prohibited by law, a measure put in place to ensure both visitor safety and the preservation of their natural habits and habitat.

Getting there: Hervey Bay is around three and a half hours north of our Brisbane branch on the Bruce Highway. K'gari has no sealed roads and its sand tracks are 4WD only, so base the motorhome at a Hervey Bay holiday park and cross as a foot passenger or on a guided tour.

Gondwana Rainforest

Once a supercontinent that fragmented 180 million years ago, Gondwana is now divided into Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and the Indian Subcontinent.

Today, Gondwana is formed by several regions, acknowledged by UNESCO for its significant conservation value. Spanning northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland, the Gondwana area comprises 50 distinct regions. The Gondwana Rainforests stands out as the largest subtropical rainforest globally, providing sanctuary to over 270 endangered species, some tracing back as far as 100,000 years!

Embarking on a journey through any of the Gondwana Rainforests is a journey back in time. Our preferred park on the Queensland side is Springbrook National Park, cherished for its enchanting waterfalls, babbling streams, and remarkable biodiversity. Spend your days exploring the park, marvelling at the majestic Purling Brook Falls and navigating the Twin Falls Circuit.

Remember to carry a flashlight and venture to Natural Bridge by dusk. Here, the glowworms illuminate the surroundings, particularly during the wetter months from December to March. Be sure to secure a campsite within the park to maximise your time in this ancient paradise.

Dorrigo National Park beckons with its impressive 70-metre-long, 21-metre-high skywalk. This elevated pathway offers an excellent vantage point for observing the abundant avian wildlife. The panoramic views overlooking the Rosewood rainforest basin are truly breathtaking. If you prefer to delve among the tree roots rather than soar above the treetops, the Crystal Shower Falls provides a refreshing experience. You can even walk behind the falls and feel the gentle mist. Along the Dorrigo National Park loop trail, you'll also encounter the picturesque Danger Falls. Located just an hour from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo is easily accessible for a day trip.

Additionally, the Antarctica Beech Forest walking track in Barrington Tops is another fantastic option for a short stroll lasting about 1.5 hours. This trail offers a glimpse into the ancient and significant flora of the Gondwana Rainforests, which harbour most of the world's Antarctica Beech cool temperate forest.

Getting there: Springbrook National Park is around an hour and a half south of Brisbane, and Dorrigo about an hour inland from Coffs Harbour, so both fit naturally into a Brisbane to Sydney road trip.

The Greater Blue Mountains

The sandstone plateaus, deep gorges and the Jenolan Caves, together with the most diverse collection of eucalypt species anywhere in the world, earned the Greater Blue Mountains a coveted spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.bhgv

While Katoomba and the Blue Mountains National Park may draw the bulk of visitors, the UNESCO-designated region offers more than these attractions alone. Comprising eight protected areas, hence the 'greater' designation, the evolution of plant life within the Greater Blue Mountains is particularly celebrated.

Spread across a combined area of one million hectares, the region serves as a sanctuary for 400 species of vertebrate animals and 265 bird species. Among them are the endangered tiger quoll and yellow-bellied glider. With an abundance of eucalypts to feast on, the chances of spotting a koala are also notably high.

Explore the sandstone plateau spanning across the eight protected areas. Our favourite picks include the ancient caves nestled within the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve and the sheer drops found from the lookouts at Kanangra-Boyd National Park.

Located an hour away from Katoomba, the Jenolan Caves stand as the world's oldest accessible caves (340 million years). Extending over 40 kilometres, multi-level passages wind through the caverns, unveiling awe-inspiring chambers boasting ceilings towering up to 50 metres. There are also bushwalks around the caves, adventurous caving expeditions, and even night ghost tours for those seeking diverse experiences.

The Kanangra Walls serve as the highlight of Kanangra-Boyd National Park. The impressive valleys, sheer cliff faces, and ethereal blue vistas combine to create a scene that feels out of this world. Enjoy the panoramic views on shorter walks like Lookout Walk or Waterfall Walk or opt for the moderately challenging 2-hour Plateau Walk.

Getting there: Katoomba is around 90 minutes west of our Sydney branch on the Great Western Highway, with Jenolan Caves a further hour. Several of the parks in our NSW national parks camping guide sit inside the World Heritage Area, so you can stay in it rather than beside it.

Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim National Park, nestled in the southwest corner of Victoria, Australia, is a testament to ancient Aboriginal ingenuity and resilience. At its heart lies the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkable cultural and archaeological significance. For over 6,600 years, the Gunditjmara people crafted an intricate aquaculture system within this landscape, consisting of channels, weirs, and dams designed for trapping and farming eels.

Today, visitors to Budj Bim National Park can explore this enduring legacy, marvelling at the remnants of ancient settlements and the intricate engineering that shaped the landscape. Moreover, the park serves as a living connection to the Gunditjmara people, who continue to maintain their cultural practices and share their rich heritage with the world.

Getting there: Budj Bim is around four hours west of our Melbourne branch, near Heywood and Portland. A guided tour led by Gunditjmara guides is the best way to read the landscape and understand the eel traps.

Plan Your World Heritage Road Trip

Six UNESCO sites in Australia on one coast is a road trip in itself, and a motorhome lets you string them together at your own pace, from the reef and rainforest around Cairns to the caves and canyons of the Blue Mountains. Something special awaits.

To secure your Australian motorhome hire, click BOOK HERE or call our friendly team on 1800 875 018.

Australia's Cultural World Heritage Sites

Australia's five cultural World Heritage Sites tell the human story of the continent, from tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal engineering and rock art to convict settlement and landmark architecture. Budj Bim is covered above; the other four are:

Sydney Opera House (New South Wales, listed 2007)

Jørn Utzon's masterpiece on Bennelong Point, a short walk from Circular Quay and an easy first stop after pick-up at our Sydney branch.

Australian Convict Sites (listed 2010)

11 sites across New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia and Norfolk Island, including Hyde Park Barracks and Cockatoo Island in Sydney, Port Arthur in Tasmania and Fremantle Prison near Perth.

Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (Victoria, listed 2004)

Built for Melbourne's international exhibitions of 1880 and 1888 and still in use today, a few minutes from the CBD and our Melbourne branch.

Murujuga Cultural Landscape (Western Australia, listed 2025)

Australia's newest World Heritage Site, on the Burrup Peninsula near Karratha, holds one of the densest concentrations of rock engravings in the world. It is around 1,500 kilometres north of Perth, so it belongs on a long Coral Coast and Pilbara itinerary rather than a weekend.

Natural and Mixed World Heritage Areas Beyond the East Coast

The remaining natural World Heritage Sites, and all four mixed sites, sit further afield. Most suit a longer one-way or fly-drive itinerary, and several are the reason to plan one.

Western Australia

Shark Bay (listed 1991) and the Ningaloo Coast (2011) line the Coral Coast north of Perth, with Monkey Mia's dolphins around nine hours' drive from the city and Ningaloo's whale sharks (typically March to July) a further day north. Purnululu National Park (2003) and its Bungle Bungle Range are deep in the Kimberley. Our ultimate Western Australia itinerary strings the coast together.

Tasmania

The Tasmanian Wilderness (1982) covers more than a fifth of the state, including Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers. Take the motorhome across on the ferry from Melbourne and follow our 13-day Tasmania road trip.

Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park (1981) and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (1987) are both mixed sites, listed for their landscapes and for the living culture of their Traditional Owners. Uluru is the centrepiece of our coast to coast through the outback route, a multi-day drive up the Stuart Highway from Adelaide.

New South Wales

The Willandra Lakes Region (1981), home to Mungo National Park and some of the oldest evidence of human occupation in Australia, is a long day's drive from Adelaide or Melbourne. Lord Howe Island (1982) is fly-in only.

Queensland and South Australia

The Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (1994) pair Riversleigh in outback Queensland with Naracoorte Caves, an easy three and a half hours south-east of Adelaide.

Sub-Antarctic

Heard and McDonald Islands (1997) and Macquarie Island (1997) are on the list, but not on any road trip; neither has public road access.