Welcome to the road less travelled in Australia. A land where the extraordinary hides in plain sight, just beyond the usual postcard-perfect landmarks and large crowds. Everyone knows about Uluru, the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef. So we’d like to show you corners of Australia that don’t always make the front page but are every bit as stunning and deserving of your bucket list. Ready to explore? Let’s go!
1. Tasmania’s Wilderness: More Than Just a Pretty Place
Let’s kick things off with Tasmania. A whole other world of ancient forests, wild coastlines, and stories that feel like they’re straight out of a fantasy novel. Ever heard of the Tarkine Rainforest? It’s like stepping into a time machine, where every tree and fern has a story, and the wildlife could fill a book of its own. So why not take a hike and feel the magic for yourself?
2. The Pinnacles Desert: Nature’s Own Art Show
Next up, let’s head to Western Australia and wander into the Pinnacles Desert. Imagine standing in the middle of golden sands, surrounded by thousands of limestone pillars reaching for the sky. It’s like walking through an art gallery where nature is the artist, and every sculpture is a masterpiece crafted by wind, rain, and time. The light plays tricks here, casting shadows that dance and transform the desert into a living canvas. Bring your camera, but remember, some sights need to be seen with your own eyes to be believed.
3. Maria Island’s Painted Cliffs: A Canvas of Time
Hop on a ferry off Tasmania’s east coast, and you’ll find Maria Island—a place where nature’s creativity runs wild. The Painted Cliffs here are something out of a dream. With each wave, light catches the myriad of colours staining the sandstone, telling stories of ancient times and the earth’s whispers. It’s a spot where time slows, inviting you to reflect and soak in the tranquillity. You’ll share the beaches with the local wildlife, making it a serene escape from the buzz of the world.
4. The Bungle Bungles: Australia’s Striped Secret
Deep in the heart of the Kimberley region lies a secret that took the world millions of years to create and us too long to appreciate: the Bungle Bungle Range. These beehive-like domes, striped in orange and black, are a sight to behold. Walking through Purnululu National Park feels like entering another realm, where each formation tells a tale of geological time and the land’s deep connection to the indigenous cultures. It’s a humbling reminder of the earth’s wonders, tucked away in a remote corner of the world.
5. Kangaroo Island’s Remarkable Rocks
Just off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is a sanctuary for wildlife and natural beauty. But it’s the Remarkable Rocks that truly live up to their name. Sculpted by wind and wave over millions of years, these granite boulders balance precariously atop a granite dome, offering stunning views of the coast. Their shapes are as varied as they are dramatic, and at sunrise or sunset, they glow warmly, casting long shadows and creating a photographer’s paradise.
6. Mount Kaputar’s Pink Slugs and Ancient Forests
In the New South Wales Outback, Mount Kaputar National Park is a hidden gem with a secret world that seems frozen in time. Here, at the summit, live bright pink slugs, a rare sight that contrasts starkly against the green of an ancient forest. This mountaintop ecosystem, isolated and unique, offers a glimpse into a past where giant creatures roamed an ancient Earth. It’s a place that challenges the imagination and offers a rare connection to the planet’s distant history.
7. The Horizontal Falls: Nature’s Power in Motion
Tucked away in the Kimberley’s vast wilderness, the Horizontal Falls describe one of Australia’s most unusual natural phenomena. Despite their name, these “falls” are actually intense tidal currents squeezed through narrow gorges, creating a horizontal waterfall effect. Witnessing the powerful rush of water in this remote location is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, showcasing the raw force and beauty of nature in a way few other places can.
8. Lake Hillier: Australia’s Pink Mystery
On the edge of Middle Island, the largest of the islands in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago, lies Lake Hillier. This lake is famed for its vivid pink colour, a striking contrast to the blue of the ocean beside it. The colour, caused by the presence of a particular type of algae and bacteria, remains a bright hue of pink even when the water is placed in a container. It’s a surreal sight, and a reminder of the wonders nature can create.
9. The MacKenzie Falls: A Glimpse into Victoria’s Heart
Venture into the Grampians National Park in Victoria, and you’ll find the MacKenzie Falls, a powerful and majestic waterfall cascading over huge cliffs into a deep pool below. Unlike the tranquil scenes often associated with waterfalls, MacKenzie Falls is a display of raw power and beauty, with water roaring down even in the driest seasons. The journey to the falls, through rugged landscapes and rich Aboriginal heritage is a chance to connect with nature and history.
10. The Daintree Rainforest: Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef
Last but certainly not least, the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland offers an extraordinary blend of biodiversity and ancient history. As one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, it’s a place where the canopy teems with life, and every corner tells a story of survival and adaptation. What makes the Daintree uniquely captivating is its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, allowing for the rare phenomenon of rainforest meeting coral reefs. This region not only offers breathtaking landscapes but also a profound reminder of the intricate connections within our natural world.