Can inductors always be avoided in analogue filter design?
I'm not sure what 'tall world applications' are. 

You are correct in thinking that 'gyrator' circuits can be created using op-amps and capacitors to replace inductors.

Inductors will win when:


A passive circuit is required because power is not available, etc.
High voltage circuits where op-amps let out their smoke.
High frequency circuits where op-amps run out of bandwidth.
High current applications where op-amps run out of oomph.