Australia is massive, and some of the most photographed landscapes require serious expeditions to reach. But you don’t need to trek into the Kimberley or charter a flight to capture compelling landscape images.

Every Australian state has accessible locations within a few hours of major cities that offer genuine photographic opportunities. Here’s what I recommend based on actual experience, not just Instagram popularity.

New South Wales

The Blue Mountains are obvious but remain worthwhile. Yes, they’re touristy. Yes, you’ll be sharing spots with coach tours. But the light at sunrise from places like Echo Point and Govetts Leap is genuinely beautiful. Get there before the crowds, and you’ll understand why it’s been photographed for over a century.

For coastal work, the Royal National Park south of Sydney offers dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and the Figure Eight Pools (though timing the tides is essential). Wedding Cake Rock is now fenced off, but the surrounding coastal heath and cliff views are excellent.

Mount Kosciuszko in winter provides alpine landscapes rare in Australia. The drive up and walks around Charlotte Pass in snow conditions feel like you’ve left the country.

Mungo National Park in the far west is underrated. The Walls of China formations at sunset are otherworldly. It’s remote but reachable in a normal car, and you’ll have it largely to yourself.

Victoria

The Great Ocean Road delivers, particularly around the Twelve Apostles. But here’s the trick: everyone photographs the Apostles themselves. Walk further along the coast to less famous formations like the London Arch or the Bay of Islands. Better compositions, fewer people.

Wilson’s Promontory combines coastal and bush landscapes. Squeaky Beach, Tidal River, and the various headlands offer diverse scenes. The granite formations and clear water rival anything in Tasmania.

The Grampians provide mountain landscapes close to Melbourne. The Balconies (formerly Jaws of Death) at sunrise is a cliché, but MacKenzie Falls, Silverband Falls, and the various lookout points throughout the park are all worthwhile.

For something different, Lake Tyrrell near Sea Lake is a salt lake that creates perfect reflections when there’s shallow water. It’s best at sunrise or sunset when the sky has color.

Queensland

The Glass House Mountains north of Brisbane provide dramatic volcanic plug formations. There are multiple vantage points, and the combination of these distinctive peaks with surrounding farmland creates uniquely Queensland compositions.

Noosa National Park offers accessible coastal landscapes without the crowds of more famous spots. The coastal walk from Sunshine Beach to Hell’s Gates provides numerous photography opportunities along the way.

For inland landscapes, Carnarvon Gorge is spectacular. Moss Garden, the Art Gallery, and various rock formations throughout the gorge. It requires more commitment (camping or staying nearby) but the sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation are worth it.

The Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef region need boats or flights to reach the iconic views (like Whitehaven Beach from Hill Inlet), but the mainland coast around Airlie Beach and Conway National Park offers accessible tropical landscapes.

South Australia

Flinders Ranges is world-class. Wilpena Pound is the most famous formation, but Brachina Gorge, Bunyeroo Valley, and the various lookout points throughout the park provide endless opportunities. Go in wildflower season (August-September) if possible.

Kangaroo Island combines coastal drama with wildlife opportunities. Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch are popular for good reason. But the entire south coast offers cliff formations, beaches, and seal colonies.

The Coorong stretches along the southeast coast. It’s a wetland system rather than dramatic mountains, but the birdlife, waterways, and salt flats at certain times create interesting compositions.

For something completely different, Lake Eyre when it fills (rare but spectacular) is surreal. The salt flats even when dry create interesting minimal landscapes.

Western Australia

The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park are bizarre limestone formations in the desert. Best at sunrise or sunset when the light rakes across them creating shadows and depth.

Wave Rock near Hyden is exactly what it sounds like. A rock formation shaped like a breaking wave. It’s photographed constantly, but it’s genuinely impressive in person.

For coastal work, the beaches around Margaret River and Denmark offer pristine white sand and turquoise water. Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks near Denmark have boulder formations that create interesting foreground elements.

Karijini National Park in the Pilbara is remote but accessible. The gorges, waterfalls, and red rock formations are stunning. Particular highlights include Hancock Gorge and Fortescue Falls.

Tasmania

Cradle Mountain is probably Australia’s most photographed mountain. Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain reflected at sunrise is iconic. But the surrounding area, including Marions Lookout and various tarns throughout the park, offers diverse alpine landscapes.

Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park requires a moderate hike, but the viewpoint is worth it. The beach itself is accessible and offers different compositions.

Mount Field National Park provides both waterfalls (Russell Falls) and alpine moorland at Lake Dobson. It’s close to Hobart and offers a lot of variety.

The Bay of Fires on the northeast coast combines white beaches with orange lichen-covered granite boulders. The color contrast is striking, particularly with blue water and sky.

Northern Territory

Uluru is obligatory if you’re in the center. The rock itself is impressive, but also photograph the surrounding area. The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) nearby are arguably more interesting for composition.

Kings Canyon offers views both from the rim walk and within the canyon. The Garden of Eden and various viewpoints along the rim walk provide different perspectives.

Litchfield National Park near Darwin is more accessible than Kakadu (though Kakadu is worth it if you have time). Wangi Falls and Florence Falls, plus the termite mounds and various swimming holes, offer diverse subjects.

Practical Considerations

Most of these locations require early mornings or late afternoons. Midday Australian light is harsh and unflattering. Plan to be at your location before sunrise, shoot the good light, then rest during the day.

Many parks require entry fees or permits. Check ahead. Some locations have restricted access to protect sensitive areas.

Weather matters. Overcast days can work beautifully for waterfalls and forest scenes but are generally worse for mountain and coastal landscapes. Download local radar apps and check forecasts.

Tell someone where you’re going, particularly for more remote locations. Carry water, sun protection, and basic safety gear. Australian landscapes are beautiful but can be harsh.

Growing Beyond Tourist Shots

Once you’ve photographed the famous locations, look for your own compositions. Walk past where everyone stops. Return at different seasons, different weather, different times of day.

The best landscape photography comes from understanding a place deeply, not from collecting famous viewpoints. Visit the same location repeatedly. Learn how the light changes through the year. Find angles that aren’t in every Instagram feed.

Australian landscapes are diverse and dramatic. You don’t need to travel to the ends of the earth to find compelling subjects. Within a few hours of wherever you live, there are landscapes worth photographing. Get out there and find them.