Australia has some of the most gorgeous natural attractions in the world. And while travelling to a foreign land is exciting, sometimes it’s what’s in your own backyard that’s the most awe-inspiring. These seven top natural attractions might not be the first that come to mind, but they’re worth adding to your must-see list.
Pink Lake (Western Australia)
Also known as Hutt Lagoon, Pink Lake is a must-see attraction if you’re travelling between Kalbarri and Geraldton. The salt lake is 14km in length and 2kmwide. It gets its vibrant colour as a result of green algae Dunaliella salina and a high concentration of brine prawn. When the algae ‘blooms’, it produces beta carotene, the same agent in a food colouring. The best time of day to see the lagoon change is at sunset, when it changes from mauve to pink to a darker purple.
Dandenong Ranges (Victoria)
The Dandenong Ranges bring the rustic and natural feel of the country right to the doorstop of Melbourne. Take a steam train ride on Puffing Billy, go for a walk through the national park, climb the infamous 1000 steps, visit the National Rhododendron Gardens, browse the unique shops and have dinner at the Sky High restaurant before spending the night at one of the many boutique cottages in the area.
Wineglass Bay (Tasmania)
A good 45-minute hike through Freycinet National Park, the exquisite Wineglass Bay is one of the country’s most remote and beautiful beaches. Given its name for its crescent-shaped shore line, it is a remote beach with turquoise water and sparkling sand. You can take in the whole spectacular view from the mountaintop before skipping down to the water.
Kings Canyon (Northern Territory)
Under a gigantic sky inside the Watarrka National Park are spectacular cliff views, wind-rippled stone and impossible rock wall angles that time has forgotten. Kings Canyon is a photographer’s dream. If you’re up for the 6km Rim Walk, it is well worth it. You can walk along tracks beside the 100-metre high walls of Kings Canyon, with Kings Creek at the bottom.
Umpherston Sinkhole (South Australia)
Also known as the sunken garden of Mount Gambier, the Umpherston Sinkhole is one of South Australia’s most fascinating natural spots. The sinkhole was once a cave, before its roof collapsed. It was turned into a magnificent garden by James Umpherston in the 1880s.
Mollymook Beach (New South Wales)
Settled beside the leisurely coastal town of Mollymook, Mollymook Beach is one of the south coast’s most beautiful stretches of sand that’s especially popular with surfers. Also, at either end of the beach are grassy areas for picnicking and relaxing. And Narrawallee Inlet and the Bogey Hole are great locations for swimming.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (Queensland)
Boasting a museum of subtropical rainforest that once covered the Blackall Range, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains National Landscape. There is a diversity of plant and animal life dwelling in the forest, which has easy and pleasant walking trails, many picnic spots and a great café.
