Australia is a unique place which is a continent as well as a country. The Land Down Under is an exotic destination to visit. The country has a lot of natural wonders to ravel. Here, we have selected 10 natural landmarks which you can visit while enjoying your stay in Australia.
Great Barrier Reef
(Queensland)
Coordinates – 18.2871° S, 147.6992° E
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef ecosystem and a UNESCO mandated World Heritage Site. It stretches for a length of around 2000 kilometres along the coast of the state of Queensland. To get up close, one can experience Scuba Diving or Snorkelling around the coral reefs where they will be greeted by thousands of different species of coral, schools of exotic fish, as well as other aquatic life.
Nearest airport – Hamilton Island Airport
Nearest railway station – None
Accessible by road – Yes
Uluru or Ayers Rock
(Northern Territory)
Coordinates – 25.3444° S, 131.0369° E
Uluru or the Ayers Rock is a large single sandstone rock formation thought to be millions of years old. The rock is sacred for the local Australian Aboriginals, who carry out their folk ceremonies at this place on various occasions. Such a large, single unit rock formation is a marvel in itself, with it reaching a height of 867 metres at its highest point. Though the Aboriginal population consider Uluru sacred, through an agreement, tourists are allowed to climb it whenever weather permits. Uluru is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nearest airport – Ayers Rock Airport
Nearest railway station – Alice Springs Station
Accessible by road – Yes
Great Ocean Road
(Victoria)
Coordinates – 38° 44′ 1.7736” S, 143° 41′ 14.1756” E
The Great Ocean Road is counted amongst the most scenic roadways of the world. The roadway starts at the town of Torquay and stretches for around 660 kilometres till its destination, Port Fairy village. There are a range of activities which can be done along this scenic highway. One can experience surfing on the waves, swim in the waters, play on the beaches and reminisce the natural beauty of the Victorian coast. At the end of the highway, there is a spectacle of the 12 Apostles, which are literally 12 broken off limestone cliffs, which rise over as pillars of the ocean.
Nearest airport – Avalone Airport (Melbourne)
Nearest railway station – Melbourne Station
Accessible by road – Yes
Mackenzie Falls
(Victoria)
Coordinates – Grampians National Park, 37.1096° S, 142.4124° E
The largest waterfall in the state of Victoria, Mackenzie Falls is located within the boundaries of Grampians National Park. The water from the Mackenzie River gallantly falls from a heighted cliff of 30 metres into a pool, which feels as a gracious experience. Such a natural marvel can be viewed from a viewing deck, with a flight of a few hundred steps. There is also a pathway of around 2 kilometres along the Mackenzie River and Mackenzie Falls where tourists can view the raging waters of the river, which is said to be of a seasonal nature.
Nearest airport – Melbourne Airport
Nearest railway station – Melbourne Station
Accessible by road – Yes
Lake Hillier
(Western Australia)
Coordinates – 34.0950° S, 123.2028° E
Travel to the ‘Pink Lake’ of Australia. Yes you heard it right, Pink! Lake Hillier is one of the few water bodies in the world where you can see this unique ‘pinky’ phenomenon, and it is located on the Middle Island right next to the Indian Ocean. The contrast of the pink lake with the blue ocean provides for an awesome view, comparable to a painting coming out of an artist’s canvas. The pink colour of the lake is said to come from a bacterium which feeds on the salt particles.
Nearest airport – Esperance Airport
There are only a few scenic flights daily which do not land on the island.
Nearest railway station – Esperance Station
Accessible by road – No. A Cruise Line is available from Esperance.
Kangaroo Island
(South Australia)
Coordinates – 35.7752° S, 137.2142° E
The Kangaroo Island is an island located in the Great Australian Bight, just off the coast of Adelaide in South Western Australia. Most of the island is under the protection of the Australian Government in the form of nature reserves. This one of the few places where many of the native animals of the region of Australasia can be seen roaming around freely. Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and the New Zealand Fur Seal are some of the animals which can be spotted on the island.
Nearest airport – Kingscote Airport
Note that the airport is in operation for only six days a week, with limited inbound and outbound flights
Nearest railway station – South Terrace Station (Adelaide)
Accessible by road – No. Travel by Ferry from Adelaide.
Simpson Desert
(Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia)
Coordinates – 25.0466° S, 136.7435° E
The Simpson Desert is the fourth largest desert area on the continent of Australia. The desert is one of the genuine representations of what ‘Outback Australia’ feels like, all hot and dry. The sand here encompasses an array of colours – from white to red. It’s longitudinally spread parallel sand dunes are some of the world’s longest. Those who are fond of driving on different terrains can drive around a four wheel drive on the desert’s sand dunes. Those interested in flora and fauna, varied species of shrubs, reptiles and insects can be found here. But be careful, because the Australian continent is known for biodiversity which looks exotic, they are necessarily not human friendly.
Nearest airport – Alice Springs Airport
Nearest railway station – Alice Springs Station
Accessible by road – Yes
Kakadu National Park
(Northern Territory)
Coordinates – 13.0923° S, 132.3938° E
Located around 170 kilometres south from the city of Darwin, Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest nature reserve. The nature reserve is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kakadu National Park is a place which is truly an amalgamation of nature and culture. For nature explorers there are lakes, waterfalls and cliffs where you can admire the scenic beauty, as well as glance at the rich biodiversity. And for culture enthusiasts, you can learn about the history and traditions of the local Aboriginal tribes through their paintings, cuisine and other customs.
Nearest airport – Darwin Airport
Nearest railway station – Katherine Station
Accessible by road – Yes
Lake Eyre
(South Australia)
Coordinates – 28.1750° S, 137.2924° E
Lake Eyre is the largest inland water body on the continent of Australia. Like Lake Hillier, it is a saltwater lake, albeit divided into two sections, Lake Eyre (North) and Lake Eyre (South). When the water evaporates, the surface of the lake appears pristine pink, which is a sight to behold. This pinkness is said to be caused by a bacterium which thrives in the waters of the lake. Being 15 metres below sea level, the lake is also the lowest point of the entire Australian continent. There are campgrounds available for avid campers, as the lake is part of a National Park.
Nearest airports – William Creek Airport, Muloorina Airport
Nearest railway station – Manguri Station
Accessible by road – Yes
Wolfe Creek Crater
(Western Australia)
Coordinates – 19.1667° S, 127.8000° E
The Wolfe Creek Crater is the second largest crater formed on Earth due to the impact of a meteor. The crater is the star attraction of its namesake national park, the Wolfe Creek Crater National Park. Like the Uluru rock, the Wolfe Creek Crater is also of cultural significance to the Australian Aboriginal people. This crater can be viewed from its edges or from the air, but entering inside it is forbidden due to very steep slopes on the sides.
Nearest airport – Halls Creek Airport
Nearest railway station – None
Accessible by road – Yes
Australia is the smallest continent on the planet, yet packed with dozens of natural treasures. From deserts to salt water lakes, and from beaches to bountiful islands, the Land Down Under will amaze explorers and not-so explorers alike. So mates, what are you waiting for? Just pack up your stuff and embark on a voyage to Australia!