Australian architecture is a weird and wonderful mish-mash of styles, and there’s no end of incredible structures to explore. These must-see buildings are a great place to start.

1. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, VIC

Arching over Kings Domain like the wing of a massive steel bird, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is one of the world’s most famous outdoor venues. It’s nearly 60 years old and still going strong, and has hosted everyone from Metallica to Kanye West to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Christmas Eve’s Carols by Candlelight remains a national highlight, and we firmly believe that every Australian should experience at least one show here.

2. Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, NSW

Serving as the business school at the University of Technology Sydney, this unique construct is more commonly known as ‘The Paper Bag’. It’s a sandy fortress of soft curves and rough textures, all folding into each other amidst thick, protruding windows. It really is like nothing you’ve ever seen, and the students that get to visit every day are very lucky indeed.

3. Newman College, VIC

A sprawling triumph of architect Walter Burley Griffin, Newman College is the definition of timeless elegance. The construction demonstrates an exceptional use of stone, and the whole campus looks like it could’ve been plucked from a dream and plonked straight into the middle of Melbourne. The crowning dome is especially gorgeous, so be sure to give it a visit if you’re in the area.

4. Shine Dome, ACT

It might sound like something a five-year-old would call their bald uncle, but the Shine Dome is actually one of Canberra’s greatest landmarks. This huge, almost umbrella-looking structure is the headquarters of the Australian Academy of Science, and it’s certainly impressive enough to warrant such a lofty role. The vibe is otherworldly, and the ‘Martian Embassy’ nickname is very apt.

5. Rundle Lantern, SA

The Rundle Lantern answers the question, ‘What happens if you stick 748 large LED panels around a building?’. Some of the best architectural designs were born out of experiments, and this is no exception. It’s reminiscent of New York’s legendary Times Square, and has fast become the focal point of many Adelaide celebrations – with very good reason.

6. Flinders Street Station, VIC

It was the first ever railway station to be built within a major Australian city, and it remains easily the most spectacular. This is quite possibly the only station in the world where we wouldn’t mind missing our train, just so we have more time to soak up the sweeping, French Renaissance-esque majesty of the place. 

7. Sydney Opera House, NSW

We could hardly leave this incredible feat of engineering off the list, could we? The Sydney Opera House is more than just Australia’s most famous building; it’s a global icon. The image of towering sails against crystal blue ocean is instantly recognisable to anyone in the world, but any picture still pales in comparison to witnessing the splendour first hand.

Planning a trip to check out these iconic structures? Start by finding a place to stay from our great selection of hotels and holiday resorts.