Big. Bold. Colourful. Captivating.
This country is dotted with architectural gems that not only make prime photo ops but create excellent experiences when visiting.
Whether revealing fascinating histories or delivering jaw-dropping views, each of these beaut buildings is more than just a pretty façade.
Experience their intricacies inside and out.
Built in 1888, this glorious two-storey structure is a throwback to the town's wealthy gold-rush days, and both its frontage and interior are up for a photo shoot. The arcade is joined by other opulent structures and attractions that revive the enthralling gold-filled days.
Stay at: BIG4 Aussie Outback Oasis.
This glittering stretch of coast is renowned for its skyscrapers among which there are several captivating designs. Q1 Tower is the tallest and best known and has an observation deck for soaking up stunning vistas. Soul and The Wave are worth a neck-craning peek, too.
Stay at: BIG4 Gold Coast or NRMA Treasure Island.
Innisfail boasts one of the country’s largest collections of art deco buildings, and these colourful creations spice up a stroll around the picturesque Far North QLD town. For guidance, grab a map from the info centre.
Discover more of Innisfail here.
Stay at: BIG4 Innisfail.
This is the western world’s largest stupa with a base measuring 50sq m coupled with a height of 48m. Add to the mix a bold white exterior and this sacred Buddhist building, on the outskirts of Bendigo, easily grabs attention. Self-guided and group tours of the stupa are insightful and compelling.
Stay at: BIG4 Bendigo Marong, BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane, or BIG4 Tasman - Bendigo.
One of Australia’s most revered art museums moved to a brand-new residence in late 2021, and the structure is formidable. In fact, it’s wasted no time clinching a prestigious architectural award. The multi-level building comes complete with a rooftop viewing deck, while art buffs should note the prized ceramics collection and assorted Indigenous art among more.
See more great galleries of Victoria here.
Stay at: BIG4 Shepparton or Shepparton Holiday Park and Village.
A tangible reminder of the Great Exhibition era, this World Heritage-listed building is magnificent inside and out. It remains host to wide-ranging events, from baby expos to beer festivals.
Stay at: BIG4 Dandenong or BIG4 Melbourne.
The heritage-listed, Victorian-style building ranks among the country’s grandest railway stations and is a worthy photo subject. Opened in 1882, it remains operational today.
Stay at: BIG4 Albury, Ingenia Holidays Lake Hume or BIG4 Borderland Wodonga.
Situated in the small town of Dungog, inland from Bulahdelah, is a building recognised as the oldest purpose-built cinema still operating in Australia. Opened in 1912, James Theatre continues its traditions by showing a varied film range alongside select live music sessions.
Stay at: BIG4 River Myall, Bulahdelah.
This eye-catcher is the brainchild of internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry and is in use as a business school at the University of Technology. Of course, while in the Harbour City, you could go more mainstream and check out the Sydney Opera House or the ultra-impressive Queen Victoria Building in George St.
Stay at: Ingenia Nepean River, NRMA Sydney Lakeside, Ingenia Holidays Avina or Ingenia Holidays Sydney Hills.
The popular Margaret River winery creates quite the first impression. Visitors are greeted by a dimly-lit, barrel-lined, rustic entrance that leads to a modern tasting room with sweeping valley views. And the vino is just as impressive.
Stay at: BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River, BIG4 Breeze - Busselton, RAC Busselton, Mandalay Holiday Resort, Tasman - Yallingup Beach or Tasman - Yallingup Caves.
Historical meets contemporary at this aesthetically awesome attraction. While the distinctive building was open only in 2000, it houses significant bells from England that date prior to the 14th century. And there are superb views to soak up from the tower’s open-air observation deck.
Stay at: BIG4 Perth.
The 1908-built town hall is one of a cluster of buildings in Kalgoorlie-Boulder that are a stark reminder of the region’s heady gold-rush period. Today, the structure is home to the fascinating Goldfields War Museum and also houses an extremely rare and extravagant Goatcher Curtain.
Want more Kalgoorlie inspo? It’s here.
Stay at: BIG4 Acclaim Prospector.
Opened in 2017, this unique five-storey feature has fast become a state icon and takes wine tasting to a new level – figuratively and literally. The top-level tasting room delivers sensational panoramic views and is joined by other exciting features that include a contemporary art gallery.
Stay at: BIG4 Port Willunga, BIG4 Mount Compass or BIG4 Normanville.
The southern hemisphere’s largest single-span glasshouse dominates the scenic surrounds of Adelaide Botanic Garden. Inside, walkways showcase an array of rainforest plants, many of which are endangered.
Stay at: BIG4 West Beach, The Retreat at West Beach or Marion Holiday Park.
Among the many magnetising cellar doors of this world-famous wine region are a handful of enchanting chateaus. They include the big and bold Barossa Château with its almighty rose garden and the striking bluestone Château Tanunda, which is the biggest of its kind in Australia.
Stay and play in the Barossa. It’s all here.
Stay at: BIG4 Barossa.
Billed as Australia’s oldest working theatre – its past dates to 1837 – this attraction has a stunning interior. The theatre’s colourful past is unearthed on regular weekday tours, or time your visit to coincide with frequent events that include musicals, dance, comedy, and more.
Stay at: BIG4 Hobart.
This attraction consists of two heritage sites: the museum is housed in an old railway workshop and the gallery features within a prominent pinkish building. Both offer a world of colour and activity within their walls, ensuring the duo is not to be missed during a visit to Launceston.
Stay at: BIG4 Launceston.
In this old mining town it’s a case of four grand buildings for the price of one. The centre incorporates a former school of mines, a post office, police station-courthouse, and theatre-hotel as well as dozens of exhibition spaces that provide vivid encounters with the town’s rich past. Zeehan is 40km north of Strahan.
Stay at: BIG4 Strahan.
Time for a break? Book your BIG4 escape now. It starts here.
