Travel

The 12 best historical sites to visit in Australia

Planning a visit across the ditch? Australia is full of fascinating places that bring the past to life – from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here are our favourite spots to take a step back in time.

By Carolyn Tate

Australia is a land steeped in fascinating history – both that of the First Nations people, who have a culture rich in stories and tradition over the past 40,000 years and our controversial British convict past.

If you’re a history buff, there’s a wealth of places across Australia to visit, and there is always something new to see or learn. Here are 12 of our favourite places to step back in time.

1. The Brewarrina Fish Traps, Brewarrina, NSW

The Baiame’s Ngunnhu in Brewarrina, also known as the Brewarrina Fish Traps, are an ancient structure of Indigenous heritage, made up of stone walls placed in the perfect position to catch fish swimming upstream in the Barwon River.

While their exact age is unknown, the fish traps are thought to be one of the oldest human constructions in the world.

**According to Aboriginal tradition, the ancestral creation being, Baiame, created the design by throwing his net over the river. Image: iStock/John Carnemolla**

Visiting the fish traps offers a deep insight to the strong ties between First Nations people and their relationship with the land, and can exclusively be seen by tour with the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum.

2. The Rocks, Sydney, NSW

As one of the first areas settled by the British in the 17th century, The Rocks is a significant site for those looking to learn about colonial and convict history.

Visiting The Rocks today is best done on foot, to fully experience the site’s cobbled streets, historic buildings, and frequent cultural events (tip: leave the stilettos at home).

**Looking down the historic alley known as Suez Canal in the Rocks District of Sydney. Image: iStock/Simon Bradfield**

I'm Free Walking Tours also offers great guided tours of the area that make sure to cover all of the key sites, at no cost.

3. Mungo National Park, Mungo, NSW

The Mungo National Park is an ancient World Heritage Site and the location where Mungo Lady and Mungo Man’s human remains from around 42,000 years ago were discovered. Mungo Lady is the oldest cremated remains in the world.

**A full moon rises while the sun sets simultaneously at the ancient sandstone rock formations known as the Walls of China at Mungo National Park. Image: iStock/donaldyip**

The best part about visiting Mungo National Park is that their guided tours and discovery walks are all led by the traditional custodians Paakantji, Ngyiampaa and Mutthi Mutthi people, the park’s guided tours and discovery talks are led by these tribal groups.

4. Elizabeth Farm, NSW

Elizabeth Farm, the country’s oldest standing colonial homestead, tells the story of how wool pioneering began in Australia. The museum prides itself on having no barriers or locked doors, providing visitors an all-access glimpse into the dark past of the area’s colonial history.

**Built in 1793 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur and their growing family, today Elizabeth Farm is an ‘access all areas’ museum. Image: Wikimedia Commons/Sardaka**

Entry to the museum is free for everyone to come and learn the political stories from the 1800s that range from convict rebellion to the downfall of governors.

5. Pentridge Prison, Coburg, Vic

Pentridge Prison is one of the country’s most infamous prisons, rich with fascinating stories of well-known criminals like bushranger Ned Kelly and criminal turned celebrated crime-writer Chopper Read.

You can tour the complex inside of the nineteenth century jail by guided or self-guided tour, or brave a night tour for the ultimate experience.

6. Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum, Mount Isa, Qld

This historical site is Australia’s first and only underground hospital, built by local miners in response to the Darwin bombing in 1942. The former public hospital is filled with antique hospital equipment and linen, with a relatively untouched surgical theatre and delivery room.

**Miners volunteered their time to carve out a series of tunnels into the side of the hills near the base of the regional hospital. Image: Wikimedia Commons/Queensland Heritage Register**

The Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum is also home to the Tent House heritage building, one of the few examples still standing of the country’s response to the housing crisis at the time.

7. Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton Qld

Australia’s largest dinosaur fossil collection can be found at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs park, combining education and fun together in Central Queensland.

Only 25 Mesozoic Australian dinosaurs have proper scientific names, based on fragmentary fossils, but they are a unique and diverse range.

**Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum is home to Australia's largest dinosaur fossil collection and the Southern Hemisphere's most productive fossil preparation laboratory. Image: iStock/chameleonseye**

The only way to see the museum is by guided tour, so take in the views of the outdoor Dinosaur Canyon and settle in for lunch at their in-house Cretaceous Café for the full day experience.

8. Port Arthur, Tasman Peninsula, Tas

Port Arthur is one of the most notable heritage sites of Australia’s colonial history, with the location once operating as one of the harshest punishments for convict settlement in the 19^th century. Its deep harbour allowed even the largest boats of the fleet to anchor, and ship building was common practice among convicts.

**Port Arthur historic site is one of 11 historic places that together form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2010. Image: iStock/Uwe-Bergwitz**

Roam around the Port Arthur Historical Site on a self-guided walk (you’ll still need to pay admission), or book a night Ghost Tour for an eerie, lantern-lit experience.

9. King Island, Bass Strait, Tas

As one of the world's most treacherous stretches of ocean, Bass Strait has caused countless ships to wreck on the shores of King Island, earning the nickname 'Shipwreck Island'.

Collect a King Island Maritime Trail brochure from the visitor centre on your way out and complete the coastal trail to spot numerous shipwrecks from when ships were not as equipped to handle the Strait as they are now.

10. Kakadu National Park, Jabiru, NT

Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s largest national parks, and it’s home to sacred Indigenous rock art belonging to the Bininj and Mungguy people that dates back 20,000 years, making the paintings one of the oldest records of human presence on earth.

**Jim Jim Creek in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Image: Wikimedia Commons/Dietmar Rabich**

Day park passes allow visitors the chance to view the park and its rock art, providing a glimpse into Indigenous storytelling and culture.

11. The Perth Mint, Perth, WA

Established in the late 1800s, the Perth Mint is the first heritage building to make the Western Australia’s heritage building list and offers a (literal) wealth of education and history about the country’s gold and silver tender.

Designed by George Temple Poole, the original building is one of Perth’s most impressive colonial-era monuments. The foundational stone was laid by Western Australia’s first Premier Sir John Forrest in 1896. Image: iStock/Jui-Chi Chan

Wander the bullion mint’s picturesque ground for free, or witness a live pour of hot gold and more with a guided tour.

12. Mount Borradaile, East Perth, WA

Mount Borradaile is a sacred Aboriginal site that provides visitors one of the most authentic outback experiences in the country. This historical site can only be seen by Davidson Arnhemland Safari tour, as the traditional owners have entrusted Max Davision to share the area’s gifts with small groups.

This immersive experience consists of freshwater swimming, boating activities and the privilege to view the amazing Indigenous rock art shelter that dates back over 40,000 years.

Did we miss your favourite? Tell us about it in the comments.

^{Feature image: iStock/donaldyip}

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