The land Down Under is downright incredible. From natural oceanic wonders like the Great Barrier Reef to deserts, mountains and a whole lot of surf – not to mention world-class cities – Australia has a lot to offer. Here are some sights you won’t believe exist:
Cape Tribulation
Located in the horn of Australia in Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation is truly a sight to behold. It has one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in the whole country, which is saying a lot considering there are more than 37,000 miles of it, including its islands. Quickly becoming a popular eco-travel destination, it’s a perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and constantly be doing double takes at what you’re seeing.
Eyre Highway
Let’s just say this is one long road. Firstly, the Eyre Highway is more than 1,000 miles long and links Western Australia and South Australia via the Nullarbor Plain. But what’s most unbelievable about it is the section between Balladonia and Caiguna, which is regarded as one of the longest straight stretches of road in the world. Billed as the “90 Miles Straight,” it’s actually a touch longer at 91.1 miles. Just hold that steering wheel steady and you’ll be to your destination in no time!
The Tarkine
With its high concentration of Aboriginal sites, the Tarkine is described by the Australian Heritage Council as “one of the world’s great archaeological regions.” Located in northwestern Tasmania, it’s also one of the wildest areas of Australia – featuring the country’s largest temperate rainforest. And Tourism Australia calls it “seriously off the beaten track,” which is pretty far out there considering basically all of non-coastal Australia is off the beaten track. No matter where you decide to venture in the Tarkine Wilderness (maybe a hike to the Trowutta Arch), it’s sure to be an adventure.
Umpherston Sinkhole
Essentially a limestone cave with a collapsed roof, this surreal sinkhole is located in Mount Gambier, South Australia. Also known as the Sunken Garden, it’s a curious place with scenic views and a unique history. According to Atlas Obscura, it began its transformation in 1886 when local James Umpherston began planting a garden in the huge hole. Now, it’s a green fantasy land.
Kakadu National Park
Jaw. Dropping. It has wetlands and waterfalls, and an incredible landscape that is beyond your wildest imagination. One such place within the park is Jim Jim Falls, which flows anywhere from 460-660 feet depending on the season. It’s basically all of Australia’s unbelievable nature and culture packed into one area.
Lake Hillier and the Pink Lakes
It’s really a lake you have to see to believe. Even then, you might think your eyes are playing tricks on you when walking up to Lake Hillier on the edge of Middle Island, just off mainland Australia’s southwest coast. Why, you ask? Well, on an island of green trees surrounded by blue ocean, there’s a 37-acre lake with bubble-gum pink water. And it’s all natural. According to Australian Geographic, a team of researchers form the eXtreme Microbiome Project believe organisms that live in the lake, whose bed is made of solid salt, are the cause of the unusual coloring. In fact, nearly all of the living things in the lake are pink, red or salmon-colored, such as ten species of salt-loving bacteria, archaea and algae. While Lake Hillier is the most famous, you can also check out Hutt Lagoon, about 320 miles north of Perth, to experience another of Australia’s “pink lakes.”