Lots of people head over to Australia for the golden beaches, azure blue surf or to spot some of the extraordinary wildlife. The nature on offer in Australia is one of the best reasons to visit – but there are some extra special nature hotspots around.
So, step off the Sydney Harbour Bridge or get outside the buzz of Melbourne to check out these five unique places boasting Australia’s best nature.
1. Figure-8 Pools
If you are visiting Sydney and have had enough of the crowds and opera house, maybe it is time to enjoy a very unique beach. South of the city is Royal National Park and in this area is a rock platform next to the ocean.
The rocks have large holes inside which have filled with crystal clear water, creating mini pools along the seafront. The name of these pools gets its name from one of them in particular, which has naturally shaped into an almost perfect figure-eight shape.
Be careful when visiting, many people get swept along the rocks by unforeseen waves soaring over the platform, sometimes resulting in serious injuries.
2. Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon!)
The west coast of Australia is said to be home to two natural pink lakes. However, those heading to one of them may be disappointed to find that when they arrive, instead of seeing a pink lake, they read a sign to tell them why the pinkness of the lake has disappeared.
If you really want to see a pink lake in Western Australia, you need to head to Hutt Lagoon. The road drives right by this lake and when the conditions are right, the lake really is pink. Instagram at the ready!
3. Glow Worm Caves
Imagine trekking through the great outdoors at night – try not to think about snakes – to find a cave with running water and lit by millions of small glow worms. This is a real place in Springbrook National Park.
The cave is not too far by car from Brisbane or Byron Bay and one way to experience the wonders of Australian nature at night.
4. The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef needs no long introduction. It is the world’s largest coral reef and can even be seen from space. The sad news is that the reef is shrinking due to climate change and environmental concerns.
If you want to experience the underwater wonders just off the coast of northern Queensland, plan your journey sooner rather than later.
5. The Pinnacles
Back to the west coast of Australia north of Perth, you can discover a mysterious area of limestone pillars rearing from the Pinnacle Desert. These are completely natural and to this day nobody knows exactly why they are there and how they came to be.
Entry to the site where these pillars are is an inexpensive cost and there is also a chance to buy drinks and snacks from the gift shop in this remote area.
Much More to See!
These are just five amazing natural wonders in Australia. For even more ideas check out Shark Bay, Wave Rock, Twelve Apostles, Elephant Rocks and Horizontal Falls!
