Celebrating 20 years of Google Maps: Discover Australia's Most Talked-About Places
This week, as we mark the 20th birthday of Google Maps, we're celebrating a remarkable story of Australian innovation. It's a story that began with this whiteboard, tucked away in an apartment in Hunters Hill in Sydney. Here, the founders of Where 2 Technologies sketched out their vision – building the core technology that would become Google Maps.
Image source: Sydney Morning Herald
Since then, Maps has evolved exponentially and scaled globally. From navigating bustling city streets to exploring the remote outback, Google Maps helps more than two billion people worldwide find their way each month. Aussies can use Maps to track bushfires, check air quality, to make lists and reservations. We turn to Maps to compare petrol prices, find sustainable routes, get our bearings with AR and find inspiration with Street View. Here’s how Maps has made a mark around the world in numbers:
1 trillion: how many kilometers of directions we provided in 2024. This is the distance of Earth orbiting the sun over one thousand times!
250 million: the number of businesses and places on the map. If you were to visit one of these places every hour without sleeping, it would take you more than 28,500 years to get through this list!
500 million: the number of users who contribute information like reviews, photos, ratings and driving disruptions to the map per year. A vertical stack of 500 million pieces of paper would be 50km high!
100 million: the number of updates made to the map each day. That means that in the time it took to read this sentence, the map was updated 10,000 times!
To commemorate this milestone, we’ve curated a list of Australia's most reviewed locations on Google Maps – spanning iconic landmarks, museums, restaurants and more. The results offer a fascinating snapshot of our nation's most talked-about places right now, based on reviews.
Melbourne Museum on Google Street View
Dosa Hut on Google Maps
Photo by Andonis Cafe and Bar
Photo by Opera Bar on Google Street View
Most-Reviewed Restaurant:
Dosa Hut Indian Restaurant, Harris Park, NSW (14.4K reviews, 4.61 average rating)
According to Google Maps, people are craving Indian spice! Indian restaurants feature prominently in Australia's top ten most-reviewed eateries on Google Maps, with Dosa Hut in Harris Park leading the pack boasting over 14,000 reviews. Harris Park is clearly a foodie attraction as it’s also home to Chatkazz, the second most-reviewed restaurant in the country! And Sydney's Opera Bar, with its magnificent harbour views, has also earned its place as a must-visit dining destination, securing a spot in the top five most-reviewed restaurants in Australia.
Most-Reviewed Café:
Andonis Cafe & Bar, Yeerongpilly, QLD (8.2K reviews, 4.68 average rating)
People don't just want breakfast; they want a show. Brisbane's Andonis Cafe & Bar clearly boasts culinary creativity, earning the title of Australia's most-reviewed café. And with Sydney's The Grounds of the City also ranking high, it shows that Aussie foodies crave a visually impressive setting to enjoy their coffee and smashed avo.
Most-Reviewed Visitor attraction:
Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW (58.3K reviews, 4.64 average rating)
Sydney's vibrant Darling Harbour earned a staggering 58,000+ reviews, with an impressive average rating of 4.64. The bustling waterfront precinct clearly captures the hearts (and smartphones) of tourists and locals alike! But Western Australia also features, boasting two of the nation's top five most-reviewed attractions: Elizabeth Quay in Perth and the breathtakingly beautiful Busselton Jetty, a pier stretching out into the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay.
Most-Reviewed Park:
Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, WA (26.1K reviews, 4.79 average rating)
Perth's stunning Kings Park and Botanic Garden reigns supreme as Australia's most reviewed park, boasting 26,100 reviews and a near-perfect 4.79-star rating. This popular spot offers breathtaking views and a diverse array of flora. But it's not just gardens we adore... Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park also rank in the top five, showing that we’re keen for a walk on the wild side!
Most-Reviewed Museum:
Melbourne Museum, Carlton, VIC (16.7K reviews, 4.63 average rating)
Australia's museums are also generating plenty of buzz. From natural wonders to historical treasures and cutting-edge art, our museums offer a diverse range of experiences that capture the imagination of visitors and locals alike. The top five most-rated museums are spread across five different states, but leading the pack is the Melbourne Museum, while Tasmania's unconventional MONA, with its thought-provoking and often controversial displays, follows closely behind.
Photo by Retropolis on Google Street View
Cow & The Moon on Google Street View
Charis Seafoods on
Most-Reviewed Fish and Chips shop:
Charis Seafoods, Labrador, QLD (5.1K reviews, 4.05 average rating)
Haddock, cod, or barramundi – whatever your favourite, people clearly can't resist fish and chips by the beach! Thousands have flocked to Google Maps to review the nation's best fish and chip shops, with Queensland's Charis Seafoods reeling in the top spot.
Most-Reviewed Ice Cream shop:
Cow & The Moon, Enmore, NSW (3.4K reviews, 4.6 average rating)
Australia is a nation obsessed with ice cream, with some shops rivalling nightclub queues on a Friday night! Enmore's iconic Cow & The Moon takes the crown as Australia's most-reviewed ice cream shop, and of course, Messina gets a special mention, as the South Brisbane store scoops up the second spot.
Most-Reviewed Thrift shop:
Savers, Brunswick, VIC (1.5K reviews, 4.27 average rating)
Amidst the rising cost of living, it's no surprise that Aussies are turning to thrift shops to refresh their wardrobes and donate pre-loved clothing. Savers stores across the nation claimed all top ten spots for most-reviewed thrift shops, with the Brunswick location leading the way.
Most-Reviewed Vintage Clothing shop:
Retropolis, Preston, VIC (433 reviews, 4.55 average rating)
Alongside thrift shops, Aussies are also passionate about vintage shopping, hunting for hidden gems in the racks. Melbourne and Sydney boast the country's most-reviewed vintage clothing shops, with Preston's Retropolis narrowly claiming the top spot over Newtown's The Real Deal.
Most-Reviewed Recycling Centre:
Metal Biz Recyclers, Rocklea, QLD (348 reviews, 4.78 average rating
Google Maps reviews offer a fascinating glimpse into Australians' recycling habits. The sheer volume of reviews for local recycling centres speaks volumes, with Queensland recycling centres taking the top three spots.
Check out the full list of the most reviewed locations on Google Maps for Australia:
Most reviewed restaurant:
- Dosa Hut Indian Restaurant, Harris Park, NSW (14.4K reviews, 4.61 average rating)
- Chatkazz Harris Park Restaurant, Harris Park, NSW (12.1K reviews, 4.4 average rating)
- Pho A Gogo, Southbank, VIC (11.5K reviews, 4.79 average rating)
- Ziyka Restaurant, Carlton, VIC (10.3K reviews, 4.57 average rating)
- Opera Bar, Sydney, NSW (10K reviews, 4.45 average rating)
Most reviewed Café:
- Andonis Cafe & Bar, Yeerongpilly, QLD (8.2K reviews, 4.68 average rating)
- Higher Ground, Melbourne, VIC (5.1K reviews, 4.1 average rating)
- The Grounds of the City, Sydney, NSW (4.2K reviews, 4.05 average rating)
- ST. ALi Coffee Roasters, South Melbourne, VIC (3.4K reviews, 4.23 average rating)
- The Hatter and the Hare, Bayswater, VC (3.3K reviews, 4.47 average rating)
Most reviewed Visitor attractions:
- Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW (58.3K reviews, 4.64 average rating)
- Scenic World, Katoomba, NSW (20.2K reviews, 4.5 average rating)
- Elizabeth Quay, Perth, WA (19.3K reviews, 4.52 average rating)
- Busselton Jetty, Busselton, WA (13.5K reviews, 4.61 average rating)
- Brighton Bathing Boxes, Brighton, Vic (10.6 reviews, 4.41 average ratings)
Most reviewed Park:
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, WA (26.2K reviews, 4.79 average rating)
- Hyde Park, Sydney, NSW (16.8K reviews, 4.6 average rating)
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, QLD (11.9K reviews, 4.56 average rating)
- Port Campbell National Park, Port Campbell, VIC (11.6K reviews, 4.76 average rating)
- Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, Doonside, NSW (11.4K reviews, 4.44 average rating)
Most reviewed Museum:
- Melbourne Museum, Melbourne, VIC (16.8K reviews, 4.63 average rating)
- MONA, Hobart, TAS (11.9K reviews, 4.35 average rating)
- Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, VIC (11.4K reviews, 4.53 average rating)
- Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW (10.8K reviews, 4.6 average rating)
- Queensland Museum, Brisbane, QLD (8.8K reviews, 4.59 average rating)
Most reviewed Fish and Chips shop:
- Charis Seafoods, Labrador, QLD (5,152 reviews, 4.05 average rating)
- Mures Lower Deck, Hobart, TAS (4,055 reviews, 4.1 average rating)
- San Remo Fishermans Co-Op, San Remo, VIC (2,930 reviews, 4.25 average rating)
- Blu By Australian Seafood Group, Melbourne, VIC (2,284 reviews, 4.42 average rating)
- Tommy Ruff Fishbar (Mordialloc), Melbourne, VIC (2,254 reviews, 4.57 average rating)
Most reviewed Ice Cream shop:
- Cow & The Moon, Enmore, NSW (3,411 reviews, 4.6 average rating)
- Gelato Messina, South Brisbane, QLD (2,829 reviews, 4.71 average rating)
- Simmos Ice Creamery, Dunsborough, WA (2,633 reviews, 4.63 average rating)
- Rivareno Gelato, Barangaroo, NSW (2,523 reviews, 4.53 average rating)
- Pidapipó, Carlton, VIC (2,391 reviews, 4.61 average rating)
Most reviewed Thrift shop:
- Savers, Melbourne, VIC (1,588 reviews, 4.27 average rating)
- Savers, Adelaide, SA (1,375 reviews, 4.23 average rating)
- Savers, Melbourne, VIC (1,363 reviews, 4.16 average rating)
- Savers, Melbourne, VIC (1,321 reviews, 4.2 average rating)
- Savers, Adelaide, SA (1,300 reviews, 4.24 average rating)
Most reviewed Vintage Clothing shop:
- Retropolis, Preston, VIC (433 reviews, 4.55 average rating)
- The Real Deal - Vintage and Sneakers, Newtown, NSW (415 reviews, 4.91 average rating)
- RetroStar Vintage Clothing, Melbourne, VIC (308 reviews, 4.25 average rating)
- Newtown Vintage, Newtown, NSW (301 reviews, 4.53 average rating)
- Treasure Vintage, Melbourne, VIC (216 reviews, 5 average rating)
Most reviewed Recycling Centre:
- Metal Biz Recyclers, Rocklea, QLD (348 reviews, 4.78 average rating)
- Exchange Depot Southport - Containers for Change, Southport, QLD (251 reviews, 4.53 average rating)
- Ipswich City Council Riverview Recycling And Refuse Centre, Brisbane, QLD (230 reviews, 4.03 average rating)
- Daws Road Recycling Centre, Adelaide, SA (229 reviews, 3.84 average rating)
- Wetherill Park Return and Earn Automated Depot, Sydney, NSW (227 reviews, 4.96 average rating)
