🇦🇺 Australia's landscapes: 8 iconic breathtaking panoramas

When we think of Australia, images of endless beaches, mythical rock formations, ancient rainforests, and endless turquoise waters often come to mind. As an aerial photographer, I’ve had the chance to fly over much of this fascinating continent with my drone, seeking out the most beautiful spots to capture. In this article, I invite you on an Australian journey through images, State by State, showcasing 8 breathtaking landscapes that reflect the diversity and grandeur of this country-continent.

👉 And if you want to extend the journey at home, some of these shots are available as limited-edition photo prints in my dedicated shop for Australia landscape photos.

I’m Aubin, an aerial photographer passionate about wide open spaces and views from above.

Western Australia: Landscapes of Western Australia

Western Australia is arguably the wildest and most vast State in the country. Here, nature reigns supreme, beaches are deserted, and the color contrasts are spectacular from the sky. It's a dreamland for any aerial photography enthusiast.

François Peron National Park

Located on the Shark Bay peninsula, this national park is a true wild gem of Western Australia. François Peron offers one of the most striking contrasts in Australia: a near-Martian red ochre meeting crystal-clear turquoise seas. This scenery is even more breathtaking from above, where the color divisions appear almost graphic. The aerial views of this rugged coastline are perfect for photographers seeking bold and vibrant compositions.

📍 GPS Coordinates: 25°48′31″S 113°33′46″E

Tip: Visit during the Australian winter (June to September) to avoid heatstroke and enjoy the colors without being overwhelmed by the heat.

Personal anecdote: I had the brilliant idea of visiting in the peak of the Australian summer, right in February. That day, the thermometer hit 48°C, with no clouds in sight to ease the heat. It was an extreme, almost surreal heat that taught me a valuable lesson: always choose the right season when exploring the Australian desert. My 4x4 couldn't handle the infernal temperatures — after a photo stop at a cliffside, it refused to restart for nearly 3 hours. It was an exhausting wait, stuck in an arid expanse, before the engine finally agreed to start again.

Coral Bay

A small jewel nestled on the Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay is an aquatic paradise. Aerial views reveal the shades of blue of the coral reef, manta rays swimming peacefully, and sometimes even whale sharks. This is a spot I highly recommend to all lovers of underwater photography… from the sky!

📍Coordonnées GPS : -23.1442, 113.7724

Esperance and Its Most Beautiful Beaches in Australia

Another gem on the west coast: the Esperance region. Here you’ll find some of the most incredible beaches in the country, such as Lucky Bay, famous for its sunbathing kangaroos. Flying over the coast, you’ll also discover pastel-hued lagoons and deserted islets straight out of a movie, like Twilight Beach Rock.

📍 GPS Coordinates : -33.857, 121.888

Queensland: A Goldmine of Australian Landscapes

Queensland is undoubtedly the State of sunshine, paradise beaches, and the famous Great Barrier Reef. A goldmine for aerial photographers.

Whitsundays – Whitehaven Beach

You simply cannot talk about Australian landscapes without mentioning Whitehaven Beach, a must-see for aerial photography. From a scenic flight or via drone (in authorized zones), the Hill Inlet unveils itself like a masterpiece. The whirlpools of white sand and turquoise water create a hypnotic scene.

📸 By the way, I dedicated an entire article to this magical place: Flight over the Whitsundays.

📍 GPS Coordinates: -20.2826, 149.0381

Daintree Rainforest

The oldest tropical rainforest in the world, the Daintree is an explosion of green. From the air, you can admire the immensity of the jungle stretching to the ocean. Aerial views offer a unique glimpse of where the dense forest meets the wild beaches.

📍 GPS Coordinates: -16.1702, 145.4185

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is visible from space — that’s how majestic it is — but it’s from a plane that you truly grasp the complex beauty of its coral patterns. Lagoons, reefs, sandbanks, and marine life create a stunning kaleidoscope of colors, forming an almost unreal blue.

📍 GPS Coordinates: -18.2871, 147.6992

Northern Territory: The Red Heart of Australia’s Landscapes

The Red Centre of Australia awaits with its spectacular rock formations and vast desert expanses.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

A sacred site for the Anangu Aboriginal people, Uluru is a monumental monolith. While drone flights are prohibited near the site for cultural reasons, aerial photos taken from authorized distant areas reveal its majestic isolation in an endless orange desert. It’s a powerful symbol of Australia’s landscape.

📍 GPS Coordinates: -25.345, 131.036

New South Wales: Iconic Landscapes

This State is often reduced to Sydney, but its landscapes are as varied as they are sublime, between mountains, ocean, and vibrant urban life.

Sydney Opera House

Even though it's an ultra-touristy site, the Sydney Opera House remains a must for aerial photography. Whether from a ferry, helicopter, or drone in authorized zones, the iconic white sails blend perfectly with the bay. The contrast between modern architecture and the natural environment is striking.

📍 GPS Coordinates: -33.8568, 151.2153

Blue Mountains

Just two hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer rugged terrain, endless eucalyptus forests, and magical morning mists. From above, this mountain range takes on bluish tones and reveals its majestic cliffs. A prime spot for nature photography.

📍 GPS Coordinates: -33.7000, 150.3000

Australia from Above, an Endless Playground

These 8 Australian panoramas are just a glimpse of the country’s immense richness. Every State is packed with natural and urban wonders to explore, photograph, and admire. Thanks to my drone, I was able to capture these landscapes from the sky while respecting local regulations.

👉 And if you want to bring a piece of Australia home, discover my limited-edition photo prints directly here:

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Australia's Most Beautiful Landscapes