Blog Article

Leave the fast-paced city life behind and take a trip to some of Australia’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. From stunning rock formations to bubblegum pink lakes, Australia has an incredible bounty of natural wonders. We’ve put together ten of the most stunning areas to visit throughout Australia.

Uluru

Known as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Uluru is not just a spectacular sandstone formation, but also a deeply spiritual place. Walk the base of Uluru on your own or join a guided tour to hear stories of the Dreamtime from the Aboriginal Anangu people. Plenty of the walking trails are wheelchair or mobility device accessible. You can also visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for an introduction to Anangu culture or visit the gallery and take part in demonstrations and workshops with local artists. You can even travel the red sand of Central Australia by camel back, taking both sunrise and sunset tours to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park

An iconic wilderness destination located in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain offers a world-class system of walking tracks and spectacular views year-round. Visit in spring to see playful joeys and hungry echidnas or go in the autumn and witness breathtaking displays of fall foliage. Walking tracks range from very short, easy strolls to 5–6-day hikes through to Lake St Clair.

Twelve Apostles – The Great Ocean Road

The epic climax to Australia’s Great Ocean Road – a 240 km stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia, the Twelve Apostles jut out of the ocean in a spectacular fashion. Seven of the Apostles can be seen from the network of viewing platforms and timber boardwalks around the clifftops. Visit at sunset for optimum photo opportunities, beat the rush of tour buses, and maybe catch a glimpse of little penguins, who return to the area shortly after sunset.

Ningaloo Reef

A gem of Western Australia, Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO-world heritage listed site. Swim alongside the world’s largest aggregation of whale sharks, as well as manta rays, turtles and humpback whales in migration. Take a guided kayak tour, board a glass bottom boat, or dive into the blue to witness the beauty of the gentle giants of the sea.

The Daintree Rainforest

Visit the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, more than 180 million years old! The Daintree Rainforest, located in far north Queensland, is comprised of two sections – Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. There are plenty of experiences to enjoy, from Indigenous walks in Mossman Gorge to Crocodile cruises to get an up-close view of prehistoric giants. Take a hunting tour with the Traditional Owners of the park, the Kuku Yalanji people, to catch a dinner of mud crabs and bush tucker, or float through the emerald canopy on a river raft tour.

Loch Iel (Pink Lake) Lake Reserve

North of Dimboola in the province of Victoria you’ll find surreal, picturesque pink salt lakes. The unique pink hue comes from a pigment secreted by microscopic algae found in the extra salty wetlands of Loch Iel. A favourite of photographers and bird watchers, the water’s edge is popular with wading birds and wedged tailed eagles have been seen nesting in the nearby yellow gum trees. The intensity of the pink hue can differ throughout the year, depending on the season and weather, but it can range anywhere from a light salmon colour to a deep bubblegum pink.

Karijini National Park

Far from big cities and with clear desert skies, Karijini gives some excellent stargazing conditions. During the day see the red cavern walls from lookouts or descend down the 100-metre cliffs to enter a world of fern-lined swimming holes and towering waterfalls. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, the park is also home to Punurrunha, also known as Mount Bruce, the second highest peak in Western Australia. The park is home to abundant wildlife, from kangaroos to endangered olive pythons. The Summer temperatures can be extreme here, so carry plenty of water and choose your walks wisely!

Kangaroo Island

A nature lover’s paradise, Kangaroo island has dramatic coastal views and a proliferation of native wildlife. The island is famous for its wildlife, watch New Zealand fur seals play on the beaches, or take a wildlife tour to catch a glimpse of more elusive animals like wild koalas, wallabies, and echidna. Make sure to check out the physical features of the island as well, with the aptly named Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch and the beaches of Stokes Bay.

Pinnacles Desert

Found in Nambung National Park, just two hours north of Perth, the Pinnacles Desert is home to thousands of limestone pillars that create an almost otherworldly environment. Visit during the day to explore these 25,000-year-old natural structures, and maybe catch a glimpse of a kangaroo or emu! Self-drive at night or take a dedicated night-time tour to soak up the vast, endless views of the Milky Way galaxy sprawling above you.

Kosciuszko National Park

The largest national park in New South Wales, Kosciuszko National Park is a winter wonderland that has sights for you all year round. Part of the Snowy Mountains, you can ski or snowboard the highest runs in the country here or try some cross-country skiing. If snow isn’t your thing, there are many walks and mountain bike trails, or saddle up for a horse ride in the High Plains. Camp near the river or book a mountain cottage for your overnight stays.