There’s much more to Australia’s architectural landscape than just our poster child Sydney Opera House. While its striking white sails are easy on the eyes, our nation is home to many other remarkable buildings that double as picture-perfect backdrops. Rocket-like structures take to the sky, grand domes command attention and ancient pavilions whisper stories of the past – not to mention a bizarre UFO-like dome in Canberra that looks like it landed from another planet.
After exploring every Australian state and territory, our Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley has scoped out the coolest architectural buildings in Australia you need to see with your own eyes at least once. Don’t forget to look up.
The Bell Tower, Perth
Is it a rocket ship? A towering crystal shard? Or a futuristic shield protecting the city? No, it’s The Bell Tower – Perth City’s landmark pride and joy, chiming sweet melodies across the Swan River. Standing 82.5 metres tall and complete with 18 bells, this striking glass and copper spire is one of the largest musical instruments in the world. It’s a sight to behold from below, but the sixth-level vistas across the mighty river are pretty epic too.
Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne
What do Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building and Paris’ Eiffel Tower have in common? Both were built for World Fairs (or World Expos) – global gatherings of the most creative minds that happen every five years. Our very own Carlton Gardens masterpiece is one of the oldest standing pavilions on Earth, crowned by a grand central dome inspired by European cathedrals. Reaching 63 metres high and decorated with intricate plasterwork, it’s a true architectural marvel, made even more breathtaking by the nearby stained glass windows.
The Shine Dome at the Academy of Science, Canberra
You won’t find aliens inside this UFO-like structure that looks like it landed straight out of a sci-fi film. Sitting within the Australian Academy of Science in Canberra, The Shine Dome – otherwise known as ‘Martian Embassy’ – predates staffed space travel and even the city’s Lake Burley Griffin. Today, this hemispherical building plays host to scientific events and discussions, though we’d still keep an eye out for aliens – you never know.
Sydney Opera House
We couldn’t leave Sydney’s most famous house off this list. Arguably Australia’s most recognisable landmark, the Sydney Opera House is often the first port of call for travellers Down Under. This grand performing arts centre casts a dramatic, jagged silhouette from the interlocking, shell-like facade that rises 65 metres above the ground. If you don't feel like shelling out on a show or a tour, it's still free to sit on the steps and marvel at those 1,056,000 pearly, self-cleaning Swedish tiles.
Australian War Memorial, Canberra
More than one million visitors set their sights on the Australian War Memorial each year, a significant site in Canberra dedicated to those who served our nation and lost their lives in war. In 2025, the Memorial underwent a major glow up, featuring a stunning glass and steel oculus (meaning ‘eye’) that’s impossible to miss. Now, visitors can peer through the nine-metre-wide skylight and take in the view of the main building and its colossal copper dome – cue the audible gasp.
Other architecture included in our round-up of the coolest architectural buildings in Australia include Council House in Perth, Bunjil Place in Melbourne, One Central Park in Sydney, St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide, Eureka Tower in Melbourne, Parliament House in Canberra and QAGOMA in Brisbane. You can check out the rest of our must-see buildings in Australia here.