Top 18 must-see places to visit in Oceania2026 ranking

I did the scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and honestly, it is simply uniquely beautiful. It goes by really fast, so you really have to soak in the moment. The turquoise water, the coral patterns that look like nothing else on earth, the surrounding tropical islands. I loved it. It is an experience you have to live, truly.

I visited Milford Sound during my year in New Zealand, and it is one of the most gorgeous things I have ever seen. This fjord at the southern tip of the South Island is a cascade of waterfalls, vertical cliffs, and mountain peaks rising straight out of the water. The drive from Te Anau to Milford takes two hours and is an attraction in its own right. When you arrive at the fjord, you board a boat for the cruise, and that is where it gets surreal. Waterfalls plunge directly into the saltwater from 200 metres high. You see dolphins, fur seals, and sometimes penguins. If you are adventurous, the Milford Track is a legendary 4-day hike. Otherwise, a single day with the cruise is plenty. One tip: head out early (6 AM from Te Anau), bring serious rain gear, and do not expect good weather. It is one of the wettest areas in New Zealand.

Purnululu National Park is one of the most unusual parks I visited in Australia. The landscape, with its orange and black striped domes, looks like nothing else. What stood out to me the most were the gorges in the north of the park, like Mini Palms Gorge, a hike that crosses a rocky riverbed before opening up into a true oasis tucked between the walls, lined with Livistona palms that have been growing there for generations. A bit further on, Echidna Chasm is an even narrower and dizzying passage, sometimes barely a meter wide for 200 meters high, where sunlight filters through in thin lines and sets the rock ablaze with orange hues, almost as if the wall were on fire. One important point: it gets very hot and most of the trails offer very little shade. I really recommend setting off early in the morning to enjoy the park before the heat becomes hard to handle.

I did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during my year in New Zealand, and it is one of my best hiking memories. This hike on the North Island is close to 20 kilometres through a volcanic landscape, between craters and steam rising from the ground. I felt like I was on another planet. The earth goes from red to ocher, and suddenly the Emerald Lakes appear, green lakes colored by the volcano's minerals. One tip if you go, the hike is not a loop, the start and end are at two different places, and parking is limited to 4 hours. So book a shuttle to connect the two points. Also remember to register for free online on the DOC website before leaving, it is not mandatory but strongly recommended for your safety.

Maria Island is located in Australia, just off the coast of Tasmania. It is only accessible by boat from Triabunna, about a thirty-minute crossing that is already part of the charm of this stop. You can explore the island on your own or opt for a guided tour. No cars are allowed there, and you get around on foot or by bike, which gives a real feeling of untouched nature. It is also one of the best places I have ever visited to see wombats in the wild. I was lucky enough to run into plenty of them on the island, just grazing peacefully. You can also spot kangaroos, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils there. One important point, these animals are in their natural habitat, so you always have to observe them with respect and not disturb them. Plan for at least half a day on site, and do not miss the historical site of Darlington, a former penal colony listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I loved visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand. You really feel like you are inside the movie, the sets are incredibly well maintained and the vibe is unique. You should know that it is a pretty touristy spot, so expect a lot of people there. It is the kind of place where you share the experience with quite a few other visitors, which does not take away from the magic of the location, but it is better to anticipate it. A quick anecdote shared by our guide on site, some tourists come to visit Hobbiton simply because it is a well-known activity, without even knowing the site comes from the movie, and they find out during the tour. To book, you had better do it as far in advance as possible in the…

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I visited Karijini National Park and it is one of my top three favorite parks in Australia. It is not just beautiful, it is a truly physical experience. The hikes take you down into deep gorges, sometimes in the water, sometimes between the rocks, all the way to natural pools or waterfalls that you cannot find anywhere else. I especially loved Hancock Gorge with Kermit's Pool. Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool are more accessible and perfect for cooling off after the effort. Plan for at least two days there to enjoy the park without feeling too rushed, or even more if you want to explore more gorges. A tip if you are heading there, good water shoes or high-traction footwear make a real differ…

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In a region where luxury hotels tend to claim their own slice of the coastline, I was expecting to find a wild beach. It is certainly beautiful, but the human presence is still very visible, with bars and restaurants.

A volcanic island surrounded by an ocean with warm, turquoise waters, a magnificent lagoon, and a multitude of small, charming islets. It is beautiful, and on top of that, there is a real local culture to discover, with locals sharing their traditions, their crafts, and their cuisine. It is at the end of the world, but it is something to do at least once in your life.