20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia

The clear blue ocean waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the rainforests with rich flora and fauna, and picturesque natural sceneries make Australia a great place to visit and experience. Residents of Australia love their outdoors and its great weather makes it a perfect place to enjoy its beauty in all its glory.

Let us take a closer look at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia and witness the beauty of different locations in Australia.

The following list will provide you with information about the famous world heritage sites in Australia with a total of 4 cultural, 12 natural, and 4 mixed world heritage sites as follows:

Given below are all the cultural UNESCO Sites in Australia, which are sorted as per their year of inclusion in the list:

1. Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (2004)

source: assets

The architectural style of the building is an amalgamation of the styles of Italian Renaissance, Romanesque, Lombardic, and Byzantine. It finds its place in the history of the world exhibition movement, which includes other world-famous places like the Eiffel Tower.

Additionally, it serves as a space for showcasing Australian War Memorabilia, exhibitions, trade fairs, as well as, sports events during the Olympic Games in Melbourne.

• Location: 9 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: November to February
• Hours of Operation: Generally 9 AM to 5 PM (Timing can change based on the specific exhibitions)
• Entry Fee: AU$10 for adults, AU$8 for concession, AU$7 for Kids and Museum Members.

2. Sydney Opera House (2007)

Located on the banks of the famous Sydney Harbour, this is one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Australia. It is a performing arts centre that conducts more than 1,200 performances every year. It has a unique architectural construction that looks almost like a flower, Lotus.

There are retail stores inside it, along with a recording studio, restaurants, and bars as well. It has recorded a high number of 1.2 million visitors every year.

• Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: September to October
• Hours of Operation: From 9 AM - 5 PM on Monday to Saturday, and 10 AM - 6 PM only on Sundays
• Entry Fee: AU$43 for Adults, AU$23 for Children aged 5-15 years, AU$109 for families, the concession of AU$33 for students under 16, senior citizens and pension holders of Australia

3. Australian Convict Sites (2010)

source: slm

There are a total of 11 convict sites in Australia out of the 3000 similar sites that were constructed by the British. All the sites display the thousands of years of their convict history and are a great learning space about the prisons and the convict's lifestyle inside the prison for outsiders. 

These sites are unique in their way as they represent the best examples in the context of large-scale transportation of convicts and the colonial expansion by the British.

• Location: New South Wales, Norfolk Island, Tasmania, and Western Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: All round the year
• Hours of Operation: From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily; closed only on Good Friday and Christmas
• Entry Fee: The entry fees are as per the different convict sites in Australia as follows:
  • Cockatoo Island Convict Site: No entry fee
  • Hyde Park Barracks: AU$12 for Adults, AU$30 for Families, and AU$8 for children/concession
  • Cascades Female Factory: Entry fee with tour; AU$15 for Adults, AU$10 for Children
  • Fremantle Prison: AU$18.50 Basic, AU$59 for Tunnel Tours

4. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape (2019)

source: feverup

The notable speciality of the Budj Bim cultural landscape is the life of the aboriginal Gunditjmara inhabitants. It exhibits the process by which these people have worked with the available natural resources over the years, creating a permanent human settlement for about 30,000-plus years now.

Additionally, it is one of the oldest as well as the most widely spread aqua cultural sites as of today.

• Location: Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, Vaughans Road, Breakaway Creek, Victoria, 3303, South Eastern Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: Tourists can visit any month of the year
• Hours of Operation: From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
• Entry Fee: Depends on different tour packages, starting from $50

Here is a list of the natural UNESCO World Heritage sites in Australia:

5. Great Barrier Reef (1981)

source: eomap

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on the face of the Earth. It hosts a great diversity of different species and corals. These coral reefs are responsible for producing clean air, protecting coasts from storms and floods, and an array of other major functions.

Hence, the Great Barrier Reef acts as an important part of sustaining a balance in our ecosystem.

• Location: Coral Sea, Queensland, Australia's north-eastern coast, Cairns
• Ideal Time to Explore: May to October
• Hours of Operation: From 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM; opens every day
• Entry Fee: AU$200-AU$715 depending on different tour packages

6. Lord Howe Island Group (1982)

source: britannica

The special feature of this World Heritage Site in Australia is the unique flora and fauna that have developed there due to the volcanic origin of these oceanic islands. These islands are the most southerly coral reef on the face of the Earth.

You can witness a unique landscape here, formed out of steep mountainous slopes, broad hills, a lagoon, and an uninhabited Balls Pyramid. There are a total of 28 islands, rocks, and islets in Lord Howe Island Group.

• Location: Lord Howe Island Board, Administrative Office, Lord Howe Island, 2898, Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: September to June
• Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: No entry fees

7. Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (1986)

It is one of the most extensive remaining grounds of subtropical rainforest and a prominent area of temperate rainforest in the world. If you plan to visit these rainforests, you can witness the major phases of the evolution history on the face of the Earth, the ongoing geological process, and biological processes in their most actual form.

Apart from that, these forests are home to many species of flora and fauna that are on the verge of extinction today.

• Location: Southeast Queensland and Northeast New South Wales
• Ideal Time to Explore: June to October
• Hours of Operation: From 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Every day; Closed on Christmas Day
• Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

8. Wet Tropics of Queensland (1988)

This site comprises a large area of rainforests. Here, you can witness some rare winged species, the oldest animal named Cassowary, and a civilisation that is more than 500 years old.

You may also come across some rare animal species and spot the highest mountain peaks in the area.

• Location: North-East coast of Queensland, Between Cooktown and Townsville
• Ideal Time to Explore: March to May
• Hours of Operation: Not Found
• Entry Fee: Depends on different tours and packages

9. Shark Bay, Western Australia (1991)

source: geologyscience

Shark Bay in Denham is a major attraction for both tourists and residents a great spot for swimming beaches and beach tours. As of today, there are approximately a minimum of 28 shark species residing in the faraway depths of Shark Bay’s ocean waters.

Besides getting wet in the beautiful turquoise waters, you can also indulge in golfing at their golf course, and enjoy eating delicious delicacies at the restaurants near the beach.

• Location: Extreme western point of Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: April to March
• Hours of Operation: Open all day
• Entry Fee: AU$15 per car for up to 12 legally seated people, AU$18 per car concession for card holders, AU$8 for motorcycles, AU$7 per passenger in buses

10. K’gari (Fraser Island) (1992)

K’gari (Fraser Island) is a majestic 122 km long island, currently the largest sand island on Earth. Its long white sand beaches, brightly coloured cliffs of sand, multiple freshwater lakes, and huge rainforests have attracted tourists.

You can visit Fraser Island and take part in hiking activities, or a long drive along the 75-mile beach.

• Location: 27 Maree St, Hervey Bay Fraser Coast, QLD
• Ideal Time to Explore: May to September
• Hours of Operation: From 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Closed on Christmas Day
• Entry Fee: Depends on different tour packages

11. Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) (1994)

The Australian Fossil Mammal Sites are among the top 10 of the world’s great fossil sites. They depict the stages of the evolution of Australian fauna. This illustrates the response of these species to the changing climate and the impact of human actions on the environment.

Further, these sites represent the important still-working biological and geological processes.

• Location: Queensland, South Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: All year round
• Hours of Operation: Open all day
• Entry Fee: Not found

12. Heard and McDonald Islands (1997)

source: wikimedia

The Heard and McDonald Islands Group is a volcanic group of two sub-Antarctic islands which is highly glaciated. Its highest elevation is 9006 feet, called the Mawson Peak.

The Heard and McDonald Islands require special permission to visit as this is tagged as a nature reserve hence limited human interaction is allowed. However, only people allowed to visit these sites are purely for scientific reasons.

• Location: The Indian Ocean, Southwest of Perth, North of Antarctica
• Ideal Time to Explore: Throughout the year
• Hours of Operation: Open all day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

13. Macquarie Island (1997)

source: skyavenue

Macquarie Island allows visits on small expedition ship cruises to witness a wide range of island wildlife. Here, you will come across elephant seals, king and royal penguins, albatrosses, fur seals, Gentoo penguins, etc.

Moreover, this island houses the only breeding ground for royal penguins. It is a rare uplifted site of the sea at the boundary of two tectonic plates.

• Location: Southwestern Pacific Ocean
• Ideal Time to Explore: Early December to March (Also the only time to visit)
• Hours of Operation: As per tour timings
• Entry Fee: Different tour packages

14. Greater Blue Mountains Area (2000)

The Greater Blue Mountains Area got its name because of the spectacular blue haze that surrounds the mountain peaks. The area is densely covered with Eucalyptus trees and is one of the most famous scenic drives on Earth.

The region is famous for its scenic beauty, picturesque landscape, and waterfalls in the area, filled with beautiful views, sheer mountain cliffs, and swamps full of life.

• Location: Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: December to February
• Hours of Operation: From 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Closed only on Christmas Day
• Entry Fee: Depends on different tour packages

15. Purnululu National Park (2003)

source: australia

Purnululu National Park, also commonly known as the Bungles, comprises the Bungle Bungle range. It is a special compilation of banded, cone towers that are shaped like beehives.

They are called bee hives because of their amazing maze of orange and black coloured lines on the cone towers. Its geological importance has helped this park to get the status of a world heritage site.

• Location: Western Australia 6770, Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: April to November
• Hours of Operation: From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM; opens every day
• Entry Fee: Depends on different passes and packages

16. Ningaloo Coast (2011)

The Ningaloo coast is popular for its Ningaloo Reef which is home to over 300 coral and 500 tropical fish species. It is the only breeding ground for humpback whales, and also the only coral reef that is located very close to the land.

Furthermore, this reef also is tagged as one of the longest in the world. If you visit here you can delve into witnessing the reef fishes, walk along the beach with a spectacular view, or even go snorkelling.

• Location: North West Coast, Western Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: March to October
• Hours of Operation: Its hours of operation are listed as given below:
  • April – October: Opens 7 days a week from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
  • November – March: Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, on Saturdays from  9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Closed on Sundays and Christmas Day
• Entry Fee: Depends on different tour packages

17. Willandra Lakes Region (1981)

source: natgeofe

If you visit here you can witness the Muthi Muthi tribes, Ngiyampaa, and Barkinji Aboriginal tribes as this is the place where they meet often. You can also see the oldest cremation site here and various examples of human civilisation.

This site is approximately more than 40,000 years old where you can find calcified plants, ancient fireplaces, animal bones, and various stone tools as well.

• Location: Willandra Lakes Mungo 2715 Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: September to November
• Hours of Operation: Not found
• Entry Fee: No entry fee for visitors, AU$8 per vehicle per day

18. Kakadu National Park (1981-1992)

source: contentstack

Kakadu National Park has a lot to offer to its visitors, such as, bird watching, camping near its waterfalls, scenic walking trails, ancient rock art creativity, etc. You can also spot some crocodiles here.

It is Australia’s biggest national park where there are stunning sites to see and enjoy. The park is popular for showcasing the life of Aboriginal people over ten thousand years ago, as you will be able to learn from its rock carvings.

• Location: Kakadu Hwy, Jabiru NT 0886, Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: December to February
• Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fee: The entry fee details of the Kakadu National Park are as follows:
  • Dry Season (15 May - 31 October): For Adults (16 years and over) AU$40.00 per pass, for Children (aged 5-15 years) AU$20.00 per pass, and Family (2 adults and 2 or more children) AU$100.00 per pass
  • Tropical Summer (1 November - 14 May): For Adults (16 years and over) AU$25.00 per pass, for Children (aged 5-15 years) AU$12.50 per pass, and for Families (2 adults and 2 or more children) AU$65.00 per pass

19. Tasmanian Wilderness (1982)

source: discovertasmania

Tasmanian Wilderness is renowned as one of the most prominent conservation locations in Australia. It houses many deep caves and many long ones as well. The spectacular natural scenic wilderness and the ecological diversity have helped it stand out.

If you visit here you will find evidence of ongoing geological processes in its landscape. It also houses some plant species such as King Billy Pine, pandani, Myrtle beech, and others.

• Location: Southwestern, Western, Central Tasmania, Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: September to February
• Hours of Operation: Not Found
• Entry Fee: Depends on different pass packages

20. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (1987, 1994)

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is listed as one of the very famous national parks in the heart of the Australian desert. It resides as a protected area in the country. Interestingly, it stands taller than the Chrysler Building in New York City.

Its two prominent and world-famous sites are the red domes of Kata Tjuta and the sandstone monolith of Uluru.

• Location: Petermann NT 0872, Australia
• Ideal Time to Explore: May to September
• Hours of Operation: From 7:00 AM to 5:45 PM; opens every day
• Entry Fee: AU$38.00 for 3 days for Adults (18 years and over) and AU$50.00 for an annual pass

The different criteria used to list these places in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites are as follows:

• The site should represent high human creativity.
• It should have a long history of interchange of human values, shared culture, and developments over time.
• The site should show any unique feature representing any particular cultural tradition or human civilisation.
• It must stand as an important example that showcases any important stage in human civilisation.
• Having a direct link to the present traditional practices, belief system, or any artistic work that holds universal importance will be important for a site.
• The site should have been to any area of remarkable and unthinkable natural scenic beauty.
• It should set a prominent example that has evidence in Earth’s geological, biological and ecological processes.
• The site should have important natural habitats for in-site conservation, especially for endangered species.